TECHNIQUE
62. Drawing the Eye
The designer is in the driver's seat when it comes
to mapping a path for the eye to travel. A sense
of movement can be achieved with repeat-
ing patterns as well as the variations in those
patterns that create rhythm. Action or implied
action in the form of anything that points in a
specific direction may use a graduation of sizes,
color, or intensity. The fashion designer can con
trol where to place elements that block or push
in and around the body. Emphasis will dominate
the composition and arrest attention. Equal bill
ing cancels everything out; with no focal point,
the overall design is unremarkable. Careful ob
servation and meticulous application of potential
focal points allow designers to control the pulse
of their design. Where does the eye linger? What
makes it dart away?
130 Fashion Design Essentials
Eddi Phillips' silver cocktail
dress uses color and
embellishment to create a
powerful focal point.
