How to Draw Like a Fashion Designer: Inspirational Sketchbooks

Leading fashion designers such as Anna Sui, Christian Lacroix, Zandra Rhodes and Valentino explain why drawing is so important to the design process, with examples from their sketchbooks for inspiration. Then there are sections that show how to create a fashion template (croquis), including fashion proportions and how to turn a stick figure into a full figure; how to draw skirts, trousers, jackets and dresses onto the fashion template; and how to develop a collection, including the creation of complete outfits and seasonal looks. Finally there’s a section that looks at the design process, from creating a mood board and following a brief to developing a collection.How to Draw Like a Fashion Designer is based on hands-on workshops held at the Fashion and Textile Museum, London. It was the winner in the 12+ section of School Library Association’s Information Book Awards 2014.

Celia Joicey and Dennish Nothdruft have assembled practical drawing exercises from workshops held at London’s Fashion and Textile Museum.– “Woman Around Town”

More detailed sketching instruction, and short-response interviews with fashion designers such as Anna Sui, and Valentino, target the career minded student.– “School Library Journal”

This accessible book provides ‘Inspiration’ by including interviews with and illustrations by well-known designers such as Zandra Rhodes, Christian Lacroix, and Anna Sui. Drawing basics are covered step-by-step from choosing medium, to sketching a “croquis” (figure shape), to successfully rendering shapes and details. The final section takes readers through the stages utilized by professionals [to create] a fashion collection.
— “School Library Journal (online)”

A step-by-step drawing course for budding fashion designers

Celia Joicey is Head of the Fashion and Textile Museum, London. She
has also worked as Head of Publications at the National Portrait Gallery,
London, and Head of Publications at the Royal Society of Arts, London.

Dennis Nothdruft has been an assistant to Zandra Rhodes and has produced numerous important fashion exhibitions. He is a curator at the Fashion and Textile Museum, London.