The Language of Fashion Design

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While a theme takes on a more abstract connota-

tion that embodies a group, motif speaks of a con-

crete visual item or symbol that appears in a gar-

ment or within a group of looks, often repeating

itself exactly or in a variation.

motif

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the language of fashion design

A floral motif, for example, may be beaded

onto fabric; heat transferred; hand painted;

embroidered; constructed from fabric and

attached to the garment; integrated into the

seam line formations in the garment; printed

or woven repeatedly into the fabric; appear

on a button, earring, or shoe; or form

hardware on accessories. It may appear

in one way or a variety of ways across the

concept group.

A motif tends to “speak out” in symbols

or forms with associations, identifiable as

standing out from a background setting.

From abstract forms to realistic, or even

(continued on page 205)

FIRSTVIEW.COM

Life-size digital prints

on this pair of dresses—a

motif depicting lifestyle as

decoration.

UNIDENTIFIED DESIGNER,

MELBOURNE SPRING

FASHION WEEK, 

Melbourne, Australia