Textiles and fashion : n. the branch of industry involved in the manufacture of cloth : n. a popular or the latest style of clothing, hair, decoration or behaviour

As a fashion designer you must have an understanding of fabrics and what their properties are. For example, how fabrics are constructed, what they are made from and how they perform. This knowledge allows you to choose the right fabric for your designs. It is also important to be aware of the various techniques that can be applied to your chosen fabric. This will give endless possibilities to your designs; for example, a fabric could be dyed or printed to add extra colour, embellished, embroidered or pleated to give surface interest. Try to learn as many fabric names and techniques as possible, in this way you will be able to communicate your fabric ideas easily to others. The book will teach students this information and equip them with the skills they need to make informed decisions on the fabrics and techniques they use. This title is suitable for first year students of fashion design, textile and other fashion-related subjects, anyone with an interest in the process of fashion design, from concept to execution, and amateur fashionistas seeking to develop and improve their design skills.