Product Description
Fashion Designers' Sketchbooks provides a revealing insight into the design process of some of the major names in the fashion industry. Garments on the catwalk are juxtaposed with lookbooks, original research material, and finished illustrations, giving a new perspective on the working methods of leading international designers. This unique approach makes the book a fascinating resource for both students and designers. ... Read more

Product Description
Mary Gehlhar, author, industry authority, and consultant to hundreds of designers, including Zac Posen, Twinkle by Wenlan, Rebecca Taylor, and Cloak, gives readers behind-the-scenes insights and essential business information on creating and sustaining a successful career as an independent designer.

With advice from fashion luminaries including Donna Karan, Tommy Hilfiger, Cynthia Rowley, Diane von Furstenberg, Richard Tyler, and top executives from Saks Fifth Avenue and Barneys New York, this fully updated and revised edition of The Fashion Designer Survival Guide addresses the latest trends in apparel and accessories, the newest designers, an updated introduction, and a new foreword by Diane von Furstenberg, Designer and President of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA).

The Fashion Designer Survival Guide provides the necessary tools to get a fashion line or label up and moving on the right track, including:

• How to create a viable business plan
• Figuring out how much money you need, where and how to get it, and how to make it last, including the latest on private equity
• The best sources for fabric and materials
• Navigating the pitfalls of production both at home and abroad
• Marketing, branding, and getting the product into the stores and into the customer’s closets
• Romancing the press, dressing celebrities, and creative publicity techniques
• Producing a runway show that will get results

Customer Reviews (20)

Great starter book
After checking this out at the library, I had to buy my own copy and share with friends. This is a great starter book on the fashion industry with real-world examples to learn from. If you want to start your own clothing line, read this first, or at least check it out at the library. You will definitely come away with insight on what to do and what not to do in the fashion business. I learned a lot and plan to read it again and take more notes.

Experience from the pros
I gave this book as a present to one of my best friends.After reading the book he told me that he really loved it and all the information has been very helpful.

My friend was planning to study Fashion Design, but this book has changed his mind.Perhaps it gives real experience from professionals in the field and they let you know that "fashion" is not easy nor cheap.You have to work 7 days per week and 12 hours per day.

I think this is meaningful as people can make better decisions about their future and have a better idea about what to expect.

Read this book, just so you can do the opposite
I have a small fashion label that launched last year. To begin, I invested approximately $15,000 in the sewing, fabrics and labor, and another $5,000 in advertising, most of which I do myself. I do not employ a production manager as is insisted on in this book. I do not have a twenty step process that requires a dozen middle-people and unneeded management. It is me- the designer, a contract sewing company and me and my husband doing the advertising. It is hard work, but the point is that doing this, we make very good profits even the first year. If I employed this author's advice, I would have spent hundreds of thousands of dollars (which I do not have) on pretty much nothing. My clothing is sold in the US, UK and by Fall of 2012 we plan to have shops in Panama and Rio De Janeiro.

A few notes:
I can't sew. I hate sewing. I have a good eye for design and design what I think are great clothes. Others think so too and they buy them.
I am not an artist. I have never taken an art class. I use templates and draw clothing over them.

Point is, you don't have to be a seamstress or an artist, so don't let that scare you.

I basically have no clue what I am doing- and I did it anyway, SUCCESSFULLY. You do NOT need middle-men. You do NOT need to be John Galliano. You do NOT need to have your fashions on the catwalk at Fashion Week in Paris. You DO need to work your ass off. You DO need to be certain that this is what you want to do, because the time/effort/money investment does grow and eat up your resources, but to begin, it's not nearly as cost intensive as this book claims.

This book is for those who want to be the next Calvin Klein/Ana Sui/Dolce & Gabana/etc. It's for those that want to take the long way.

My advice to you is this:
Don't let not knowing what you're doing stop you from doing anything. Have you seen the crap on runways? They don't know what they're doing either.

AVERAGE READING
I found this book to be less good than I expected yet still a goodor average book. There are too many quotations I think and most of them on issues not needed.

Great Tutorial
This is a great tutorial on the fashion industry.

I recommend this book to anyone who is interested into gaining insight into the industry, and on the fence about whether or not this industry is for you.

