Angelica O.
February 29, 2026 – Designing an Experience
Watching the episode about Es Devlin on Abstract: The Art of Design made me think about how design is about experiences, not just objects. Devlin creates stage environments that guide audience emotion, and I realized this is similar to my job as a retail stylist. When I help customers put together outfits, I consider colors, shapes, and textures to create a look that makes them feel confident. Just like a stage set, fashion can tell a story and create an emotional experience for the wearer.
March 1, 2026 – Color and Emotional Impact
Reading Universal Principles of Design, Updated and Expanded Third Edition taught me that color can strongly influence perception and emotion. I see this every day as a stylist. Some customers prefer neutral tones for a calm, classic feel, while others choose bright or bold colors to feel expressive. Knowing how color affects mood helps me guide people in styling outfits that fit their personality and the occasion. It also inspires my fashion sketches, as I think more intentionally about color palettes and how different combinations create emotional impact in clothing design.
March 3, 2026 – Balance and Shape in Fashion
Another principle from the Lidwell book is balance, which makes designs feel intentional and stable. In fashion, this is key when styling outfits. For example, pairing a loose top with fitted pants creates balance in a look. I use this principle both in retail, helping customers find flattering combinations, and in my own sketches and designs. Devlin also uses balance in her stage environments—mixing scale, proportion, and focal points to guide the viewer’s attention. Seeing these ideas applied across disciplines reminds me that design principles are universal and can improve every type of creative work.
March 4, 2026 – Experimentation and Design Thinking
Devlin’s approach in the Netflix episode, along with concepts from the Lidwell design book, taught me how important experimentation is. In stage design, ideas evolve through testing and iteration. In my job as a stylist, experimentation is just as important—sometimes a customer isn’t sure what they want, so we try different colors, silhouettes, and layering until we find the best look. Similarly, in my fashion sketches, I explore multiple options before finalizing a design. This shows me that creativity in fashion is both about aesthetics and problem-solving—testing, observing, and adjusting until the best result emerges.
