The Art of Fashion

What is clothing made up of? The principles that make up appealing art apply to good fashion design as well. Good fashion has a combination of the elements and principles of design.

Elements of Design Line Shape Color Texture Pattern

What lines appear in this dress?

Line Refers to an elongated mark that connects two or more points. Line encloses and divides space, creating shapes and forms. Seam lines divide and enclose space on a garment.

Effects of line Can create optical illusions. Can Give messages A B C D

Structural Vs. Structural – lines required to maintain the structure of the garment; for example, seams Decorative – lines created by the designer purely for decoration; for example, a printed-on design Decorative

Straight Lines Message Illusion Placements Forceful, Rigid, Strong, Hard, Formal, Masculine, Crisp, Stiff, Severe Illusion Increases, emphasizes, reinforces body lines and angles, counters curved lines and rounded body areas Placements Closures, Necklines, Collars, Lapels, Seamlines, Darts, Tucks, Pleats, Folds, Stripes, Shapes, Silhouettes

Curved Lines Message Illusion Placements Gentle, Romantic, Fragile, Soft, Casual, Feminine, Graceful, Sensual Illusion Holds attention longer, increases, emphasizes, reinforces rounded soft-body curves, counter straight lines and angular body areas Placements Fabric pattern, necklines, collars, yokelines, seamlines, bows, lapels, sleeves, ruffles, skirts, gathers, trims, buttons

Line Direction The direction that the line falls affects the design, message and illusion drastically.

Vertical Message Illusion Placement Formal, strong, dignified, stiff, business-like, stately, conservative, grandious, majestic, efficient Illusion Increases, emphasizes, reinforces length, height, narrowness, thinness– slimming, counters horizontal lines Placement Deep v-necklines, pointed collars, narrow lapels, narrow panels or gores, fabric insets, lengthwise grainline, vertical stripes, darts, tucks, pleats, folds, crease, zippers, row of buttons, pockets, ties, neckties, long sleeves, high heels

Horizontal Message Illusion Placement Restful, stable, calm, relaxed, casual, quiet, serene, in repose, lethargic Illusion Increases, emphasizes, reinforces width, bulk, shortness, counters vertical lines, when placed high appears taller, when placed low appears shorter Placement Necklines, flat collars, bow ties, yoke lines, horizontal stripes, belts, cuffs, waistline, sashes, patch/flap pockets, wide-set double-breasted closure, strap shoes, platform shoes, wide-brimmed hat

Diagonal Message Illusion Placement Active, movement, instability, excitement, interesting, dramatic, restless, sophisticated, in motion, vitality Illusion Increases, emphasizes, reinforces the direction of the dominant angle, counters vertical and horizontal lines Placement V-shaped neckline, open collar, lapels, raglan sleeve seamlines, French darts, closures, surplice closure, row of buttons, fabric inset, diagonal stripes, gores, herringbone pattern, zigzag pattern, A-line skirt, flared skirt or pants, shoe laces crisscross straps

Portfolio Assignment Create 3 portfolio pages Straight Line, Curved Line, Diagonal Line Address the following in the paragraph: What lines are found in the picture? Where are the lines found? Are the lines structural or decorative? What is the illusion and message associated with the described lines.

Curved line sample portfolio page

What is good and bad about the following portfolio pages?

Diagonal Line sample portfolio page

Straight line portfolio sample page

Construct a paragraph using this picture as an example of line. Step 1… Find the criteria in the photo and take notes about YOUR photo NOT the notes from the PowerPoint presentation Placement… Illusion… Message… Step 2 Combine notes to create the paragraph. Use a thesaurus if needed.