The Principles of Design

AS RELATED TO FASHION

Why Use Elements and Principles?

Elements of Design

Principles of Design Harmony

Color Line

Shape Texture Space

Proportion Balance Rhythm

Emphasis

TOOLS RULES

What are the Principles of Design?

� Proportion (Scale) � Balance � Emphasis � Rhythm � Harmony

Proportion describes how the separate parts of a garment relate to each

other.

Typically, about 3/8 of a person’s total height is

above the waist, and 5/8 is below.

Proportion

Proportion

� Elements seem to be an appropriate size for the space they fill.

Proportion

The ratio of one part to the whole.

Proportion

The ratio of one part to the whole.

Balance

� The parts of a design are arranged so they achieve a feeling of rest and equilibrium

� Refers to how lines, shapes, colors, textures, and patterns are used to break up an area or space into parts.

� You can manipulate the elements of design to increase or decrease apparent visual weight.

Symmetrical Balance

� One side is a mirror image of the other side

� Considered to be more formal.

Asymmetrical Balance

� Objects on each side of the central dividing

line are different. � More exciting and

dramatic �  Considered to be less

formal

Emphasis

� Emphasis creates a center of interest

� Also referred to as a Focal Point

Highlight your best features - - - - Draw attention away from figure problems

Rhythm- Repetition

When a design element is repeated.

Rhythm- Opposition

� When lines meet to form a right angle

� Checks and plaids � Square necklines � Square pockets

Rhythm-Gradation

Light to Dark

Thin to Thick

Small to Large

Rhythm- Radiation Lines radiate out from a single point.

Harmony �  Refers to the use of lines, shapes, colors, textures and

patterns with enough variety to avoid boredom, but not so much variety as to create conflict.

�  VARIETY (Things that are different) – when the design has differences to create interest

�  UNITY (Things that are alike)– a sense of completeness, when nothing is missing, left out or undone

� Both can be overdone, the key is to balance both to achieve harmony

Harmony

� Unity: repetition of coral color

� Variety: texture—

soft in the sweater and scarf. Firm texture in jeans.