The Kibbe type is a body and style system created by David Kibbe that categorizes people into different "Image Identity" types based on their natural physical characteristics, including skeletal structure, body flesh, and facial features. It focuses on the balance of yin (soft, curved, feminine) and yang (angular, sharp, masculine) traits within a person's overall appearance and essence. The system groups types into five main families: Dramatic, Natural, Classic, Gamine, and Romantic, with a total of 10 or more specific types within these families. The Kibbe system is more about embracing and working with one's natural shape and style rather than traditional body shape categories like hourglass or pear. Each type in the system comes with style guidelines for clothing, hair, and makeup to create a harmonious and flattering look for the individual's unique characteristics. Here are the five main Kibbe families with brief descriptions:
- Dramatic: Tall, angular, and sharp yang features; elongated and narrow body frame.
- Natural: Slightly angular but softer than Dramatic, with a broad, blunt bone structure.
- Classic: Balanced yin and yang features, symmetrical and moderate body proportions.
- Gamine: A mix of yin and yang with a youthful, compact, and often petite frame.
- Romantic: Soft yin features with rounded edges, curvy and lush silhouette.
Within these families, there are more specific subtypes like Soft Dramatic, Flamboyant Natural, Soft Classic, Flamboyant Gamine, Theatrical Romantic, and others, each describing a nuance of yin-yang balance and style approach. This system focuses on how a person's unique combination of bone structure, body flesh, and facial features defines their most flattering style identity and how they can express their personal essence through fashion and appearance.
