In the last few posts, we wandered through museum halls and auction lots to spot fashion inspirations or make fashionable comparisons and connections.
Now, let's venture into the city to discover urban patterns that can ignite our creativity. No matter where you are in the world, keep a keen eye out, for patterns, motifs, colours, and ideas around you.
In Taipei, for example, you will encounter a variety of inspirations. Start with the elegance of yellow scallop shells and swirling floral motifs adorning a hotel's façade, creating a striking contrast against the charcoal grey of the building.
Next, seek something more urban and dynamic, like the silhouettes of two dancers projected onto a pavement at night.
Could this serve as a source of inspiration for a knitwear pattern? It's a possibility.
Talking about lights, in the tunnels of the underground observe the intriguing patterns formed by perforated panels with lights shining through.
Emerging back into the daylight, explore the streets and sidewalks, where even a simple sewer cover reveals motifs of fir trees and cheerful school of fish smiling back at you.
Venture onto another underground train and take note of black and white optical motifs on a staircase.
Could this motif inspire a barcode-like optical pattern? It's worth considering.
For those who prefer bursts of vibrant colours, visit Ximending, where you'll find a section of the road painted in rainbow shades.
This is the Rainbow Six, located at exit No. 6 of Ximen MRT Station. Here, the colours are more than just a part of the urban landscape; they symbolize human rights, gender equality, and inclusivity. These colours convey therefore meanings, rights, and the hopes and thoughts of a community (October is also Taiwan Pride Month, that will culminate in the local LGBTQ+ parade next Saturday).
Are there any urban patterns or features where you live that hold special significance or meaning? (a mural, for example, or a street name that can reveal interesting tales about the history and identity of a place?) Go out, explore them and gain a deeper appreciation of your surroundings and the community you're a part of. It's these unique characteristics that make the city where you're living or visiting at the moment special and worth exploring as they can turn into sources of inspiration for personal projects in art, fashion, design, or other creative endeavours.
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