While many items of clothing are designed with practicality in mind, fashion design clothing patterns are meant to be symbolic. They represent who you are, where you are going and what you aspire to be. The right ensemble can actually have a significant impact on your day, giving you the confidence you need to face any challenge that comes your way.
To understand the world of fashion, you need to take an in-depth look at the famous fashion designers and the trends shaping today’s modern style.
Clothing Patterns Around the World
The patterns that exist on today’s contemporary fashion pieces are actually derived from traditional clothing patterns from around the world, highlighting the history and influence of the fashion design industry through the ages. Traditionally, clothing patterns represented a culture, often showcasing the resources that were available in the area, an individual’s class or status in society, or symbols that reflected the religious or cultural beliefs of a community.
Traditional Clothing Patterns
There are dozens of traditional clothing patterns that were developed throughout the centuries and still impact design aesthetics today. Houndstooth and polka dot, for example, are two patterns commonly seen on clothing items and accessories that were developed centuries ago.
Modern Interpretations of Traditional Patterns
Today, the most famous fashion designers often work to modernize traditional patterns, bringing the history and charm of the industry to life in new and exciting pieces. For example, Tartan is a Scottish plaid pattern that emerged sometime during the 16th century. Originally, Tartan was used to identify individuals and the clans they belonged to, but today, many designers use Tartan of all colors and patterns to create elegant pieces for people of all ages.
Style Icons and Their Global Impact
Defined as an individual who is highly influential and regarded for their innate sense of style, style icons have long been pushing the fashion industry forward. Trend-setting icons have been motivating people to follow in their path throughout the centuries, often leading the way and establishing the looks and ensembles that go on to define entire generations.
Legendary Style Icons
Across the decades, these have been some of the most iconic and legendary style icons:
- Coco Chanel — Bringing the Roaring ‘20s to life, Coco Chanel was the fashion icon who ushered in a new era of women’s fashion, which often focused on freedom, authenticity and autonomy. She is the icon who created the legendary “little black dress.”
- Audrey Hepburn — Throughout the World War II era, there was a need for hope and promise, and Audrey Hepburn offered that with her glamorous style and refined approach to fashion.
- Twiggy — Known as one of the world’s first supermodels, Twiggy brought vibrant color and a sense of individuality to the 1960s.
Contemporary Style Icons
Today, style icons are still influencing the way we dress and present ourselves. These are a few of the most influential contemporary style icons:
- Catherine, Princess of Wales — From the time she became the girlfriend of Prince William, Kate Middleton began making waves with her style choices. For decades, she has offered a classic and refined sense of style both glamorous and sensible.
- Taylor Swift — Taking the stage with plenty of sparkle and shine, Taylor Swift promotes a sense of individuality and confidence with all her style choices.
- Zendaya — Having earned a reputation for her stunning red carpet looks, Zendaya is always trying out new styles and showing the world what she is capable of, often setting the stage for the next big trend in fashion.
Fashion Capitals of the World
Some cities have become more well-known for their stylish approach to life, earning them the reputation of being the fashion capitals of the world. Often featuring a cosmopolitan atmosphere and plenty of fashion design houses, the fashion capitals of the world are sought-after destinations for fashion design internships.
Overview of Major Fashion Capitals
The world’s major fashion capitals have held the titles for decades, and in some cases, centuries. For instance, Paris, France has long been considered to be one of the best places to go for haute couture fashion. New York City, London and Milan are also considered to be the major fashion capitals of the world.
Emerging Fashion Capitals
Artful Living Magazine notes that there are emerging fashion capitals that the major fashion capitals may have to contend with in the coming years. Some of the emerging fashion capitals trending in today’s modern and diverse fashion industry include Shanghai, Bangkok, Stockholm and even Mexico City.
Iconic Dresses and Their Stories
Designed to halt a room and make a statement, the most iconic dresses in the world have been remembered and emulated for generations. Recognizing the most iconic dresses, and understanding their history and relevance, is important for anyone looking for fashion industry opportunities.
