Emphasis The Focal Point of Fashion
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.
Too much emphasis
Two or more dominant areas or points of emphasis, are distracting and confusing… the eye becomes overly stimulated and the effect is spotty and displeasing.
Other points of interest may be present… but they must be less obvious in their claim for attention. The eye notices them, does not rest there, but returns to the dominant point.
Examples of emphasis
Emphasis assignment
Choose a picture that demonstrates the principle of emphasis.
Attach it to a paper and write a paragraph below. Paragraph: Describe where the eye is drawn due to the
emphasis Tell which elements cause the emphasis Discuss other points of interest that may help or
distract from the main focal point.
Portfolio Example
Harmony
Harmony
Refers to the use of lines, shapes, colors, textures and patterns with enough variety to avoid boredom, but not so much variety as to create conflict.
VARIETY (Things that are different) – when the design has differences to create interest
UNITY (Things that are alike)– a sense of completeness, when nothing is missing, left out or undone
Both can be overdone, the key is to balance both to achieve harmony
How is harmony achieved?
Unity: repetition of red and black
Variety: texture below the skirt, flower above
How is harmony achieved?
Unity – gray throughout, fitted, repeating lines
Variety – bows add interest, slit in front
Unity: neutral colors, vertical lines, brown repeated in shoes
Variety: belt-horizontal line
Harmony assignment
Choose one picture of a GOOD design. Cut out nicely, glue to a white piece of paper. On the back of the paper write the following:
The elements of design that create variety The elements of design that create unity Write how they work together to create a good
design.
Assignments
EMPHASIS Choose a picture that
demonstrates the principle of emphasis.
Attach it to a paper and write a paragraph below.
Paragraph: Describe where the eye is
drawn due to the emphasis Tell which elements cause the
emphasis Discuss other points of interest
that may help or distract from the main focal point.
HARMONY Choose one picture of a
GOOD design. Cut out nicely, glue to a
white piece of paper. On the back of the paper
write the following: The elements of design that
create variety The elements of design that
create unity Write how they work together
to create a good design.