Fashion is beautiful and amazing because sometimes it is completely unpredictable. This quality has always connected her with feminine nature. And although most of the famous trendsetters are men, women were the first to pick up all their new items and incredible inventions. in this regard were very significant, since it was then that many new unusual styles, which revolutionized ideas about fashion, femininity, and style. People became more and more free to choose their clothes, and most importantly, to express themselves with their help. Op art style appeared precisely in the 60s and with its appearance created a real sensation.
It cannot be confused with other styles, since even the visual perception is different from everything you have seen before. Op art style (short version) optical art -optical art) came into fashion from the movement of the same name in fine arts. Its founder is considered to be a Parisian artist of Hungarian origin Victor Vasarelli(1908 - 1997). They say that his paintings have some special musicality. The colors and flavor that he used can be compared with the musical range. Vasarelli used a special printing technique, repeatedly applying layers of paint using a stencil. The result was a painting. Most of Vasarelli's paintings are optical illusions, with which he created three-dimensional space. In 1938, one of his most famous works in the op art style, Zebras, was published.
The main difference between this style is the use of various visual illusions based on the peculiarities of perception of flat and spatial figures. If the picture you see floats in front of your eyes or scatters in different directions, this is nothing more than an optical illusion.
A kind of playing field that can be considered for a long time, ending up in some kind of “third world”. In optical painting, simple elements of the same type are arranged in such a way as to disorient the eye and prevent the formation of an integral structure.
“Pure color and pure form can contain the whole world.” Victor Vasarelli.
Lines, triangles, squares, circles, diamonds and others geometric figures- the basis of this direction. They intertwine and intersect with each other, combine in incredible ways, create new forms and captivate the eye. The crazy 60s picked up everything new and unusual on the fly. Free, futuristic trends easily fit into reality and, of course, were reflected in fashion. Not all designers were to their taste, but those who dared to bring unexpected colors into female images were received with a bang! These original prints were used in their collections , Larry Aldrich.
American has always picked up the most daring ideas, helping to promote new trends among its readers. American designers were the first to bring the op art style to world catwalks.
After the 60s, the op art style was not always at the peak of popularity, but from time to time it experiences new rebirths. Designers add modern touches to it, which makes it relevant today.
Op art can be black and white, or it can play with all the colors of the rainbow, it all depends on the mood. Figures that seem correct at first glance take on surreal forms within an hour. This style combines clear mathematics and imaginative thinking. It fits perfectly into the age of technological progress. Clothing in the op art style is distinguished by the use of fabrics with geometric patterns, abstract patterns, and bright, rich, contrasting colors. It should not be of a complex cut, as with such prints it will be difficult to see.
If the suit contains one thing in this style, then it is better to choose another in a monochromatic color scheme so as not to interrupt the impression of the design. And if this is a dress, then it is also better to choose calmer accessories that match it. Brightness should be moderate, not flashy. This applies to everyday lifestyle, which differs from the catwalk version, catchy and shocking.
A wide variety of fabrics are used, from dense, shape-holding to light and airy. Many famous brands refer to this style, such as Marc Jacobs, Louis Vuitton, Michael Kors and others.
There is no doubt that this is not a boring style, but do not forget that it is not appropriate everywhere. It can hardly be used at work, otherwise your colleagues may get dizzy not from their work, but from looking at you). But if you need to produce a hypnotic effect on your negotiating partner, by wearing an outfit in the op art style, you can be 80% sure of your victory in advance).
Rather, these are clothes for relaxation, walking and active image life, since the drawings themselves encourage this. If you want to look bright and mysterious and attract the attention of others, dress in this style. A creative party, visiting an art exhibition, traveling are suitable occasions for op art.
Tell your friends about this geometrically mesmerizing style, maybe it will become a new discovery for them?
And for those who read the article to the very end, a small gift). I bring to your attention a funny clip in which you can see a hundred optical illusions.
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The name of the op art style comes from the English. “op art”, abbreviation for optical art - “optical art”. This neo-avant-garde movement of abstract art emerged in the 1950s and became widespread in Europe and the United States in the 1960s. It has become one of the intellectual alternatives to mass media pop art.