Cheers & Happy Reading! ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (2)

Gorgeous book!
I was so excited to receive this book! It is beautiful. Firstly it is larger and thicker than I anticipated but for me the main attractions are the gorgeous full color photos printed on great quality paper. I also love the designers own sketches included and the personal Q&A by them. There is not a ton of information on each designer - but for me that is fine - I am much more interested in viewing their work.

One thing to bear in mind is that this is a compilation of more up and coming designers from around the world, so not necessarily big names you already know.

I am so very happy I bought this book and sure you will be.

designers
bought this for my daughter who is 13 and wants to be a fashion designer she loves it lots of info. and pictures ... Read more

Product Description
"A fashion bible."—Vogue. "Invaluable."—The World of Interiors.This indispensable guide to fashion provides in more than 1200 entries detailed information on the life and work of every important designer from 1840 to the present day, including not only couturiers but also shoe, hat, and knitwear specialists, costume designers, jewelers, and hairdressers. It covers the fashion media, photographers and illustrators, influential art movements, fashion terms, garment and accessory styles, technical processes, and every kind of fabric, as well as personalities who have influenced fashion or promoted a style.

The revised and expanded edition features fifty new entries and corrections and updates throughout. It is an essential sourcebook for designers, students, collectors, and enthusiasts. 400 illustrations, 85 in color ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

This book is going to be a classic in fashion science!
I had checked this book out at a public library, and it was 1998 edition. I loved it so much, when I parted it with it I had to buy it. And found out there is a new issue on Amazon! You can imagine how much Fashion has changed in 10 years, so there are new names in it, totally updated! I'm studying fashion, so it's a must for me. But anyone interested in fashion history will find this book very useful and interesting to read. Care when cocktail dresses were invented, how lace is made or simply intrested in bio of Coco Chanel? Then it's the perfect book for you! ... Read more

Product Description
Both students of fashion design and professionals in the field will find valuable inspiration in this profusely illustrated idea book. More than 1,200 detailed illustrations provide the building blocks for designing imaginative and original clothing. The opening section serves as a photo-illustrated catalog of basic shapes for:

*Sleeves * Necklines * Hems * Pockets * Ties and Fastenings * Collars * Cuffs *Waistbands *Embellishments (lace, appliquque, etc.)

The book's second and main section combines photos and fashion illustrations to present unique and original design ideas for all of the above-noted clothing parts. Sixteen original designs per page are sketched in a grid format, according to intended use: casual, formal, special occasion, and essential. The drawings are cross-referenced according to suggested fabrics for construction. A gatefold flap inside the book presents an outline human figure to guide designers in mixing and matching garment parts. The book's final section, titled "Taking It Further," shows how to find additional inspiration from outside sources, for instance from architectural details, or the graphic designs of the 1960s Op Art movement, or the dress designs of the 1930s. Readers will also find inventive ideas for using specialty fabrics, including silk, organza, and suede. Color photos and illustrations on every page. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (16)

Designing Clothes
I purchased this book because the drawings were concise and allowed me to explore news ways to design patterns.

Like the only pair of brown shoes in a room full of black tuxedos
This book misses the mark for the aspiring designer or home sewer who would like to try her hand at fashion design.

For starters, important sections such as "Design Development" are only two-pages long. The "Understanding Proportions" section (also just two-pages long) includes the drawing of a woman's figure with reference points for her bustline, waistline, hipline, etc. But that's all you get; there are no pointers on creating garments to fit average measurements. For example, what inseam measurement do designers typically use, and how does it vary among tall women and petite women? You won't find the answer in this book.

The reader also is informed that she can use one other drawing of a female figure in the book to trace garments from the directory and create a "prototype fashion collection." Samples are provided for this "technique," but they won't put you or any fashion houses on edge.

Overall Style Review
This is one of those books that is not necessary for your sewing library, but it diffently comes in play as you go to modify an existing pattern or are trying to name some style of fashion you are interested in.I use it soley for that.When I modify my TNT (tried and true) patterns to achive a new look I like to see some ideas and this book provide that for me.It also has a fashion history in the front if I am interested in a 'period' fashion detail.Is it a 'must' have for the home sewer? - No probably not.However, it is a great home sewing library addition for ideas, inspirations and review of fashion details.

quite good
the pictures in this book are very good. It introduces a lot of fashion style.

