Introduction to surface decoration

Surface Ornamentation: Meaning

Surface ornamentation transforms a garment’s appearance and adds
great charm. Fabric decoration’s main goal is to offer a fascinating
aspect. Mirrors, beads, sequins, threads, wires, buttons, and other
embellishments are the most often used materials for surface adornment

When one looks back in time, one can actually see evidence of surface
ornamentation in the clothing and accessories worn by the populace at
the time. Daily items like bed covers, tablecloths, jewellery boxes, and
shoes were decorated with precious stones and thread work. The kings,
queens, and other members of the royal family wore bulky clothing with
intricate ornamentation. It was an indication of social standing to wear
clothing that was adorned with costly metals and stones.
What is Surface Ornamentation?
Surface ornamentation refers to the process of adorning a fabric’s surface
after it has been formed using a variety of techniques like tie-dye, block
printing, batik, embroidery, etc. It currently plays a huge part in fashion
design. In order to draw in and keep clients, surface decoration is preferred.

Surface ornamentation adds immense beauty and enhances the look of a

garment. The main idea of fabric decoration is to add an element of interest.
The most common materials used for surface ornamentation are mirrors,
beads, sequins, threads, wires, buttons, etc.

Surface ornamentation is a skill. It has been practiced in India since

centuries. Every region in India is known for its own style of surface
ornamentation. For example, Gujarat and Rajasthan are known for mirror
work, Punjab is known for phulkari embroidery and so on.
 SURFACE DECORATION TECHNIQUE
• There are many ways of surface ornamentation.
These are given below -

• Layering.
• Printing.
• Dyeing. • Gathering.
• Embroidery. • Couching.
• Appliqué. • Piping & binding.
• Patch work. • Ric rac.
• Cut work.
• Pleat.
• Mirror work.
• Tuck.
• Metallic work.
• Bead work. • Raffle.
• Sequence work. • Frill & flounces.
• Quilting. • Laces & braid.
• Smocking. • Fabric manipulation.
 Sources of inspiration for designs
Sources of inspiration play an important role in the design process, both in defining the context for new
designs and in informing the creation of individual designs. For each artist, the process of finding new
inspiration is a journey. Sometimes inspiration can be found on one's doorstep and sometimes one has to
travel far and wide to uncover it. Previous designs and other sources of ideas furnish a vocabulary both for
thinking about new designs and for describing designs to others. Different sources of inspiration for
a design may be as follows:
• Historic and traditional designs: Most designers are inspired from traditional textiles. Indian
traditional textiles are characterized by their unique and traditional designs which have strong
social, cultural and geographical influences.
• Mythological scenes
• Folk art and ethnic designs
• Nature
• Manmade objects
• Design and fashion magazines
Paintings
Cave paintings
Human emotions
Sculptures
Articles of daily Life
Village scenes
Rituals, customs and ceremonial scenes
Architectural designs
Design library
Swatch books: collection of fabric swatches, pictures from magazines or newspapers
Museums
Fabric stores
Travel: exposure to new cultures is inspiring in every way; it can be especially stimulating to
our sense of style. It gives ideas about different ways people adorn themselves.
Television
Travel shows
Fashion channels
Old and new movies
Drama and theatre
Fashion shows
Different related sites on Internet
Fashion blogs
Types of Fabrics for Surface
Ornamentation
Velvet, silk, satin, georgette, chiffon, etc. were some of the most
common fabrics used for surface ornamentation. Beads, pipes, and
Ari and zardousi work with gold, silver and copper threads to give a
rich look to the garment. Mostly the necklines, hemline and sleeves
were highlighted with decorative work.
In a subject such as fashion design, understanding the nature of
the fabric is very important. This ultimately decides what kind
of surface ornamentation technique suits best.
 Fashion Designers
On a national level, designers like Sabyasachi Mukherjee, Neeta
Lulla etc. and on an international level, Alexander McQueen, Peter
Pilotto, Roberto Cavalli, etc. use lots of surface ornamentation.
Surface ornamentation will continue to be the highlight of every
garment. Surface Embellishments on garments and apparels will
never go out of fashion. So, take inspiration and keep designing!
There might be many designs out there, but if they aren’t what you
like then it doesn’t matter. If designing excites you and you would
love to custom make your clothing then joining a fashion design
course will be the best place to start. You will not just learn how to
make skirts but a lot of other garment designs too.