Basics Fashion Design 09: Designing Accessories: Exploring the design and construction of bags, shoes, hats and jewellery

by John Lau

Overview

Long since regarded as an inessential object that simply adds to the beauty, convenience or effectiveness of an outfit, accessories are now considered key items in a fashion collection and as stand-alone pieces worthy of our undivided attention. Basics Fashion Design 09: Designing Accessories is filled with important information that any designer will need to know, examining four key items from concept to production: the bag, footwear, jewellery and millinery. The key accessories are dissected to clearly display the core components, giving a clear view of how each connects.

The design process is explored by looking at creative product development, from gathering research to generating ideas into key products, construction techniques and the essential tools of the trade used in modern accessories design. 2D pattern and 3D modelling techniques are described in detail with explanations of traditional and rapid prototyping tools in use today. Bespoke and commercial production is examined and creative solutions to technical challenges are presented.

Designing Accessories also explores specialist finishing techniques, such as hand-finishing and machine embellishment and contains descriptions of contemporary techniques that break new boundaries in accessories design. A detailed explanation of small accessories, essential to the accessories designer, will broaden the reader's knowledge and provide them with the dexterity of skills to enter the fashion industry.

This title is filled with images of beautiful accessories to inspire young designers. It is essential reading for fashion students and all those interested in accessories design. The book also includes a whole chapter on small accessories (eyewear, scarves, ties, wristwatches, belts and gloves).

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9782940411313
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	11/08/2012
Series:	Basics Fashion Design
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	200
Product dimensions:	6.10(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.70(d)

About the Author

John Lau graduated with a first class honours in womenswear design at London College of Fashion and has worked in various roles within the fashion industry. He is currently a Senior Lecturer in International Fashion Business at Manchester Metropolitan University, teaching on the Fashion Buying and Clothing Design and Technology programmes.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1: Anatomy of an accessory
What is an accessory?
The bag
Footwear
Jewellery
Industry perspective: Georgina Martin
Millinery
Industry perspective: Philip Treacy
Design task 1: Developing an accessories library

Chapter 2: Creative product development
The design process
Doing research
Types of research
Trend forecasting
Collaborative partnerships
Idea generation
Presentation techniques
Market levels
Developing a range
Industry perspective: Scott Wilson
Portfolio presentation
Design task 2: Single board development
Industry perspective: Stephen Jones

Chapter 3: Construction techniques
Building on tradition
Essential tools of the trade
Industry perspective: Arnoldo][Battois
Exploring construction techniques
Prototyping
Industry perspective: Beatrix Ong

Chapter 4: Materials
Natural fibres and fabrics
Natural skins
Industry perspective: Bill Amberg
Natural metals and stones
New developments
Industry perspective: Marloes ten Bhömer

Chapter 5: Finishes
Hand embellishments
Machine embellishments
Contemporary finishing techniques
Industry perspective: Michelle Lowe-Holder
Design task 3: Developing finishing techniques
Industry perspective: Justin Smith Esq.

Chapter 6: Small accessories
Eyewear
Scarves
Ties
Wristwatches
Belts
Gloves
Design task 4: Sustainable design
Industry perspective: Claire Goldsmith
Industry perspective: Christina Brodie

Editorial Reviews

Basics Fashion Design: Designing Accessories is a vibrant, modern and highly informative teaching aid. The volume demonstrates not only the importance of accessory design to the fashion industry, but also formative design and production methods. Techniques ranging from traditional craft skills to innovation methods are conveyed through an engaging and visually creative format. This is an essential read for students studying within the full spectrum of fashion related education.

— Mal Burkinshaw, Programme Director of Fashion

Edinburgh College of Art

The lavish colour photographs on each page and the clear language make the book a delight to read ... [It] will appeal to readers interested in becoming fashion designers (or making accessories for themselves), to experienced designers and to anyone interested in fashion.” —TRC

“Accessories play a key role within style and the fashion industry, and this book allows students at the beginning of their creative jourbaney to identify with the accessory, from the moment of inspiration through to the practicalities of production. It provides an insightful and inspirational foundation about accessories and their key fundamentals to those pursuing a career within the fashion design industry.” —Georgina Hooper, University of Chichester, UK

“Basics Fashion Design 09: Designing Accessories is a vibrant, modern and highly informative teaching aid. The volume demonstrates not only the importance of accessory design to the fashion industry, but also formative design and production methods. Techniques ranging from traditional craft skills to innovation methods are conveyed through an engaging and visually creative format. This is an essential read for students studying within the full spectrum of fashion-related education.” —Mal Burkinshaw, Edinburgh College of Art, UK

“This is an impressive book - informative, inspiring and imaginative. It provides a solid foundation for starting design students interested in working within this growing market. The mixture of contemporary case studies, information on technology, manufacture and creative product development are all underpinned by fascinating insights into the history and heritage of accessory design, making this book an essential for any Fashion, Textiles or Product Design student. It is the ideal platform for students to go on to develop their own creative ideas.” —Jane Stanton, University of Derby, UK

From the Publisher