What is Zeitgeist and what does it means for designing?
Last year, I was offered an amazing opportunity to support professors at NJIT, teaching their students how to create interiors. I loved working with these young women and men, they reminded me that good design is not just pleasing to the eye, but also meaningful. When critiquing their projects I repeatedly used the term “Zeitgeist”, explaining how style is born, rather than created. As consumers we only adopt a style when it roots deeply in what we experience in our times. In other words, a renowned designer cannot force a trend on us unless this trend reflects what we as a society feel. Visual artists used to be the first to react to changes. Their artwork reflects what the society cannot yet verbalize, let alone act upon. Cubism is a total expression of Zeitgeist and is currently an exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum in the city. Cubism was born at the beginning of the 20th century, when artists like Braque, Picasso, Leger and Gris reacted to the disruption and end of century-old orders by finding new shapes and proportions, and eventually new ways to use color.
Music, literature, film & fashion are further forms of expressing what we feel as a society. We express ourselves by listening to our favorite music style or dressing in a style that expresses our personality.
As a designer I find it highly interesting to observe how culture develops, changes. I curiously listen to music my daughter and her friends introduce to me. I look forward to Fashion Week. I get a kick out of studying fashion (composition!) and cosmetic (color combinations!) ads.
We thought it would be fun to explore “Zeitgeist” further by starting with a fashion blog this coming Friday. We would love for you to engage with us with comments and discussions.
Stay tuned, the link to our new blog will be posted here in a few days.
– Pears and Grapes on a Table by Juan Gris, 1913