Fashion is an art form, a means of self-expression that allows us to showcase our individuality and creativity to the world. Whether you're a fashion enthusiast, someone looking to revamp a wardrobe or to professionally edit a collection, finding inspiration is the key to unlocking your unique signature style.
In this blog, we'll delve into the sources that can fuel your fashion inspiration and help you curate a wardrobe or a collection that represents who you are.
1. Street Style: The Urban Catwalk
The streets are a vibrant runway of personal style; a first port of call for any coolhunter or inspiration gatherer. If you can’t get out onto the streets in real life (try markets, innercity creative areas, or around fashion schools), then explore the online world of street-style photography and fashion blogs.Â
Street style captures the diversity of fashion. You'll find inspiration in the way people mix and match garments, experiment with patterns and textures, and effortlessly blend high-end designer pieces with vintage finds or thrifted treasures.
2. Art and Culture: A Creative Tapestry
Art and culture provide a rich tapestry of inspiration for fashion. Visit galleries, and explore different artistic movements to tap into new ways to combine colour, pattern, and texture. From the vibrant strokes of a painting to the intricate details of traditional textiles, these artistic elements can be translated into your personal wardrobe or an artistic direction for a collection editing.Â
Look to different cultures for inspiration. Respect the beauty of traditional garments and incorporate elements of global fashion into your own style narrative.
3. Fashion Icons: Timeless Influences
Throughout history, creative innovators have left an indelible mark on the fashion industry, becoming enduring style icons. From the pioneer of modern chic Coco Chanel, to the boundary-pushing energy of Bowie, look to these heritage influencers for lessons in creating a signature style. Observe how they effortlessly blend innovation and contemporary elements without forgetting the past. Â
4. Runways and Designer Collections: Art in Motion
Fashion runways are the epitome of creativity and innovation. Keep an eye on the latest runway shows, so you understand what the others are doing, but try not to influence your research too much.Â
Catwalks are the fuel for High Street and Mass Market, where brands draw inspiration from multiple collections and mix different designer aesthetics. If you are crafting your own name or personal style, your goal is to find your own voice and unique aesthetic.
5. Nature's Palette: Earthly Inspirations
Nature has long been a go-to source of inspiration for designers. Take time out of each day to observe the detail of nature: changing colours, textures and patterns. Build up a photo diary, that can fuel moodboards inspired by the natural world, or incorporate natural elements into your own outfits. A sustainable mindset is key here: think natural fibres, botanical dyes, organic forms and biodegradable materials.
6. Personal Style: Embracing Individuality
While all these external sources can spark creativity, your personal style is the truest reflection of who you are. Look inwards, and don’t be afraid to embrace your individuality. Explore what resonates with your personality and makes you feel confident. Identify your own style icons, whether it be a celebrity or someone close to your heart. Experiment with different styles, silhouettes, and colour palettes until you find your own fashion voice.
Gathering fashion inspiration can be a daily adventure. Through fashion icons, runway shows, street style, art, culture, nature, and embracing your individuality, you can unlock your own signature style. Remember, fashion is a form of self-expression, so be bold with your imagination, mix and match, and curate a wardrobe that tells your own story to the world.Â
If you’re curious about crafting and sharing your signature style, explore our courses in fashion design development and management. We champion authentic individuality, training the next generation of creative innovators.