Elements of Fashion Design

CTEF Fashion Design Unit

Fundamentals of Design

• Lines- these act as a border between ideas, concepts or steps in a sequence. – Vertical Lines- can stop eye

movement which will give volume to an area

–Horizontal Lines – symbolize rest and relaxation

–Diagonal Lines –dynamic and action-oriented

Fundamentals of Design• Shapes- can suggest eye movement based

on the direction of the lines. Shapes define figures and relate forms to each other.

• Texture – surface characteristics of a material that are experienced through the sense of touch

• Value- the degree of lightness and darkness in a design element

Basic Silhouettes

• A silhouette refers to the outer shape of a garment.

•A-Line – the hem is larger than other measurements, therefore giving the outfit an “A” shape

•Shift – the chest, waist, and hem all have the same measurements, giving the outfit a cylindrical shape. This is very good for form fitting garments.

Basic Silhouettes

•Tent- the garment is flared beginning under the arm hole, giving it a “tent” appearance

•Empire Line –a panel divides the garment into two parts, just above the waist

•Asymmetrical – this type of garment has no defined silhouette. It is achieved by varying hemlines, panels, and colors.

Motifs

• The type of fabric that you use can give your outfit an entirely different feel, especially if you utilize motifs, or patterns and prints. Some commonly used motifs are:

•Ethnic

•Floral

•Geometrical

•Abstract

•Stylized

•Plaids and Checks

Colors

• Color is one of the most important parts of designing. There are basic colors for the various seasons:

– Summer –bright and energetic

– Earthy- gives a rustic feel

– Pastels- light and soft colors

– Neutrals –classic and go with any season

Now you are going to design your own outfit!

• Using the design principles you have just learned, you will be designing an outfit using plastic bags

– You will be using PowerPoint, Xara, or Microsoft Paint. Your teacher will let you know which one they prefer.