Fabric for Fashion : A Comprehensive Guide to Natural Fibres

This book explains the particular qualities of different fabrics and how to get the most out of them. Providing a mix of practical information and the industry vocabulary, Fabric for Fashion will help students gain a clear understanding of how to work with fabrics as an integral component of the fashion design process. With stunning color photographs that show how fashion designers, both past and present, have worked with fabrics, the books prime objective is to stimulate creative exploration of the relationship of fabrics to fashion. Contents Introduction Fibers to fabrics Fiber to yarn Fabric construction Dyeing Surface decoration Finishing processes Introducing color Color theory Perception of color Color communication: the vocabulary of color Section 1: Animal Fibers Wool The history of wool Wool fiber Wool production Producing fabric: weaving and knitting Luxury wool and lambswool Wool market Ecological and ethical considerations Luxury animal fibers Camelids Camel hair Goat fiber Alternative animal fibers Silk The history of silk Silk fiber Silk production Ethical considerations Silk fabrics Section 2: Plant Fibers Linen The history of linen The development of European linen Linen fiber Ecological considerations Linen production Cotton The history of cotton Cotton fiber Cotton production Luxury cotton Ecological and ethical considerations Cotton fabrics Sustainable plant fibers Ecology and sustainability Bast fibers Bamboo Leaf fibers Biopolymers and protein fibers Sustainable wood cellulose Useful Information Fabric and the fashion industry Working with fabrics Sourcing fabrics Sourcing considerations Manufacture and processing Trade fairs Resources Useful organizations and publications Glossary Index Photo credits 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 doesnt 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 books prime objective is to stimulate creative exploration of the relationship of fabrics to fashion Fabric For Fashion is the only book specifically for fashion designers to explain the behavior and properties of different fabrics. Fashion design is largely 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 bridges that gap by providing a mix of practical information and industry vocabulary,visually examining generic fabric types, discussing the characteristics of fabrics, and showing how to exploit materials to push the boundaries of design. With stunning color 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. 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. Clive Hallett And Amanda Johnston. Includes Index.