It can be safely assumed that a triangle is a shape which everyone is familiar with. However, many of us are unaware of just how pervasive the shape is in our world. Oftentimes, the occurence of triangles within nature, architecture, and other facets of life serve as inspiration for fashion designers and labels. Consider the ten real world examples below, pictured with their ten respective fashion manifestations.
The Chrysler Building, once the tallest building in the world, is a particularly famous example of the use of triangles in architecture. Triangular windows line the building's top, creating a crown-like effect. This is mirrored in jewelry designer Matina Amanita's "Chrysler Ring," in which black enamel triangles create a contrast in color and texture from the rest of the ring, thus increasing complexity and interest.
Triangles are often linked with/found in a geometric, modern aesthetic. Such is the case in this Tony Smith sculpture as well as the Jaeger London (above left) and Jeremy Laing (above right) runway looks, all pictured above. Both the non-apparel example and the apparel examples increase stimulation and degree of interest through the use of shape rather than color or pattern. The smooth lines and sharp edges form clean, modern shapes that become the focal point of the viewer's eye.
The Monarch Butterfly is an example of triangular presence in nature itself. The wings of the butterfly have a pattern that consists of orange triangles set against a black background; however, unlike previous examples, these triangles have an organic feeling to them rather than geometric due to softer edges and slight variations in each triangle. The apparel example is a Luly Yang dress designed to mimic the Monarch. Note that not only does the surface print of the dress harness the use of triangles, but the actual panels of the dress' skirt appear to be somewhat triangular in form.
The paper crane shown is a prime example of the inevitability of triangles being used in origami. Almost every single figure which can be made in origami requires at least one kind of triangular fold. The skirt and bust on this G. Ferre dress seem to pay homage to the art, with multiple layers and clearly-defined, sharp-edged lines forming triangular shapes and folds just like that of the crane.
The triangular truss, found in both natural and man-made objects, is comprised solely of a repeating pattern of triangles. This structure is extremely stable and strong, hence its common use in architecture (see bridge example above). The United Nude heels shown in the foreground are an apparel manifestation of the same pattern as that of the truss: the heels, like the bridge, are comprised of an exclusively triangular sequence, giving them a very architectural, strong feel.
One of the more common ways triangles are seen in the fashion world is within patterns. Serving as an example of this is the Emilio Pucci dress and shirt shown above, which showcase an Aztec-inspired palette. Interestingly enough, true Aztec art and relics (see sundial above) also commonly featured triangles. In the sundial example, the triangles seem to be radiating out from a circular center. This is probably a homage to the Aztec Sun God, thought by the ancients to be the most important of all Gods or spirits.
A triangle that is implicit rather than explicit, yet nevertheless is arguably the most undeniable and commonly seen of all the other real-world examples, is the human body itself. The Vitruvian Man (background) and skeleton illustrate this: the shoulders and elbows serve as the top of the triangle, which travels across the chest and comes down into a point at the narrowest point of the waist. On most humans, this is a perfectly symmetrical triangle. The dolman-sleeved or "batwing" shirt worn by the model is an example of an apparel item that particularly accentuates the triangular nature of our bodies.
Modernism, particularly Modern architecture, is absolutely full of triangles. The Air Force Academy (above left) and Seattle's Public Library (above right) are just two examples in which triangles play a clear part in creating the minimalist, futuristic and sleek silhouette that is so characteristic of Modernism. The Calvin Klein dress shown is an apparel counterpart to these buildings. The triangular shapes on the sheath stand independently rather than contouring to the model's body, creating distinct shapes and lines, while the silver color reinforces the clean, Modern aesthetic.
Another manifestation of triangles in nature is that of leaves. The vast majority of leaves, regardless of size, color, or tree of origin, have a triangular shape, like those pictured above. This Alexander McQueen dress has a leaf-like motif, in which soft yet still clearly distinguishable triangular shapes are visible.
A more geometric manifestation of triangles in leaves that is still natural is the appearance of crystals and gems in their natural state (pre-cutting). In the shown crystal cave, the triangular faces on the crystals are formed with sharp, crisp lines and edges. The two-finger ring has an actual section of natural crystals secured into it. Much like the crystal cave, you can still clearly distinguish the triangular faces and edges.
Master List of Examples and Sources
NON-APPAREL:
1. The Chrysler Building; http://melange1.blogspot.com/2009/04/not-your-typical-triangles.html
2. Tony Smith sculpture; http://www.nga.gov/education/classroom/new_angles/act_smith_geometry.shtm
3. Monarch Butterfly; http://www.austinareaphoto.com/2010/01/03/desktop-wallpapers/
4. Origami Paper Crane; http://www.vam.ac.uk/things-to-do/blogs/sketch-product/fold-along-dotted-line
Origami Background; http://www.interiordesign.net/article/483189-Wallcoverings_Other.php
5. Triangular Truss; http://www.historycooperative.org/journals/sia/32.2/guise.html
6. Aztec Artwork; http://travel.webshots.com/photo/1302718661061790337fqbTeg
7. Vitruvian Man; http://luvre.land.ru/louvre/vitruvian-man-vinci.htm
Skeleton Diagram; http://www.themasterofbation.com/2010/04/17/why-does-masturbation-blind-and-cripple-the-human-body/
8. Air Force Academy; http://www.architecture411.com/notes/note.php?id_note=8
Seattle Public Library; http://www.esquire.com/features/best-and-brightest-2008/joshua-prince-ramus-1208
9. Leaves; http://ekim.aminus3.com/image/2008-09-29.html
10. Crystal Cave; http://connect.in.com/crystal-caves/photos-1-1-1-80eb2853694355766f7a62279794c1a0.html
APPAREL:
1. Chrysler Ring; Matina Amanita, http://www.stylehive.com/bookmark/chrysler-building-ring-by-matina-sukhahuta-298145
2. Jaeger London (left) and Jeremy Laing (right) runway looks; from Fashion Snoops' "Modern Geometry" lookbook, fashionsnoops.com
3. Monarch Dress: Luly Yang; http://tywkiwdbi.blogspot.com/2010/01/monarch-butterfly-dress.html
4. Origami Dress: G. Ferre; from Fashion Snoops "Modern Geometry" lookbook, fashionsnoops.com
5. Black Frame Triangle Heels: United Nude; http://heycrazy.wordpress.com/2010/05/31/daily-crave-united-nude-black-frame-triangle-heel-illionaire-black-cross-strapped-dress/
6. Aztec Printed Dress and Top; Emilio Pucci, from Fashion Snoops "Aztec" Lookbook, fashionsnoops.com
7. Batwing Top: Designer Unknown; http://pessimiss.wordpress.com/category/things-i-love-to-hate/
8. Geometric Dress: Calvin Klein, from Fashion Snoops "Modern Geometry" lookbook, fashionsnoops.com
9. Chiffon Dress: Alexander McQueen, from Fashion Snoops "Boho Spirit" lookbook, fashionsnoops.com
10. Two-Finger Mineral Ring: Designer Unknown; http://ringoblog.com/ring-by-type/interesting-rings/mineral-double-finger-ring/
