Fashion Illustration - Thesis Example

Fashion Illustration: On the Verge of Becoming a Dying Art Introduction Fashion Illustration can be considered as one of the fundamental components of fashion design. It is a media that is used to present the designs for the said field. It can be considered as one of the important tools in fashion design with the role to help visualization. Due to the fact that it is a combination of fashion and illustration, it can be considered as an art in itself. It can be presented through different forms, media and surfaces but the most commonly used is through paper (Borrelli, 2000a; Kawamura, 2005). Though fashion illustration can be considered as one of the most vital element of fashion design, there are concerns that it is becoming a dying art which is on the verge of becoming extinct and continuously decreasing importance. This is the main issue in focus in the study that was conducted. Included in the main objectives is to be able to present an overview of fashion illustration along with its role in the field of fashion design. Through the research, the evolution of the fashion illustration is also one of the important issues that were considered. Along with the evolution is the issue on the dying state of the art of fashion illustration that can be based on different factors and varying perspectives. Basic Knowledge on Fashion Illustration There are certain basic concepts that are being given focus in the study of fashion illustration. One is the construction of the figure in the paper and other surfaces used. The design of the clothing along and the measurement of the figure are essential to the field. Rules govern both the female and the male figures. The main element of a fashion illustration is the croquis. It is a human figure used on fashion drawing wherein the clothes that are designed are plotted. Based on the study of human figures, it basically measures eight head lengths. It can be considered as the normal proportion of the body in height. In fashion design though, the legs are made longer making the height of the drawings measure up to nine heads. This technique was accepted in the art of fashion illustration to be able to present a dramatic effect specifically on the design of the clothes. Other basic techniques such as slender waist and squared shoulders are also used (Threads, 2002; Udale & Sorger, 2006). Croquis can be considered as a drawing or sketch that can be made on a short duration of time. This is then important for capturing models and subjects in motion or in pose that lasts for short period of time. It basically captures the important aspects of the pose. The creation of this type of drawings can be considered as basic necessity in other field of art such as painting and more essentially fashion design (Udale & Sorger, 2006). With the fashion design business as the major focus of fashion illustration, it can be considered to have a major role specifically in the presentation and in cases of communication of the design and even marketing (Griffiths & White, 2000). These can be considered as the major roles of fashion illustration. Through the course of history and the development of technology though the face of fashion illustration changes and develops (McKelvey & Munslow, 2007). These modifications then are the main reasons for the being characterized as a dying art. Literature Review and Argument Based on the study that was conducted, there are different issues related to fashion illustration. One of this is in relation to the fashion illustration being on the verge of extinction. In relation to this, it can be considered that is can be based on different assumptions and perspective. The study and focus of the field of fashion design is can be considered to focus on the output of the design industry e. g. clothes. For that matter the issue on fashion illustrations and its extinction can be considered as a secondary issue. Though this is the cases, there are references that points to the scenario. Basically, there are different perspectives in the study. One of the references which was written by Borrelli in 2000 perceived that fashion illustration is one of the most important element of fashion design. He also confirmed that there had been a period when fashion drawing and illustration has almost gone extinct. Also based on his work, it had already been revived on the basis of certain factors. One of these factors is the status of fashion as a visual art. In that case, fashion illustration had been renewed of importance and essentiality in fashion design (Borrelli, 2000b). Borrelli can be considered as one of the authors that consider the importance of fashion illustration. This can be attributed to the series of works that he published. These references presented the different facets of fashion illustration. These works presented the past, the present and the future roles of fashion illustration. His perspective deals with the different forms of media which included even photography and computer generated images as fashion illustrations. This can be considered as the main reason why he presented the notion that fashion drawing had revived and renewed its strength and role in the fashion design industry (Borrelli, 2000a; Borrelli, 2000b; Borrelli, 2004). Other points of view also exist. The different sources on fashion design recognize the importance of role of fashion illustration in the field. At one perspective the extinction of fashion drawings can be related to the definition illustrations as freehand presentations of fashion and design. In that case, during the rise of fashion photography and the development of technology for presenting fashion designs, a great challenge for survival of fashion illustration came (Griffiths & White, 2000; McKelvey & Munslow, 2007). Based on historical perspective on the other hand, there is another factor that can be considered to have effect on the decline of the fashion illustration. This is the period wherein fashion also experienced decline. This happened during the time of the war wherein fashion was not given importance anymore. The people perceived that what should be worn are clothing that can be comfortable for daily activities especially in working (Barwick, 1984). In this case the perspective changes the state and importance of fashion illustration in the fashion industry. Based on the different issues that can be considered as the possible causes of the decline of fashion design specifically the art of fashion illustration, the present evolution in fashion can be set to predict another decline of fashion illustration. The factors that can be considered as the possible reasons and causes for the consideration that fashion illustration can be considered as a dying art are bound to occur. Due