This document discusses the basic principles of design in fashion - proportion, balance, emphasis, rhythm, and harmony. It defines each principle and provides examples. Proportion relates to the size relationships between design elements. Balance can be formal (symmetrical) or informal (asymmetrical) and deals with visual weight. Emphasis establishes a focal point. Rhythm creates a feeling of movement through repetition. Harmony refers to the pleasing unity of all design parts working together cohesively. The document concludes with an assignment to find magazine examples demonstrating each principle.

1. Course- BDFT/BFT
Semester- I
Subject Name-design exploration in
Fashion
UNIT- II (Principle of design )
TOPIC- Principle of design

2. The Principles
of design
Fashion strategies

3. The basic
principles of
design include:
• Proportion (Scale)
• Balance
• Emphasis
• Rhythm
• Harmony

4. Proportion
(Scale)

5. proportion
• Proportion is the spatial, or size, relationship of all
parts in a design to each other and to the whole. It is
sometimes called scale.
• Determined by how the total design is divided and the
inner lines arranged.
• Most pleasing when garment areas are divided
unevenly and coordinate with the structure and
proportion of the person wearing the outfit.

6. Examples of
proportion
Standards of proportion change with
fashion cycles along with the
evolution in silhouette and line. The
length and size of design features
like pockets, trimmings, or parts of
garments within the silhouettes
should compliment the whole.
1.

7. Balance

8. balance
• Balance gives equilibrium to a design, with all sides
appearing equal in weight or power of attraction.
• Formal (symmetrical) balance is the most common,
with identical details arranged the same distance from
the center.
• Informal balance is asymmetrical, with parts placed
unequally from the center.

9. Examples of
balance
The design composition is
same on both side of the
garment, which is known
as formal (symmetrical)
balance.
Informal (asymmetrical) balance, involves
placement of objects in a way that will allow
objects of varying visual weight to balance one
another.
2.
3.

10. emphasis
• A dominant focal point or center of interest in a
garment or an outfit created by the use of line,
shape, color, texture, and/or pattern.
• A point for the eye to rest on for a period of time.
• An outfit without a dominant point of interest
appears uninteresting, boring, and unfinished.

11. Emphasis
The Focal Point
of Fashion

12. Examples of
emphasis
Emphasis is up at the neckline,
created by the light-colored shirt
and bright necktie.
Emphasis is seen at the design detail added
to the front of the jacket, specifically the
clasp in the center of the design.
4.
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13. Rhythm

14. rhythm
• Rhythm produces a feeling of continuity of
movement through the lines and spaces of a design.
• The main ways to create it are by repetition,
gradation, or radiation.

15. Examples of
rhythm
Rhythm is a sense of movement and is necessary to create interest in a design
and carry out the central theme. Rhythm can be achieved by the repetition of
lines, shapes and color to get direction.
6

16. harmony

17. harmony
• Harmony is pleasing visual unity of a design
created by a tasteful relationship among all parts
within the whole.
• Garments that have harmony are pleasing to the
eye and suit the wearer.
• When a total design is good, the overall effect is
harmonious.

18. Examples of
harmony
A successful design is achieved when all the elements and principles of
design work together, creating harmony, as seen here.
7.

19. Principles of
design
assignment
• Choose a picture from the magazines that
demonstrates each principle of design (proportion,
balance, emphasis, rhythm, and harmony).
• Attach it to the worksheet and write a paragraph
below describing each principle of design.

20. References
1. http://www.fashiondesignscope.com/?p=3302
2. http://www.fashiondesignscope.com/?p=3302
3. http://www.fashiondesignscope.com/?
attachment_id=3304
4. http://pixgood.com/emphasis-in-fashion.html
5. http://pixgood.com/emphasis-in-fashion.html
6. http://www.fashiondesignscope.com/?p=3302
7. http://www.fashiondesignscope.com/?p=3302

21. Thank you