EFFECTS OF SELECTED FABRIC DECORATIONS ON FEMALE FIGURE TYPES IN GHANA: A CASE STUDY IN KUMASI METROPOLIS..

ABSTRACT This dissertation examines the effect of selected fabric decorations (embroidery, appliqué batik/ tie and dye, prints, smocking and shirring) on the female figure types (Apple shape, Rectangular shape, Pear shape and Hourglass shape). The objectives of the study is to find out the various figure types, effects of various patterns and motifs in fabric decoration methods on varying figure types and the kind of patterns and motifs appropriate for use in decorating fabrics for various the figure types. The research design used was qualitative descriptive approach. The research is limited to tailors, seamstresses, fashion designers, end users (customers) and fashion scholars in the Kumasi Metropolis of Ghana (which formed the population of the study). The sample of the study was selected using purposive and simple random sampling method. A sample of fifty (50) fashion designers, one hundred (100) end users of fashion products and ten (10) fashion scholars were used. Primary data were collected using questionnaire, interview guide and observation. Data were analyzed and presented in the form of tables and charts. The result indicated that fabric decorations, motifs and pattern decorations have effect on figure type. Also factors such as size of motifs, its arrangement and placement, end users taste, appearance of fabric decoration, personality, to mention but a few, influence the choice of fabric decorations on figure types. Conclusions were drawn from the findings. Based on the above it is recommended that education programmes should be organized for fashion designers to update them on fabric decorations and figure types. Figure types should be taken into consideration when selecting and producing garment for their clients or end users.