THOUGHT
15. Environmental Context
Geographical regions develop a style of their
own. In the United States alone, the North and
the South have distinctly divergent tastes for
clothing. The West Coast and the East Coast
have very different takes on the definition of
fashion. The Midwest has another standard of
style altogether. Instead of making value judg
ments about the worthiness of a certain sensibil
ity, a good designer will delve into the roots these
assessments stem from. These foundations are
usually based on the many aspects of an envi
ronment that would color our choices: histori-
cal events, cultural influences, geography, and
climate. When this concept is extended globally
there are even subtler differences to be studied.
A good fashion compass will help uncover the
reasons for understanding why a wardrobe
of black has become synonymous with urban
settings such as New Yo rk. Is the inclination to
adopt such a dark palette just a practical choice?
Is the overall look harder and more intimidating,
something that might give you an edge when
dealing with the gritty realities of the city?
What is the explanation for an inclination toward
bright colors and bold patterns in the South?
Does the weather playa part in it? Do these
choices reflect the landscape? This examination
assists designers in delivering their product to a
market that is already prone to receive it well.
36 Fashion Design Essentials
