Basic Silhouette

A silhouette refers to the outer shape of the garment. In this section we have discussed the basic silhouette that may be incorporated into the Indian silhouette.

A-line Silhouette
The most common silhouette that has the hem larger in proportion to the chest and waist measurement, thus giving the classic 'A' appearance.

Shift

This has a straight cylindrical shape to the garment achieved by giving same measurements to the chest, waist and hem. The effect is best achieved when overall the garment has a close fit. This silhouette works very well for the younger customers

Tent
This silhouette is achieved by flaring the garment from under the armhole. It is important for the garment to be close fitted at the bust.


Empire line
This refers to a panel dividing the garment horizontally into two panels below the bust.

Asymmetrical Silhouette

This kind of silhouette does not have a symmetrical form. It can be achieved by varying the true colours, panels, hemlines etc.

lever's law

The Blue Jeans

Origin of the Word Denim

Although conventional wisdom holds that the word is an Anglicised version of "serge de Nimes", a fabric typical of the French Mill Town of Nimes, the fact remains that srege is a wool blend often mixed with silk, while denim has always been cotton.

As for the word "jeans", it came from the cotton work pants worn by sailors from the port of Genoa, Italy, who were themselves known as "Genes"

Time Line

Mid 1800: Denim established itself as a reliable cloth for workwear

1853
Denim competed with duck canvas and won. It did'nt chafte, was hard to rip and the tough twill of its weave was still light enough to prevent a working men's muscle from sweating too much.

1873
Levi Strauss with Jacob Davis received US patent 139,121 for his riveted blue denim waist overalls

1891
Cone Mills Manufacturing Denim in North Carolina was formed

1904
The Hudson Overall Company (now known as Wrangler) was formed

1911
The H.D. Lee Mercantle Company of Salina Kankar began producing its own denim workwear

1926
Zippered flies were first introduced by Lee on their denim "cowboy pants"

1935
Levis Strauss introduced "Lady Levi's " their first jeans for women

1950
Denim Symbolises 'crime' 'daring' 'rebellion'

1960
Denim become a uniform. A pair of Levi's became part of the permanent collection of the Smithsonian Institution in Washington DC

63-65
Japan gave birth to three indigeneous denim labels: BF Jeans, Canton and Maruo HiHuko

1968
'Vogue' photographed the aristocratic Austrian Model Verustika in a Fourteen page spread on denim skirts

1972
Lee invented the leisure suit based on a five pocket knit jeans with a matching jacket

1981
American bought more jeans than ever before

1982
Saint Laurent said "I wish I had invented blue jeans"

1984
Bruce Springsteen reclaimed denim for the working class with his iconic 1984 album cover "Born in the USA"

1985
Stone Wash, Acid wash came into being

1986
Lee began selling its popular "storm rider " label with holes and tears already in place.

1990
Beltless jeans, parachute pants- jeans so loose fitting that they could almost lift you off the ground in a strong wind. The pockets were deep enough so you did'nt lose your cell phone while skateboarding.

In 2000 and Beyond
2002
Chanel's Karl Lagerfeld announced a new partnership with the fashion brand diesel for a range of jeans and jackets.

Songs involving Denim/Jeans

"Venus in Blue Jeans": Jimmy Clanton
"Oh very young": Cat Stevens: "Denim Blue fading up to the sky"
"Tiny Dancer": By Elton John ( "Blue Jean Baby"

Poetry by 1979 Neil Diamond

"...long as I can have you here with me,
I'd much rather be
Forever in blue jeans..."

Color Psychology

Black

Black is the color of authority and power. It is popular in fashion because it makes people appear thinner. It is also stylish and timeless. Black also implies submission. Prists wear black to signify submission to God. some fashion experts say a woman wearing black implies submission to men. Black outfits can also be overpowering, or make the wearer seem aloof or evil. Villains, such as Dracula, often wear black.

White

Brides wear white to symbolize innocence and purity. White reflects light and is considered a summer color. White is popular in decorating and in fashion because it is light neutral and goes with everything. However, white shows dirt and is therefore more difficult to keep clean than other colors. Doctors and Nurses wear white to imply sterlity.

Red

The most emotionally intense color, red stimulates a faster heartbeat and breathing. It is also the color of love. Red clothing gets noti ced and makes the wearer appear heavier. Since it is an extreme color, red clothing might not help people in negotiations or confrontations. Red cars are popular targets fro thieves. In decorating, red is usually used as an accent. Decorators say that red furniture should be perfect since it will attract attention.

The most romantic color, pink , is more tranquilizing. Sports teams sometimes paint the locker rooms used by opposing teams bright pink so their opponents will lose energy.

Blue

The color of the sky and the ocean, blue is one of the most popular colors. It causes the opposite reaction as red. Peaceful, tranquil blue causes the body to produce calming chemicals, so it is often used in bedrooms. Blue can also be cold and depressing. Fashion consultants recommend wearing blue to job interviews because it symbolizes loyalty. People are more productive in blue rooms. Studies showl weight lifters are able to handle heavier weights in blue gyms.

Green

Currently the most popular decorating color, green symbolizes nature. It is the easiest color on the eye and can improve vision. It is calming, refreshing color. People waiting to appear on TV sit in "green rooms" to relax. Hospitals often use green because it relaxes patients. Brides in the Middle Ages wore green to symbolize fertility. Dark green is masculine, conservative and implies wealth. However, seamstresses often refuse to use greeen thread on the eve of a fashion show for fear it will bring bad luck.

Purple

The color of royalty, purple connotes luxury, wealth, and sophistication. It is also feminine and romantic. However, because it is rare in nature, purple can also appear artificial.

Brown

Solid, reliable brown is the color of the earth and is abundant in nature. Light brown implies genuineness while dark brown is similar to wood or leather. Brown can also be sad and wistful. Men are more apt to say brown is one of their favourite colors.