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

Long since regarded as inessential objects that simply add to the beauty, convenience or effectiveness of an outfit, accessories are now considered key items in a fashion collection and as standalone pieces worthy of our undivided attention. Designing Accessories is filled with important information that any designer will need to know, examining four key items from concept to production: bags, footwear, jewellery and millinery. These key accessories are dissected to clearly display their core components, giving a clear view of how each connects.

Designing Accessories explores the design process by looking at creative product development, from gathering research to generating ideas into key products, covering everything an accessories designer will need to know to present ideas using techniques established in the industry. This book looks at 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 in use today. Bespoke and commercial production of the key accessories is examined and creative solutions to technical challenges are presented.

As an accessories designer, understanding how materials are formed, supplied and used is vital and can enhance and provide endless opportunities to the contemporary designer. Natural and synthetic materials crucial to accessories design are therefore clearly described in detail. As specialist finishing techniques make this exciting discipline distinctive, Designing Accessories contains descriptions of contemporary techniques that break new boundaries in accessories design, and hand-finishing and machine embellishment techniques are explored. Finally, a detailed explanation of small accessories, essential to the accessories designer, will broaden the reader s knowledge and provide them with knowledge of the skills they need to enter the fashion industry.