A picture is worth a thousand words but colors and symbols are worth an entire message. Nothing says how mightier motifs are, more than what we saw a day ago at one of the most significant moments in current global politics. At the inauguration ceremony of the 46th President of the United States, the gold dove motif became a talking point in fashion.
What we saw was sheer power of symbolisms and iconography, apart from the power of politics. Lady Gaga said a million words without a word with her ensemble. Her luxurious ensemble of navy and red were right on point with the spirit of patriotism.
But the crowing glory of her ensemble was the giant gilded dove brooch holding an olive branch.
Without getting into much details about politics, we can all say that one little motif was momentous enough not only for that particular event, but for the times we are living in.
The dove motif in art
A dove, as history is testament, has always been a symbol of harmony and peace. A star singer, singing the national anthem while sporting the traditional symbolism for peace, is true power of iconography. The gold dove holding an olive branch and wings spread, is nothing but reassurance that we all wish for peace in this chaotic world.
The dove has been iconic of peace, calm, and purity for millennia across many cultures and civilizations around the world. The Greeks believed the white, spotless beauty of the bird was akin to love and renewal of life. In the Bible, when the great flood receded, Noah sent out a dove, which returned with an olive branch to show that the bad times were over and life had returned to earth.
Even in modern art, artists have connected the dove to humble sentiments of the human life. Pablo Picasso created a dove motif which became the emblem for World Peace Congress in 1949, which we now know as the modern symbol of peace.
Doves are divine and stand for love, peace, harmony, renewal, wisdom, hope, compassion, and healing. We see them as a guide to a happier, better world.
The power of the bird motif
It is our constant endeavor to drive upliftment, instill positivity, and drive encouragement through our work. And nothing speaks the same more than motifs with hidden messages – a soaring dove, a rising phoenix, a dancing peacock, a flying eagle, or perhaps a flock of parrots.
In our endeavor to drive positivity and upliftment through our design, we use the bird motifs to send out good vibes. Just like a bird soars high and releases itself from the gravity that holds it back, the embroidered bird motif aims to inspire you and give you hope.
Most often than not, we don’t notice – a small icon or a symbol we might find on a dress. We think it’s random.
Surprisingly, there’s extensive study and the science of visual learning that goes behind the idea of motifs, something we have mastered and made an integral part of our work.
Motifs and symbols hold powers to influence us, inspire us.
They are not always (or don’t have to be) an accessory or something attached. They could be simple motifs stitched or weaved into the clothes but fulfill the same role. Because clothes are the most attached to us, motifs on them will always have the power to inspire our lives.
Next time, you find a dress or a shirt or even a scarf, with a motif of a dove or a phoenix, or any other bird, know that it’s there to send you good energies. So, you can leave all the negativities behind and spread your wings, and fly.
