Basics of Fashion Designing

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Basics of Fashion Designing

Designing Principles

These basics of fashion designing, are a must for every individual wanting to be a budding

designer.

Proportion

The relative length of two parts of a garment is termed as proportion. The degree and method of

subordinating some part of a design to other is shown as proportion.

Balance

Balance is the equal distribution of weights. (Actual or virtual) Symmetry between the left and

right halves of the body in a garment is termed as the symmetrical balance. The purpose of

balance is to bring a satisfying relationship between all the design parts.

RhythmRhythm is the repeated use of lines or shapes to create a

pattern. Rhythm is achieved through:

Symmetrical designs

Asymmetrical designs

Radiation

Repetition

Dominance

Isolation

Emphasis

Emphasis creates a centre of interest by focusing the viewer`s attention on a specific area of thegarment. It is basically the use of subordination in various parts in order to emphasize and

highlight certain parts.

Unity

Unity means that all elements of a design work together to produce a successful visual effect.

Also known as harmony, achieved when the fundamental elements of design have been used to

express a single concept.

Fundamentals of Designing

The fundamentals of designing are very important to know the concepts of designing. Theelements of designing are the factors that are essential to create the perfect outfit and they are

given below.

Lines

A line can be thought of as points so close together that they lose their individual identity and

form a new entity. Lines act as border between ideas, concepts or steps in a sequence. Since

lines can be straight, curved, or irregularly shaped, one can also think of a line as the track of a


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point in motion depicting various forms. Vertical lines can stop eye movement implying mass

and give volume to a structure. They also equate to power and strength. Horizontal lines

symbolize rest and relaxation. Diagonal lines being dynamic and action-oriented, they portray

dimensions and directions.

ShapesA shape is defined as an area that stands out from the space next to or around it due to a defined

or implied boundary, or because of differences of value, colour, or texture. It is formed when a

line encloses an area. These lined enclosures create an illusionary focus termed as shapes.

Shapes can vary endlessly and can suggest physical form and direct eye movement based on the

directional movement of lines. Shapes define figure, create ground relationships and relate

forms and figures.

Texture

It is defined as the surface characteristics of a material that can be experienced through the

sense of touch or the illusion of touch. In visual images, actual textures can be used, such as

cloth, boxes, small objects, and natural items.

Value

Value is the relative degree of lightness and darkness in a design element. Line, colour, texture,

and shape all need value contrast in order to be seen. Value is used to describe objects, shapes,

and space.

Colour

Colour is the most important part of designing. The primary colours are red, yellow and blue.

They are called primary because they are not mixtures of the other colours. Mixing any two

primary colours results in a secondary colour. The colour wheel is created when the primary and

secondary colours are placed in a circle. Colours directly across from each other on the colour

wheel are called complementary colours. Complementary colours used together provide

extreme contrast.

Basic Silhouettes

A silhouette refers to the outer shape of the garment. In this section, various

types of silhouettes are incorporated as the Indian silhouette. Thus, the basic

Indian silhouettes are as follows:

A-lineThe most common silhouette that has the hem larger in proportion to the

chest and waist measurement, thus giving the classic `A` appearance.

Shift

This has a straight cylindrical shape to the garment achieved by giving same

measurements to the chest, waist and hem. The effect is best achieved when

overall the garment has a close fit. This silhouette works very well for the younger customers.


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Tent

This silhouette is achieved by flaring the garment from under the

armhole. It is important for the garment to be close fitted at the bust.

Empire line

This refers to a panel dividing the garment horizontally into two panelsbelow the bust.

Asymmetrical

This kind of silhouette does not have a symmetrical form. It can be

achieved by varying the true colours, panels, hemlines etc.

Motifs

Ornamentation of fabric with the help of prints and stripes inherent on fabric or with the help of

superficial adherence has evolved over the ages. This generally forms the grooming up of the art

of design. Different kinds of prints and patterns are used to evolve a design pattern. Followingare the different kinds of motifs.

Ethnic

Prints such as the bandhej, batik, paisleys, chitons, French provincials

and other country prints evolving from folklores and influenced with

traditional customs are termed as ethnic prints.

Floral

This motif is also known as the natural motifs, which are basically

depiction of inspirations derived from the nature such as flowers,

animals, landscapes and similar inspirations.

Geometrical This motif uses

geometrical figures such as dots, stripes both horizontal and vertical

with other geometrical motifs and the combinations are termed as

geometrical patterns.

Abstract Uses of abstract to depict

the unknown have always caught the fancy of the people and are often

used for design based ornamentation.

Stylized This motif is an abstract

floral pattern that has a stylized depiction of floras. A very common

motif used for textile.

Plaids and Checks

Use of a combination of linear lines for

creating equal sized checks and unequal sized checks known as

plaids, has been a common motif for design development.

Colour


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Colour is the most important part of designing. The basic colours for

the various seasons are given below:

Neutrals

The neutrals are the classics, which work best with almost any

colour and season.

Summer Colours

The summer radiance refers to a bright, intense and energetic colour palette.

Earthy Colours

The earthy colours give a rustic feel, they are associated with natural fabrics like jute, linen and

cottons and also in terms of leather, wood, bone and shells for accessories.

Pastel Colours

The placid pastels refer to the light and soft colours.

Monsoon Colours

The monsoon moods are reflected in deep and dark shades of browns, blues, greens and

yellows, which are reminiscent of a rain forest.

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Basics of Fashion Designing