The Fashion Designer's Directory of Shape and Style: Over 500 Mix-and-Match Elements for Creative Clothing Design
This book is going to be a great resource for my teaching. It has some very good illustrations and photographs to show students about the construction of garments. Also a good basic knowledge of fabrics and their uses, which will be helpful. Very pleased I've added it to my collection. ... Read more

Product Description
For anyone who loves fashion, this is a dream book: a vast collection of original sketches by 50 of the world's most celebrated fashion designers. Style maven Laird Borrelli has brought together 250 stunning sketches, designs, and concepts by a galaxy of prominent designers from every international fashion capital. Top names like Christian Lacroix and Karl Lagerfeld join hot up-and-comers such as Roksanda Ilincic and Yoshikazu Yamagata in a magnificent and unprecedented gallery of distinctive signature illustration styles, unique creative thought processes, and work in a huge variety of media. Lively text introduces each designer, and an utterly invaluable reference section in back provides contact details for each designer's label. Fashion illustration has never looked so good. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

As an artist not a fashion illustrator.........
As an artist not a fashion illustrator I find this book inspirational!My goal is to sketch out the various styles to cause my eye and hand to move and "see" the human form in a different way.This book is predominately filled with quick sketch and gesture drawings and is a fine example of those styles.

As with most books I've taken this one out from the library for a test run but I will buy this book!

Best of Fashion Illustration Books
I own or have thumbed through many many times all the fashion illustration books that are out there.They all seem pretty appealing but leave me wanting more. I'd say this is the best collection of the bunch.It feels more up to date and varied than many of the others I looked through. If you are going to buy one of the many fashion illustration books out there - I'd say this is your best bet.

Just so-so
Though the book covers a wide range of both up-and-coming as well as established designers, to be honest, if i would have had the chance to page through it I wouldn't have purchased it. I was looking for inspiring fashion illustration, but what this book confirmed for me is that fashion illustration is best done by fashion illustrators, not fashion designers.I agree with other that comment that the cover is deceiving-- but not because, like other commenters, I DIDN"T like it, but because I LOVE the cover illustration and hoped that similarly fresh, contemporary, and cutting edge drawings would be inside.Instead, most of the illustration is in a very generic minimalist fashion design style (you know the generic line/stick figure body drawn with sweeping strokes to represent draped cloth) or very dated a la 80s-90s (probably because most of the designers featured were in school about that time and continue drawing their sketches in the style they developed in school).Most of the drawings are more functional for the designer rather than original but don't contain technical notes on garment construction.

I was hoping to buy a book I could pour over, and really sink my teeth into each drawing, but most of the drawings are minimalist, generically styled, or dated looking.I also assumed, even if the actual drawing didn't inspire, that the book would provide a really inside, intimate look into the creative process with handwritten notes or detailed description, but alas, it does not.The book covers a huge range of designers offering a few illustrations from each along side a very brief half-paragraph about who they are (often information you could find in wikipedia).It seems more quantity over quality.

To be fair though:

there are some really original drawings by Hanuk kim, Costello Tagliapietra, antonio ciutto, aitor throup, ricardo tisci, lovisa burfitt, and over course the cover artist Alena Akhumadullina.

The book is large and comes in a very sturdy hardback cover, making it an ideal coffee table book.

There are contemporary 'it' designers like Rodarte, Badgley Mischka,etc along side legends like YSL, Lagerfeld, betsey johnson, etc.

Beautiful Fashion Illustrators
To all the aspiring fashion designers, illustrators, and hipsters... this is a beautiful book to own. I love it so much, it is such a great look at how fashion designers see their creations. Art can be anything, even a sketch of what you think people should wear. I highly approve of this purchase, along with a new pair of shoes.

