Principles & Elements of Design

Principles ElementsBalance ColorProportion LineRhythm TextureEmphasis Shape

Form

Concepts we have covered already.

Fashion Illustration Terms Croquis - A fashion illustration of a body that can be

duplicated to use for designing.

Fashion figures/ models - taller and thinner than the

average real person.

Silhouette – the shape of one’s body

or a garment.

Shape in Fashion

Pear Shape- Attempt to draw the eye up and balance the difference between top and middle of the body

Hourglass- Considered the perfect body shape with bust and waist roughly 10 inches smaller than the waist. 36-26-36

Apple- More rounded figure shape. Attempt to lengthen the body out using vertical lines, solid colors, less texture.

Cone or Triangle- larger chest/bust, smaller hips- try to equalize both areas.

Rectangular/ Ruler- More straight up and down. Widen body with horizontal lines if thinner. Can use prints, and designs if not over powering.

Ideal Silhouette

The perfect shape! Hourglass figure The ideal body is said to be 8 heads tall with 7/8 of it below the head.

Standards of beauty change over time.

Form

3-dimensional shape that is emphasized in fashion design

Watch this link: Form Follows Fashion- be sure to watch part that includes adaptive styles for special populations.

http://www.rom.on.ca/en/exhibitions-galleries/exhibitions/fashion-follows-form

Body Types

Figure – a term used for the shape of a woman’s body

Physique – a term used for the shape of a man’s body

Illusion- Visually appearing different from what something really is!

One can create an illusion by applying the principles and elements of design.What do you want us to see?

Rhythm- Principle of Design Repetition – a repeated shape

1. Regular = consistent2. Irregular = random

Gradation – repetition is altered in one area in a consistent manner

Radiation - line or shape radiates from a center point

Proportion The relationship of all parts in a design to each other and to the whole. The most pleasing proportion is 3/5 - the Golden Ratio/Mean Which one is most pleasing?

Emphasis

Principle of design that uses a concentration of interest

in a particular part or area of a design.

*Focal Point

The most important visual element dominates over all .

Harmony

Pleasing visual unity of a design created by a tasteful relationship among all parts within the whole.

BalanceImplies equilibrium or steadiness

1.Formal = symmetrical Both sides are the same.

2.Informal = asymmetrical Both sides are different, but still balanced.

Assignment Portfolio Pages

Complete the Elements- Do two pages that show your understanding of shape & form vs function. Shape- pick the body shape that most

resembles your own. Find three styles that would

look good on your body shape. For instance:Pear-

This style hides the wider hips, while gracefully fooling the eye to make bust slightly larger. Balances the top and bottom of the body.

Portfolio Continued

Form Follows Fashion- find 3 designs that emphasize geometric shapes or are functionally structured to accommodate a body need.

This jacket is designed for a handicapped person who would find it difficult to put their arms above their head and probably sits in a wheelchair most of the day.

More Form Examples

This shoe has an extra embellishment that has no function, but does make a dramatic fashion statement. One might think it was inspired by looking at the legs of fluffy feathered bird or chicken.

This adaptable dress to be worn during pregnancy and be adapted and changed as the pregnancy changes. Therefore it has a good design for form and function.

Principles of Design Portfolio Pages

• Find one example of each principle of design.• You may put two principles on the same page.• Write a descriptive paragraph for each principle of design

fashion.

• Principles: BalanceProportionRhythmEmphasis

Hint: Google Search- you will find some excellent examples.You therefore have 4 pages left to complete:

1 each for Shape & Form (2 total pages)2 pages that have 2 principles on one page (2 pages)