Elements of Design
Color
• Color a visual characteristic, representing
hue and tone, that is one of the most
important elements of fashion design.
Most important design element
When choosing color designers must consider:
Setting the Tone
Occasional Colors
Cultural Colors
Seasonal Colors
Silhouette is the overall shape of the garment, defined by its outline
or form.
The description of garment's silhouette is often a geometric shape
such as circular, rectangular, and squared/boxy, although it can also
be described as narrow or wide.
This basic black blazer with sharp shoulders creates a
strong silhouette.
Texture
• Texture describes the actual fabrication of each design, including the tangible and visual weight as
described by the hand or feel of the fabric.
• The quality of the surface fabrication, whether soft or hard, rough or smooth, or hair like or polished, can
affect the overall silhouette.
Texture is determined by: • Texture influences the shape:
› Fibers • Rough makes the shape bulky
› Yarns • Smooth makes the shape slender/clingy
› Method of construction • The drape of the garment is also affected by
Examples of Textures texture
› Shiny • Softness and drape-ability of a fabric may spark an
› Smooth idea
› Shaggy
› Rough
Developing Fresh Design Ideas
• The recipe for extracting countless ideas for developing items (stand-alone
fashion garments or accessories), groups (garments related in theme of SCTDs),
or an entire Collection defined by a season) is experimenting with silhouette,
color, texture, and details.
Example of Utilizing SCTD Components to Develop Fresh
Design Ideas
Principle of design
• Proportion
The relationship of all the spaces of the garment
Make sure all the parts are visually in proportion to each other
Is determined by how the total space of a design is divided
Sometimes unequal proportions can be pleasing
While each aspect of a design should individually hold its own,
the effectiveness of a design is in the power of the whole
design
• Balance
• Is the relationship of one side of the garment to the other
• Symmetrical (Formal) balance- is the same on both sides of
the design center
• Asymmetrical (Informal) balance- when the parts are not
equally placed, on either side of the design center
• Balance in design is similar to balance in physics. A large shape
close to the center can be balanced by a small shape close to the
edge.
• Balance provides stability and structure to a design.
• It’s the weight distributed in the design by the placement of
your elements.
• Balance is one of the important points the success of a design.
• Everyone loves the convenience (not lame) to what they see.
Balance in graphic design can be achieved by adjusting the
visual weight of each element, both in terms of scale, color,
contrast, etc.
proximity
• The principle of proximity is simply the process of ensuring related
design elements are placed together.
• Any unrelated items, should be spaced apart.
• Close proximity indicates that items are connected or have a relationship
to each other and become one visual unit which helps to organise or give
structure to a layout.
• Emphasis
Denotes the focal point or center of interest in a garment.
It can be used as a means to strengthen the features of silhouette color,
texture, or detail.
One strong feature, or dominant detail, can draw attention to not only the
design but also the wearer's figure.
Drawing attention to
One area can
Deemphasize
Another weak area,
Taking unwanted
Focus away.
• Harmony exists when the function, structure, and decorative
details of a design all work together.
• This does not mean that uniformity is the rule.
• The cohesion of opposite elements with in a garment or outfit,
such as contrasting fabrications or varying scales of prints,
can energize the total design.
• Final Words
Good design just doesn’t happen. It requires careful planning and an intended approach. Determining a
hierarchy is one of the most single important factors that needs to be considered before beginning the layout
of a design.