to this reason, it is important to take into consideration that different issue such as history and the possible factors that can cause the decline in the use of fashion illustration and drawing. The Development of Fashion Illustration (1900~1990) Fashion illustration had been known to exist in conjunction with the formality of the field of fashion design. In this aspect though it can be considered that for as long as there is fashion, these is fashion design and illustration. Fashion illustration can be dated back 500 years ago when there is a distinguishable fashion trend. It can be considered to have developed simultaneously with the development of clothing and garments although the foundation of the field may have occurred later. On the onset of the use of fashion illustration in fashion design, the main purpose was defined as the main tool for representation. Also drawing which is one of the major aspects of visual art is applied on another art which is fashion (Drake, 1994). During the said period the importance of fashion illustration is clearly recognized. This is the primary function of fashion illustration which is for representation and aesthetics. This is due to the fact that the illustrations are important for the client to envisage the designs. During the early part of the century, the main objective for fashion design and illustration is for costume which is the fashion trend during that time. It was considered during that period that the costumes follow that for royalty. Although the designers then worked namelessly, fashion illustration and the fashion industry is considered for important people. Basically the history of fashion illustration started during this period wherein the designed were used to be able to give visualization to the clients on how the clothing would look which is need the actual appearance. This method can also determine if the client can agree without bothering to produce the real ones (Eicher, Johnson & Torntore, 2003). The said development related to fashion illustration on the other hand is another perspective on the application of financial prudence. This related to the cost of the actual clothing against the fashion illustration. The early part of the 20th century was also considered as the period of elite status of fashion and fashion illustration. This trend was known to have originated on Paris. In this period, designs can be considered of great importance. Although the common population can be considered to have less access to the trends in fashion, the designs still dictates the look and style. The onset of fashion photography was also known during this period. This deemed the contributing factor in the decline of illustration. Also, for the common people, the ready-to-wear clothing which was do not apply fashion illustration surface (Barwick, 1984). Although this is the case the period was marked by the elaborate designs due to the patterns set for royalty. The next period on the other hand is the period of wars. This is another reason for the decline of both fashion design and fashion illustration. But the period that is between the wars, was considered as the era of fashion for the French people, thus they are known as the culture of fashion. Institutions in fashion also belong to the country. The main trend during this period is comparatively simpler than that of the earlier periods. Clothing during the 1930s were shorter and of less elaborative decorations (Lynam, 1972). In relation to the trend in fashion design, the period between wars contributed to the decline in the recognition of fashion illustration. One of the major reasons is the use of Vogue, one of the major fashion periodical, of photographs as representations instead of illustration. Fashion photographs are utilized in the covers. Due to the fact that the said publication can be considered of great influence, it had set a trend. This resulted to the decrease in fashion illustrators, thus, still caused the continuous weakening of the fashion illustration (Drake, 1994). After the onset of the fashion photography, the development of fashion gave rise to the independence in the fashion sense of the people. From a confined and patterned way of clothing, trends became free. This occurred in 1950’s and was more evident in the 60’s. Thus, there is a continuous decline of the use of fashion illustration on the basis that the trends of clothing are based on the use and not the style. Also during the 1960s, the freedom in the selection of own style and variation to fashion occurred. This became the onset of the trend of clothing on the basis of social and cultural groups. The said trend is evident in the younger members of the population. Due to the spirit of the youth, clothing was equated to freedom of expression (Lobenthal, 1990). During this period, the population are also free from the dictate of fashion design and thus fashion illustration also. The decline of the field of fashion design as well as fashion illustration continued from 1960s to 1980’s. The weakening of the practice can be attributed to the synergy of the different factors. Also during this periods aside form taking the blow from different issues and factors, the pioneer and important fashion illustrators either died or cease practice. Rene Bouche of Vogue is one of the fashion illustrators that were deceased during the period (Drake, 1994). After the said period, the fashion design and fashion illustration according to Borrelli was renewed and strengthened (2000b). It was in the 1980s, wherein the importance of fashion illustration was again recognized. The importance and application of illustrations in fashion was given a new chance. Based on the work of the author, wherein different groups of fashion illustrators were recognized, one of the possible reasons for the renewal of the use of fashion illustration is the acceptance of the diverse ways and methodologies in the presentation of designs in fashion (Borrelli, 2000a). These events through the course of history mark the reasons of utilization and applications of the fashion drawing along with the possible relationship to background events. These events can be considered to mark the reasons for the possibility of fashion illustration being a dying art. The Role of Fashion Illustration Fashion illustration can be considered as one of the most important elements in fashion design and functions as a means of visualization. Based on the different studies that were conducted, fashion illustration can have different importance, one of which is the aesthetic value. This can be attributed to the fact that illustrating is a form of visual arts. On the basis of the point of view of the authors, fashion illustration is of value due to its capability to represent the mood and