The Power of Line in Ghanaian Traditional Woven Cloth, Costume Design Creativity and Construction in Focus

Purpose: The study investigates the use of lines (stripes) as an aesthetic component that has a considerable influence on the final appearance of garments. The goal was to investigate line as a design and construction characteristic that must be emphasized throughout garment manufacturing. The focus was to review its significance to clothing design by the fashion designer especially having it serving as a structural and functional design feature in garment construction. Design/Methodology/Approach: The research is an explorative type aimed at engaging both secondary and primary data to achieve its objectives. It employed descriptive study within a constructionist paradigm to describe research problem qualitatively. Woven cloth was the fabric of focus with the manipulation of lines or stripes enhancing design creativity. The research instruments engaged were observation and content analyses. Stripes outlined in costumes, fabrics, and on the wearer were analyzed in locally designed clothing. The scope of study was limited to the Ghanaian traditional fugu and kente woven cloths and other local fabric. Pieces of cloths and garments were sampled for the study from various garment production units and social media. The data collected from the tested apparel was processed and presented for interpretation. Findings: Design components serve as a foundation in the conception and construction of textiles and garment designs, giving each material used in fashion a distinct urge in the appearance of a garment. Since lines give the wearer an illusion because they are crucial to the construction of clothing, they should not be undermined in the production process. Research Limitation/Implications: The emphases is on the power of lines (stripes) in woven cloth and their role in creating an illusion on the wearer. Colour was not considered though line and colour work together simultaneously and are very vital in the designing of clothing. Hence the right handling of line automatically affects colour. Practical Implication: The information gained from this study will aid in educating fashion designers about the importance of lines when creating apparel designs. It will also direct designers to pay more attention to how lines are manipulated when making garments. The key findings would have a major effect on the aesthetic appeal of locally woven fabrics in Ghana and subsequent economic improvement on the apparel sector. Social Implication: The study would help designers in clothing designing by improving the designing of the local woven clothing and subsequent gaining customer satisfaction locally and the international world. Originality/Value: The convention of line in the creation of clothing ensures design uniqueness. Lines or stripes form the beauty of an entire garment hence its appropriate manipulation brings out good fitting and attractive appearances. The right blending of lines to other elements of design gives great results especially in the local traditional striped woven cloths in Ghana called Kente and Fugu.