Color Theory Applied to Fashion Design

Can you believe this is my 200th video upload?
This is Color Theory 5! This video takes the color concepts I discussed at length in the previous videos and applies them to actual dresses so you can see theory turned into practice!
Concepts discussed in this video include monochromatic, analogous, and complementary color schemes; value usage and placement and how it affects proportions and focal points; how complementary color schemes are more than just bright jarring opposites.
MENTIONED OR RELATED VIDEOS:
Color Lessons playlist: • Color Lessons
Video discussing value, keys, how value creates composition and mood, etc: • How to Compose a Fashi...
MATERIALS USED:
Red-Yellow-Blue color wheel: a.co/aZJJ8Xb
Cyan-Magenta-Yellow color wheel: a.co/1QrRgqX
Encre Sennelier Inks in Bleu Turquoise 341, Carmin 635, Jaune Citron 501, Teinte Neutre 931
Holbein Drawing Inks in Turquoise Blue 330, Carmine 301, Yellow 312
Higgins Waterproof Drawing Ink in Black India
Bienfang cold press 140# watercolor paper
***
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CONTACT: [e-mail]

[@zoehongteaches]

Please LIKE this video if you want me to continue making videos about color!

[@zoehongteaches]

PS today, Sept 20, is the last day of my 15% OFF sale on fashion figure templates at zoehong.etsy.com! No code needed, everything goes back to full price tomorrow.

[@hamdan8516]

great video💓💓💓👍👍👍 love your videos💕💜💝🌼❤💓😊😊😊

[@javiotamendi8329]

Yes please! This was awesome:) thank you !

[@elsagrace3893]

Zoe Hong I like your videos a lot.

[@prernanataraj2479]

i went to the top fashion college in my country and they never taught me this.Thanks Zoee!!

[@bakuski__7954]

did you go to nift?

[@WanJae42]

I just binge watched a dozen or so of your videos. I'm more an industrial designer than fashion, but I believe it's important to be broadly educated in associated disciplines, and to learn something about how other fields use skills similar to yours. This was very educational and, frankly, inspiring. You're a great teacher. Thank you for these vids!

[@PlayingMantis]

The deep red flower on that beautiful green ... to me looks so sofisticated and bold. Love it. And for the second dress, personally I'm veey top heavy, so I am much drawn to the darker top and lighter skirt. I also think it looks a bit more mature than the first two. On the last dress, I can't really say why, but if I saw them all in a store, I'd likely pick up the last one to try on. The yellow you achieved for that dress is stunning.

[@ReeisCarol]

I am a sucker for complementary colors. I love this video, it helped me a lot. I am glad to see you here so soon, I was already missing your classes. Love to work here with you. Hope you are fine, XX. ♡

[@zoehongteaches]

Doing pretty good, thank you. Now that I'm back in the country, it's better for me to try to resume as normal of a schedule as possible, you know?

[@ReeisCarol]

Yes, sure! I am happy that you are fine, and you know you are free to take all the time you need because we will be here ready to get back at class anytime. I am actually not a fashion designer but I am a photographer and artist, and you don't even know how much your videos help me, we can always apply knowledge, you say that you are always teaching and I am one of the people that are always learning from you. Thank you so much for your content. Much love 🌟💜

[@junemaeven]

I tend to choose monochromatic or complementary schemes.But now that I see analogous schemes can offer a wide range, I’m going to play with exploring that more. Thanks, Z!

[@ThePukanka]

Zoe, thank you for all those 200 videos and all the knowledge that you give us! This video helped me to understand colors better! It would be great if you continue the color series (actually all series - whatever you prefer to teach about fashion - drawing/colors/fabrics/tech packs/designing, I'd be very happy to learn about it). You are amazing!

[@ClairandHerImaginaryCat]

For the first three dresses I just adore the red against green- the colors are so elegantly put together! For the second set I think my favorite is the dark top light bottom one. The three yellow dresses are just amazing... I never knew just the blend of colors could be so breathtaking! My favorite is actually the bright yellow vs bright purple one cause it’s so energetic, and it contradicts well with the rather mature design. Thank you for the lovely video!!!