Op art artists such as Victor Vasarély, Bridget Riley, Jesus Rafael Soto, Richard Anuszkiewicz and others created spatial optical illusions and imitation of movement in their works with the help of simple geometric shapes repeating and flowing into one another.
In the photo: Versailles model from the Bisazza factory, design by Braga Marco.
Although it had little effect on architecture, op art had a great influence on graphic design and interior decoration. Thus, the walls were covered with multi-colored wallpaper with moire and concentric patterns imitating movement and vibration, or decorated with large wall panels (“Supergraphics”). To visually increase the volume of the room, various optical effects were used. Vivid examples here are the famous painted pool and the staircase going down into it with “real” railings, as well as the “door” slightly open to a non-existent room. The illusion of spatial movement, soaring, and merging of forms was achieved with the help of sharp color and tonal contrasts, rhythmic repetitions, the intersection of spiral and lattice configurations, and twisting lines. Changing light installations, dynamic designs were often used, materials with reflective surfaces (metal, glass, plastic), and various fabrics were used.
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On the picture:
The furniture design was dominated by smooth, curved lines, contrasting color combinations (white – black). Most often it was made of transparent materials with a reflective surface (glass, plastic, intertwined metal threads of the frame).
Main motives:
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Op art(from the English concept of optical art) - creating the illusion of movement on a flat surface using geometric shapes. When creating clothes, op art style is used bright colors contrasting with each other.
History of appearance
In 1938, Victor Vasarely presented his painting “Zebras,” which became the first iconic work in the op art style. At the same time, for the first time, the new geoprint began to be used on bags of the Hermes fashion house, but the style gained final popularity only in 1965, when works in it were presented in New York at the exhibition “The Responsive Eye”.
At the same time, Yves Saint Laurent turned his attention to geometric prints and released a collection cocktail dresses straight silhouette with bright large cells. These dresses had the most regular and simple cut without sleeves and collar. The name of the dress was given in honor of the inspiration - “Modrian”.
The great couturier was followed by: the creator of miniskirts Mary Quant, Larry Aldrich, Andre Courrèges - they all released dresses and accessories with unusual geometric prints and shapes in the op art style. Simultaneously with the release of collections of these designers, fashion magazines began to print on their pages photos of people wearing clothes with patterns of squares, triangles and diamonds. Geometric print in different variations recognized as the symbol of the decade.
In 2001, there was a revival of this print. Op art in clothing appeared on the pages of French Vogue. Ten years later, fashion designers began to use this style in clothing en masse. Dresses with geometric patterns were presented by all leading fashion houses, and fashion designers working under the Louis Vuitton brand embroidered dresses with smooth multi-colored stones.
With what and how to wear op art clothes?
The best way to look stylish is to combine op art clothing with solid-colored wardrobe items. This way you definitely won’t overload your look with active prints and colors.
If you have a naturally developed sense of style, then you can wisely mix different geometric prints in one look or wear op art clothes along with floral, oriental and animalistic motifs. If you want to create a fashionable look with two geoprints, then stick to the one-color rule: both items in your wardrobe must have at least one common shade.
Visually, such clothing can hide almost any figure imperfections, elongate the silhouette and remove excess volume. The simpler the item is tailored, the better it will look. When choosing op art clothing, a mandatory fitting is required. With its help, you can evaluate how good the image looks.
What is op art style in clothing?
It’s as if he’s playing with you, provoking, entertaining, misleading. These images create an illusion; you see something that is not really there.
In the 1960s, with the advent of the so-called mods, dudes and part-time hooligans who imitated the style of the golden youth of the 1920s, youth subcultures for the first time began to influence the mainstream cultural and fashion trends, Young people wanted to look bright and extravagant, they strove for freedom and emancipation. Young people were the first to learn about new products in the field of design, music and art, and considered it their duty to surround themselves with stylish things.
Op art style - history of formation
The favorite theme of the English dudes was the optical art of op art. This type of art was generated by a passion for the exact sciences, cybernetics, new technologies, and discoveries in the field of human perception. Op art works were based on lighting effects and color contrast. Combinations of simple geometric shapes and chromatic colors, artists achieved the effect of animated space.