Fashion Illustration by Fashion Designers
This is a useful text for entry level fashion students in that it shows a variety of illustration styles used by independent and established designers and acknowledges the differnt role illustration plays in developing garment concepts.
The introduction, illustration notes, quotes and illustrations clearly demonstrate diversity in design methodologies across a variety of garment categories and emphasize the 'personal' aproach taken by individuals in initiating the design process.
From an instructional point of view, I would like to have seen more 'developmental' drawings (if they exist)from the designers who indicate the initial concept illustration diverges from the resolved garment design and possibly a comparison with illustrations created for promotional purposes.
Evidence of designers 'hand-writing' in the form of concept drawings is difficult to locate and Borelli's effort to document such examples is commendable. ... Read more

Product Description
"Mary’s aptly title’s ‘Survival’ Guide is long overdue. For anyone seeking to compete, and succeed, in our crowded, and highly competitive industry, Mary’s comprehensive advice is absolute required reading."

Peter D. ArnoldExecutive DirectorCouncil of Fashion Designers of America

"The Fashion Designer Survival Guide" is a veritable encyclopedia on the ‘how to’s’ an emerging designer must consider when going into business. Excellent professional advice is presented throughout the book along with serious discussion of the expectations he/she will confront in the market place.This book is a "must have" for all young entrepreneurs in design.

Margaret HayesPresidentThe Fashion Group International

"For anyone interested in being a fashion designer or working in the fashion industry, The Fashion Design Survival Guide is the quintessential must-read.Mary Gehlhar clearly and deftly navigates the reader through the otherwise labyrinthine and confounding real world of professional fashion, addressing every must-know from apparel manufacturing to marketing and branding to runway production and retail sales.This should be a required text for fashion students, young designers, and even mid-career professionals."

Tim Gunn, ChairDepartment of Fashion DesignParsons School of Design Project Runway

"The Fashion Designer Survival Guide offers sage advice for any designer contemplating starting up a new fashion company. This guide is applicable not only to US designers but also globally, since the fashion industry fundamentally works the same way in the US, UK, Europe and Asia. Gehlhar outlines the ‘A to Z’ of the fashion business, along with tricks of the trade to help new designers manoeuvre their way through industry obstacles and increase their chance of success."

Linda J. PetersDirector, Centre for Fashion Enterprise London College of FashionLondon, UK

"Along with their sketch pad and scissors, every aspiring designer should have a copy of this book. From ordering fabric to making yourself interesting to the press, Mary Gehlhar has put together an invaluable, step-by-step guide to succeeding on Seventh Avenue and beyond."

Nancy MacDonell, Editor at Large, NYLONAuthor of The Classic Ten: The True Story of the Little Black Dress and Nine Other Fashion Favorites

"Fashion fledglings now have one up on Hansel and Gretel.Forget crumbs, Mary Gehlhar offers juicy morsels of relevant information to aspiring designers—collected from professionals in the field." Laird BorrelliSenior Features Editor, Style.com "If only I had this manual when I began my company!The Fashion Designer Survival Guide is a well written handbook for the entrepreneur ready to commence his or hers own Fashion Business.It delineates in detail every step of the process required to start-up and run a successful business within the Fashion Industry.The book is exceptionally informative and offers examples of the triumphs and failed experiences of many well-respected designers.As a designer, who at one time, underwent much of the trials that Mary writes about, I have found the book to be extremely helpful and encouraging to all aspiring designers ready to embark on an independent career within the industry."

Rebecca Taylor ... Read more

Customer Reviews (35)

Great learning tool
Great learning tool for the beginner designer or anyone wanting to get into the fashion industry

Love it
This is a great book. I wish this was out when I had still been in school.

Very thorough
If you are thinking of starting a business in fashion this contains everything you need to know.

Great insider info for all to enjoy!
I've been in the business (www.glamajama.com) for almost five years now and I still found lots of useful info.Gives lots of pointers on how to set-up your clothing line's "timeline" for design, production, and launch.Follow their suggestions and you will have the optimum amount of time to build and promote your line.Also, it provides an overview for legal issues, marketing, and selling the line.This is a great reference tool for anyone wanting to know more about the inner workings of the fashion biz.

Excellent for High Schoolers
As a fashion design student, I was given this book before attending school by a friend. I read it all in one day and really appreciated all the information in it. But, I will say that I understood most of the business end of the information because I had already taken a college level business class.

The information in this book is very general and I would say it is excellent for someone who is thinking about going into the fashion industry and wants a realistic view of the process. Reading it before attending classes will give you a head start to understanding key concepts that will be covered.

