1.

4 Introduction to Fashion & Style

Style
 Style is a personal manner of doing something.
 The term refers to the external appearance or
visible form of an individual.
 It has the potential to become a fashion trend,
but there is also a possibility that it may not.
 A typical artistic or creative creation is referred
to as a style.
 So, style is an individual's own way of
expressing themselves.

Fashion
 Fashion is the constantly changing of styles in
clothing, which include various aspects such
as shapes, materials, colors, details and
production techniques. These styles are
 accepted by specific populations within a
particular time and place.
 A fashion commonly refers to the widespread
adoption of certain styles or things in clothing,
footwear, makeup, hairstyles, jewelry and
other related categories.
 Fashion has always been a colorful reflection
or representation of culture.
 The Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary
defines "Fashion" as a popular style of
clothing, hair or other aspects of appearance
during a specific period or in a specific
location.
 When any style is accepted by a group of
people for a specified period of time, it is
called fashion.

Fashion Style
A style which is A usual creation
acceptable & used by from an artist or
the majority of group designer is called
at any time no matter a style.
how small that group
is called fashion.
A fashion always All styles are not
based on a particular fashion.
style.
Fashion is a fact of Style is a creation
psychology. of an artist.
Fashion must be Style may be good
good, new, beautiful or bad, old or
& enjoyable to a new, beautiful or
group of people. ugly.
Fashion involves our Style does not
visible life. involve our visible
life.
Fashion maintains a A person can
cycle. It starts gets easily follow a
popularity & after style and leave it
this it finishes. anytime when he
wants.

1.5 Elements of Fashion

Fashion is a trend which contents the following
elements:
1) Style: Style is a part of fashion. Style may
come and go in fashion.
2) Acceptance: Karl Lagerfeld remarked “There
is no fashion if nobody buys it.” Acceptance
implies that consumers must buy and wear a
style to make it a fashion. Acceptance by a large
number of people makes a fashion successful.
3) Time duration or change: Fashion is a train
that waits for nobody. Fashion is changed by the
time, because-
a) It reflects change in people’s life style current
events
b) People need change
c) People get bored with they have
4) Age: There are many different types of
fashions for different ages at a time.
5) Culture: Culture is another most important
element of fashion. There are many different
types of fashions for different culture. Garments
design related to beauty with effectiveness

1.6 Types of Fashion

1. Haute-Couture (High-Fashion)
2. Pret-A-Porter (Ready-to-wear)
Haute-Couture (High-Fashion)
 Haute couture, a term derived from French
meaning "high sewing", "high dressmaking", or
"high fashion", is the art of designing and
producing unique, tailor-made garments.
 Haute couture refers to clothing that is
tailored to fit a specific customer's
measurements and body posture. It is
typically made from luxurious and expensive
fabric, with extravagant detail and expertly
sewn by highly skilled seamstresses (needle
women). These garments are often created
using time consuming, hand-executed
techniques.
 "Couture" refers to the art of manufacturing
dresses, sewing, or embroidery, whereas
"Haute" signifies elegance or being of a high
standard. Haute Couture is a designation that
 is exclusively reserved for companies that
strict to specific and clearly defined criteria set
by the Chambre de Commerce et d’industrie le
Paris.
 In short, Haute-Couture refers to expensive,
stylish garments created by renowned fashion
brands.

Pret-A-Porter (Ready-to-wear)
 Prêt-à-porter refers to clothing that is mass-
produced in factories, sold in finished
condition and available in standard sizes.
 Designers create ready-to-wear garments that
are meant to be worn without major
adjustments, as clothing produced in
conventional sizes which generally fits the
majority of individuals.
 In order to minimize expenses, they employ
standard patterns, industrial machinery and
more efficient production methods.
 Fashion houses often showcase their ready-to-
wear collections each season during an event
called ‘Fashion Week’. The fall/winter displays
occur in February, while the spring/summer
collections are showcased in September.

1.7 Design
 The term "design" denotes the creation of
something having a specific intention or
objective.
 Design is very much a part of daily life.
 Designs are created with various objectives,
such as catering to specific individuals,
functions or occasions.
 An effective design should possess both
practical functionality and specific aesthetic
qualities.

1.8 Principles of Fashion Design

i. Proportion
 The principle of proportion relates to the
relative ratio between different elements
within a design.
 It assists designers in selecting the
dimensions and shape of various elements in
relation to one another to provide a pleasing
overall impact.
 A sense of togetherness is established when
different components (amount, dimensions,
numbers ) interconnect with one another.
 Similarly, when two or several elements (such
as colors, quantity, and size) are created in
 proportion, it looks good. If this principle is not
utilized, the final design can look strange and
out of proportion.
ii. Balance
 In a design, this is essentially the equal
distribution of visual weight.
 It can be achieved by shape, color, texture,
line, pattern etc.
 Designers employ this principle while crafting
necklines, hemlines, seams, and other
elements.
 If this principle is not applied skillfully, the
observer experiences discomfort and the
design exhibits visual instability. Hence, it is
crucial to establish a sense of general stability
by skillfully organizing the many elements and
components of a dress while keeping this
principle in consideration.
 Symmetrical and asymmetrical are the
primary categories of balance.

