Art and fashion are related. Sometimes they are very closely related.
Op Art (not to be confused with Pop Art)
exploits the functional relationship between the eye’s retina (the organ that ‘sees’ patterns) and the brain (the organ that interprets patterns). Certain visual stimuli can cause confusion between these two organs, resulting in the perception of irrational optical phenomena, something the Op Artists used to full effect.¹
In the mid-sixties, the cutting edge of fashion was young and futuristic, and geometric styles and patterns were In. It's' no surprise, then, that Op Art crossed over into fashion almost as soon as it was born. The optical effects that looked good hanging on a gallery wall looked smashing when printed on fabric and made into short shift dresses. Designers in all the fashion capitals picked up the idea and ran with it.
Verzerrte Perspektiven!
4679 Aufgesetzte Balkenblenden verstärken den geometrischen Effekt dieses langärmeligen Modells aus Op-Art-Imprimé. Weil es so gut zum neuen Stil paß: Das Knie darf freizügig gezeit werden.
[Distorted perspectives!
4679 Appliquéd stripes reinforce the geometric effect of this Op Art printed long-sleeved model. Because it goes so well with the new style: the knee can be exposed freely.]
4680 Op-Art-Kleid aus Baumwolle, mit Blendenkragen in Schwarz-Weiß. Der Gürtel is echt, under den Längsblenden verbergen sich Schlitztaschen.
[4680 Black and White Op Art Cotton Dress with Placket Collar. The belt is real, slit pockets are hidden under the longitudinal panels.]
Burda only supplied the patterns for these dresses, not the materials, so it's entirely probable that some cautious souls made these dresses up in less dazzling fabrics. However I still like to think that a few young women startled the world in these vibrant dresses!
¹ Op Art History Part III - http://www.op-art.co.uk/history/op-art-history-part-iii/
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