ASYMMETRY in FASHION DESIGN MASTERCLASS
Here’s the replay video of my workshop about Asymmetry in Fashion Design (and in design in general). It’s a specific masterclass lesson based on a chapter from my book.
Asymmetry in action: fashion design sketches
CONTRAST is KEY:
Notice how the asymmetrical examples up and down this page often have more impact when they play off in contrast to other symmetrical elements within a garment, look, or layout.
ASYMMETRY creates MOVEMENT
Asymmetry is the design element that keeps they eye moving across the figure.
In my book the Language of Fashion Design: 26 Principles Every Fashion Designer Should Know, asymmetry is just one principle that I break down with the goal to inspire you to create and use it in your own way!
ASYMMETRY beyond garment detailing
You’ll also find it used in poses, fashion illustrations an dpresentations.
I’ll share many examples on this page.
Asymmetry is ABSOLUTELY one of the most dynamic principles you can use to create movement, energy and interest in garments.
ASYMMETRICAL POSES
ASYMMETRY in ACTION
What makes this dress design asymmetrical? The skirt would be symmetrical without the deep slit on one side.
The neckline creates a dynamic diagonal, racing across her collarbone.
ASYMMETRY can also be the way you choose to carve up the page when you add elements to it.
ASYMMETRY and WEIGHT
MOTION happens as asymmetry throws weight from one side to the other.
Notice how it can swing like a pendulum, or flow in a single direction.
FOCUS ON DESIGN ELEMENTS
The beauty of my book and this masterclass is that it isolates the principles so that you can digest them one by one.
In a world of constant overstimulation, it’s meditative to take one lens to peer through and reflect upon until it becomes a part of you in a new way.
And for those of us who love fashion, it’s just….. delicious to delve into that.
I recommend you listen to the masterclass with your fashion sketchbook/ croquis book in your hand and see what kind of spontaneous fashion design ideas spring to mind. Sketch along you integrate your own experiences of asymmetry into ideas!
How does it work for YOU? What are its benefits? What are the unique ways that YOU will use asymmetry?
Asymmetry is such a powerful design element to use, particularly in fashion! Let’s explore it together. Through the curated images from my book- we’ll go deeper into the implicatons of one of my very favorite principles of fashion design
Here are some more examples of asymmetry in fashion design:
The layout presentation of the fashion design sketch on the page: fashion figure to the right, flat sketches to the left.
EMBELLISHMENTS
Notice how the fall of these cascades to one side also create asymmetry– that moves not only visually, but physically flutters!
Asymmetry in "LIVE" Action
CUTOUTS AND SINGLE STRAPS
UNEVEN HEMLINES
AND NOW FOR YOU:
GRAB YOUR DESIGN JOURNAL
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What have you designed , drawing, or dreamed up during today’s video?
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How can asymmetry work for you?
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What if you create a symmetrical garment that becomes asymmetrical through wearing (for example, a simple caftan falling off of one shoulder)?
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Can you take an symmetrical design and make it asymmetrical through slight tweaks to the design?
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Do you own and wear asymmetrical pieces?
