Many of my posts discuss the important role of inspiration in the design process.  I wanted to share this fun example of how you can be inspired by just about anything.

Project Runway is absolutely one of my favorite shows.  What do I love so much about the show? I love to experience the thought processes that go into creating a look – the idea of concept to execution really fascinates me.  I love the idea of providing a platform for the very talented, virtually unknown artist to gain an opportunity for their visual voices to be heard (and some…very LOUD and CLEAR!) One of my all time favorite contestants was Season 7’s Mila Hermanovski.  Her clean, graphic aesthetic really spoke to my sensibilities.  On one episode, she was wearing this really stunning necklace — a sterling silver organic shape resting on a simple black leather strap. It was a simple, elegant and sensual form.  I thought the shape was so striking it inspired two freehand lifeline drawings.  See if you can identify the common element in the two drawings that represent the shape of Mila’s necklace.

I call the first one Cinderella.  The shape and personality of the piece reminds me of the whimsical, distorted  shapes of fairy tale, fantasy environments.

The second piece is called Kimono.  Often times Kimono’s are hung as art pieces and the motifs and configuration of the drawing have a distinct Asian feel.

Mila’s necklace really caught my eye; but what catches your eye?  The next time you go shopping, or look around your room, deliberately take notice of the shapes of things, especially the things that you LOVE; you will start to see a pattern emerge that defines your personal style.  Are the shapes that appeal to you curvilinear and organic? Do you prefer straight clean lines? Or do you relish that fairly balanced combination between the two?

Check back often, as I will delve even deeper into the concept of “defining personal style” in my Design Reflections posts.