If you already have a degree, I agree with one of the other reviewers, I wouldn't buy it. ... Read more

Product Description
This book provides easy to understand, step-by-step instructions and diagrams showing how to use Adobe Illustrator to create flat drawings, working drawings and storyboards for the fashion industry. Hand drawings are no longer good enough for an industry which demands increased productivity, profitability and accuracy. Adobe Illustrator enables the user to create clear and detailed drawings that satisfy the industry’s needs. Adobe Illustrator has become the industry standard, taking over from other software packages.

Although Adobe Illustrator is a powerful CAD program, it is difficult to grasp quickly. This book provides the building blocks which enable fashion students and designers to get started quickly while learning the more sophisticated facilities as they become more fluent. Here they are shown simply, concisely and in a highly practical way all that new users need to know to begin to create acceptable work. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Great Step by Step explanations for Designers
I am so happy I invested in this book!
After 30 years in the fashion industry, I am finally required to use Illustrator for my job. I started teaching myself using another book of tutorials so
I know basic flat technical sketching but I get stuck on some techniques. This book explains so many things in very easy to understand and to follow
steps.I am working with a new fashion school grad and she is amazed with this book as well.

An excellent book forfashion designers
I am a CAD designer for a sportswear company and I work with illustrator and photoshop every day.I found the book very helpful in my work.It is good for reviewing applications as well as applying new ones. Everything is explained well and beautifully illustrated. My work has improved. A colleague at work also bought the book and is pleased with the results. I am very happy I bought the book and highly recommend it.

fashion design by computer
this book is great for the adobe illustrator computer program. it helps you work the program and do fashion designs on the computer.trade sketching is easyer on the computer. everything is in line and perfect.

A power house!
If you are a fashion professional who wants to learn how to use Illustrator this is the book to get!What I enjoyed the most is that this book teaches real world skills that you would need to know in the workplace not fluff that you wouldn't use.

very helpful
this is a great book for some one who has a basic understanding of what illustrator and photoshop does and helps them how to apply to fashion ... Read more

Product Description
With a design orientation, FASHION ILLUSTRATION FOR DESIGNERS, 2/e is focused on teaching students how to develop contemporary drawing skills that will allow them to communicate their fashion vision. Fashion Illustration for Designers, 2e teaches students how to draw all the various fashion figures for men, women and children and features the latest in today’s fashion trends. From expanded Photoshop coverage to more on streetwear and activewear, it addresses current trends in figures, fashions and illustrations. With its focus on visual communication, it shows the best tools for getting ideas on paper and dazzling an audience with the sophistication of the approach. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (11)

Fashion illustration for designer
This book is awesome!I like the step-by-step teaching in drawing, composition, texture technique, etc.This is a good book for design student and illustrator!

great!
fast delivery and really good condition other than the water stain previously said everything was great, thank you !!

Excellent
I purchased this book for my 11 year old niece who is very bright and very interested in fashion design.She skimmed the book, we watched the DVD and she her skill level drawing her independent designs and the models wearing them was increased 10 fold.I can only imagine the leap as she reads this text with more depth and continues to practice.

I will be purchasing the new version that is set to be released this year.

Recipient Got Just What He Wanted
This was a gift for an artist, and the recipient was thrilled with the usefulness of the illustrations for drawing practice.

the best you can buy.
I needed this book to help me render my sketches. ITS THE BEST BOOK YOU CAN BUY!! it comes with two DVD's and the book is hefty and about 300 pages, each one with valuable information! ... Read more

Product Description
Designer's portfolios are their calling card in an increasingly competitive fashion industry-displaying their unique design perspective, skill sets, and creativity. This comprehensive reference prepares students as they begin their fashion design careers. Those already working in the industry or wishing to reenter the job market will also appreciate these new approaches for revising or recreating their portfolios. Each chapter highlights essential skills and techniques to help designers become competitive within their chosen markets. By focusing on both logical and creative solutions, the designer becomes aware of the process of developing the portfolio-from concept through presentation of the finished product. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (11)

Fab
I am an FIT Student so this book was recimneded by the professors at FIT. It helps with prestation, on how to do flats and other aspects. Professor Tain is very big on presentation from what I know and what other students have told me......