[@NoleMath]

I'm late to the party but color theory has never made more sense until now. Teaching skills are on point.

[@oliverhubschmann8376]

I actually really like the bright purple against the bright yellow! It looks quite modern in a way

[@maryraab9066]

Zoe, thank you so much for generously sharing your knowledge and talent. You are an excellent teacher! Sincerely, your channel is one of the very best on KZbin. I learn so much from you! XXOO

[@susgh]

Love love love this video. Super helpful to see you apply & explain fashion concepts in a quick & visually-driven format like this

[@naomiaro2214]

It's really nice to see the different mixes side by side on the same drawing!

[@veraherrero1082]

Welcome back, Zoe!! Love this video!! Very useful. I'd like to watch more!!! 😘💜

[@kelkel90ful]

Zoe please don't stop the videos you are amazing thank you for your wisdom!

[@bethlikewhoa]

I love this lesson, Zoe. Yes please, make more videos about color usage in design. I found it very helpful and educational.

[@valentinapastore]

The video i was waiting for! On the first row of dresses, i liked the complementary best, but also the monochromatic. On the values row, i preferred the third one, also i liked the first one ( the second one looked dull, like too girly). And for the last dresses, i think the one in the middle looked the most sofisticated while still young.

[@maringrachart]

Loved your cohesive color combinations dresses!!❤

[@WhereIsMyLipstick]

Great for understanding color theory. Glad to have you back with new videos!

[@bookfan22]

Great lesson Zoe! Out of the first group of dresses I really like the green and red one. Out of the second group I like the gradient from light to dark...although it kinda reminds me of a Georgia O'Keefee flower painting. Out of the last group of dresses I like the first one.

[@ashikaalva]

Amazing !!Thank you so much, Zoe !! Love the Video! Extremely helpful. Please do make more Videos about Color Theory.

[@MoeMoeFashion]

thank you so much Zoe....u inspiring me to learn more about color theory...actually the first i just have hobby drawing fashion but rightnow i m starting take seriously about fashion..i m glad i found your youtube channel that i can learn from your video...goodluck for you Zoe

[@aimeemarie7026]

Thought the red and green would just make me think of Christmas, but it ended up being my fav!!

[@peggyriordan9857]

On the third dress, I really liked the middle color scheme. Very attractive and the colors were very pleasing to my eye.

[@7imanee]

monochromatic one, the 1st one when it came to value were my favs

[@sairacarrillo]

I’m not even into the fashion world, but I wanna watch this video because I really enjoyed your color theory videos/lessons.

[@jesusalivepasionporcristoj306]

I will Iove more classes about it 👍👍 so interesting 🥰🥰🥰and the Mute tons was Awesome 💯

[@rinarin17]

I love purple and yellow combinations! Color theory videos are very helpful not only for fashion designers, but also any kind of artist and even non-artsy people. I'm an illustration student and I'm really interested in the topic. But, on a side note, I always wondered... why are purple clothes so difficult to find? It's my favourite color but I never find anything.

[@zoehongteaches]

Purple doesn't sell as well as other colors. Color choices are all about sell-through rates.

[@rinarin17]

I see.. Thank you. It's such a pity though, it's such a beautiful color.

[@rinarin17]

Thank you so much for making this! I was struggling so much with it and I really needed it! :D

[@frontdoorphotography4951]

Love all your videos especially the ones on color. Thank you! Julie

[@ridhajain320]

Woww!! this was really helpful Zoe! thanks looking frwrd to more videos with more complex color combinations

[@caitlinlanning7401]

I was having a hard time following my color theory lectures in my Product Development class- this helped SO much!!

[@sjmcgue]

I definitely would use the dark purple in areas that I want to reduce such as in the heavy bust or hip/thigh region or if the tummy area is protruding.

[@violeticious9197]

Your channel is gold!

