‘I have always loved the mechanics of nature and to a greater or lesser extent my work is always informed by that.’- Alexander McQueen
Humans have looked to nature for inspiration since the beginning of time. The term biomimicry appeared as early as 1982 and is defined as the science that explores nature to solve human problems. Otto Schmitt, an American inventor described bio-mimetics as the “transfer of ideas from biology to technology”.
Biomimicry Techniques in Fabric Manipulation
Fabric manipulation has allowed for visual biomimicry within the fashion and textile industry. It is a technique that involves the reshaping and modification of a fabric surface. Over several decades, this technique was commonly used to give form and dimension to a flat fabric surface. Whilst the techniques are old, fashion designers and textile artists today are still using these practices to incorporate more life into the fabric, producing a fabric with volume, fullness, and an elite aesthetic.
Designers and textile artists have now developed several biomimicry techniques, creating fabric structures that have an organic and irregular feel. Inspiration is taken from familiar structures like fish scales, tree bark, and other textured surfaces.
Alexander McQueen: A Legacy of Nature-Inspired Fashion
In 2015, McQueen’s ‘Savage Beauty’ collections were exhibited at the Victoria and Albert Museum. The museum itself stated that throughout his many collections, McQueen has always used nature as his inspiration. McQueen believed that nature itself is a work of art. Romanticism was also a predominant element that inspired McQueen’s designs. Taking lead from artists such as Thomas Cole and William Blake, which led him towards the darker side of nature and religion. He often used these elements as a bridge to link his inspiration of nature to clothing, which triggered the creation of garments with powerful meanings.
Sarah Burton’s Tribute to McQueen’s Legacy
Since his death, the new creative director, Sarah Burton, has provoked many messages that highlight the McQueen legacy in connection to his nature influences. Burton believes that “inspiration comes from everywhere” and uses “Britain’s natural world” as well as the“British landscape” to inspire her collections. In Burton’s recent interview with Vogue Magazine, she describes the SS19 collection as portraying the “relation between the visuals of nature and the connection us humans have with the land”. Throughout this, Burton explores nature’s importance by juxtaposing elements of nature within the technicalities of the garment, ensuring that the theme and elements of nature are significant throughout.
The Broad Impact of Nature on Fashion
Nature has influenced artists, scientists, designers, architects, and many others for centuries. As Burton said, “inspiration comes from everywhere”. It is almost inconceivable that nature would not be ingrained into everything we do as humans. We, and everything around us, are nature in its essence. The fascination with forests, seas, wildlife, and the sky doesn’t seem to ebb. With its perfect ability to live, evolve, grow, and die in harmony with each other. Understandably the most remarkable thing we have and the obvious ultimate inspiration.
Some of the most renowned designers and brands around the world, including – Versace, Dolce & Gabbana, and Rahul Mishra, have various collections that reflect the essence of nature. For centuries now, certain patterns and designs inspired by nature have been embedded into the fashion industry. Here are six designs that are either an essential or a statement piece that would be found in multiple wardrobes around the world.
Nature-Inspired Fashion Education at Westford University College
Be it outfits, accessories or jewelry, every aspect of fashion portrays a part of nature. Westford University College offers its HND Art & Design students as well as those who pursue a Diploma in Fashion, with deeper insight into the fashion industry. The courses commence with an introduction to fashion and designing, gradually converting students into experts who are encouraged to showcase their creativity and enhance their talent through the institution’s facilities. Enroll in the HND in Fashion Design (Art & Design) program today to embark on your journey in the fashion world!
FAQ
What is the significance of nature in fashion design?
Nature has a huge influence on fashion design. It often gives designers ideas from flowers and animals to the shapes that nature puts out in the world. The colors from the sunset or patterns from leaves could come into use. Pushing the designers to use better organic cotton or recycled fabrics, the materials in fashion are now becoming more ecofriendly. Overall, nature inspires both how clothes are designed and sets the standard for sustainability in fashion.
How does biomimicry benefit the environment in fashion?
Biomimicry in fashion involves using inspiration from nature towards the creation of better designs. Fashion is then capable of developing smarter, eco-friendly solutions through copying how nature works-for example, use of the leaf’s structure in making fabric or how the animals stay warm. Biomimicry also encourages the usage of fewer resources and reducing waste since nature does not waste anything.
What role do educational institutions play in promoting biomimicry in fashion?
An educational institution will be influential in promoting biomimicry in fashion because it will lead students to seek inspiration in nature for creative solutions. School and universities teach classes dealing with ideas of how the natural world could inspire more sustainable designs. Thus, by giving future designers a basic understanding of biomimicry, institutions develop a new generation of fashion professionals focused on producing value with reduced environmental impact. The school provides an opportunity for researchers and innovators to test the material and techniques that resemble those of the natural world in terms of efficiency and beauty, hence pushing the fashion industry further towards an environmentally friendly way of life.
Why are organic patterns and textures important in modern fashion?
Organic patterns and textures have become a fashion element because it impart natural, earthy organic looks to the design. They are mostly imitated from the natural shapes and forms, like water flow, leaf veins, or the roughness of the bark. The use of organic patterns would mean giving clothes a connection with nature; it becomes timeless authenticity. In this earthly future world where green is the way, organic patterns and textures breathe fresh air into fashion while being environmentally conscious.
How has fashion evolved with the introduction of biomimicry techniques?
Biomimicry brings massive changes in the fashion world. Now, post the talk on the biomimicry techniques, the designers look not only for inspiration but practical solutions regarding issues like sustainability and efficiency. Copying the ways of nature—just the way the silky string, or filament, of a spider is lightweight and yet strong at the same time, or the way the leaves of the trees repel water. Fashion has grown smarter in being ecological. These techniques have offered innovative, resource-saving materials and designs that last longer with a lesser effect on the environment. Biomimicry has helped fashion move beyond trends, creating clothing that is both functional and sustainable.
What are the benefits of nature-inspired fashion for consumers?
Nature-inspired clothing extends to many benefits for consumers. First, it often utilizes natural materials, which are mostly comfortable and even better for sensitive skin. Designs inspired by nature are timeless; they go beyond seasons of fashion so that you do not have to buy new pieces sooner. Many nature-inspired clothing has even come forth with a focus on sustainability, so you are making an eco-friendlier choice when you buy these clothes. More than that, these designs could bring serenity and a connection to nature that would make sense and be worth more for what you are wearing.
How does fabric manipulation contribute to innovative fashion designs?
Fabric manipulation helps designers think outside the box, turning simple materials into extraordinary fashion creations. Techniques, such as pleating, folding, or layering fabrics, tend to add texture, volume, and interesting shapes to clothing. This is one area in which designers can experiment and push the bars of traditional mode of dressing. This style also aids pieces to stand out and to feel more artistic. It basically means bringing new life to materials, offering fresh styles that seize attention and add personality to everyday wear.
Why is sustainability important in fashion design today?
Sustainability has become an integral part of today’s fashion design as it reduces the adverse impact of industry on the environment. Industry is indeed known to consume a lot of natural resources while leaving waste afterwards; thus, sustainability is the use of minimal kindest methods and materials with the environment. Some of the tactics used in sustainable fashion include the use of eco-friendly fabrics, recycling of materials, and reduction of water and energy usage. It is about making clothes lasting, too. In other words, people don’t waste money on fast fashion, which they get forced into buying and then discarding.
