Color and Design Principles SS2 Fashion and Garment Making Lesson Note

Introduction to Colour

Color is the first thing people notice when they look at an outfit. It can make someone look happy, professional, or even taller! To use color well, we use a tool called the Colour Wheel.

The Three Primary Colours: These are the “parents” of all other colors. You cannot mix any colors to get them.

• Red
• Blue
• Yellow

The Secondary Colours: These are made by mixing two primary colors together.

• Orange (Red + Yellow)
• Green (Blue + Yellow)
• Purple/Violet (Red + Blue)

The “Mood” of Colours:

• Warm Colours: Reds, Oranges, and Yellows. These are bold and “pop” out.
• Cool Colours: Blues, Greens, and Purples. These are calm and soothing.

Creating Colour Harmony

“Harmony” is just a fancy word for colors that get along well together. When an outfit has harmony, it feels “right.”

Common Colour Schemes:

1. Monochromatic: Using different shades of the same color (e.g., a dark blue skirt with a sky blue blouse). This makes a person look taller!
2. Complementary: Using colors directly opposite each other on the wheel (e.g., Yellow and Purple). This is very bold and high-contrast.
3. Analogous: Using colors that sit next to each other (e.g., Blue, Blue-Green, and Green). This is very peaceful and easy on the eyes.
4. Neutral: Using “non-colors” like Black, White, Grey, and Brown. These are the “safe” colors that every tailor needs.

The “60-30-10” Rule: In a 3-piece outfit, use 60% of a main color, 30% of a second color, and 10% for an “accent” (like a bright belt or a scarf).

The Principle of Balance

Balance is about how “heavy” a design looks. You don’t want one side of a dress to look like it’s pulling the model down.

Two Types of Balance:

• Symmetrical (Formal): Both sides of the dress are exactly the same. If there is a pocket on the left, there is a pocket on the right. This is very professional and classic.
• Asymmetrical (Informal): The sides are different, but they still “feel” equal. For example, a dress with one long sleeve on the left and a big decorative flower on the right hip. This is very trendy and artistic.

Why Balance Matters: If you put all the heavy ruffles and pockets on one side, the person wearing it will look lopsided!

Proportion and Emphasis

Proportion (The “Golden Ratio”): This is the relationship between the sizes of different parts of an outfit.

• A very short blouse with very long trousers looks modern.
• A very long blouse with short shorts can look “stumpy.”
• Tailor’s Tip: For most bodies, a 1/3 to 2/3 ratio works best. This means the top is 1/3 of the total height and the bottom is 2/3.

Emphasis (The “Focal Point”): Every great outfit needs a “star.” This is the part of the dress where you want people to look first.

• You can create emphasis with a bright color, a big bow, or some beautiful lace.
• Warning: Only have one focal point. If the neck is busy, keep the hem simple. If the belt is huge and sparkly, keep the collar plain.

Rhythm and Unity

Rhythm (Movement): Rhythm is what carries the eye across the garment. You can create rhythm by:

• Repetition: Repeating a pattern or a row of buttons.
• Gradation: Colors going from light to dark (Ombré).
• Radiation: Lines coming out from a center point (like gathers in a sunray skirt).

Unity (The Final Goal): Unity is when all the principles—color, balance, and rhythm—work together so the outfit looks like one complete idea.

Practical Checklist for Students: Before you finish your design, ask yourself:

1. Is the color scheme harmonious?
2. Does the dress have a clear “Focal Point”?
3. Is the left side balanced with the right side?
4. Does the “top” look like it belongs with the “bottom”?

Class Activity: Take three scraps of different colored fabric. Try to arrange them in a Complementary scheme and then in an Analogous scheme. Which one do you think would make a better office outfit?