The Principles of Design

The principles of design are important in making harmony with the elements of design.The principle of design is a combining element in any garment.The main principle of design are as follows-

PROPORTION
BALANCE
RHYTHM
EMPHASIS
HARMONY

PROPORTION
Proportion can be defined as a pleasing relationship between the garment and its different parts. In garment its silhouette has to be in proportion with the different parts of the garment. The basic law or the golden law that is provided by the egyptians are 3:5:8 and 5:8:13. A proportionate garment design needs to be synchronised with the motifs, the placement of the motifs and the desirability of the garment to the wearer.The colours in a garment also provides proportion to the garment.The best example of this are Indian ladies suits which follows a inverted proportion system. Although mini skirts are designed in poor proportion as the shorter length of the garment proportionate the longer legs of the wearer.
Proportion And Body Shape
The body size can be divided into three categories which are as follows-
Small
Medium
Large
The person who is of small body size should not wear garments which have big patterns on it , excess of jewellery also do not look good on small statured people.

The person who is of medium body size can wear a wide variety of garments and different types of fabrics according to their body size.

The person who has large body size can wear garments which have small motifs on it which can accentuate the body shape of the person.

BALANCE
Balance is a state of equilibrium of the design parts. In a garment balance can be provided with different means. The balance can be divided  into three different categories in which two are the important ones -

SYMMETRICAL BALANCE
In symmetrical or formal balance one side of garment is exact copy or mirror image of the other side.In symmetrical balance the garment can be divided into two similar parts by means of a imaginary line and identical objects are placed on both sides of garment .This is the commonly used feature in the garment and it provides simplicity ,soderity and sophistication to the garment there is no creativity needed to make this type of garment therefore the designer needs to be emphasis on colour,texture and accesories to give it more dramatic look The example of symmetrical garments are trousers,cardigans,straight skirt and princess-line dress.

ASYMMETRICAL BALANCE
The asymmetrical or informal balance provides more excitement to the garment.In this case the design compostion of the garment on either side is different from each other but one part of the garment equalizes the other part in weight. The more creativity can be showed on these types of garments and body irregularities can be hidden by this factor.The example of this type of balance can be shown in formal wears.

RADIAL BALANCE
The radial type of balance can be created when the design details of a garment emerge or radiate from a     central focus point. This is a complicated design and is used for novelty effect in evening gowns.

RHYTHM
Rhythm is created by repetition of lines , patterns, shapes or colours .By use of gathers , pleats , buttons and tucks we can make a rhythmic effect in the garment.Printed suit fabrics are a wonderful example of rhythm on fabric.

EMPHASIS
Emphasis is the center of interest ,which draws and holds the attention more than any other part .
Every garment has a area of emphasis on it which makes the center of attraction of the garment.Emphasis can be achieved by means of-
Contrasting Colours
Bold and unusual shapes
Eye catching patterns
Complex Textures
Attractive Design Details
Interesting Trims

There are some details which emphasis on  face with the use of collars in contrasting colours,a bright coloured scarf or necktie,jewellery and hats.

HARMONY
Harmony in a garment relates to the overall look of the garment , in which garment,hairdo, accessories all makes the whole look.

Principles Of Harmony
Silhouette of the garment should be in a good relation to the body shape of the garment.
Style lines should be consistent on every area of the garment.
all ares of the garment should reflect the same shapes so that the continuity of the design is not broken.
Similar or contrasting textures should be used in a pleasing way.
Unity in the colour combination should be there to provide harmony.
Small differences in the hem lengths of sleeves and garment ends should be avoided as they interfere
with the horizontal movement of the eye

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