DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS

MOT I F

MOTIF Motif is an element that is often repeated in a

collection to create unity. It may be a particular shape, concept, or even a physical element. Motif helps visually unify a group and gives the viewer a sense of narration. Designers often implement motif in a variety of ways within a collection to prevent redundancy & monotony.

2D

-Seaming shapes/details-Sweater stitches-Print development-Embroideries-Beading layouts

3D-trims(buttons, zippers)-Garment silhouette-Pocket & pocket flap

shapes-Collar & lapels-Appliques-Hemline shapes-Cuff design-Cut outs & openings for

positive/negative space

-Accessories

METHODS FOR USING SHAPE AS MOTIF

Using Motifs in Your Work

-Use motif in different sizes from look to look-Place motif references on different areas of the body to

move the viewers eye-Use motif with varied color applications, like contrasting

color (eg: a print that uses several colors & non-color)-Use texture to convey the motif, like a sweater using a

contrast switch with a shape blocked out using the basic stitch.

-Consider using solid shapes and contour line to reference your motif, like in prints or graphics

DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS

T E X T U R E , FO R M A

N D FA B R I C

Fabrics give a collection its framework, whether to complement the garment’s silhouette or as the primary focus of the garment’s design. Well balanced collections feature a variety of fabric weights and textures, which also contribute to a variety of silhouettes, from tailored and structures to more fluid and organic. Fabric and silhouette should never have equal importance in a design; always let one dominate. Otherwise they will compete for attention.

B A S I C G U I D E L I N E S W O R K I N G W I T H F A B R I C

- Use different fabric weights and/or textures within the categories listed

- Never force a fabric; let it do what it wants to do naturally

- Use a selection of solids, patterns and prints

- Mix fabric textures & weights to create looks that can coordinate for various occasions

S U C C E S S F U L F A B R I C S T O R Y F O R A 6 - 8 O U T F I T C O L L E C T I O N

2-3 coating weights2-3 suiting/jacket weights2-3 shirt/blouse weights2-4 sweater/jersey weights2-4 novelty fabrics

5 RULES WHEN DESIGNING WITH FABRIC

1. The more complicated the design’s construction, the plainer the fabric should be. Either the construction or the fabric need to be the focus; they should never compete

2. Never force the fabric- Let the natural weight and drape of the fabric dictate the silhouette and type of garment

3. Design to accentuate the natural characteristics of the fabric

4. Vary fabric weights to create a dynamic collection; it avoids monotony

5. Don’t commit to a fabric until you unroll the bolt. A small swatch of fabric behaves differently when it is cut as a full garment. By unrolling it & draping it you will get a sense of weight, drape and appropriateness for a particular silhouette

A SUCCESSFUL FABRIC STORY WILL:

-Support your concept and theme-Provide cohesion for the collection-Address the customers needs, lifestyle-Innovate fashion through application and/or manufacturing techniques-Be consistent with the designers identity and image-Address current trends while creating new ones-Contain a diverse range of fabric weights and textures-Address the intended season while allowing for subtle shifts in temperature

DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS

C O L O R

Color often conveys emotion and meaning. Frequently, our associations with color stem from history. Blue was worn by ancient Roman public servants and has been used in the police uniform today. As well as individual colors, color combinations can also carry cultural meaning. Warm colors signal the seasonal change to Fall and Thanksgiving in the US. Extensive studies have been done as to how we emotionally react to color.

COLORS THAT ARE OFTEN USED AS SEASONAL COLORSTransition: Brown, olive green, pumpkin,

cranberry, ochre yellow, dark khaki, charcoal grey, taupe, black, chocolate brown DEEP, RICH COLORS

Holiday: Metallics, like silver, gold and bronze, champagne, ivory, black, jewel tones like sapphire blue, ruby red and emerald green

Resort/Pre-Spring: Soft pastels, white, navy blue, cherry red, bright green, tan

Spring: Bright colors like yellow, kelly green, indigo, purple, navy, light khaki

Summer: white, bright saturated colorsTo assist designers in their own observations & speculations, forecasting services offer well formulated research that examines global changes that will affect fashion. Trend forecasting agencies research years in advance for a particular season.

PRACTICAL CONSIDERATIONS-TO DEVELOP COLOR PALETTES BASED ON RELATIONSHIPS IN THE MOOD BOARD, THERE ARE A NUMBER OF PROCESSES YOU CAN FOLLOW

Consider the Customer: Even though a color may look great in a painting or in a wallpaper pattern, color that is worn becomes a part of the wearers personality.

Consider Color scale: A bright color for a large area may be appropriate for one designer, but another designer may find it appropriate to use as a small accent

Define Color Relationships: Neutral, toned down colors provide the foundation for the collection; the comparatively more bright & saturated colors are used as accents

Thematic & Contextual Representation: Does the color palette reinforce your mood/idea? Should you use a unified palette or one that creates contrast?

The “Middlemen”: When a fabric palette consists of solid colors that are unrelated, it is essential to create a fabric that can unify them. Prints, embroideries, multicolor sweater knits and beading layouts can bring unrelated colors together.

THE BASICS OF CREATING A COLLECTION-The collection advances fashion forward: Although an inspiration may come

from the past, fashion must always look forward & strive to innovate-The collection is unique to the designers thumbprint: An original and easily

identifiable product maintains a loyal customer base and creates brand recognition

-Varying the intensity of the concept: By offering a range of looks that is literal to your inspiration, along with watered down versions, designers satisfy their customers needs and shifting moods

-Merchandising addresses a range of occasions- Designers must provide their customers with one stop shopping in each collection. By merchandising their items and offering a full wardrobe that ranges from day to night, tailored & softer looks, designers are ensuring they meet their customers needs for various occasions and moods.

-Order of presentation builds momentum and provides narration: An essential element in any runway show is the order in which a theme is presented. It is important to retain an element of surprise and one of cohesion.