1. IMAGERY words that describe the balanced feeling of poise:
| classic |
balanced even regal stately poised impeccable royal Queen/King |
distant set quiet frozen formal aloof calm absolute |
perfection endless contrast dignified refined finished ideal complete |
sophisticated dark striking serene equal etching quality aristocratic |
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2. COLOR MODIFICATIONS that express the feeling of poise:
Any color that has been darkened or becomes richly deep with fully saturated color moves toward this feeling. The "darkening" in this sense remains clear, more the blue-black dark than the brown muddy darkening of duller colors. However, darkening any color still adds poise and the reserve of the mature. The extra blue in dark colors add formality and sophistication. In fully saturated colors, the bluer colors are more regal (blood-red seems more formal than than bright yellow-red; hunter green is more formal than bright lime green, royal blue is more regal than powder blue). Stark white is called "stark" because it has the same impact as black. It can create wonderful contrasts and can even double for "bright" in its extreme whiteness. If black is too dark for the person, white will create contrast from the light end of the spectrum. Extremely blued icy colors act as whites, and when contrasted against other colors, will emphasize their darkness.
TOOL — Create with dark colors when a reserved sophisticated or dignified feeling is desired, such as for classic dress, formal attire and mature clothing.
3. DETAIL LINES that illustrate the feeling of poise:
Any line that balances, is even, uncomplicated, definite, stately
or regal suggests the simple flow of the classic line. Balanced indicates
medium or middle ground. There
is a classic feeling of basic medium expression here because the lines are
not too feminine, too masculine or too exaggerated. These lines last
because their simplicity is tireless. Most of these feelings can be
derived from the oval figure and the balanced straight line.
Detailed
examples of these lines are as follows:
|
"NO"
SIMPLICITY
MEDIUM KEYSIZE
PATTERNS |
Oval necklines, opera length pearls, oval or longer rectangular faces on watches, oval shape toes on shoes and insteps, oval and longer soft rectangular lines on purses, oval page-boy hairstyles, hair parted in the middle or centered balanced hairstyles. The simplicity of plain sweaters, plain sleeves, classic slightly tapered slacks and long sleeves, hidden pockets, self belts and buttons, A-line skirts, one-piece outfits, one color rather than two, secured bows, leotard simplicity and classic shoes such as pumps with medium shaped heels. Just as the tree in Winter is without leaves, the corresponding feeling in dress in its purest sense would be "no"—no buttons, no cuffs, no flaps, no loops, no fussiness, no tailored busyness, no top-stitching, no extra darts, pleats or ornamentation Everything beautifully formed without clutter. The quality has to be good because there re no busy lines and ornaments to hide poorly constructed work. There is a basic medium expression in this category—medium waistlines, skirt lengths and jacket lengths. Medium length hair styles. Jewelry is of moderate size, not too tiny, too heavy or too asymmetrically ornamental; rather one piece, expensive and of good quality. Medium size patterns that are set, repeated and balanced—such as evenly spaced stripes, polka dots, checks and geometrics (when patterns are equally spaced, they remain frozen and still; irregular patterns move). No busy, fussy, complicated patterns unless they are set in even blocks. Contrast light colors against dark colors for a simple uncluttered "pattern". |