DESIGN NOTES

FASHION CYCLE
The way in which fashion changes is usually described as a
fashion cycle.

1. Introduction of a Style:
Designers interpret their research and creative ideas into appeal
or accessories and then offer the new styles to the public.
Designers create new designs by changing elements such as line,
shape, color , fabric, and details and their relationship to one
another. New creations referred to as the “latest fashions” may
not yet be accepted by anyone. At this first stage of the cycle,
fashion implies only style and newness.

Most new styles are introduced at a high price level. Designers

who are globally respected for their talent may be given financial
backing and be allowed to design with very few limitations on
creativity, quality of raw materials, or amount of fine
workmanship. Naturally, production costs are high, and only a few
people can afford the resulting garments. Production in small
quantities gives a designer more freedom, flexibility, and room for
creativity.

2. Increase in Popularity:
If a new style is purchased, worn, and seen by many people, it
may attract the attention of buyers, the press, and the public. In
self-defense, most couture and high – priced designers now have
secondary bridge and or diffusion lines that sell at lower prices, so
that they can sell their designs in greater quantities.

The popularity of a style may further increase through copying

and adaptation. Some designers or stylists may modify a popular
style to suit the needs and price range of their own customers.
Some manufacturers may copy it with less expensive fabric and
less detail it order to all the style at lower prices.
3. Peak of Popularity:
When a fashion is at the height of its popularity, it may be in
such demand that many manufacturers copy it or produce
adaptations of it at many price levels. Some designers are
flattered by copying and others are resentful..

4. Decline in Popularity:
Eventually, so many copies are mass produced that fashion –
conscious people tire of the style and begin to look for something
new. Consumers still wear garments in the style, but they are no
longer willing to buy them at regular prices. Retail stores put such
declining styles on sale racks, hoping to make room for new
merchandise.

5. Rejection of a Style or Obsolescence:

In the last phase of the fashion cycle, some consumers have
already turned to new looks, thus beginning a new cycle. The
rejection or discarding of a style just because it is out of fashion is
called consumer obsolescence.

Classic: It is remarkable that some style retains its appeal stable in fashion cycle.
An example is denim. We can consider it as everlasting. The demands of these
styles never turn into completely out of date. The attraction might increase or
decrease slightly but never decay with the passage of time.

Fad: This is short lived fashion which keeps the interest of the consumers for a
short period.

RECURRING:

Fashion designers are frequently going back and forth in time for stimulating
creativity. It has been observed that some fashions come back years later and
reintroduced in target group newly. The new fashion is being introduced on the
field of old fashion. But, Old fashion does not disappear completely. Sometimes
fashion designers drag minimum pattern changes in new wear from the old wear. .
Changes are applied in pattern, design, fabric, panels. Vice versa is also true. Thus,
it recurs.

The principles of design

 Balance
refers to the visual weight of the elements of the composition. It is a sense that
the painting feels stable and "feels right." Imbalance causes a feeling of
discomfort in the viewer.

Balance can be achieved in 3 different ways:

1. Symmetry, in which both sides of a composition have the same elements in

the same position, as in a mirror-image, or the two sides of a face.
2. Asymmetry, in which the composition is balanced due to the contrast of any
of the elements of art. For example, a large circle on one side of a
composition might be balanced by a small square on the other side
3. Radial symmetry, in which elements are equally spaced around a central
point, as in the spokes coming out of the hub of a bicycle tire.

 Contrast is the difference between elements of art in a composition, such

that each element is made stronger in relation to the other. When placed next
to each other, contrasting elements command the viewer's attention. Areas of
contrast are among the first places that a viewer's eye is drawn..

 Emphasis is when the artist creates an area of the composition that is

visually dominant and commands the viewer's attention..

 Movement is the result of using the elements of art such that they move
the viewer's eye around and within the image. A sense of movement can be
created by diagonal or curvy lines, either real or implied, by edges, by the
illusion of space, by repetition.
  Pattern is the uniform repetition of any of the elements of art or any
combination thereof. Anything can be turned into a pattern through
repetition. Some classic patterns are spirals, grids, weaves.
 Unity/Variety You want your painting to feel unified such that all the
elements fit together comfortably. Too much unity creates monotony, too
much variety creates [Link] need both. Ideally, you want areas of
interest in your composition along with places for your eye to rest

 Rhythm is created by movement implied through the repetition

of elements of art in a non-uniform but organized way. Unlike pattern,
which demands consistency, rhythm relies on variety. Rhythm

Rhythm in fashion refers to the deliberate flow of lines, shapes, textures, and
colours within a garment.