If you are working on your fashion design porfolio...
This books is a "most have" for you.
It teaches you how to select your portfolio and organize it according to the kind of market you intent to break into. It starts by detailing the kind of media you can use for the development of your material to the final presentation, and what to expect on your interview.

Perfect for newly graduated designers
This is the textbook for my portfolio development class. All I can say is this is one of the best investments I've ever made. It initially seemed costly, but it is completely worth it.It gently talks you through the process of setting up your portfolio, and gives a ton of ideas for a stunning presentation that will leave an impact.

One of the BEST!!
I don't think that I can say anymore than whats alreasy been said about how ABSOLUTELY GREAT this book is.

It really is a great resource to own. It has everything from layout (which one is the best and which ones aren't), to resume, to interview information. It also encourages you to think out of the box a bit by showing you what everyone wlse os doing.

Once agian excellent resource for up-an-coming fashion designers/students and even those who have left and are returning to the fashion industry.

Excellent
A great book for more advanced Designers, show you different presentations of portfolio...Great but I wish that the pictures were in colors not in B&W. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (1)

OK
I was very disappointed in this book.I own, Artist Spaces, Vogue Living...which I enjoy. I thought this
would be about the same jaundra - not. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (9)

Grand Daughter's holiday gift
I paged through the book and found the illustrations very well done and the reading both interesting and factual.

Great Gift
I bought this as a gift for a preteen intersted in Fashion Designing.I flipped threw it.From what I seen it does a great job of going over things. They enjoyed the book a lot.

this book sucks
i don't know what these other people are talking about, but i bought this book thinking it would be great for my little sister who is an aspiring fashion designer, and i thought it would be a good book due to these other reviews, but i was very very disappointed. this book sucks.

Covers topic well
I bought this for my niece, but read it first. This book covers a lot of material and is written for pre-teens and teens. The people it lists as current designers is out-dated, but other than that, it is a good resource.

Good Basic
This is really a book for a beginner to read and determine if that is the path that they might be interested in. ... Read more

Product Description
As the global fashion and apparel industry has grown to represent a $3 trillion market, a
new area of law is required to help guide fashion designers and executives through the legal
quandaries peculiar to fashion. This text will address such legal issues as: defining and
protecting intellectual property, knock offs, licensing, counterfeiting; agreements such
as franchising, distribution, rentals, leasing; handling customs; and creative copyright
infringement. It will provide a practical working knowledge to avoid legal disputes and
protect rights of fashion executives, managers, and designers. Contributors representing
industry and law firms will provide content and case studies for better understanding of
legal issues when law meets design. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Outstanding Text
I am a lawyer practicing fashion law, a fashion designer and a professor of Fashion Law at Parsons the New School for Design.I have made this text available to my students in the University's library.It is a great reference book that compliments the course nicely.There are very few books out there on this subject.I suspect more will be written if the Innovative Design Protection and Piracy Prevention Act passes in Congress, and as this area of law evolves, but in the mean time this book is the best on the market. ... Read more

Product Description
The Practical Guide to Patternmaking for Fashion Designers: Juniors, Misses, and Women offers
an in-depth look into the techniques and theories of pattern drafting for women s garments.
Covering a wide variety of styles, textiles, and sizes, this book is useful for a wide
range of pattern courses from introductory to advanced. It provides a sound introduction
to the concepts and the processes of patternmaking, as well as a more advanced analysis of
style and design. The author offers helpful techniques on taking measurements and adjusting
the fit of garments for all body sizes, patterns, and types of fabrics. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

a must have book along with helen joseph armstrong
this book is not as detailed as helen joseph armstrong,but it serves the purpose of second reference material.it has photographs of how to take measurements on the body(missing in H.J.A) and illustrations for taking measurements on the stand.i had problems making the one darted basic bodice block using H.J.A,however on reading the instructions in this book, i realised that i was leaving out some tiny details like ease on the shoulder slope and like.i did have to alter my toile though, but it was a lot easier than the one i made using H.J.A. the part that i simply loved was the chapter on draping the basic 2 darted bodice and two darted skirt on the stand.this chapter is very detailed and explains the process through photos which is very helpful for the draping newbie. drafting the basic blocks like one darted bodice,basic sleeve,trousers,dartless jeans, one darted&double darted skirt block, one darted&double darted torso block,dartless torso block,jacket and coat blocks are all explained as well.all these i feel are necessary items in pattern cutting, however where it loses out is the fact that there are almost no variations given.instead it takes complete garments like a particular style of shirt(western stle) or trouser(like sailor pants) and gives you the construction process of the various components like sleeve,body,cuff,collar etc.buy it only if you find it difficult to follow instructions in H.J.A and as second reference

