Why Study Design?

Elements and Principles of Design

Elements of Design

1. Form and Shape

Silhouette or outside line

Fitted garment emphasizes body contours

Less fitted camouflages body

A rectangle is the shape when top & bottom are about equal in width

narrow rectangles are more slenderizing

a boxy shape decreases height

A triangle is the silhouette when garment is wider at top or bottom

shoulder width balances wider hips, reduces height

bottom width counteracts wide shoulders

2. Line

Used skillfully these can create an

illusion, helping to make the figure

appear in better proportion.

vertical lines usually create illusion of height and slimness

include buttons, princess seams, etc.

repeated at even or wide intervals may cause figure to appear shorter and wider

Horizontal lines tend to cut height, especially when used at body centre

one horizontal above or below the middle appears to lengthen

horizontal lines may be stripes or garment seams

Diagonal lines may contribute height or width, depending on their length and angle

long diagonal gives feeling of length

short diagonal gives impression of width

Curved lines produce the same effect as straight lines of similar length and placement

the visual impact is softer, and they may add roundness

3. Texture and Pattern

Includes light reflection (sheen), feel

(rough or smooth), appearance, and

hand (degree of stiffness or softness).

Shiny fabric makes body appear larger

Dull fabric is more slimming

Rough or fluffy textures are bulky and tend to make figures look larger

Stiff fabrics conceal figure, but make it appear larger

Soft, smooth textures work for any figure type

Use care when combining different patterns

Always consider size of pattern in relationship to size of wearer

4. Color

Reds, oranges, and yellows are described as warm colors

They seem to advance, are noticed more, and may make objects appear larger

the same is true of intense, bright or light colors

Cool colors seem to recede and are noticed less

Objects in these colors may appear smaller

The same is true of less intense, dull or darker colors

The Color Wheel

Primary colors - red, blue, yellow

Secondary colors - orange, green, purple

Color Harmonies

Color harmonies are used to assist in combining colors. These are based on the color wheel.

Analogous

Colors beside each other on the color wheel

Example: orange, red-orange, and red

Monochromatic

Values and intensities of one color

Example: light blue, medium blue, navy blue

Complimentary

Colors opposite each other on the color wheel

Example: blue and orange

Triadic Three colors an equal distance apart on the color wheel

Example: red, blue, yellow

Accented Neutral

Neutral color with brighter accent

Example: Black with blue

Principles of Design

1. Balance

Symmetrical or Formal Balance, where both sides of a design are the same

Asymmetrical or Informal Balance where both sides of a design are not alike

2. Proportion

This refers to a pleasing relationship of parts in a design.

The most pleasing proportion is a ratio of 3:5 (as in human body), and is called the Golden Mean.

An outfit is “divided” into spaces by necklines, waistline, hemlines, accessories, etc.

3. Rhythm

Rhythm is the movement of the eye from one part of the design to another.

It allows the eye to glide smoothly from one part of a design to another.

Rhythm by Repetition

Repetition of lines, shapes, colors, pleats, etc.

Rhythm by Gradation

Gradually increasing or decreasing a shape or size, or by lightening or darkening colors

Rhythm by Radiation

Lines coming out from a central point, such as gathers or a circular yoke

4. Unity

A feeling of belonging together, achieved by having garment details relate to each other.

May be achieved through use of trimmings (shapes, colors), textures, or blending of colors

5. Emphasis

Attention is drawn to a focal point or centre of interest.

The End