Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

This book shows students and professional designers how to use visual research to develop a personal aesthetic as a fashion designer in a global industry.

Fashion design is a process of investigating, researching and constantly questioning what you are doing and why. The first section of this comprehensive guide demonstrates the research process underpinning the work of design icons from Coco Chanel and Jean Paul Gaultier to Vivienne Westwood and Alexander McQueen. It reveals the many different areas of inspiration upon which they draw, from historical precursors such as Christian Dior's 'New Look' to traditional textiles from around the world.

The second section introduces a wide range of themes that often inform fashion design research, including vintage and retro, the use of archives and the influence of art movements such as op art and surrealism. Finally, a series of detailed case studies investigates the research process in the work of designers such as Paul Smith, Comme des Garçons and Anna Sui, among others. Many visual examples are included and the influences on their work are analysed.

Reviews provided by Syndetics

CHOICE Review

Leach (Univ. of Westminster; Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design, London) shares his 30 years of experience in the fashion industry in this comprehensive introduction to the research processes employed by fashion designers. Research helps designers develop their personal aesthetic, advance the design process, and find new sources of inspiration. Throughout the book, the author emphasizes the need for creative and critical thinking based on research for those participating in the global fashion industry. The book is divided into three sections covering the research process, research and inspiration, and designer case studies. Each section is supported by case studies of individual designers and numerous images that illustrate the outcome of visual research in a designer's work. Key research methods explored include historical research, art and architecture as inspiration, nature and science, world cultures, and street style. The case studies feature established designers and brands, such as Burberry, Chanel, Marc Jacobs, Prada, and Vivienne Westwood. Leach further investigates the connection between research and design inspiration through discussion of concepts (e.g., memory, narrative, and identity) that provide a springboard for personal creative expression. Summing Up: Recommended. Lower-division undergraduates and above; general readers. C. B. Cannon Savannah College of Art and Design