APOSEMATIC

Through evolution, animals have developed natural ways to attract mates, draw in prey, or protect themselves from predators. These mechanisms are often a part of the animal’s aesthetic appearance - tree frogs appear brightly colored and “toxic” to their predators, deep sea fish use bio-luminescence to lure their prey in the dark, and birds use elaborate mating displays to attract female birds. Visual techniques such as these are a part of the survival process in the animal kingdom, as reproduction of the fittest is key to continuing a species’ success. Human beings, while displays are no longer

evolutionarily necessary to their survival, implement many aesthetic characteristics to create the same effect. Gangs dress in ways to symbolize intimidation, men and women in high corporate positions wear “power suits”, and women wear makeup to improve their physical appearance. However, a big difference is in how these displays are artificial as opposed to the natural displays found in the animal kingdom. My thesis explores these natural displays of color, silhouette, shape, and pattern and implements them into the human artificial display of clothing.