Finding
your fashion inspiration
Creative people have overwhelming expectations
placed on them. To find fashion design inspirations can be a daunting task. It
can be intimidating to come up with new artistic works and find out how to
begin your new masterpiece. The first step to putting pen to paper is observing
the world around you. Applying this knowledge to your fashion designs is the
next step. So where does one find fashion inspiration?
Fashion inspiration for creative work can be found
in any place around you. Look in your garden, in your garage, in the office or
at your colleagues. If you have to borrow the basic idea from another artist,
then don’t feel too put off. There are very few completely unique ideas out
there, but a fine line exists between copyright infringement and paying homage.
The trick is to add your own personal touch and to provide a unique
interpretation of that idea.
Any creative person needs to keep his/her finger on
the pulse of what is new and trendy. Make sure to read the latest trendy
magazines, watch the latest films and keep an eye out for interior decoration
trends. An artist should always have either a camera or a sketch book handy to
record these inspirational ideas. If you’re in a constantly changing
environment such as travelling to other cities or countries, this could be a
great source of fashion inspiration. When you’re travelling, try to observe the
differences in culture, dress and cuisine. You constantly need to be up to date
with world events, television and movie releases. Keep in touch with the big
cities like London, Paris, Italy, New York, Tokyo and Copenhagen and try to
apply the latest trends in your design work.
Even in your normal mundane daily tasks, you must
attempt to draw designer inspiration. Seek out the shapes in the trees in the
landscaping of gardens or simply admire the architecture in your street. Some thoughts, smells, sounds or visuals can
invoke a memory or an inspirational thought or design. Emotional music can
assist in this regard.
Become a collector of inspirational items, although
to some it may seem like junk. Fashion inspiration can come from even the most
unlikely sources. Keep buttons, fabric scraps, books, magazine articles, retro
postcards or bits and pieces of things that stimulate you visually. A
collection of similar things can inspire a background or print for a garment.
Collecting books is great although magazines are more ‘now’ and are great for
up-to-the-moment information.
