Within this piece in the collection, a clear symmetrical balance can be observed. The simple, white coloring throughout the garment achieves an almost effortless balance. The sense of symmetry is only furthered by the same drape and shape of the garment on either side of the axis, which is blatantly determined by
the buttons going down the center of the dress. The axis is briefly interrupted by the gathering of fabric across the width, beginning at the midriff and extending just past the hips, creating a symmetrical accentuation, falling seemingly perfectly straight across the axis. It can also be noted that the gathering allows for the sleeves of this garment to take the exact same shape on either side. Following this interruption, the buttons down the center continue downwards, and the garment is split down this center line all the way to the model’s shoes, further establishing a sense of bilateral symmetry throughout the entire look.
In a drastic contrast to the previous image, this image is very obviously asymmetrical. Despite the asymmetry, the garment still achieves a sense of balance through the asymmetry. The first noticeable lack of symmetry occurs with the one-shoulder neckline (combined with an off-the-shoulder look on the same side).
This is balanced by an alternating pattern of varying prints and values, allowing for the eye to naturally travel downwards. While the print of the look begins with black with white polka dots, the fabric changes, on a downward angle, to a blue with black polka dots pattern, and continues this alternation in pattern at a downward angle for the entirety of the garment. The use of black in the negative and positive spaces, respectively, of the alternating patterns allows for an equal visual weight within the varying colorways. The downward angle of the alternation also allows for asymmetrical balance to be achieved by the natural movement of the eye downward throughout the garment.
This look achieves a smaller iteration of radial balance through the elements of lace extending from the center of the dress. With each of lace elements extending directly from center, the eye is immediately drawn straight to axis, despite the intricate floral print (that CH is very well known for).
This allows for a sense of balance to be established, paired with the overall symmetry of the garment itself.
Caroline Herrera is very well-known for the extensive use of prints throughout their designs – very commonly floral. I chose a non-floral for this particular example to shake things up! The allover print on this garment, down to the usage of the same print on the buttons, allows for a clear sense of balance.
The print is so carefully used that the buttons almost blend into the garment itself, so as to not draw attention away from the overall visual of the print.
References
Phelps, N. (2026, September 14). Carolina herrera spring 2027 ready-to-wear collection. Vogue. https://www.vogue.com/fashion-shows/spring-2027-ready-to-wear/carolina-herrera
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