The Principles of DesignAs applied to apparel

Balance

The principle of design that implies equilibrium or steadiness among the parts of a design or outfit.

•Balance in garments is produced by structural parts and added decoration.

•A properly balanced garment appears equal in weight and power of attraction from all sides, from top to bottom, and from front to back.

Formal balance

Equilibrium provided by symmetrical parts. One side resembles the other.

Informal balance

Equilibrium provided by asymmetrical parts.

One side is unequal to the other.

ProportionThe principle of design dealing with the relative

sizes of all the parts in a design to each other and to the whole.

•Garment details and accessories should be proportioned for the wearer.

•Proportion is most pleasing when garment areas are unevenly divided.

Proportion

Emphasis

The principle of design that uses a concentration of interest or area of focus in a particular part or area of design.

Emphasis or a focal point can be used to draw attention or to keep the eye away.Emphasis can be provided through the use of color, texture, structural lines, decorative lines, or accessories.

Emphasis

Rhythm

The principle of design concerned with the pleasing arrangement of the design elements to produce a feeling of continuity or easy movement of the observer’s eye.

Rhythm is what allows the viewer’s eye to move steadily and smoothly through the lines and spaces of the design.

Four main types of rhythm Repetition

Gradation

Radiation

Alternation

Rhythm Repetition: Rhythm

created by repeated lines, shapes, colors, or textures in a garment.

Gradation: Rhythm created by a gradual increase or decrease of similar design elements.

Rhythm (cont)

Radiation: Rhythm created by lines emerging from a central point like rays, resulting in the parts being an equal distance from a given point.

Alternation: Rhythm created by alternating elements such as light and dark colors or stripes of two colors or sizes.

To appear taller and thinner Black, navy blue,

charcoal, and chocolate brown

Monochromatic colors Straight silhouettes Vertical lines Subtle prints, plaids Smooth, flat textures Narrow, matching belt

To appear shorter and thicker

Sharply contrasting colors Light, bright, warm colors Wide silhouettes Horizontal lines Bold prints, plaids Bulky texture Wide, contrasting belt Gathers or pleats

To attract attention White, yellow, orange,

and red Bright colors Busy prints Shiny or textured

fabric Clingy fabrics

To avoid attention Dark, cool, and dull

colors Plain patterns Minimal structural

design Earth tones No applied decoration