may differ from the classic ideal figure. Clothing modifies the figure and creates proportion in awkward body proportions in a pleasing way. For example, a high waist bodice used in maternity clothes camouflages the fullness of the abdomen. Equal divisions make a person look shorter and wider, whereas unequal horizontal division makes a person look slimmer.
Balance : It is defined as equalling the distribution of weight from the central point of the garment. A garment needs to be balanced both vertically (from centre line) and horizontally (from top to bottom). It can be achieved in three ways — formal, informal and radial. The elements of design — line, form, color, texture — all are considered while creating a balance in a dress.
Formal Balance : An average human body is symmetrical, which means the body appears to be the same on each side of a central vertical line. Two arms, two eyes, two legs are seen on either side of the central axis; but actually slight differences still occur. If the body differs noticeably on one side, carefully designed clothes can minimise the difference. Formal vertical balance is the least expensive and most expected type of design, found on less expensive garments.
Formal balance gives a feeling of stability, dignity and formality but tends to get monotonous. Horizontal Balance is basically used to correct figure problems by using various elements of design, for example, dark hue for big size. Emphasis: The emphasis or focal point of the garment is the area that first attracts the viewer’s eye. It adds interest to the garment and may be created by the use of colour, design lines, detailing or accessories.
Emphasis creates centers of interest by focussing the viewers’ attention on a specific area of the garment. Details that focus on the face are particularly effective because the face is the focal point of beauty in our culture. A beautiful embroidered yoke or a contrasting colour blouse further emphasises the face. People with figure problems can emphasise or camouflage their figure problems for example, woman with small waist can wear a