Introduction:
The use of motifs is essential to make any outfit attractive. The quality of the fabric and the variety of designs will not satisfy the buyers until the motif is acceptable. Muslim designs, ornamental motifs, floral motifs, geometric motifs, Persian designs are used as motifs in these fabrics. It comes from various elements from nature. Apart from nature, various architectures, geometric shapes, etc. are seen as motifs in textile industry. Clothing gains popularity depending on its use.
What is Motif?
Motif is a repeating design that helps reinforce the main theme. Various floral motifs, geometric motifs, Jamdani motifs are repeated to highlight the design. Actually the design of the dress can depend on the theme. In that case, the design consists of images or forms that represent that theme. The pattern can be said to be that part of the design that carries its identity or character. In the design world this is called a motif. Often motifs are used repeatedly throughout the design. As a result, that becomes the main point of design. And many times it plays the same role even after being used once.
Types of Motif:
Constantly new motifs are seen in fashion design. People take ideas from nature, architecture, geometric designs, etc. and repeat it. Some motifs are-
- Plant motif
- Floral motif (flower)
- Traditional motif
- Geometric motif and many more.
1. Plant Motif:
Nature’s tree turns, leaves, serve as the design theme in this case. Tree leaves or roots as motifs have become quite popular in fashion design. In this case the motif may or may not be repeated in the garment. Usually when the demand increases, the designers present it in a more attractive way.
2. Floral Motif:
Motifs come from various elements from nature, among which the use of flowers is the most common. Repeating designs with flowers as the theme is called a floral motif. It is currently a very popular motif in fashion designing.
3. Traditional Motif:
One of the hallmarks of folk art is its symbols and motifs. Ancient worship-reforms, regional rituals flow through symbols and motifs into fashion designing. A motif or design never fades away, because it has the power to remain in the memory.
4. Geometric Motif:
It is a method of repeating a geometric design as a theme. Jamdani sarees with geometric motifs are quite popular in fashion designing these days.
Uses of Motifs in Textile and Fashion Design:
Motifs have become quite popular to make clothes fashionable. Various motifs are used in the design. Especially Nakshi kantha forms, various folk forms, village house design forms, floral motifs, geometric design motifs are quite popular. These are taking place in women’s sarees and salwar-kameez. Not only that, gowns, skirts, frocks, sarees—almost all garments—are being made with motif-based designs. Even boys’ Punjabi has this touch.
Floral motifs are a popular trend. Designers have brought out the spring flowers from nature in different clothes including sarees, kameez, three-pieces, Kurtis and brought them to life. Different flowers bloom in different seasons. Everyone is mesmerized by the beauty of different flowers blooming in different seasons. The beauty of the clothes increases several times if you put the flowers full of charm on the clothes. The use of flowers in motifs is the most.
The popularity of this ancient motif is age-old. However, evolution has come a long way. Regional differences are evident. Flower motifs are very popular in the country’s fashion market. There are many different uses of flowers in clothing around the world. The use of chrysanthemums in textile motifs is widely seen in Japan. The long petals of the chrysanthemum were compared to the rays of the sun. That is why the Japanese considered the chrysanthemum flower to be synonymous with the sun. At the same time, this motif was also seen as a symbol of nobility.
The use of flowers in Chinese clothing is also quite eye-catching. A variety of floral prints can be found in woven fabrics, brocade fabrics and embroidery. The floral print in this country is very bright.
Geometric designs are used as motifs in clothes which are playing an important role in fashion designing. Embroidery, block print, screen print, lace etc. have been used to enhance the designs in this dress. Colors are predominant, including white, blue, purple, ash, deep orange, off white magenta. Apart from this, Jamdani sarees with geometric motifs have become a classic nowadays.
A fusion of traditional motif with modern style can be seen during the British rule. In keeping with the time, the forms of traditional motif has gradually changed in accordance with the lifestyle, needs etc. of the people of this country. Various stories of mythology, temples, mosques, minarets, stars etc. have come to this motif.
Conclusion:
People of the current generation are interested in buying clothes after seeing the acceptability of motifs in fashion along with season and weather. People now prefer themed clothing as the theme of clothing can be best expressed through the use of motifs. Every year designers are using various motifs in various festivals due to the increase in demand in the textile industry. Hence, starting from the young generation, everyone is looking towards motif-based clothing.
References:
- https://www.academia.edu/7813433/Textile_designing#:~:text=MOTIF%20Motif%20is%20an%20important,part%20of%20one%2C%20or%20theme.
- https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motif_(textile_arts)
- https://www.fibre2fashion.com/industry-article/4354/magic-of-natural-motif
- https://fashionous.in/blogs/knowledge-corner/motifs-used-in-indian-textiles
- https://classhall.com/lesson/motif/
Author of This Article:
Nazifa Tabassum
Clothing and Textile
Govt. College of Applied Human Science, Dhaka
Email: [email protected]
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Editor of Fashion2Apparel. She is a fashion designer and ex-lecturer in Fashion Designing. She wants to spread fashion knowledge throughout the world.
