We’re very excited to have the eagerly anticipated advances of Basics Fashion Design 09: Designing Accessories by John Lau sitting in the office…from bags, footwear, jewellery and millinery, plus a whole chapter on small accessories (eyewear, scarves, ties, wristwatches, belts and gloves) we hope everyone interested in accessories design will find this an inspiring and informative read.
- ‘A vibrant, modern and highly informative teaching aid. 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, Head of Fashion, 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 - ‘Accessories play a key role within style and the fashion industry, and this book allows students at the beginning of their creative journey 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
We hope accessories designers will be inspired by the beautiful images which fill the book and interviews with figures such as Philip Treacy. All images have explanatory captions and there is lots of information for anyone who wants to learn more about accessories design. We have posted a selection of the spreads below and you can read more about the book here.
Chapter 1 – Anatomy of an accessory
Contains industry perspectives with Georgina Martin and Philip Treacy and a design task on developing an accessories library.
Chapter 2 – Creative product development
Contains industry perspectives with Scott Wilson and Stephen Jones and a design task on single board development.
Chapter 3 – Construction techniques
Contains industry perspectives with Arnoldo][Battois and Beatrix Ong.
Chapter 4 – Materials
Contains industry perspectives with Bill Amberg and Marloes ten Bhömer.
Chapter 5 – Finishes
Contains industry perspectives with Michelle Lowe-Holder and Justin Smith Esq. and a design task on developing finishing techniques.
Chapter 6 – Small accessories
Contains industry perspectives with Claire Goldsmith and Christina Brodie and a design task on sustainable design.
About the author:
John Lau has worked as a consultant for retail, branding, production and distribution. He has helped new brands develop their creative and business direction both in the UK, Hong Kong and China. He is currently a senior lecturer in International Fashion Business at Manchester Metropolitan University, UK.
All images in this post are taken from the ninth book in AVA’s successful Basics Fashion Design series, Designing Accessories: Exploring the design and construction of bags, shoes, hats and jewellery by John Lau. The book will be available to buy in September 2012. Visit www.avabooks.com.