The Elements of Design are the language of the visual arts.

This introduction focuses on the elements that are most relevant to

In the first image, Leonardo used a soft, sensitive soft line to create a graceful image. The center image has the same subject.
However, the artist Willem has created a very different feeling by using a heavy, gestural line. The woman's face in the third image
is created with a mechanical line creating an emotionally-detached feeling. Although the subject matter is the same in all three
works, the differences in line quality have created works with very different impact. How you use line is one of the most important
decisions to be made in creating a work of art - this is true whether you are using a pencil point or a cursor on a monitor.
Zig –Zag Line Lightening, Not Suitable for Delicate Clothing
Straight Line Firmness
Thick Line Strength, Alertness
Thin Line Weakness, delicacy, Feminine
Principles &
Elements: Aspects Of Design

When designing, there are several ideas or aspects of design that need to be kept in mind. These aspects of design
can be categorized into two areas: Principles and Elements of Design. One way to describe this is: “The princples are
the directions for a cake recipe and the elements are the ingredients. The directions (principles) are flexible and
should be interpreted within a current fashion or problem the designer is trying to solve. For example, the directions
(principles) would apply differently for a design of a costume than for a design of a current fashion garment. The
ingredients (elements) are raw materials that must be combined. These elements change the taste of the garment,
just as the ingredients can change the taste of a cake. A dress is more eye-catching in a bright color than a dull,
neutral color, even though the design is the same.” - 1998 Fabric & Fashion Design Competition Guide.

There are four elements of fashion design: shape and form, line, color/value, and texture. There are five principles of
fashion design: proportion and scale, balance, unity (harmony), rhythm, and emphasis.
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the garment that separates its shape like waistline, neckline, hemline; then there are style lines which are basically seams. These
lines and their correct placement is very important in the composition of the garment. Lines are combined or arranged
strategically to create different visual dimensions.

The two types of design lines are straight lines and curved lines. Straight lines can be horizontally placed, vertically placed or
diagonally placed. A curved line can be almost spherical or gently curved as to look almost like a straight line. Curved lines give
the appearance/effect of roundness and straight lines that of slimness, though there are exceptions like a horizontal line which
can give the look of broadness. Diagonal lines like that of a cross over jacket create an asymmetrical line across the body

The style lines of the garment should work together ie they should all complement each other.
Shape - perceivable area.

Shapes can be created by line, or by color and value changes which define their edges. As with line, the decisions you make
concerning shape are important. The shapes in the image on the left are clearly defined. By contrast, the ship's shape on the right
is barely discernable. This difference in clarity of shape is part of the meaning of these works - one conveys a sense of orderliness
and confidence, while the other communicates a sense of vulnerability and uncertainty.
Value - relative light and darkness.

The overall lightness and lack of contrast in the left image conveys a sense of spirituality and harmony between the tree and the
circular sky. The dramatic mood of the other work is created, in large part, by the high contrast of light and dark
Color

We response to color on many levels. Color can be used simply to describe an object. It can also be used emotional (blue for
sadness or spiritually, red for angry), symbolically(associated with a flag's color, corporation logo or sports team) and
psychologically. The painting has intense, complimentary colors that equate to strong conflicting emotions.
Space

Space, or depth, is the eponymous property of our 3-dimensional world. It refers to the area that a shape or form occupies. Space
can be defined as positive or negative.
•Positive space is the filled space, the object(s) or element(s) in the design.
•Negative space is the empty space, or the open space between design elements or objects, such as a background.
Positive and negative space, white or black.
Texture

Texture is the surface quality of an object in a tactile sense. Texture is captured in a two-dimensional plane by varying the pattern
of light and dark areas on an object. Textures are described by word such as rough, silky, or pebbly.

As texture is the feel, drape and degree of stiffens and softness of the fabric, it also creates a visual effect upon the wearer,
given a small swatch of fabric, the designer can visualize the texture and the fall of fabric which helps him to design further.

Fabric or other materials, such as trims and findings for clothing and accessories, can have a variety of textures, all of
which can affect the look of a garment or fashion accessory. The weave and texture of a fabric have an impact on the
way it drapes, which, in turn, affects the way a garment looks when it is worn.
prints and patterns
Balance

Balance is another important principle of design. Balance

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design/
Rhythm
The smooth flow of lines, texture, colour, shape, pattern, etc. in a garment is referred as rhythm. When you take a look at a
garment that has horizontal or vertical lines artistically arranged, it creates a flow. Similarly, this principle can be applied to a
colour, print, etc.
Emphasis
Emphasis refers to one particular element in a garment that is
exaggerated.
Unity
Unity, as the name says
it, is the harmony
between all the
principles. Unity refers
to the overall look in a
garment. For example,
take a blue skirt
detailing like a pocket.
Here unity would refer to
the colour, size and
detail which create a
sense of harmony. At a
glance, the skirt appears
complete.
Unity & proportion
Proportion refers to the relationship of the various components of a garment and size or scale of the garment in
relation to the size of the wearer and to each other.
Unity is the way in which all of the elements of fashion design like proportion, balance, rhythm, emphasis all come
together and enhance each other.