Excellent supplementary or 2nd pattern-drafting book
This is a great book for a more contemporary look at styles and pattern-drafting, highly relevant to 21rst-century designers. I would say this book does *not* stand alone....you need a drafting "bible" (such as Patternmaking for Fashion Design or Patternmaking Made Easy) to really make full use of this, because it is not organized in the way most drafting "bibles". Most drafting books are organized into chapters covering a specific topic (sleeves, collars, cuffs, etc), while this one presents whole projects (for example, a complete coat with cuffs, lining, pockets) to complete. This is a great way to see how all the design elements come together to form a total garment, but you need additional books because it does not cover ALL style details, some stuff is left out. Great book though!

Would someone please review this book!?
Apologies for the fake rating. One can't post here without a rating. There should be a 'review requested' button or something.

I'd like to know how this title compares to Helen Joseph Armstrong's book. What does it cover differently? Does this book cover anything that Joseph Armstrong's book does not? For example, does it cover the pants sloper thoroughly and well? Are there errors?

I *have* the Joseph Armstrong, and would greatly value another approach/point of view -- or even a second way of presenting the same material; and would love some complementary information, as well. But I prefer to minimize exact repetition. This book is not cheap, but it is affordable, so I am considering it, but can't afford to buy 'blind'. HELP!

And - it would help my decision enormously if I could see the table of contents and index online. With more information, I might buy the book. Without it, I definitely will not. ... Read more

Product Description
A visual journey through the decades, "Vintage Fashion" is a book for those interested in collecting and acquiring vintage but it also caters for the woman who is 'beyond fashion', who will always be looking at past influences for inspiration when developing her individual look. Featuring the work of Coco Chanel, Christian Lacroix and Muccia Prada among others, it will be of interest to fashion students, designers and any fashionista. At a time when everyone is their own stylist, this book provides an awareness of the fashion skills and techniques of the past, as well as pointers on what to look for when sourcing original vintage pieces, allowing the reader to understand and develop their own intrinsic tastes and fashion sensibilities. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A must-have for fashionistas
Although this book is clearly intended for women who are interested in buying high-end vintage fashions and want to know what to look for, it's actually a history of 20th century fashion, from the pre-World War I era to the eighties. The author not only explains who the top designers were during each decade and what their signature styles were, she also lists all the major trends and illustrates how the political and social background of each era influenced fashions. It's beautifully illustrated throughout, with photographs of vintage pieces as well as reproductions of advertisements and magazine photographs. ... Read more

Product Description
A widely-recognized fashion design teacher presents a series of step-by-step tutorials and exercises, and offers students extensive advice on how to prepare for a successful career in the glamorous fashion design industry. The book opens with an overview of the principles of fashion design, a survey of the industryÂ's history and its key designers, and a description of todayÂ's markets and customers. The tutorials that follow instruct in designing sportswear, tailored garments for wear to business careers, denim/activewear, cocktail and evening wear, childrenÂ's clothing, menÂ's garments, and accessories. The author also advises on creating and presenting a fashion portfolio, and on Â"sellingÂ" oneself in a job interview. His several discussions with some of the industryÂ's leading professionals give students valuable insights on how to create and develop oneÂ's own original collection. Fashion Design Course is a fine introduction for students, dressmakers, and all others aspiring to careers in this dynamic and rewarding industry. More than 450 how-to color illustrations. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

best book ever!
if you go to parsons as a fashion major, you MUST BUY THIS BOOK!!
the author is the director of parsons bfa, and all the assignments that you will have in parsons are talked about in this book.
IT IS VERY HELPFUL !!

Packed with color and variety, this is a fine pick for a wide range of collections
FASHION DESIGN COURSE is a fine pick for any collection strong in the basic principles and practices of fashion design. It offers step-by-step tutorials, exercises, and interviews with industry professional to each how to create a personal fashion design collection, surveying texture, mood and detail and offering keys to creating a design portfolio to highlight design skills. Packed with color and variety, this is a fine pick for a wide range of collections.

