The Beauty of Asymmetry
As we normally see, most outfit designs follow a general rule of symmetry and balance. It is, after all, the age-old device of visual art. In fashion, symmetry is closely tied to the sense of stability that the said design is supposed to express for the viewer. But then, there’s also the concept of asymmetry. While symmetry is what our brains are used to, asymmetry is where the real beauty of design lies.
There is serious psychology behind our attraction towards asymmetry. Studies on visual learning and design say that asymmetrical visual stimuli can be more arousing than symmetrical stimuli. Our minds may be designed to prefer symmetry and balance in things that we see or experience. But sometimes the lack of that evenness is where we find pleasure. For example, the human eye would pay more attention to a dress with a one-shoulder sleeve and slanted hem on the bottom of the dress than a perfectly symmetrical head-to-toe. The concept of asymmetrical lining started in ancient Greece and Rome, where clothes with a slanted neckline or single-shoulder togas were the staple fashion for both men and women. This was considered very progressive during that time as the idea of it was gender-neutral, signifying freedom in clothing. The thought of designing clothes with an asymmetrical cut became a raging fashion trend in the 70s, thanks to designers like Halston who fused the concept of Ancient Greece fashion with elegant gowns and cocktail dresses with an attention-grabbing silhouette.
Today, you’ll see several other types of asymmetrical fashion varying in colors, fabrics, patterns, and styles. These asymmetrical lines are here to make you feel bold and sexy. To give you a very unique fashion experience, liberating you from the conventions of symmetry, whenever you seek something out of the box. With a lack of the same, we are thinking outside of our limitations. The edginess and irregularity of asymmetrical cuts attract us in ways that we are not consciously aware of, therefore making us adopt a style that is not mainstream.
Next time, you want to wear something out-of-the-box, go all asymmetrical and see how it impacts not only your style statement but also your thinking!