Through a series of critical and informative chapters covering historical and contemporary theory, "The Fashion Design Reader" explores the multi-faceted nature of fashion design and its associated contexts, processes and methodologies. This colour illustrated book takes a practical look at more advanced approaches to fashion drawing, working with colour media, computer-aided design for fashion, research processes, working with sketchbooks to develop and evaluate creative ideas and building collections. Pattern making and manufacturing processes are also considered in relation to formulating and creating prototype samples in the design studio. Understanding the external fashion market environment and its seasonal nature is considered in relation to professional contexts that include how to interpret and understand a design brief, targeting and preparing a fashion portfolio for an interview and defining career goals for professional employment opportunities.

Author Biography: John Hopkins worked as a womenswear designer at Jaeger and Burberry for over ten years. His teaching career began in the United States, where he served as chair of Fashion at Savannah Colege of Art and Design, before taking up his current position as head of Fashion and Textiles at Winchester School of Art, UK.