The Origins and Evolution of the Image Archetypes (Body Types)
Rather than focusing on concealing problem areas, the Image Archetype approach celebrates the lines, structure and proportions inherent to the person’s specific body type. Out of all the garments and accessories in the world, the Image Archetype theory clearly identifies cuts, lengths, materials and shapes that flatter a particular Body Type. It also identifies all the cuts, shapes, lengths and materials to be avoided.
The origin of Image Archetypes can be traced to the publication of Metamorphosis, a book by David Kibbe, in 1987. David Kibbe examines Yin (feminine) and Yang (masculine) lines in person’s bone structure, flesh and fat distribution, face features (eyes, nose, lips, cheekbones, hair) as well as the inherent lines, width and proportion of shoulders, breasts, ribcage, waist, hips, arms, hands and legs. All lines, shapes and proportions are analysed in order to determine what garments flatter the person the most.
David Kibbe introduced the following Body Types: Dramatic, Soft Dramatic, Flamboyant Natural, Natural, Soft Natural, Dramatic Classic, Classic, Soft Classic, Flamboyant Gamine, Gamine, Soft Gamine, Theatrical Romantic and Romantic.
Analysts around the world worked with the system of David Kibbe and over time, possible gaps have been identified and filled by two additional Image Archetypes: Ingenue and Ethereal. While some analysts believe the addition has been very helpful, others prefer to stay true to the original classification. At Style Identity, I believe there is a strong case for adding Ingenue and Ethereal to the mix.
While there are many clients who perfectly fit into one of the Image Archetypes listed above (Dramatic, Soft Dramatic, Flamboyant Natural, Natural, Soft Natural, Dramatic Classic, Classic, Soft Classic, Flamboyant Gamine, Gamine, Soft Gamine, Theatrical Romantic, Romantic, Ethereal and Ingenue), some clients’ Image Archetype is a unique combination of two to three Archetypes, e.g. Dramatic Classic Ingenue or Gamine Classic. Style Identity takes this into consideration and analyses each and every client very carefully.
Are you tired of thinking of your curves (or lack of thereof), height, facial features as not good enough? Too small or too wide or too straight or too curvy? Are you tired of making clothes and styles fit you without feeling confident about the end result? Are you focusing too much on how to correct or conceal certain body areas? If so, then the time is right for a liberating mind shift.
Let’s discover together all the shapes, cuts, silhouettes, materials and accessories that celebrate your particular body type, where none of the lines and proportions inherent to your body are seen as a liability but on the contrary, they are a key ingredient to create a visually compelling message, a message that is beautiful and harmonious. We will simultaneously define all the cuts, lines, shapes, materials and silhouettes that don’t flatter your body and thus bring you a peace of mind - there is a reason why your body doesn’t look good in those garments. Let’s bring the confidence about your body shape to another level! Book an Image Archetype session with Style Identity today!