ARTISTRY
82. Space and Sculpture
Clothing can be sculpted to conform to the shape
of the body or built to create abstract spaces
between the garment and the wearer. When the
designer sculpts to reflect the natural shape of
the body it speaks to traditional European tailor
ing, an art form in itself when done well. This
discipline relies on techniques that subdue the
textile, in order to make it fit.
Less common is the exploration of how different
shapes relate to the human form. This process is
both conceptual and organic. The characteristics
of each shape, as well as the materials, inform
the designer as to how it might be manipulated
independent of the body.
It can be done with every conceivable shape.
One example would be the use of circles or
rings. When they are applied horizontally to a
design they can emulate the relationship that
the rings of Saturn have to the planet itself.
They completely surround the object at its cen
ter, but remain independent of the same form.
Issey Miyake takes it a step further, creating a
kind of kinetic sculpture. In one of his creations,
alternating sizes of those rings are connected to
mimic horizontal accor dion pleating. The nature
of structure introduces movement into the gar
ment that seems to almost float, at times even
bounce, as it skims a body in motion. Circles can
also be used to create a unique three-dimen
sional surface treatment. as in Valentino's pink
bubble sculpture.
170 Fashion Design Essentials
Model wearing dress from
Issey Miyake's Ready-to
Wear Collection, 1994
