#BlogchatterA2Z : “P”- Principles of Design (A2Z of Image Management)

Hi Everyone, 

This is my sweet 16th post for #BlogchatterA2Z challenge and here I am with one of the most important and critical aspect in Elements of design. And it is all about Principles one needs to follow or know about various elements of clothing designs. Design principles are a way to give structure to design work and meaning to the piece.

Balance

An asymmetrical figure can appear more nearly symmetrical and well balanced when wearing clothing with asymmetrical lines or shapes, or be wearing the clothing in an asymmetrical way. The asymmetry of the body becomes less noticeable as more attention goes to the clothing where in clothing becomes dominant and body becomes subordinate. Men’s shoe jackets and sportcoats are designed with hip pockets on both sides of the jacket and a chest pocket on the left side of the garment to create asymmetrical balance. A boldly patterned skirt can balance the appearance of a larger bust area, while a patterned scarf or skirt yoke can work to balance larger hips and legs. Larger areas of color can become tiresome and larger areas of bright color can even become bothersome. The law of areas is a time tested guidelines that states larger areas of color are more pleasing if balanced in combination with proportionally small areas of another color.

Proportion and Scale

To appear balanced, the size of clothing and accessory shapes needs to be in proportion and scale with the body size and shape or form, including the bone structure. Compare the size of the body and the size of clothing and accessories, their overall size and the size of each detail. For example, the smaller the body and bone, the smaller and fewer the design details must be. If proportionally too large, they appear to overwhelm a smaller body. Size, however is relative. What appears large on a small scale body may appear small on a large scale body. Select fabric textures that are proportionally in scale with your figure. Thick, bulky, heavy fabrics on a small figure will over power the person because of the exam contrast in size and weight. Mission is the guide word.

Rhythm and Emphasis

Interior shapes can repeat and reinforce or contrast and counter the outline of the garment or the body. Your choice to reinforce or counter the body depends on your judgement about your body and on your fashion goals. Interior shapes can influence the appearance of height, width and weight, depending on placement, size and line direction. Angular shapes repeat and emphasize the animosity of the body. They counter the roundness of the figure. Curved shapes repeat and emphasize rounded body curves. They counter of soften the angularity of a figure. Interior foreground shapes call attention to themselves and to the specific area they are placed. They can also draw or divert attention away from a specific body area. Use them only in place where you want to draw attention and therefore emphasize. Texture can be used to draw attention away from a particular figure variation and towards a more flattering area of emphasis. Structural and decorative lines that are well placed lead the eye throughout the garment in a smooth, continuous, rhythmic movement. They do not compete with one another for attention.

Harmony and Unity

Related areas, shapes or forms should be consistent. Interior structural and decorative lines on the top of a garment should line up with those on the bottom. When they don’t, vertical eye movement is interrupted and attention goes to the horizontal jog, emphasizing width. To know more about harmony you can see here.

The principles of design are the rules a designer must follow to create an effective and attractive composition and buyers should consider these principles while buying, to look more attractive and presentable.

This post is part of#BlogchatterA2Z challenge.

To read my previous posts checkout here A ,B ,C ,D ,E, F, G, I, J.K,L,M,N,O

@ Swati Mathur