Fashion is a three-dimensional design practice: clothes need to work with bodies that bend and stretch and move. A flat drawing on paper can replicate a body in two dimensions, but it doesn’t take into account the way the fabric will behave on the body. In the fashion industry it is often the fabrics that come first and the design is determined by how the fabrics work, move, feel and look. The most successful fashion designers are those who understand their materials, who match design skill with technical knowledge. This book aims to bridge that gap.
Providing a mix of practical information and the industry vocabulary, this easily navigable reference book will help students gain a clear understanding of how to work with fabrics as an integral component of the fashion design process. The book will visually examine generic fabric types, discuss their characteristics and show how to exploit materials to push the boundaries of design. With stunning colour photographs that show how fashion designers, both past and present, have worked with fabrics, the book’s prime objective is to stimulate creative exploration of the relationship of fabrics to fashion.
Contents
Introduction - Ground Rules
Colour
SECTION 1 - ANIMAL FIBRES
Wool
Luxury animal fibres
Silk
SECTION 2 - PLANT FIBRES
Linen
Cotton
Sustainable plant fibres
Next steps
Glossary
Clive Hallett is an associate lecturer in design management at The London College of Fashion as well as lecturing at several other fashion colleges. He has worked in the fashion industry since 1972 and has been a freelance design consultant since 1978.
Amanda Johnston is an associate lecturer in design and product development on the BA Fashion Products course at London College of Fashion. She has worked as a freelance design consultant since graduating from Kingston University in 1982. Amanda is also an external assessor for the degree courses at the London Centre for Fashion Studies.
Clive and Amanda have worked together as consultants within the fashion industry since 1982 having collaborated on numerous projects both in the UK and abroad.