the feeling as compared to other visual expressions (Borrelli, 2000b; Kawamura, 2005; Zeegen, 2005b). Another importance of fashion illustration is the creation of visual images, that can help the people see the outcome of the clothing. The actual garment need not be produced first, thus, economy can be achieved (Drake, 1994). Another importance of fashion illustration is the expression. It can be observed on the rise of different trends through the variation in techniques. There are different groups of fashion illustrators on the basis of techniques and styles used. Such application can be considered included in the reasons why illustration in fashion is being given value and importance. These groups are the Sensualists, the Gamines and Sophisticates, and Technocrats. These groups vary typically in mood and the media used. The Sensualists can be classified as leaning more on the artistic aspect. They have the capability to manipulate different forms of media e.g. paints, inks, and other materials. Even the types of surfaces such as paper and other materials of different textures can be used. This group simultaneously adheres to the rules of both visual arts and fashion (Borrelli, 2000b, Borrelli, 2004). The Gamines and Sophisticates on the other hand can create a world of their own in terms of presentation. They practice freedom in the sense that they can be considered to be non-conformists. They can present their designs in any style of drawings and characters such as animations and caricatures (Borrelli, 2000a; Borrelli, 2000b). Technocrats on the other hand, represent the modern illustrators that incorporate technology and computer applications in the achievement of the final product (Borrelli, 2000a; Borrelli, 2000b). They had opened a new path for fashion illustration. One important notion can also be related to this group of illustrators though. This is the danger that they can pose to escalate the extinction of fashion illustration. This can occur when fashion design will and can solely rely on the generated systems to create the needed output (Zeegen, 2005a) In terms of the role effectiveness of the fashion illustration in the visual expression of the ideas in fashion, its essentiality cannot be questioned. Fashion illustration is the tool of expression. It has achieved its goals and aims of preparing the public for the trend that will be applied on cloth. Aside from the achievement of the understanding of the subjects and target audience, fashion illustration also exudes the artistic element of the illustrator which can be considered as a fulfillment in its own right (Drake, 2004). Fashion Illustration as a Dying Art The main focus of the study is the determination of the state of fashion illustration and why it is considered to be on the verge of becoming a dying art. Based on the research that was conducted, the fashion illustration had already experienced a decline during the early part of the century. In this case the reasons that are determined to cause the said decline can also be related to the possible reasons for the decline of the importance of fashion illustration in the future. One of the possible reasons for decline is the growth and segregation of the public into different sub-cultures with independent clothing styles (Borrelli, 2004). In this case, the people do not rely on the designs presented by illustrators. On important development in fact is the cooperation of the fashion industry in the sub-culture trends. Different designers focused on the clothes used by different groups of people since these are really what they need. Another possible reason for the projected decline of fashion illustration is the synergy of the different styles presently being used by the public. The fashion scene is not the sector in control of the fashion trend at present but the people. In adhering to the economic needs, vintage fashion became a trend. The clothes that are worn by the past generations are revived and used. This can be considered to have negative consequence to the fashion design and illustration because old designs are used (Dawber, 2005). Another is the perspective on technology. The application of technology in fashion illustration is an important development but the sole use of the different machines and computer programs for the purpose of fashion visualization can be one of the most serious reasons that can be sighted for the extinction of the craft. These are the major reasons for the possibility of extinction of fashion illustration. The effectiveness ultimately leading to negative effects to fashion illustration can be dependent still on the public and the people in the field of fashion and fashion design. Conclusion The development of fashion illustration is the main concern of the study. In terms of the issue related to the extinction of the use of fashion drawing, it can be considered to be dependent on the perspective of the audience or the people in business. There are still two sides to the story. There are people who believe in the importance of fashion illustration and continue to support it. On the other side, there are groups that are looking at the possibility of extinction of the said craft. Their motives can be of concern or of disagreement. They can be concerned because they support the importance of fashion illustration or they consider that new technologies are needed to be used and new techniques are needed to be developed. But through the issue one notion can be considered. It is the fact that new knowledge should be incorporated and not used to replace other previously established ones. The trend in the present society is simultaneous existence or synergy such as in fashion. This is the ultimate expression of freedom. In this case, as long as there are 2 sides to the story, fashion illustration still exists. References Barwick, S. A. (1984) Century of Style. London: Allen & Unwin. Borrelli, L. (2000a) Fashion Illustration Now. London: Thames & Hudson Ltd. Borrelli, L. (2000b) Stylishly Drawn: Contemporary Fashion Illustration. New York: Harry N. Abrams. Borrelli, L. (2004) Fashion Illustration Next. London: Thames & Hudson Ltd. Dawber, M. (2005). New Fashion Illustration. B.T. Batsford Ltd. Drake, N. (ed) (1994) Fashion Illustration Today. London: Thames & Hudson Ltd., London. Eicher, J. B., Johnson, K. K. P. and Torntore, S. J. (2003). Fashion Foundations: Early Writings on Fashion and Dress. Oxford: Berg. Griffiths, I. and White, N. (eds.) (2000) The Fashion Business: Theory, Practice, Image. Oxford: Berg. Place of Publication: Oxford. Publication Year. Hines, T. and Bruce, M. (2001) Fashion Marketing: Contemporary Issues. Burlington, MA: Elsevier Butterworth-Heinermann. Hyland, A. and Bell, R. 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