From the repeating, geometric patterns of ancient Islamic art to the bold, architectural designs of the ancient Egyptians, the mathematical modernity of geometry has been used artistically for Millenia.
The Aztec civilisation of northern Mexico was famous for its textiles, particularly large blankets with geometric designs worn by rich men -'Serapes'. These blankets were incorporated into American mid-Western style and inspired twentieth Century American designer Ralph Lauren.
In the 1920s, the Art Deco aesthetic style embodied Modernism, including bold, linear patterns on straight-lined clothes, accessories and hairstyles. Some of these styles were replicated in the early 1970s Art Deco revival in fashion, for example, the designs of Biba.
The Beatnik style of the 1950s included Modernist, Abstract and Cubist prints in blouses, skirts, scarves etc. The 1950s mid-Century Modern art, architecture and interior design was also represented in clean-lined, minimalistic fashion designs, worn by First Lady of America, Jackie Kennedy and Audrey Hepburn's Hubert Givenchy designed outfits.
The 1960s Mod ('Modern') style incorporated bold, primary coloured-patterns into clothing, particularly the abstract, rectangular paintings of Piet Mondrian (1872-1944) used by Parisian designer, Yves Saint Laurent.
Middle Eastern and Aztec style geometric patterns were incorporated into late 1960s Bohemian fashion, as sold in London's King's Road fashion boutiques.
1980s Maximalist fashion took inspiration from the bold and abstract art of Pablo Picasso (1881-1973), Wassily Kandinsky (1866-1944) and Paul Klee (1879-1940) and used the patterns in loud and playful garments, from haute-couture to pop music to sporty, casual fashion.