• Journal of the Korean Society of Costume
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• v.63 no.5
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• pp.115-131
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• 2013

Dries Van Noten, one of the Antwerp Six, focused on recreating traditional attire from each region to complex contemporary attire and has shown designs that interpreted ethnic image in contemporary perspective from his very first collection. He has positioned himself as a designer with creative expression of ethnic image through broad use of various patterns. This paper analyze the use of pattern in Dries Van Noten's designs by season and item, and reflects on the characteristics of pattern use and influence on fashion image. Total of 887 clothing items were collected from Noten's collections on the Internet. Through analysis of frequency and percentage and cross tab of expression techniques, types, patterns of each motif, and classifications of print combinations, it was shown that Noten has applied six aesthetic rules in the use of pattern design. Pattern played the most significant role in his design. It was possible to achieve the balance of ethnic image and modern image with the mix of flower and abstract motives. Overall pattern was mostly used for practical purpose: border patterns and spaced patterns played a vital role in rendering uniqueness. Noten exhibited unity and variation in combining prints. He expressed the beauty of Oriental style by inserting solid color blocks in between patterns and decorations along trim lines.