The Fashion Designer's Directory of Shape and Form

by Simon Travers-Spencer, Zarida Zaman

This is a collection of the various shapes, forms and styles that are used in the field of fashion design. The first part of the book deals with the basic elements of fashion design: sleeves, necklines, hems, ties and fastenings, collars, cuffs, waistbands and embellishments. The great majority of the book comprises a vast resource of unique and original design detail ideas. A combination of photography and fashion illustrations show a range of creative options. Garment details are discussed in their own right and as part of a garment. There is also a section on using specialty fabrics such as silk and organza whose characteristics determine the final shape and fit of a garment. All in all, this is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in fashion, fashion design and making garments.

Genres: Fashion, Reference, Nonfiction, Sewing

144 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2008

Reviews

[Judi Easley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some people might pick this book up thinking it's going to teach them to be a fashion designer. No. Sorry, but this book cannot take the place of design school or an apprenticeship with a designer. That said, this book covers large chunks of what a designer does to get a fashion line from concept to fabric on warm bodies.

The book shows you what a mood board is and how it leads you to the design of the fashion line. How to work on a dress form is covered, so you learn how your fabric with move over the body. The section I liked the best was the one with all the necklines, hemlines, shoulders, collars and such. Seeing all the different types and learning the names. Seeing which type of fabrics work best for which styles and combinations.

This may not make you a fashion designer, but any hopeful future designer would be smart to read this before going off to design school. All this information would give you a leg up on your studies. This will certainly be a useful reference for me in upcoming projects. I'm always fiddling with patterns or making over existing items. Having these ideas at my fingertips will be priceless! I'd recommend this to anyone who wants to train to design fashion or to any sewer who fiddles like me.

I purchased this ebook from Barnes and Noble. I am not being compensated in any way. All opinions stated are fully my own.
~Judi E. Easley

[Lore · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty useful guide of lineart for garment production and design. A concise, lightweight and organized little book with lots of options to choose from. However, a better option for the same content with a broader reach would be the Fashionary Fashionpedia.

[Lore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super useful guide to creating a fashion collection. A must have for students or beginner designers.