The Five Basic Principles of Fashion Design

The Five Basic Principles of Fashion Design

Reeha Ismail Sayyad
Asst. Editor in Textile Merchandising
Assistant Professor
ITM Group of Institutions
CNCVCW SIBER,
Kolhapur, India.
E-mail: afsana.sayyad@gmail.com

Fashion:

Fashion is instant language. The style is a way to say who you are without having to speak. Elegance is not standing out, but being remembered for your styles. Fashion is what you are offered four or five times a year by designers and stylish. To create designs and style every now and then designers have to work on the public’s demand and new trends. While doing this they have to utilize elements and have to follow principles of design.

The Principles of Fashion Design:

The Principles are concepts used to organize or arrange the structural elements of design. Principles are guidelines and fundamental ideas that every designer in the working field should follow. In fashion design, there are five important principles and then apply to both the garments basic structure and that application. They provide guidelines to combine properly the five elements of design to create always different elegance in designs. The five basic principles of fashion design are as follows-

1. Balance
2. Proportion
3. Emphasis
4. Rhythm
5. Harmony

1. Balance:

Balance is the concept of visual equilibrium and relates to our physical sense of balance. It is a reconciliation of opposing forces in a composition that results in visual stability. Balance relates to the overall stability in the dress with the satisfactory arrangement of parts and details. Well, a balanced dress produces visual harmony. The balanced design of fashion is also divided into two ways. Such as-

1. Symmetric Balance
2. Asymmetric Balance

I) Symmetrical Balance:

It is also known as formal balance. Formal balance occurs when an object appears equal by repetition in an arrangement of elements of design. Symmetrical balance applications of balance, for example, a straight hemline are the norm, but the asymmetrical balance can be effective too. In the past several years, asymmetrical necklines have achieved popularity.

II) Asymmetrical Balance:

Asymmetrical balances called as informal balance. Informal balance occurs when an object appears unequal by repetition in an arrangement of elements of design. Asymmetrical balance is more complex and trickier to achieve than symmetrical balance. For example, a one-shoulder gown might look interesting with its asymmetrical neckline, but a jacket with one lapel larger than the other would just look bad.

For example, if a person has a head larger than their entire body, then we would say that they were out of proportion. In contrast, a ball gown (which you can see examples of here) has balanced proportions.

2. Proportion:

Proportion is the feeling of unity created when all parts (sizes, amounts, or numbers) relate well with each other. When drawing the human figure, the proportion can refer to the size of the head compared to the rest of the body. The proportion in art is the comparative harmonious relationship between two or more elements in composition with respect to size, color, and quantity. Proportion is usually not even noticed until something is out of proportion. When the relative size of two elements being compared seems wrong, or out of balance, it is said to be “out of proportion”. For example, if a person has a head larger than their entire body, then we would say that they were out of proportion. A good proportion is often determined by a rule called the “Golden Mean” which was developed by Greek mathematicians.

3. Emphasis or Centre of Attraction:

Emphasis is the concentration of interest in the selected area of design. Usually, designers will make one area stand out by contrasting it with other areas. The area could be different in size, color, texture, shape, etc. Common facts of emphasis are such as-

• Emphasis using value (light and dark).
• Emphasis on using complementary colors and atmospheric perspective.
• Examples of emphasis, and subordination in the artwork.
• Emphasis on using color.

4. Rhythm:

Rhythm is created when one or more elements of design are used repeatedly to create a feeling of organized movement. Rhythm creates a mood like music or dancing. To keep rhythm exciting and active, variety is essential.

Repetition can be a great tool for leading the eye across a design, but without variation, it can quickly become monotonous to look at. Consider how fast you want people to be exposed to your content. The more repetition you use, the quicker your audience’s brain will register your design, but the quicker it will get bored! Try using some slight variations within your repetition to keep interested.

5. Harmony or Unity:

It is also called a UNITY of design. A good balance between unity and variety must be established to avoid a chaotic or lifeless design. Unity is the feeling of harmony between all parts of the work of art, which creates a sense of completeness. Unity is a difficult principle to define. Unity ensures the goal for the overall look.