Popular motifs and patterns in fashion throughout the centuries
Eighteenth century
The motifs such as roses, grapevines, strawberries and chestnuts were very popular during pre-eighteenth century.
Later on foliage, luxuriant blooms, exotic fruits and birds also embellished Indian chintz.
Historical ornamentation, urns, rosettes, vases and delicate scrolling foliage and flora and fauna were frequently seen during eighteenth century.
Nineteenth century
During mid ninetieth century fabrics were enriched with motifs such as arabesques and Indian designs such as paisley patterns derived from Kashmir shawls and consisting of formalized representations of pine cones, palms and almonds.
Stylized birds, floral and vegetative motifs, notably scrolling acanthus leaves, were also frequently used by Art Nouveau designers.
Twentieth century
For the first five years of this century motifs such as stems, roots, elongated blooms and dream like figures of women retained their popularity.
Fabrics ornamented with birds of the paradise, the ‘tree of life’, roses and banner like ribbons were also popular.
Some of the earliest examples were enriched with romantic motifs such as garlands and baskets of flowers, stylized rosebuds, fawns, doves and ropes of pearls
Some most striking motifs were classical architectural elements rendered in black and white.
Twenty-first century
Fashionable motifs featuring artistic images of fruits and berries
Diverse range of domestic artifacts ranging from crockery to buttons and photographic images and photocopied prints.
Ikat designs, ginghams and Madras prints were also among the most fashionable during this period.
It can be observed that each period is guided by some particular prints and thus it can be said that fashion trends greatly influence the textile prints and motifs irrespective of regional, cultural and geographical influences.
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