Elements of Design!

Good Design Equation…

• Elements

▫ Line

▫ Shape

▫ Space

▫ Texture

▫ Color

• Principles

▫ Balance

▫ Proportion

▫ Emphasis

▫ Rhythm

▫ Harmony

+ = Good Design!

A series of points connected to form a narrow path

Vertical Lines

• Leads the eyes up and down

• Gives illusion of more height and less width, resulting in a taller, thinner look

• Gives the feeling of strength, dignity, and formality

• Includes:

▫ Narrow panels

▫ Raised collars

▫ V-necklines

Horizontal Lines

• Leads the eyes from side to side

• Gives the illusion of width, resulting in a short, wider look

• Gives a feeling of stability and restfulness

• Includes:

▫ Two-piece outfits

▫ Contrasting belts

▫ Large pockets

Diagonal Lines

• Add movement or excitement to clothing

• Extent of effect depends on whether it is mostly vertical or horizontal

Zigzag Lines

• Lines that lead the eyes in different directions

• Gives the feeling of excitement, drama, and sometimes chaos

Curved Lines

• Circular or waved lines

• Gives the feeling of movement

• Includes necklines, lapels, ruffles, and scalloped edges

The outline that forms when one or more lines come together to enclose an area (also known as a silhouette).

Tubular

• A rectangular shape with vertical emphasis

• Dominant lines go up and down• NO defined waistline• Appears to add height of

thinness• Includes:

▫ T-shirt dresses▫ Straight-legged pants▫ Tailored business suits

Natural

• Follows the body’s outline

• Fits close to the body

• Emphasizes the body’s natural waistline

• Includes:

▫ Tank tops

▫ Jeans

▫ T-shirts

Bell

• Diagonal and horizontal lines combine in the silhouette of a bell

• Appears to cut height and add contour to a body

• Includes:

▫ A-line skirts and dresses

▫ Flared pants

▫ Jackets

Full

• Has horizontal and curved lines

• Makes the body look larger that it actually is

• Includes:

▫ Gathered skirts and dresses

▫ Full sleeves

▫ Pants with wide legs

The area inside a shape/silhouette

Structural Lines

• Formed by sewing different parts of a garment together

• Includes:

▫ Seams

▫ Darts

▫ Gathers

▫ Pleats

▫ Necklines

▫ Hems

*NO buttons!

Decorative Lines

• Created by adding trim to a garment

• Includes:

▫ Lace

▫ Braid

▫ Edgings

▫ Buttons

The surface characteristics that determine the look and feel of an object.

Soft and Clingy Fabrics

• Hugs the body and emphasizes figure irregularities

• Includes:

▫ Jersey

▫ Chiffon

Moderately Crisp Fabrics

• Stands away from the body just enough to conceal body shapes

• Can add size

• Includes:

▫ Corduroy

▫ Denim

Extra-Crisp Fabrics

• Creates a firm outer shell

• Makes the body seem larger

• Includes:

▫ Taffeta

▫ Vinyl

Smooth Fabrics with a Dull Finish

• Do not seem to create illusions about size and shape

• Include:

▫ Flannel

▫ Broadcloth

▫ Gabardine

▫ Wool jersey

Nubby and Bulky Fabrics

• Typically adds dimension

• Makes a person appear larger

• Sometimes hides features

• Includes:▫ Wide-wale corduroy▫ Mohair▫ Heavy tweeds

Dull Fabrics

• Absorbs light

• Makes the figure look smaller

• Includes:

▫ Flannel

▫ Denim

▫ Gingham

Shiny Fabrics

• Reflects light

• Gives the impression of added size

• Includes:

▫ Polished cotton

▫ Satin

▫ Nylon

▫ Vinyl

▫ Sequined/metallic fabric