Bridgerton: How Kate Sharma Exemplifies Yin & Yang
Kibbe’s Image ID system is largely based on this concept of Yin & Yang.
A quick Google search of Yin & Yang will tell you that it is:
An ancient Chinese philosophy that describes how seemingly opposite or contrary forces can be complementary, interconnected, and interdependent and how they may give rise to each other as they relate to one another
You might see this in nature:
Day and Night: Day with its brightness, activity, and warmth, while night embodies darkness, restfulness, and coolness.
Water and Fire: Water is flowing and cooling, while fire provides warmth and energy.
Sun and Moon: The sun is yang, radiating light and heat, while the moon is yin, reflecting the sun's light and providing a gentle glow.
Inhaling and Exhaling: Inhaling is active and energizing, while exhaling is passive and calming.
All of these are opposite, and yet none can exist alone without its balancing counterpart.
To elucidate the opposite, yet interconnected nature within our bodies, Kibbe employed the concept of yin and yang, extending its application to style.
However, there's a common misconception about Kibbe's concept of yin and yang that I frequently encounter — the belief that Yang is inherently masculine and Yin is feminine. Consequently, many women mistakenly believe that Yang is ugly and Yin is pretty.
In reality, we all have a unique mix of yin and yang features that make us unique and give us a blueprint of what to mirror within our clothing.
It’s neither good or bad – just an objective reality.
So what are yin & yang features?
Now that we’ve talked about yin & yang, how does Kate Sharma in Bridgerton exemplify this concept?
If you’ve watched the last season of Bridgerton, you know that she is introduced as this strong-willed, badass, independent character.
She has one goal – get her sister a good suitor and then go back to India to live her life as a “spinster”.
Her personality in the beginning of the season screams “strength, determination, and assertiveness” – all traits that seem yang in our system!
Show writers seem to have mirrored her personality in her outfits in the beginning of the season because we see her wearing dresses that are made of visually heavier materials like velvet,
as well as sharper details like these angular lapels.
The slightly sharper, heavier weight dresses in the beginning of the season look so at home with her body type and personality in the show.
Throughout the course of the season, she starts to develop feelings for Anthony slowly (veryyyyy slowly), and we start to see that her personality – as well as her dresses – soften as well.
She starts displaying compassion and vulnerability for the viscount – traits that seem softer and fit better with Yin in our system.
As Anthony brings out her softer side, the costume designers reflect this change by dressing her in visually lighter dresses made from fabrics like lace, featuring softer colors and more rounded details.
If Kate had remained as bold and strong as she was at the beginning of the season or as soft as she was at the end, the story wouldn't have been nearly as captivating.
It is her evolving and harmonious blend of traits that makes her a compelling and multidimensional character, mirroring how our unique blend of yin/yang makes us and our style multidimensional.
As she navigates her relationships and personal challenges, Kate's evolving wardrobe and demeanor reflect this intricate balance, showcasing her as a true embodiment of the interconnected and complementary nature of Yin and Yang.
