In fashion, the strategic use of color, shape, and layout is referred to as what?

The correct answer is the design concept, which refers to a comprehensive plan that outlines the visual approach to a fashion project. This includes the strategic use of color, shapes, textures, and overall layout to create a cohesive look that aligns with specific themes or objectives. A design concept serves as a guiding principle throughout the design process, ensuring that all elements work together harmoniously to convey the intended message or aesthetic.

While the other options touch on aspects related to fashion, they do not encapsulate the idea as comprehensively as the design concept does. A style guide, for example, typically serves as a reference for maintaining consistency in branding and design elements but isn't as focused on the overarching strategy involved in color and layout. Visual strategy primarily emphasizes how visuals communicate messages and can be broader than just fashion. Fashion layout typically refers to the arrangement and presentation of items in a specific space, which is a more tactical consideration rather than a strategic concept. Therefore, the design concept is the most accurate term for describing the strategic use of color, shape, and layout in fashion.