Types of Rhythm in Fashion Design

Rhythm can be achieved through various techniques, such as

1. Rhythm by Repetition
2. Rhythm by Alternation
3. Rhythm by Gradation
4. Rhythm by Radiation
5. Rhythm by Transition

#1 Rhythm by Repetition

Rhythm by repetition is the most basic way to create rhythm in fashion design. By
repeating design elements such as colours, shapes, or textures, designers can create
a sense of visual continuity and movement.

For example, polka dots to bold stripes,

Also repetition of floral motifs in various sizes and colours on a garment imparts a
feminine, romantic, and cute feel to the design. In this case, a repetitive traditional
motif is also alluring.

Garments with ribbed knits or Cable Knits, such as sweaters or socks, exhibit a
repeated pattern of vertical raised lines that add texture and interest.

#2 Rhythm by Alternation

Rhythm by alternation is another way to create rhythm in fashion design. By

alternating design elements, such as stripes or colours, designers can create a sense
of visual interest and movement.

For example, alternating stripes of different colours can create a flow.

Designers use colour blocking to juxtapose two or more solid colours in distinct
blocks or sections, producing a bold and eye-catching alternation of hues.

They use alternating ruffles or frills on sleeves, collars, or hems to infuse a

garment with playful movement and femininity.

#3 Rhythm by Gradation

Rhythm by gradation in fashion is achieved when design elements change

gradually in size, colour, or texture. Gradation can create a sense of visual interest
and movement and add depth and dimension to a garment.

Here are some examples of rhythm by gradation in your garments

 Ombre, a popular technique in which colours gradually transition from light

to dark or vice versa, creates a beautiful blending effect to bring a sensual
appearance with a sense of movement and depth to the garment.

 Dresses with tiered layers, each slightly longer or shorter than the other,
offer a gradation in length, creating an elegant and flowing look.

 Garments with dip-dyeing or tie-dyeing techniques show a gradual colour

shift, resulting in a unique and artistic appearance.

 Sequined outfits with more densely packed sequins in some areas gradually
disperse towards other parts, adding sparkle and visual interest.
#4 Rhythm by Radiation

Rhythm by radiation in fashion is achieved when design elements radiate out from
a central or focal point, or the design elements are arranged in a radial pattern,
creating a sense of visual movement and interest.

While radiation might not be as common as other design principles, some

designers have used this technique to create unique and eye-catching garments.
Here are a few examples of radiation in fashion design:

 Garments with pleats radiating from the centre create a sunburst effect,
often seen in skirts or dresses.

 Ruffles that form circular or radial patterns around the neckline or hem of a
garment, resembling a beautiful flower or a halo effect, are a good example
of radiation.

 Fabrics or prints with motifs arranged in a circular or starburst pattern add

energy and movement to the design and create some illusion.

#5 Rhythm by Transition

Rhythm by transition in fashion creates smooth and gradual changes between

elements, such as colours, textures, or silhouettes, to achieve harmony and flow
within a garment.

Here are some examples of rhythm by transition in fashion design:

 Garments that transition seamlessly from one colour to another create a

beautiful ombre effect or a smooth blend of hues.

 Outfits with sections of sheer fabric that gradually transition into solid
material, adding a touch of mystery and allure.

ELEMENTS OF DESIGN

The visual components of color, form, line,

shape, space, texture, and value.
Line An element of art defined by a point moving in space. Line
may be two-or three-dimensional, descriptive, implied, or
abstract.

Shape An element of art that is two-dimensional, flat, or limited to

height and width.

Form An element of art that is three-dimensional and encloses

volume; includes height, width and depth (as in a cube, a
sphere, a pyramid, or a cylinder).

Value The lightness or darkness of tones or colors. White is the

lightest value; black is the darkest. The value halfway
between these extremes is called middle gray.

Space An element of art by which positive and negative areas are

defined or a sense of depth achieved in a work of art .

Color An element of art made up of three properties: hue, value,

and intensity.
• Hue: name of color
• Value: hue’s lightness and darkness (a color’s value
changes when white or black is added)
• Intensity: quality of brightness and purity (high
intensity= color is strong and bright; low intensity=
color is faint and dull.

Texture: An element of art that refers to the way things feel when touched, or
[Link] can be visual (seeing) or tactile(touching).