[@marylindberg5516]

Favorites: 1st set was dress #2; 2nd set dress #3; and 3rd set dress #3. They all have appeal, just depends on one’s own perspective, mood and lifestyle.

[@VampguyN85]

I have one of those from taking a color theory class in college. Just the basic standard RBY one. Also fun fact: Red is considered the color of happyness in China.

[@MizarXI]

I like the 3rd dress with ruffles because I am an inverted triangle and the values on that dress would bring balance. :) Great video, by the way. Thanks.

[@zoehongteaches]

Thanks and you're welcome!

[@cutekitty182000]

Its very helpful...came across your channel today. LooKing forward to learn more from you 💕👍

[@lunasamanta6638]

Thank you! I know it's a video you posted long back but it was good than and it is good now :) I studied fashion design and still I don't get why no one there was teaching this helpful, simple things. We learn colour theory in a book and than?? How to use it? Thanks for showing some helpfull examples about how to actually work with it!!

[@juliart7574]

I usually prefer taking colors from nature - like a spectrum of colors you see at sunset or sunrise, or in birds, flowers, forest, or even rainbow)). So that my clothes never get boring, even if it’s done in muted colors, I would always prefer multicolored to mono. So for me two colors are never enough. Thanks for the theory!

[@m.woodsrobinson9244]

Another great post!! Favorite dresses: 2, 2, and 2...

[@alceguy]

Hey, very nice video! Got here because I'm having trouble retouching color in my photographs, and it was worth every minute. Keep up the good work (:

[@zoehongteaches]

thanks!

[@watercolourartincapetown2919]

Just discovered your channel. so much valuable info, loved this video, oh my gosh is that the Tom Lynch porcelain watercolour palette?

[@zoehongteaches]

yes, and I love it.

[@irinashhh2205]

I was thought,and it works most of the time, that complementary colours really have to be done in specific quantities to work together. For example, red and green work as 50/50, but blue and orange work best as 65/35 ratio,purple and yellow 80/20,maybe even 85/15,the lighter of the two in smaller amount. This is what they thought us in color theory classes that is mostly used as a successful composition,in paintings,posters... I always have that on my mind and although sometimes I want to push that, I have to say that as a general rule,it works. even in my clothing combinations, although it wasn't meant for that.

[@zoehongteaches]

I've never heard of those ratios, but maybe that's because I never studied or taught color theory in terms of fine art composition or graphic design. Those numbers look more like value scale placements to me. But then again, my own color teacher, despite being a complete a rule-ignoring wild child hippie, focused on pure theory and manual skills technique and I always taught theory + fashion application and fashion probably ignores proportion rules more than most genres of design.

[@peggyriordan9857]

On the second dress w/ruffles I liked the third color scheme the most. Was festive and slimming.

[@applyhistory]

One the second set of dresses, I tend to look good in purer tones. Yet I consistently gravitate towards more muted and rich tones when designing.

[@zoehongteaches]

How a designer dresses and how they design don't need to have anything to do with each other.

[@Souffle_Orient]

For the second set of dresses, all three really look beautiful, dress 2 is my third choice. Thanks!

[@Souffle_Orient]

For the third set of dresses, dress 2 is perfect! I'm a little bit disturbed by how strong the purple is on the pattern of dress 3. Thanks!

[@ninae.lavelanet-lewnau143]

This was so great! Thank you Zoe!!

[@Myname2663-w2z]

Love this series. So valuable. Thank you

[@dalaststeve]

Thanks Zoe!!! Working with colors now and this has helped me a lot!

[@isabellethomas2201]

Absolutely beautiful

[@chikouchehaminanourelhouda2129]

Thank you so much , seeing you from Algeria 😘

[@nooralhaddad381]

Love your videos 💕 I’m learning a lot Keep it up 👍🏽

[@jennief2108]

I live with my colors out ! thanks Zoe !

[@melloniamellani3566]

Great, pedagogic, inspiring and informative video.

