Body and Image: #2

On the first post we tried to demonstrate how important Body Language is and how much of our lives is constantly influenced by it on a daily basis. Taking into account the subject of this blog, we’ll try to provide relevant information on how Body Language may affect the Fashion industry. 

Picking up where we left off, emphasizing the subliminal messages that the simple act of crossing your arms can portray in a professional/working environment, we’ll now focus on how this line of thought can be applied to static imagery, such as pictures. 

The perception and judgement of one’s image/posture is processed not only in the presence of movement but also in its absence (models posing for campaigns, photoshoots, etc). In fact, this is something that can draw more than 50% of your subconscious attention span everyday. Despite being completely different contexts, the interpretation of one’s image bears the same weight in both situations, even if the final appreciation might differ.

I.e., although crossing your arms in a meeting can be associated with negative traits, in fashion photography it may be used as a means to portray a specific emotion or attitude, thus being ultimately beneficial when linked to this media context. 

The posture patterns used in images of the photographic market, make it easier to embed them with a contextualized significance and hence contribute to a satisfying result.

The subtle coolness of James Dean.

Raising your body consciousness and being aware of your limits is extremely useful in such a demanding and competitive market; however, this is something that requires a harmonious connection between mind and body and can only be attained through everyday work. 

In our understanding, this guidance can be translated to virtually all sectors of the working world, overlooking position or gender. Everyone should be able to move naturally without:

- Restriction of movement;

- Pain;

- Articulation (joints) instability; 

- Fatigue

- Etc.

which most of the times is not easily achieved. On the next posts we’ll provide you with simple, yet effective tips, which may help you prevent the above and enhance your body consciousness.

Written by: Miguel Vieira and Caroline Prufer (Physiotherapist specialized in Labor Health and Postural re-education).