FASHION DESIGN (APPAREL) : Advanced (Book with DVD) (Workbook Included)

Fashion Design (Apparel): Advanced combines many different practical and visual skills with knowledge of specialized materials and techniques. Fashion design is a form of art dedicated to the creation of clothing and other lifestyle accessories. Fashion design is influenced by cultural and social attitudes, and has varied over time and place. This book will introduce the knowledge and skills for those studying and/or working in garment industry.

About this Book

The information in this book consists of basic to core competencies that a person must achieve to create and produce quality apparel for made-to-order, ready- to- wear/off-the-rack clothing and uniforms reflecting the cultural and social influences of a specific time and trend.

About the Fashion Designing Industry

Fashion design is a challenging, creative field that requires business, art and design skills. They help create clothing and accessories, including belts, purses, boots and formal dresses. Successful fashion designers have an eye for color and detail. They must also solve problems quickly and communicate effectively with other garment workers and salespeople. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), an associate’s or a training program in fashion design or merchandising can prepare most individuals for jobs in the industry. Fashion design programs train students to use colors, fabrics and ornamentation to craft different fashion items. Analyze recent fashion trends and learn about basic business and merchandising principles. Fashion designers may work full-time for one fashion house, as ‘in-house designers’, which owns the designs. They may work alone or as part of a team. Freelance designers work for themselves, selling their designs to fashion houses, directly to shops, or to clothing manufacturers. A degree or training in fashion design can prepare you for career opportunities as a designer, an assistant or a stylist. For some of these positions, you may need to gain work experience after receiving training.

The following are examples of types of fashion designers:

• Clothing designers create and help produce men’s, women’s, and children’s apparel, including casual wear, suits, sportswear, evening wear, outerwear, maternity clothing, and intimate apparel.

• Footwear designers create and help produce different styles of shoes and boots. As new materials, such as lightweight synthetic materials used in shoe soles, become available, footwear designers produce new designs that combine comfort, form, and function.

• Accessory designers design and produce items such as handbags, suitcases, belts, scarves, hats, hosiery, and eyewear.

• Costume designers design costumes for the performing arts and for motion picture and television productions. They research the styles worn during the period in which the performance takes place, or they work with directors to select and create appropriate attire. They also must stay within the costume budget for the particular production.