Fashion Careers & Clothing Design
Fundamentals of Design
Instructor: Katherine McMann
Katherine_Mcmann@dpsk12.org
720-423-6686
Course Objective: Have students explore value, contrast, proportion, scale, balance and
texture as these design elements relate to apparel. Students will complete a design reference
book, and a final Design Board demonstrating a good understanding of how to use the principles
and elements to create illusions in dress. At completion of the course students will be able to:
 Research material for design influence
 Use these Principles and Elements to create specific illusions for 4 primary figure types.
 Develop a reference book showing principles & elements
 Create a concept story board using examples of design principles and sketches.
Text:
Wolfe, Mary (2006) Fashion. Tinley Park, IL: Goodheart-Willcox Co.
Supplies:
3 Ring Binder, Plastic Sheet Protectors (Used to hold your inspiration ideas),
Drawing Pencils
Week 1:
Unit 1: Introduction, Concepts of Design, Portfolio Development
Composition Basics- Rule of Thirds, Overlap, Sizes, Uneven numbers, Horizon,
Ratio
Assignment: Read Fashion Magazine, Trends Collage Begin developing inspiration file.
Week 2:
Unit 2: L1 Figure Types
7 Basic Figure Types (Form)
Assignment: Complete Personal Figure Type in Packet
Week 3:
Unit 2: L2 Facial Shapes
6 Basic Facial Shapes
Assignment: Magazine examples of each of the six basic facial shapes
Week 4:
Unit 3: L1 Elements of Design
Culture, Illusion, and Clothing Design - Line, Silhouette
Assignment: 9 Basic Garment Silhouettes, Vertical / Horizontal Line, Inspiration File
Quiz:
Figure Types
Week 5:
Unit 3: Elements of Design
Texture, Emphasis (Focal Point)
Form- Guidelines for combining shapes and form
Assignment: Personal Facial Shape, Flattering Hair Styles, Necklines, Accessories, Inspiration
File
Week 6:
Unit 4: Elements of Design
L1 Color Theory- Psychology of Color
Assignment: Color Research / Survey / Class Presentation
Quiz:
Elements of Design - Part 1
Week 7:
Unit 4: Elements of Design
L2 Language of ColorAssignment: Color Wheel, Value Chart, Color Schemes Samples, Inspiration File
Week 8:
Elements of Design
L3 Personal Color
Assignment: Individual Color Evaluation- group work, Inspiration File
Week 9:
Principles of Design
Repetition, Rhythm, Contrast
Assignment: Rhythm of Motif, Line, Color
Quiz:
Color Theory
Week 10:
Principles of Design
Proportion
Golden Mean
Balance, Scale Symmetrical & Assymmetrical
Assignment: Examples of Balance, scale, proportion
Week 11:
Principles of Design
Unity
Assignment: Original Design
Week 12:
Applied Illusions
Figure type flattery
Assignment: Flattering Style Design
Week 13:
Designers
Significant Designers of the 20th C
Assignment: Team research project
Week 14:
Designers, Introduction of Final Project
Designers Do
Assignment: Research Project due
Week 15:
Final Project
Assignment: Work on Final project
Week 16:
Final Project Presentations and Discussion
Week 17:
Career Research- Resumé
Assignment: Research and prepare a presentation of related careers, Written Final,
Week 18:
Career Presentation