Stridetherunway

BAHAMAS, STILL TRAVEL GOALS! post hurricane dorian 0919

By Kahtura Fernander - 3:53 PM

0 Comments

FASHION x ARCHITECTURE: THE CROSS POLLINATION 0618

By Kahtura Fernander - 9:10 AM

Clothing and architecture structures are occupied with our bodies; reinforced fabrications used as shelters. They reflect the values, economic security and norms of society. From the primitive time period to the twenty-first century, they have yet to decrease in value.

Growing up, design was always interesting to me, whether it was manipulating the interior of a home, drawing the layout of rooms or even modifying clothing to reflect a certain purpose or aesthetic. It was not until later in my childhood that there was an understanding and realization that this imagination and creativity was connected to a passion for architecture. At the same time, I experienced a blossoming interest in self presentation and making clothing, and with a few seasons of watching America's Next Top Model, my passion grew even more.

The magical, juxtaposed passion of fashion and architecture came to fruition as I was studying architecture. I was required to select an architecture thesis topic, and later was advised to choose something I love. My thought was, "why not explore my two loves together?", they cross-pollinated in so many ways that I found extremely fascinating. Through studying and research, I found that there were very obvious similarities between the two disciplines as it relates to function, construction technique and style. To give a better understanding of these similarities, it's helpful to describe them, not only through words, but also through a visual analysis to gain a better understanding of their relationship.

FUNCTION

Both fashion and architecture do the following

CONSTRUCTION TECHNIQUES

Although construction techniques terms vary between both fashion and architecture, they result in similar geometries. Box pleating, flouncing and knife pleating are some of these techniques in both fashion and architectural forms.

STYLE

In some instances, both fashion and architecture share the same stylistic terms. The below "terms" of architecture - De Stijl, Deconstructivism, and Baroque - are technically time periods which depend entirely on the background of where it originated. In this case, De Stijl, Deconstructivism and Baroque are used as style across both disciplines.

This blog only illustrates three basic elements that connect fashion and architecture, there are still many other similarities such as history, culture, weather and others that connect the two. There are also designers in both fashion and architecture, such as the late Zaha Hadid, Tom Ford, Raf Simons, Kanye West etc., who gained inspiration from these concepts and blended them creatively to design buildings and clothing. Some of this was accomplished by taking the idea of form and applying them not only to what we inhabit, but what we wear as well. Zaha Hadid specifically collaborated with jewelry designer Atelier Swarovski to design jewelry that reflected a complex form related to the way she designed architecture. This opportunity led her to create many more pieces of jewelry, footwear and handbags, with inspiration from her major design moves such as light-and-shadow and form. She was truly what we called "a lady who created curves".

Design is a common thing we all can appreciate. Whether it is fashion, architecture, art, furniture, graphic design, etc., we can cross-pollinate almost any two disciplines to create something that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Although when we hear the word "design", we automatically think of how something looks, but there is more to it than the aesthetics. How design functions and create experience is also important , and which is why DESIGN WILL ALWAYS MATTER.

2 Comments

Beautiful

STILL DOPE x HAIRCUT x PARIS part1

By Kahtura Fernander - 9:54 PM

Can I say this and mean it? There is no material thing in this world that can equal to my hair, but still I call it...."JUST HAIR!"...even with all its power.

My Hotel Room - Paris

If you keep up with my blog and the things I mention enough, you would realize my passion for striding the runway, and also the love and care I gave to my hair. One day I woke up and the two things I've always dreamed of hit me at once, Modeling A Fashion Runway in Paris and Being Brave Enough to Cut My Hair. When I say these are two things I could only dream of, I meant that!!! When the door opened for this dream to become a reality, I took it with full force.

First was the Paris Fashion Week opportunity with Walk Fashion Show which came up in May 2017 (earlier this year) and took place October 1st 2017. I kept this secret to myself for all those months because this was something I wanted so bad and it was actually happening, But I will save that story for another post...

Next came what many call "the big chop". Never in my life had I imagined cutting my dreads after 12 years! I've always worried about my attachment to them, what would I look like? How else would I wear my hair? How to "do" hair?? Will everyone like it??

It was not until I began to grow as a person and wanted more out of life, more out of my architecture career, more out of helping and inspiring others, to grow more spiritually and mentally...it was then I began to realize that beauty was never what I thought it was. I remember when I was younger, one day someone walked up to me and said,

"You're only beautiful because you grew dreads and you will never be as pretty without them"

...I believed them. Society has labeled so many women by their hair and it was not so long until I realized I fell into that category.

But today I am strong and filled with inner beauty that shines through this melanin of mines. No matter how I wear my hair, I will still be beautiful Kahtura!

I have new life goals and objectives that pushes me way pass the societal beauty bar.

I have learned to let go and will continue to let go of the things that DOES NOT MATTER!

My Hotel Room - Paris

So the next time you think of asking her, "why did you cut your beautiful hair?" or saying "OMG but I loved your hair", embrace and congratulate her for being brave enough for taking such a bold beautiful leap in her life.

#KAHTURASOCIETY