Famous Dresses in Fashion History
Often featuring daring designs and innovative details, the most famous dresses in fashion history have often influenced an entire generation of style decisions. Some of the most famous dresses in fashion history include:
- Grace Kelly’s Wedding Gown — Worn for her 1956 wedding to Prince Rainier III of Monaco, this gown was feminine, graceful and elegant.
- Marie Antoinette’s Portrait Gown — Worn for a portrait in 1778, this indulgent and opulent gown was the inspiration for most aristocratic women’s style choices in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Modern Iconic Dresses
The iconic dresses of the modern era often defy our expectations of fashion choices, giving people a moment to absorb what the dress means and how it can be incorporated into the next wave of fashion trends.
Some of the most iconic dresses of the modern era include:
- Michelle Obama’s Portrait Dress — Designed by Michael Kors and worn by First Lady Michelle Obama for her 2009 portrait, this sleek and simple black dress defined elegance and poise in the modern era.
- Beyoncé’s Lemonade Dress — Designed by Givenchy and worn in 2016 by the infamous star, this soft and feathery gown has become a symbol of power and strength.
Design Aesthetics in Fashion
Individual choices in design are often guided by the design aesthetics in fashion. Referring to the overall art direction of fashion design, aesthetics influence the specific pieces created within a collection or by a particular fashion designer.
Understanding Design Aesthetics
According to Daniel Patrick, it can be difficult to design the term design aesthetics. Generally speaking, design aesthetics refer to the overall fashion sense of a collection, designer or entire fashion movement. The mood, color, purpose and functionality of the pieces will be created with the overall aesthetic in mind.
Influence of Cultural Aesthetics on Fashion
The cultural aesthetics of an era will have a significant impact on fashion. For example, as the 2020s wane on, it’s clear that minimalism is here to stay, which has given rise to simple, neutral styles designed to be both sustainable and lasting. It’s easy to see how the social and cultural norms of the times are influencing the style direction of contemporary fashion influencers.
Opportunities in the Fashion Industry
While today’s fashion industry is competitive, it’s also more inclusive than ever before. More people can secure the top fashion design internships and make an impact on the world of fashion. Mostly, it requires precision and drive, so if you are willing to put in the hard work and effort, you will be able to pursue opportunities in the fashion industry.
Fashion Industry Internships
The fashion industry is a cut-throat, hands-on industry, which means that aspiring fashion designers will need to secure fashion design internships to develop the skills needed to thrive in this dynamic field. The best way to secure one of the top fashion design internships is to:
- Leverage your connections and search for opportunities through your professional network.
- Build your brand on social media and showcase your personal style.
- Apply for internships that will allow you to build the specific skills needed for the niche aspect of the fashion industry you are most interested in.
- Keep an open mind and remember that you are building a foundation for your career.
Fashion Design Competitions
Fashion design competitions have become one of the most viable ways to tap into the fashion industry. Often sponsored by major fashion design firms, these competitions allow aspiring designers to showcase their skills and their personal style. Competition winners are often recognized as rising stars in the industry, and more opportunities are instantly available to them.
Fashion Mentorship Programs and Education
One of the best ways to secure an internship or to pursue new opportunities in fashion is to start with a world-class education. Throughout your fashion design degree program, you will be able to connect with mentors who can help you launch your career.
Benefits of Fashion Mentorship Programs
Through a fashion mentorship program, you will enjoy:
- Personalized insight into the fashion industry.
- Advice about navigating this creative and competitive field.
- Constructive feedback about your work, allowing you to refine it for fashion design competitions and fashion design internships.
Enjoy an In-Depth, Future-Forward Fashion Design Education at Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design
The world of fashion design is filled with sparkle, glamor and an incredible work ethic, and an excellent educational foundation can help you break into this field. At Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design, we offer both a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Fashion Design online or on campus , allowing you to develop the skills needed to become one of the lasting style icons of our era.
Request more information about our on-campus and online degree programs today.
