The Language of Fashion Design

109108

symmetry

13

Symmetry is balance. The scale tips neither one

way nor the other. Bilateral reflection of the left

repeats on the right in symmetry. The center front

line, from the part of the hair, nose, center of chin,

heart center, navel, between the ankles, divides

the language of fashion design

Perfectly symmetrical and

even, paired with crisply

constructed solid pieces

of graphic patterning and

natural-toned organic textile

fibers and weaves, come to

the fore in careful propor-

tions of shape and texture.

the body into halves. The center front line

on a fashion pattern piece can be place on

a folded piece of fabric, traced, cut, and

opened to create a basic garment. Collars,

pockets, front, and back zippers love reflec-

tions. Symmetry points to the center of the

look, and this irresistible focus is soothing,

grounding, centering.

There is something in us that craves

balance and predictibility at times. Symmetry

need not mean boring or square; actually, it

opens up room for a lot of other improvisa-

tions. When a garment is draped on the

form, or designed through flat pattern, often

(continued on page 112)

Textures and surfaces in

monochromatic tints are

strictly symmetrical and

structured, yet lighthearted

and feminine in detail, color,

trims, and fabric choices.

PRANG FOR ACCADEMIA

ITALIANA,

Bangkok, Thailand

Sergio Davila

111110

A native of Peru, and, grandchild of Eu-

ropean immigrants, Sergio Davila gradu-

ated from the Academy of Art University

in San Francisco in 2002 and immediately

began developing and creating his own

menswear line based on a vision for how

he wanted to dress. He started as the tai-

lor, designer, and businessman. His first

collection immediately generated interest

on the West Coast, finding immediate buy-

ers with established retailers. The Hispanic

Scholarship Foundation chose to include

the collection in a charity fashion show in

San Francisco.

In February 2004, Davila’s fall/winter

collection was launched to critical acclaim,

and in March 2004, the first Sergio Davila

Menswear store opened in Manhattan. In

spring/summer 2008, the collection was

shown at the Chelsea Art Museum during

New York Fashion Week.

Sergio Davila was the winner of

Fashion Group International’s Rising Star

Award for Best Menswear Designer 2009 in

New York, finally showing at Bryant Park.

At the beginning of 2010, he was one of

the nominees for Best Menswear Designer

of the Ecco Domani Fashion Foundation. In

mid-2010, Collezioni magazine selected his

spring/summer 2010 collection as one of

the most representative menswear collec-

tions at New York Fashion Week.

His design offers balance, creating a

look of sportswear sophistication doused

with strong touches of warmth, using ul-

trasoft fabrics including pima cottons and

alpaca blend with silk, all 100 percent or-

ganic. Knits and geometric woven patterns

abound in his work. The geometric shapes

of his garments often mimic the woven

forms in his patterns.

PERU

During Mercedes Benz Fashion Week

in New York (spring/summer 2009),

Davila featured his creations inspired by

the 1930s emigration of Europeans into Peru

(like his grandparents). The design is com-

fortable, casual, elegant, and easy to dress

up or down. Some of the pieces are very

interseasonal in concept by simply adding

or subtracting layers, and consequently

very practical.

Davila has collaborated with Loredana

Cannia, a master of twisting threads for

outstanding knitwear, creating one-of-a-

kind pieces of art. All of his collections em-

phasize the quality of natural, 100% organic,

textiles, an intelligent style conceived in

the United States with influence from tech-

niques used in Peruvian knitwear, woven

patterns, and textiles as well as Lima’s

rich culture.