Despite the fact that the graphic illusion caused something like dizziness in viewers, the fashion world became interested in this type of art. Fashion designers began to actively borrow the ideas of op art, transferring stripes, squares, spirals, circles and other geometric shapes to clothes and accessories. Simplicity of straight cutting one piece dresses And the figurative or form-fitting silhouette was compensated by intricate black and white graphics. Fabric companies hired young artists to design trendy op-art designs for clothing. The sharp contrast of black and white spots, the eye-catching pattern - all this left an unforgettable impression, making it stand out from the crowd in the best possible way. And the new properties of synthetics - its transparency, shine, plasticity - made it possible to best express fashion trends.
The 1960s are associated with the name of op-art fashion designer Mary Quant. The young Englishwoman, moving in the circles of stylish youth in London, was keenly aware of the spirit of the times. She embodied all the best trends in fashionistas' clothing in her models. Although in fact new fashion- Very short dresses and coats, geometric patterns and flat shoes - was designed only for the young and slender, by the end of the 1960s all women dressed this way. Youth has become a cult.
Op art style in modern clothes
A drawing in the op art style still attracts the eye, brings pulse and dynamics to the image of the entire costume, and evokes vivid emotions. He crossed all social boundaries, becoming a means of self-expression.
Today, black and white graphics are distinguished by more sophisticated designs, sometimes very complex. The simplest thing in op art style in clothes is peas different sizes and options, either black on white, or white on black. More complex ones are accepted - various waves, stains, stars, spots, rings.
The famous black and white “chicken foot” or “dog tooth” pattern, which appeared in the 1960s, is still relevant today. It is often used in classic clothing High Quality. The ornament consists of module elements whose shape resembles a bird's track or a dog's fang. This design adorns the packaging of Miss Dior eau de toilette.
A separate theme in the op art style is a floral print in black and white. Complex shapes, carefully drawn black buds and flowers look exquisite on a white canvas (more rarely, white flowers on a black canvas). This has decadence, a modern touch of high-tech and a reference to romantic Napoleonic France. At the same time, the entire space of the fabric in the op art style can be covered with small detailed patterns, or there can be just one large one - a huge flower of an unknown nature, but with a surprisingly complex pattern of petals and stamens. The combination of stripes, polka dots, squares and complex floral patterns in one model can also be considered avant-garde. Sometimes this seems a bit overkill, but for shocking purposes such combinations are perfect.
The op art style in clothing has survived the time of fans - art and fashion of the 1960s buy original items in second-hand stores, stocks, vintage clothing stores, and flea markets.
Op art style - images
Mysteriously
The image of this mysterious woman arouses interest among others, regardless of their age, gender and position. Men and women look with interest at the one who personifies the mystery. She is a mystery that is impossible to solve in principle, but everyone really wants to do it. She bewitches with her beauty and inaccessibility, as if she envelops those nearby in an invisible web, from which few are able to escape.
Colors in the costume ensemble: black, white, dark gray mysteriously insidious magically
Romantic
An elusive and dreamy image in the op art style. She rarely opens up to another person, preferring to remain a charming stranger. Naturalness and ease do not prevent her from determining once and for all whether she should continue to communicate with a certain person or not. Life is interesting to her, but she does not treat it as an exciting game, but, as it were, observes it and herself from the outside. She simply lives and compares white with black, choosing the best for herself. And does not need other people's advice and help.
Colors in a suit ensemble: white, black, light gray romantic, subtly mysterious
Free
The image in the op art style is characterized by rebellious sentiments. She strives to speak out against those norms that seem incorrect and outdated. She is with those who are in the minority, but does not feel like an outcast. Rather, she is the chosen one. She will never draw attention to herself for the sake of attention. She tries to stand out not in order to attract attention to herself, but to emphasize the idea of which she is a supporter. Colors in a suit ensemble: white, black, dark gray informal avant-garde independent
Elegantly
An unexpected, witty, temptingly playful and incredibly aesthetic image. With her appearance, she brings ease and a smile, while maintaining some independence and detachment. She is confident in her strengths, capabilities and beliefs. Her clothes make her stand out from the crowd and catch her eye. Demonstrating different facets of her complex nature, each time she appears as a completely different personality in the op art style.
