TECHNIQUE
37. Four Seasons: A Timeline
The seasons help compartmentalize fashion. The
practical demands of weather alone cause us
to focus on the elements of design that shield a
person from the rain, sun, wind, or snow. How
ever, the natural aesthetics of each period also
infl uence designers with regard to the colors,
patterns, and textures they choose. Each season
is potent with reference points; even for people
living in a climate that doesn't change dramati
cally from season to season, there are degrees
of difference that have an impact on their fashion
choices, whether they are the designers or the
consumers.
What seasonal associations might someone
make? Spring could bring showers and gardens
to mind. Summer may evoke sunshine and
sunflowers. Fa ll might conjure up a cavalcade of
color as the leaves change. And winter has the
potential to stir up frosty images of snow and ice.
Although these are accurate reflections of spring,
summer, fall, and winter, each designer has a
unique set of variables that she brings to the
table based on her personal experiences.
These fashion timelines are not simply linear.
They are a set of parallel lines that begin at dif
ferent points on the calendar. It's a balancing act
for designers, because whichever season you're
actually experiencing, as a fashion professional
you are designing for at least two seasons ahead,
producing for one season ahead, and delivering
in the present day.
80 Fashion Design Essentials
Below: Spring inspiration
Right: Colorful ensemble
featuring floral embroidery
by designer Nara Paz
Below: Summer inspiration
Right: Vintage hand-painted
cotton dress from Poor Little
Rich Girl
Below: Fall inspiration
Right: Copper leather shirt
and satin stripe skirt by
designer Elena Sanders