Asymmetrical balance, also known as informal

balance, refers to the deliberate use of design
elements in a repetitive pattern to create an
intentionally unequal appearance in an object.
Effectively executing asymmetrical balancing
can be challenging. For instance, a one-shoulder
gown can appear interesting. However, a jacket
featuring an asymmetrical lapel, with one side
noticeably wider than the other, will not have an
aesthetically pleasing appearance.
Symmetrical, or formal balance, is created when
certain elements of an object are repeated
equally in an arrangement of design elements.
This is done in such a way that they appear to
be equal. For example, a straight hemline is
symmetrically balanced as it looks equal in every
direction.

iii. Emphasis
 A center of interest or area of focus in a
particular part or area of design.
 Emphasis or a focal point can be used to
draw attention or to keep the eye away.
 It can be achieved by shape, color, texture,
structural lines, decorative lines or
accessories, pattern etc. it can be achieved by
one of these elements or combination of many
elements.

iv. Rhythm
 Rhythm is the concept that focuses on
arranging design elements in a way that
 creates a sense of continuity or smooth flow
for the viewer's eye.
 Rhythm in a garment is produced through the
repetition of lines, shapes, colors or textures.
 Rhythm can be created by a gradual increase
or decrease of similar design elements.
 Radial rhythm is created by lines radiating
from a central point, resulting in the portions
being equal distance from a certain location.
 Rhythm is created by alternating elements
such as light and dark colors or stripes of two
colors or sizes.

v. Harmony
 It is alternatively referred to as a unity of
design.
 To prevent a design from becoming lifeless or
dull, it is crucial to have a harmonious blend
of uniformity and variety.
 Unity refers to the feeling of harmony and
coherence among all elements of a piece of art,
which creates a sense of completeness.
 The concept of unity is challenging to precisely
describe.
 Harmony is achieved through variety and
unity of various elements like color, shapes
etc.

1.9 Elements/Tools of Design

i. Color
Color is one of the hardest elements to harness
and probably one of the most challenging to
understand. Color can help the organization of
a design, and give emphasis to specific areas or
actions.
 Hue
o The technical word for color
o The name given to a color, such as red
or yellow, that distinguishes one color
from another
 Value: The lightness or darkness of a color.
 Tint: The lighter hue created when white is
added to a color.
 Shade: The darker hue created when black
is added to a color.
 Intensity: Also called saturation. Intensity is
the strength or purity of a color. It reflects
the brightness or dullnes of color.
  Neutrals
o Black, White, Beige and Gray
o Neutrals can be used alone or with any
other colors

Primary Hues:
Red, Yellow, Blue are the primary hues. These
colors can not be made by using any other color.
All other colors are made from a combination of
these.
Secondary Hues:
Orange, Green, Violet. These are created by
mixing equal amounts of two colors
ii. Line
A distinct, elongated mark that can lead the
path of eye movement up & down, side to side or
around objects.
 Give direction or a feeling of movement
 Provides visual direction
 Helps draw attention to focal points

Basic Types of Lines

Straight Lines: Lines without curves or bends.
Straight Lines are severe and formal and suggest
power and dignity
Curved lines: Circular or gently waved lines.
Curved lines add softness and roundness to
apparel

Directions of Lines
Vertical Lines: Lines that go up and down.
Vertical lines create a taller, slenderer look
Horizontal lines: Lines that go across. Horizontal
lines give a shorter, wide look
Diagonal lines: Lines that slant at an angle
rather than being vertical or horizontal

iii. Shape
The silhouette or the overall form or outline of
an outfit or clothing style.
Most silhouettes are formed by
 The width and length of the neckline
 Sleeves
 Waistline
 The width and length of pants and skirts etc.

iv. Texture
The look and feel of fabric.
 It can create illusions of size.
 It can disguise figure irregularities.
 It can add interest to a garments

Texture can be provided in two ways.

Structural texture: Texture determined by the
fibers, yarns and the method of construction
used to produce a garment.
Example: Velvet shirt, Striped wool pants.
Added visual texture: The finishes and design
applied to the surface of the fabric.
Examples: The print of the fabric can give the
illusion of height or width to the wearer. Shiny
textures make people look larger because the
reflect light

1.10 Elements of Clothing Design

Fashion is not the only consideration in
developing a garment for a market. The overall
appearance (style) as well as the utility value
(fitness for purpose, aftercare) also have to be
appropriate. Fundamental elements of clothing
design are as below:
i. Styling Feature
ii. Decoration
iii. Materials
iv. Trimmings & Techniques
i. Styling Feature:
A fashionable cut, good fit, color and comfort in
wearing arise mostly from the
structure of the design. This includes:
 The position and direction of vertical and
horizontal components
 Length – width proportions
 Shaping
 Details e.g. sleeves, collars, pockets etc.