Colors in a suit ensemble: black, white, light gray casually stylishly impressive
Summer season- rush hour for fashionistas, because it is at this time that you can allow yourself to play with images, without being limited by any prohibitions. Even those who have a strict office dress code are allowed to make some adjustments to their dress code. This season, in addition to glitter, floral prints, sports motifs and Fauvism, designers are offering to turn their attention to abstract art. Op art and kaleidoscopic drawings will allow you to play with the imagination of others!
Op art is often confused with the term pop art. In fact, the difference is significant. Pop art is mass culture, it's prints with images of famous people, it's bright colors and a mix of shapes. The founder of this fashion trend was Andy Warhol, who created the well-known portrait of Marilyn Monroe using the silk-screen printing technique. Op art is all about strict lines and geometric shapes, rapported patterns and restrained shades. And also - “brain-breaking” volumetric 3D effects. Only a brave woman would dare to wear this: remarkable attention from others in such an outfit is guaranteed!
Origin of the term op art
Op art is an abbreviation for the English name for the abstract art form optical art. In other words, to create clothes and images in this direction, a print is used depicting repeating geometric shapes that form an optical illusion, creating the effect of a moving picture, volume, protruding or recessed areas, and bulges. Interesting option, is not it?
This trend arose in the 60s of the last century. Its founder is considered to be Victor Vasarely. This abstract artist's painting of two zebras in 1938 began a new trend in art. Optical illusions, a deception of vision and thinking, began to be actively used by artists.
In 1966, Yves Saint Laurent picked up creative idea and brought it into fashion. At that time, the Hermes brand and designers Mary Quant, Andre Courrèges, and Larry Aldrich used op art in their collections. Optical prints won the sympathy of fashion lovers, but after a while they became fed up with their excessive creativity, faded into the background and gave way to other trends. Attention to visual illusions resumed in the 2000s. Last season, op art began to gain popularity, and this summer and fall it is even more relevant!
Op art today
Classic op art is achromatic, a combination of black and white flowers. However, today it is not uncommon to see brighter, contrasting prints with optical effects. These can also include kaleidoscopic patterns. Repeating motifs, intersections, color illusions, deception through playing with shapes and sizes are characteristic features of the op art trend in fashion. The geometric lines of the print themselves complicate the silhouette, so clothes in this style have a simplified design.
What to wear with op art style items? Ideally, we combine blouses and tops with optical prints with plain trousers and skirts, and creative illusory bottoms, using the same logic, with a simple top. Rules are meant to be broken - the designers decided and suggested that fashionistas combine different op-art motifs in one look (for example, stripes and polka dots, diamonds and circles, smooth zigzags and sharp lines, stripes and kaleidoscopic prints). Total op-art look is also welcome.
If a completely op-art look isn't your thing, add a thematic twist or two to your look, like spiral-toe pumps or a statement bag in this style.
In the spring-summer season, many designers paid attention to op art motifs. Edun brand presented a fascinating collection. Models walked the op-art-style runway in loose trousers, light skirts, shorts and two-piece suits with ornate patterns of triangles, stripes and squares.
Very interesting ideas can be seen in the collection from Martin Grant: black and white geometry, voluminous skirts, elegant silhouettes. The choice of real ladies!
The brand presented an interesting summer collection to the audience. The finest fabrics plus small stripes are not quite classic op art, but “warm”, the effect of this combination is amazing. Light sundresses, long translucent floor-length dresses, weightless multi-layered maxi skirts are the ideal solution for summer looks.
The op art trend in the spring-summer 2014 season was supported by its collection of dresses, trousers and overalls with graceful zigzags, curls and waves. The Roccobarocco brand showed coats, dresses and trousers in small colored checks, as well as incredibly beautiful lush maxi sundresses with stripes - a combination of stripes and “mixed-sized” polka dots, Tegin - formal dresses with straight lines broken at different angles, Viva Vox - perky clothes with small op-art inserts.
Talbot Runhoff has some crazy new additions to its collection interesting costumes and dresses with small op-art patterns, the Raoul brand offered a print with large zigzags, the brand pleased with multi-colored geometric patterns and kaleidoscopic motifs - don’t be shy about choosing!
Optical art in different interpretations is also available in seasonal collections from,
An impressive list, isn't it? If so many designers have brought the same idea to life, it can without a doubt be included in the list of current trends!
Let's get inspired by what we see and create our own images!
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