Throughout history, the artistic utilisation of geometry, from the intricate patterns in ancient Islamic art to the striking designs of the ancient Egyptians, has spanned Millennia.
The Aztec civilisation in northern Mexico was renowned for its textiles, especially the large geometrically designed blankets known as 'Serapes,' worn by wealthy individuals. These blankets influenced American mid-Western fashion and served as inspiration for twentieth Century American designer, Ralph Lauren.
The Art Deco aesthetic style of the 1920s embodied modernism with its bold linear patterns used in garments, accessories and hairstyles. Some of these styles resurfaced in the early 1970s Art Deco revival in fashion, exemplified by some of the designs of Biba.
In the 1950s, the Beatnik style featured Modernist, Abstract and Cubist prints in various clothing items like blouses, skirts and scarves. This era also saw the influence of 1950s mid-Century Modern art, architecture and interior design reflected in sleek, minimalist fashion designs worn by iconic figures such as the First Lady of America, Jackie Kennedy and Audrey Hepburn, in the bespoke designs created for her by Hubert Givenchy.
The Mod ('Modern') style of the 1960s embraced vibrant, primary coloured patterns in clothing, with a notable nod to the abstract, geometric paintings of Piet Mondrian (1872-1944), as interpreted by Parisian designer Yves Saint Laurent.
Geometric patterns inspired by Middle Eastern and Aztec designs became prevalent in Bohemian fashion towards the end of the 1960s, particularly in the more unique or avant-garde offerings of fashion boutiques along London's King's Road.
The 1980s witnessed the rise of Maximalist fashion, drawing inspiration from the bold and abstract art of Pablo Picasso (1881-1973), Wassily Kandinsky (1866-1944) and Paul Klee (1879-1940). These patterns were translated into vibrant and whimsical garments across various styles, from high fashion to pop culture to casual sportswear.
For an understanding of how you could best wear geometric patterns, please book a Body Type Style Analysis.
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