ii. Decoration:
Decoration can emphasize the style of a
particular item of clothing and can give
a stylish, casual, business like or romantic feel
to the clothing.
Decoration can take the form of:
 Decorative stitching and embroidery
 Pleats and tucks
 Piping and binding
 Applique, print, embroidery etc.

iii. Material:
The material greatly influences the character of
an item of clothing and also determines its
possible end use. The visual qualities such as
how the material hangs, the color, pattern and
surface texture are important while choosing a
material. On the other hand, the comfort,
wearing and care characteristics which depend
on the fibers, types of yarn and finishing must
also be taken into account.

iv. Trimmings and Techniques:

The trimmings and the technique greatly
influence the utility or the functional
performance of the clothing. Apart from the
material, they are crucial to the overall quality
level.
Trimmings include the application of lining,
interlining, padding, fastening etc. Technique
includes technical aspects of sewing, such as
the quality and structure of the seams and
securing of pockets, flies etc.

1.11 Factors Influencing the Change of

Fashion

Communication
Effective communication is crucial for all forms
of progress. The desire of trendy apparel is
facilitated by its increased availability, as well as
the emergence of new communication platforms
such as the postal service, magazines,
newspapers, social media, television and so on.
Advertising
Fashion houses also spend large amounts of
money on increased advertising and other
marketing activities to create customer demand.
The ultimate objective of advertising is to firmly
establish the identity of a specific brand name
or store in such a way that it becomes the
preferred choice above competing alternatives.
Leisure Time
Individuals who dedicated their leisure time to
fashion design experienced significant
advancements in this field. Their style and
fashion undergo fast and unpredictable
changes.
Psychological Aspect
A psychological component plays a significant
role in influencing someone to either follow or
reject a trend. Consequently, it reflects
individualism and is unaffected by society. It
also gives importance to personal choice instead
of following the trends. For example, everyone is
dressed in jeans and shirts, but one person likes
to wear cultural clothing called pajama kurtas.
Social Aspect
One of the most important elements that
frequently and widely influences fashion is the
social factor. Its scope is rather broad and
includes a variety of elements such as; place of
residence (rural or urban), cultural and
educational background, social standing,
gender, occupation and different events. These
variables can have an impact separately or
collectively.
Economic Aspect
It's interesting to note that a person's financial
standing in his community and the global
economic health of a country is reflected in
fashion. A country's level of infrastructure,
technological innovation and raw material
availability are all reflected in its fashion.
Therefore, a wealthy and developed country will
have luxurious fashion. Conversely, fashion is
quite low in emerging or undeveloped nations.
Cultural Aspect
Culture refers to the customs and behaviors that
a society of a particular region follows in a
specific time frame. Since every society is
unique, culture affects fashion as well as fashion
influences culture, and vice versa. An elderly
man, for instance, who used to constantly dress
in the customary pajama kurta, began wearing
track suits, jeans etc.
Political Change
Political stability is a prerequisite for the
development of the fashion industry.
The presence of political upheaval will deter
potential purchasers from foreign countries,
resulting in significant economic losses. If this
trend persists for an extended duration, there
will be no further emergence of new fashion.
Environmental Elements
A major component of environmental factors is
the season. For example, people prefer to wear
light cotton shirts and pants, t-shirts, jeans and
other items during the summer, while they
prefer to have differently designed raincoats and
other waterproof clothing during the rainy
season.
Physiological Factor
It contains the person's height, body type, age
and skin tone among other things. People's
decisions change as they get older. So, these
kinds of rules also serve as general guidelines
for fashion.
Dominating Events
A few notable occurrences such as war, major
national cultural events, fashion shows and
events etc. have an impact on fashion.
Celebrity Influence
The majority of young people in society are
readily influenced by actors, athletes, singers
and other celebrities. Indeed, these celebrities'
fashion, gait, speech patterns and overall
appearance have a big impact on young people,
who then seek out similar trends and products.
Geographical Factor
It exert a significant impact on fashion design.
For instance, in frigid regions, individuals
typically wear heavy clothing. People have
different fashion trend in hilly area or in desert
are.
Technological Advancement
Technology has inspired fashion designers in
addition to helping academics and scholars
discover new things. Fashion designers use
technology to virtually generate designs, which
they then assess if it is worth materializing. y
advancing technology, it becomes possible to
make more intricate and visually appealing
designs, hence gaining a competitive edge in the
fashion industry.
Impact of Women's Shifting Role
Although women have a greater capacity for
acceptance compared to males, it has led to an
increase in fashion consciousness. The more
quickly people embrace a style, the more quickly
a new style is established by the fashion world.
Women have a crucial and primary role in the
psychological strategy of a design business to
promote and establish dominance in the fashion
world.
Variation in Attraction
Different minds have different demands and
their attraction must vary. It has a significant
impact on fashion.