[@robinayers6604]

Yes please more videos on colors and body shape's

[@mrudul2305]

omg this is amazing😊👍i jst lv u💐 u are very good at explaining the topic ..muah

[@thecomrade302]

I like the right one for all three looks.

[@pallasitematrix1614]

Personally I like the red and green; contrast always looks more interesting to me. I have a question though; when you're looking for the complementary color, do you take into account whether it's warmer or cooler? It seemed like the green you chose had more yellow in it, and I was wondering if that was because the red had a touch of blue. Also: I'd really love if you did a video about threads, and how to choose what's appropriate for your project. Admittedly, I don't do a lot of fashion design, but I do a fair amount of sewing, and right now that's the part that gives me the biggest trouble.

[@zoehongteaches]

>>do you take into account whether it's warmer or cooler? Yes, excellent observation. It's supposed I'll address in future, more in-depth videos, but yes. Red-violet's comp is yellow-green. This combo sits closer to pure red-green but yes, the red is a little cool and the green is a little warm to be its true complement. As for threads, I don't have a huge wealth of knowledge on threads. I'm a bit of an outlier in that regard though. I advocate the use of (slightly) weaker threads because when something rips, I would rather the thread rip than the fabric. It's pretty easy to re-stitch a seam if the thread snaps, but it's much harder to patch up ripped fabric. Leather is a whole other story though.

[@PrabhjotKaur-bq2zd]

Thanks for the class 🙏😊🌹

[@user-tj7sh8wx1x]

I love this video! It was a great breakdown of color theory.

[@CerexFlikex]

Great video, love the explanations.

[@hexmaniacciaran]

really useful, in my work I'm great with cool colours but whenever I go in there trying to work with a warmer palette it just looks so clownish

[@zoehongteaches]

When you said 'clownish' I immediately thought of too much red. That's such a clown image, right? Bright red nose, big red shoes. Or circusy. Maybe by clownish you mean garish and you just need to figure out how to tone or mute the colors down.

[@ellidefatima7688]

I like them all! This video helped a lot! Thanks again!

[@sjmcgue]

I would love to see a video tutorial on fabric omni dye or gradient

[@zoehongteaches]

Sadly, I don't know much about dyeing fabrics myself. I've always just hired a factory, but I don't recall ever ordering a gradient.

[@sjmcgue]

Zoe Hong Lol. I didnt know if it was called omni or gradient

[@Undurkhaan]

I like the 3rd dress. Muted green one.

[@peggyriordan9857]

I liked the complimentary colored dress the best. I tend to lean more to the sophisticated look. I was wondering though why the very large flower was placed on the hip. I don't know to many women who want someone looking at their hips first. My eye went to that first thing. Was there a specific reason? Interested in your thoughts on this. Thanks!

[@zoehongteaches]

Not everyone has the same body issues as you do. With the right colors, the flowers can be a distraction for the eye as opposed to something that emphasizes size. I probably should have made the other flowers bigger so your eye dances across the dress more.

[@enoani619]

I love the first one only because the third one complemented the first one way more! IDK why....

[@petit-crampon]

Just lots of compliments ;) for your video !!!!!

[@zoehongteaches]

:D

[@queenododo4499]

Super helpful video, thank you

[@tahnihinchley5337]

Honestly i kept getting distracted from what you were saying because i was watching you mix the inks 😊

[@jessicachoi6729]

Hey zoe! Can you make some videos about how to style clothes on your closet in harmonious ways?!

[@zoehongteaches]

That's actually a cool idea. I'll put it in the queue.

[@ymReal]

Love your educated videos.

[@daniellewilton6125]

Hi! Putting together a pallet for a wedding. The bride wants muted floral tones, and the groom wants the groom's men to have unique floral pattern ties that fit within the multicolored pallet. Do you have any tips of color composition of a group of outfits? Thanks!

[@giovanniandtheghostofyesterday]

Green and red makes for a more luxurious look

[@jotakyininoo2758]

Yellow and purple were my high school colors.

