Hello everyone,
Here is my new series in which I attempt to distill my interpretations of the wonderful Kibbe system down to the most clear and fundamental ideas. Again, if you’d like to use the system with 100% accuracy, please see the creator himself! Otherwise, I hope my explanations help illuminate the usefulness and value of this Yin Yang based style system.
What is the Kibbe System?
The Kibbe system is a style philosophy that uses the spectrum of Yin and Yang (explained in the next section) to describe three main aspects of one’s silhouette:
#1: Size/Height/Scaling
#2: Frame/Skeleton/Bone Structure
#3: Flesh/Tissue/Musculature
By analyzing these three aspects, one can figure out the best fabrics, cuts, shapes, details, and overall garments to accommodate their silhouette’s strongest and most prominent features. The Kibbe philosophy approaches the silhouette in a very embracing and celebratory way- there are no agendas that seek to hide, obscure, or “balance” one’s figure or so called flaws. Instead, presenting one’s true silhouette with confidence is the goal….hence the motto “Truth is Beauty and Beauty is Truth.”
What is Yin and Yang in the Kibbe System?
Yin and Yang are philosophical terms that are likened to the shape and momentum behind a variety of forms.
Yin can be described by a wreath- round, soft, ornate, and decentralized. Yin is a diffuse and fluid energy, and the Yin shapes and fabrics behave accordingly. For a “feel” of the Yin aesthetic, I recommend watching Marie Antoinette directed by Sofia Coppola, a film ripe with lush, swirling, and intricate details like a watercolor dream.
Yang, on the opposite end of the spectrum, can be described by an arrow- sharp, direct, angular, linear, continuous, sleek, and streamlined. Yang is a very bold and succinct energy, and the Yang shapes and fabrics extend that feel and momentum. Watch The Matrix to enjoy a highly architectural and sleek aesthetic that resonates with a very Yang vibe.
Is the Kibbe System Based on Silhouette or Aesthetic/Vibe?
One cannot use the Kibbe system fully without considering both silhouette and “vibe” or “feel.” Both the seemingly measurable and objective (size, frame, flesh) and the intangible and underlying energy (vibe, persona) must be honored and considered in order to find one’s most resonant Kibbe ID.
Still, this series is geared towards laying down the basics, so more emphasis will be given to the more objective and measurable aspects. For more nuanced studies, please see my playlist on individual style inspirations and a discussion detailing various layers of their style (Kibbe and Essence Exploration Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLrYReL–HLR0mPKB_jBwUr2N1ojNgfpm7).
Kibbe Romantics and Dramatics: Extreme Yin and Yang
Our lovely Romantic example is Liz Taylor, who is Yin in all three aspects (size, frame, and flesh).
Compare her to our beautiful Dramatic example, Katherine Hepburn, who is totally Yang.
Liz and Katherine are beautiful in very different ways. At first glance, Liz is more soft, supple, and dainty whereas Katherine is more striking, powerful, and statuesque.
Dressing and Accommodating Extreme Yin and Yang: Kibbe Romantics and Dramatics
To accommodate the delicately rounded and relatively “subtle” shapes of the Romantic, a soft and yielding fluid line must be honored. Smaller and gentler shapes need more delicate fabric and cuts in order to be embraced. Heavier fabrics and more angular or linear cuts would only overwhelm their subtle terrain.
To accommodate the bold and statuesque silhouette of the Dramatic, an approach that seeks to extend their strong lines is prioritized. Too many little details and curves would constrain and clutter the Dramatic. Instead, fabrics and cuts that emphasize streamlined elongation have the most powerful and elevating effect.
How NOT to Dress a Kibbe Romantic or Kibbe Dramatic
To obscure the delicate Romantic silhouette, dress them in rigid, oversized, and high contrast ensembles. To detract from the Dramatic figure, add delicate volumes and ornate details.
Modern Kibbe Romantic and Kibbe Dramatic Examples
Madonna and Emilia Clarke are both so Yin in size, frame, and flesh and look gorgeous in these fluid dresses with rounded edges, strong waist definition, and soft volumes.
Claire Danes and Cate Blanchett are striking modern Dramatics who shine in elongated, sleek looks.
Kibbe Theatrical Romantic vs Kibbe Soft Dramatic
Let’s take a look at the other members of the Romantic and Dramatic families.
These types are often given confused description- the Theatrical Romantic is simply NOT a short Soft Dramatic, and a Soft Dramatic cannot equate to a tall Theatrical Romantic.
The Theatrical Romantic in Yin in size and proportion and Yin in flesh. Her Yang undercurrent comes from the slight bit of sharpness, elongation, and tapering on a majorly Romantic bone structure. Vivien Leigh and Jane Seymour exemplify this ID so perfectly.
The Soft Dramatic is Yang in size and frame, with perhaps a bit more narrowness and a bit less sharpness compared to a Dramatic’s skeleton. The Soft Dramatic also has Yin flesh. Ava Gardner and Sofia Loren are Soft Dramatic bombshells.
The Theatrical Romantic still has a more delicate and subtle shape to accommodate. On the other hand, the Soft Dramatic still has a statuesque and grander scale to celebrate. Though both look best in fluid, continuous lines and slightly oversized and bold patterns (relative to size), the Yin dominant Theatrical Romantic cannot handle as much ornateness, sweeping contours and flares, and plush material. The Soft Dramatic requires more angularity and boldness and shape, and would most likely look cluttered in the more delicate and intricate tapers and details that bring out the Theatrical Romantic’s figure.
How NOT to Dress or Accommodate the Theatrical Romantic and Soft Dramatic
Chop up both types with highly contrasting separates and minimalist/plain spans of fabric that lack shaping. The Theatrical Romantic is easily overwhelmed with even a bit of oversized and un-tapered fits and sweeping volumes (as opposed to more delicate, tapered volumes). The Soft Dramatic is constrained with too many contrasting and small patterns and details and too much tight and constraining shaping.
More Videos on The Kibbe Romantics, Theatrical Romantics, Dramatics, and Soft Dramatics
Please see my YouTube playlists to learn more!
https://www.youtube.com/c/thealignedlover/playlists
Thanks for watching and reading!
xx
Nona
