Hey, style maven in the making! Ever dream of curling up with a cup of hot cocoa, a comfy blanket, and a good book that’s all about your passion – fashion? If that’s a resounding “YES,” we’ve got you covered! We’ve compiled a list of the top seven books that every aspiring fashion designer should read. These books are like the little black dress of your fashion education – timeless, essential, and always in style.
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- “The Fashion Designer Survival Guide” by Mary Gehlhar
- “Fashion Design Course: Principles, Practice, and Techniques” by Steven Faerm
- “Draping: The Complete Course” by Karolyn Kiisel
- “Fashion Sketchbook” by Bina Abling
- “The Little Dictionary of Fashion” by Christian Dior
- “Fashion: The Definitive History of Costume and Style” by DK Publishing
- “In My Shoes” by Tamara Mellon
“The Fashion Designer Survival Guide” by Mary Gehlhar
We’re kicking off this list with an absolute must-have! The Fashion Designer Survival Guide is like your personal GPS through the world of fashion design. This invaluable guide offers a comprehensive look at the fashion industry, providing practical advice for emerging designers looking to launch their own fashion line. Mary Gehlhar shares insider tips, case studies, and interviews with industry experts, offering essential information on business planning, marketing, and production. Purchase this book to gain a solid understanding of the fashion business and set yourself up for success. Mary Gehlhar dishes out insider tips and advice on everything from creating your first designs to launching your own label. Talk about a crash course in surviving (and thriving) in the fashion industry!
“Fashion Design Course: Principles, Practice, and Techniques” by Steven Faerm
Steven Faerm’s Fashion Design Course is like a masterclass in book form. It’s packed with practical advice, step-by-step techniques, and hands-on exercises for creating your own collections. This comprehensive book is a must-have for aspiring fashion designers looking to hone their skills and develop their unique design aesthetic. Faerm covers essential topics such as fashion sketching, draping, pattern making, and garment construction, offering practical exercises and projects to help you master the techniques. Whether you’re an aspiring designer or a seasoned pro, this book is your ticket to the front row of fashion education.
“Draping: The Complete Course” by Karolyn Kiisel
Every fashionista knows that draping is an essential skill in designing clothes. Karolyn Kiisel’s Draping: The Complete Course is a comprehensive guide to this technique, from the basics to more complex designs. It’s like a personal tutor that you can refer to anytime! Kiisel offers draping techniques, covering everything from basic bodices to complex design elements. With step-by-step instructions and detailed photographs, this book is an invaluable resource for mastering the art of draping. Purchase Draping: The Complete Course to elevate your design skills and create stunning garments.
“Fashion Sketchbook” by Bina Abling
Unleash your creativity with Fashion Sketchbook by Bina Abling. This book is a treasure trove of sketching techniques, garment drawing tips, and illustrations. It’s like your personal sketch pad, where you can experiment, explore, and create your own fashion masterpieces.
“Fashion Sketchbook” by Bina Abling is an invaluable resource for aspiring fashion designers and students alike. This book is now in its 7th edition, and it’s widely regarded as a foundational text in many fashion design courses.
Abling goes beyond a mere collection of sketches; it’s a comprehensive guide that demystifies the fashion drawing process with detailed instructions and step-by-step illustrations. It covers everything from basic figure templates (known as croquis) to more complex concepts like how to illustrate men, women, and children in different poses and how to render clothing with a variety of fabrics and textures.
Perhaps one of the most loved features of this book is that it offers ample space for you, the reader, to practice and refine your skills.
If you’re starting on your fashion design journey or even if you’re already well on your way, “Fashion Sketchbook” by Bina Abling can be a fantastic addition to your library. It’s like having a fashion drawing workshop right at your fingertips!
“The Little Dictionary of Fashion” by Christian Dior
When it comes to fashion advice, who better to turn to than one of the most iconic designers in history, Christian Dior? The Little Dictionary of Fashion is Dior’s guide to everything fashion, from A to Z. It’s your ultimate cheat sheet to style!
“Fashion: The Definitive History of Costume and Style” by DK Publishing
This beautifully illustrated book offers a visual journey through the history of fashion, from ancient times to the present day. It’s like a personal time machine. From the elegant attire of ancient times to the avant-garde styles of today, this book is a visually stunning journey through the world of fashion. With over 1,500 costumes, accessories, and photographs, “Fashion: The Definitive History of Costume and Style” is a must-read for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of fashion history and gain inspiration from the past. Purchase Fashion: The Definitive History of Costume and Style to enrich your knowledge of fashion history and inform your design aesthetic.
“In My Shoes” by Tamara Mellon
This exciting autobiography, In My Shoes, chronicles the journey of Tamara Mellon, the co-founder of Jimmy Choo. It’s an honest, insightful peek into the world of fashion business. If you dream of turning your designs into a global brand, this book is a must-read.
So, there you have it, future fashion maven – seven must-read books to fuel your passion and polish your skills. These books will not only build your knowledge but also inspire you to create, innovate, and push the boundaries of fashion. So go ahead, grab a book (or seven), and let your fashion journey begin!
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