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GuidesJuly 11, 2024·2 min read

David Kibbe and Metamorphosis: The Origin of the Kibbe System

Learn about David Kibbe and his revolutionary book Metamorphosis, which created the Kibbe body typing system that transformed how women dress.

Written by Zohaib Hassan, Software Engineer
#david-kibbe#history#kibbe#metamorphosis#book

The Kibbe body typing system was created by David Kibbe, an image consultant and author who revolutionized how women approach personal style.

Who Is David Kibbe?

David Kibbe is a New York-based image consultant who developed his body typing system over decades of working with women as a personal stylist. His approach combined elements of:

  • Yin/yang philosophy from Chinese metaphysics
  • Classic Hollywood glamour and costume design
  • Practical personal styling experience
  • Body geometry and proportion analysis
  • The Book: Metamorphosis

    In 1987, David Kibbe published **"Metamorphosis: Discover Your Image Identity and Dazzle As Only You Can"** — often simply called "Metamorphosis" or the "Kibbe book."

    The book laid out the foundational principles:

  • Every woman has a unique combination of yin and yang in her bone structure and flesh
  • 2. This combination determines which of the 13 types she belongs to

    3. Dressing in harmony with one's natural lines creates maximum impact

    4. Makeup, hair, and accessories must also align with one's type

    Metamorphosis: The Original vs. The Bible New Edition

    The Original 1987 Edition

    The original Metamorphosis has become a cult classic, with used copies selling for hundreds of dollars. It introduced:

  • The 13 body types
  • Yin/yang spectrum concept
  • Style recommendations for each type
  • Hair and makeup guidelines
  • Wardrobe archetypes for each type
  • The Bible New Edition

    David Kibbe released a revised edition with updated information, celebrity examples, and modern interpretations while keeping the core principles intact.

    Why the Kibbe System Endures

  • **It celebrates diversity**: Unlike many style systems that promote one "ideal" body type, Kibbe's system acknowledges 13 equally valid types
  • **It's a holistic approach**: Not just clothing — Kibbe covers hair, makeup, accessories, and even personality
  • **It's timeless**: Based on body geometry rather than trends
  • **It's empowering**: Teaches women to work with their bodies, not against them
  • The Kibbe Community

    Since Metamorphosis, an active online community has grown around the Kibbe system:

  • Strictly Kibbe (David's official Facebook group)
  • Reddit communities (r/Kibbe, r/DressForYourBody)
  • YouTube channels analyzing celebrity types
  • Style blogs and podcasts dedicated to the system
  • Internal Links

  • Explore the [complete list of 13 Kibbe types](/blog/kibbe-body-types-chart)
  • Understand the [yin/yang theory](/blog/kibbe-system-yin-yang) behind the system
  • Take our [Kibbe body type quiz](/quiz) to discover your type
  • ZH

    Zohaib Hassan

    Software Engineer

    Zohaib Hassan is a Software Engineer with 3+ years of experience building enterprise web applications, with a focus on frontend architecture, data-driven interfaces, and user-facing product design. He built and maintains Kibbe Body Types.

    Discover Your Kibbe Type

    Take our interactive quiz to find out your body type and get personalized styling recommendations.

    Take the Quiz