Well Planned and Executed
Beautiful book, full of great information, photos and illustrations on fabrics and fashion design.Very logical and enjoyable. ... Read more

Product Description

Comprehensive and lavishly illustrated -- a who's who of fashion.

Published in association with Vogue magazine, Vogue Fashion is the definitive style bible for everyone interested in the past, present and future of fashion. It takes a fresh look at fashion history, charting the evolution from corsets to 21st-century trends.

This stylish book chronicles all the significant designers, developments and movements of more than a hundred years of fashion -- from the 1920s flapper through the war years, from Christian Dior's New Look to the Swinging Sixties, from New Romanticism to punk to postmillenium styles. Among current designers featured are Vera Wang, Roberto Cavalli, Luella Bartley, Zac Posen, Roland Mouret and Viktor and RoIf.

An A to Z section highlights over 250 of the greatest designers of all time -- the men and women who have inspired, created and altered the course of fashion. Illustrated with many eye-catching archival images, Vogue Fashion also features the work of the photographers who have helped immortalize seminal fashion moments.

Vogue Fashion is an informative and inspirational look at how fashion reflects and projects social mores and individual values.

Customer Reviews (1)

OK, but the writing is awful, it's about BRITISH Vogue, and there are a LOT of typos.
It's interesting to read about fashion decade-by-decade (first part of the book), or to look up your favorite designers to see their personal and professional histories. However, this book is very poorly written, and even more poorly edited. There are a host of annoying typos. Furthermore, American readers might not realize, as I didn't, that it refers to BRITISH Vogue. Though it's about the fashion and not the magazine, the entire book is written from a British point of view. Still, makes good bathroom reading. Just don't drop it in the toilet. Oops. ... Read more

Product Description
Experience the excitement of high fashion with the costumes on display in this carefully researched and expertly rendered paper doll collection. Three dolls model clothing created by fashion giants during the first half of the twentieth century--from ostentatious gowns of the early 1900s featuring the hourglass look by Callot Soeurs, to Jacques Fath's feminine evening dresses of the 1950s. Also included: haute couture apparel by Schiaparelli, Paquin, Poiret, Lanvin, Patou, Worth, Lelong, Chanel, Grès, Ricci, Balenciaga, Dior, and 18 other great designers. Descriptive notes accompany a costume extravaganza that will delight paper doll fans, collectors, and fashion designers. 32 costumes. Notes.
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Customer Reviews (2)

PAPER DOLL LOVERS.....
Grown-up, little girls, can relive their childhood now, because paperdolls are again available.For many years they seemed to be obselete or, at best, very hard to find.These paperdolls are a little more sophisticated, and much more expensive, but they're very nice.

French Designers
This book provides a glance at the work of some famous as well some largely forgotten French designers.It's wonderful of Tom Tierney to honor more obscure couturiers like Mad Carpentier, Cheruit, Drecoll, etc.
The costumes chosen trace the changes in fashion from 1900 to 1950.Some are absolutely divine, like the dresses by Doucet, Lelong, Dior and the pants and jacket by Rochas.
Aesthetically, the plate with the dolls is too cramped and I've always preferred Tom Tierney's work when the figures are slightly smaller in scale ( eg "Great Fashion Designs of the Fifties Paper Dolls").
I look forward to the next installment (ie 1950 to 2000). ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (3)

Canine couture book
I was disappointed in this book.You have to enlarge pattern and figure out what and how.I feel this is a complicated book for a person who sews a little.I am able to follow a pattern but, this was not what I expected.

great project book!
This book is a wonderful book.Patterns include knitting patterns for sweaters, even a cute outfit that includes leg warmers.Of the sewing patterns are sporty designs, a velvet smoking jacket, a safari jacket.Patterns for stuffed bone toy and ball.Patterns for various beds and blankets.Also a pattern for a collar and leash.There are several that I intend to make.

Really cute!
I am new to sewing and found the patterns and directions in this book to be very easy, but you do need basic sewing skills to understand. The patterns are not life size so you do have to do the math to get the right size but if I can do it anyone can. All of the projects are to cute for words and I would highly recommend this book. ... Read more