[@nosiphoB6468]

U were called to teach Zoe. ...you're amazing 😚

[@Modhumitamondal]

superb

[@patriciabernard8386]

Do you have any role models in your field of expertise? I did take a course in the early 70's that worked with cardstock squares of color and made designs. It was an attempt for the students to explore the ideas that you are presenting in this video.

[@applyhistory]

I like the light red version best. I am always drawn to monochromatic color schemes somehow. And the effect is younger and more demure.

[@lauraarmua]

Hi, I love the video !!! I have many problems making color variants because they tell me that it does not communicate the same thing. For example I have a color palette of magenta and blue with aesthetics of spaces, universes, galaxies and change the magenta by the orange and the blue by the green but I was told it was wrong, because it did not maintain the aesthetics. I hope you understand what I wanted to ask you, what colors should I use?

[@zoehongteaches]

I don't really get what you're asking. You had magenta and blue and then you switched it to orange and green and now it doesn't feel like space-related? Well, yes, because those are not colors you see a lot of in most diagrams of space. Unless you were focusing only on Jupiter, which is mostly red and orange. People make color associations with things all the time. If you want to be inspired by springtime, people are going to want to see fresh greens and yellows. People associate using a lot of brown and orange with autumn. It's what they're used to. If you're trying to communicate a particular message of color, you have to begin by using the language that already exists.

[@lauraarmua]

Thank you very much, I appreciate your answer!!Greetings and good luck with your videos

[@coyoteyotee]

1st design: prefer the middle, i like the natural and subtle look, i think it compliments the silhouette 2nd design: prefer the rightmost, i like that the color choice is less obvious while still highlighting the ruffling and i think the darker colors on top would create a nice illusion of a smaller waist and larger hips and thighs 3rd design: prefer the rightmost, i have no other reason besides personal preference lol, i just enjoy more neutral colors with more subtle contrast

[@rossellaleonardi2908]

Zoe, the third version of the dress is comprised of the same colors but in what ratio? Like tints of muted yellow and purple? Thanks! Clear/useful and funny as always.

[@rossellaleonardi2908]

The last example

[@toheedalvi6066]

can u tell which vedio to watch after this as i want to learn sketching also should i watch that first or color theory first ? what should i watch after color theory to keep myself n things inorder as a beginner? plz answer

[@LcsVlco]

My favorite... the third one

[@CATAZTR0PHE]

Thank you.

[@yvans.73]

Hey Zoe! Great video, as always. I was wondering if the palette you're using is porcelain? I've been looking at some since I broke out my watercolors again recently and wanted something that wouldn't stain. Where did you get yours?

[@zoehongteaches]

a.co/1F2NioE This is the one I have (that's an unsponsored link) It's porcelain, it's heavy, it's very big, it's expensive, I haven't spotted a stain yet, and I love it beyond all reason.

[@SabrinaElmotawakil]

thank'u so much for all this videos

[@JBabyLeather]

Learning so much

[@tesamimi7751]

complementary looks best for me

[@IYQ2-22]

Zoe Hong, thanks for the great video, hey can you tell me where you got your pallet?

[@zoehongteaches]

Here it is: a.co/0mRlKCH It's a heavy, giant, porcelain monstrosity and I love it!

[@IYQ2-22]

Thanks for the quick response Zoe:-)

[@djunaskye6220]

Could you do a video about visual interest and composition?

[@zoehongteaches]

Check the description box of this video.

[@djunaskye6220]

Zoe Hong ohh thanks lol

[@miracleo1742]

You are amazing

[@ponyproductionsfilms]

Who am I kidding? I’m a children’s book writer/illustrator, cartoonist, and part time filmmaker. Not a fashion designer.

[@tracysternburg]

Where did you get the second color wheel. Thanks for your effort and time.

[@Tomi-wz8fk]

This was helpfull Thank you Zoe

[@PICTUREDBYSAKSHI]

can yu provide more notes????

[@rorylane4656]

zoe hong was there for me when no one else was

[@ayelwinma6741]

I like the green n the red