Draping for Fashion Design

Synopsis

This practical book explains how to achieve great designs and creative cuts by seeing ideas come to life three dimensionally. By manipulating and pinning fabric on the dress form or house model, fashion designers can visualise their ideas and become more confident with their own creative visions. This new book includes advice on how to measure the body, as well as prepare the mannequin and fabric; it explains the draping process in detail with step-by-step instructions and practical tips throughout. It gives advice on working at half scale and provides calico preparation diagrams. Finally, there are chapters which introduce new design elements and/or garment type, and covers dresses, skirts, shirts and blouses. Written by a leading designer, Draping for Fashion Design is an essential guide to this skill (also known as 'moulage'), and explains how the fashion designer can understand their designs more fully, as well as the fabric and the garment's fit, in order to achieve impressive and sometimes unexpected results.

Summary

Chapter 1: Basic Draping Techniques

* Introduces fundamental draping tools and materials.
* Teaches basic draping techniques for creating simple shapes and folds.
* Example: Draping a basic bodice block on a dress form or mannequin.

Chapter 2: Bodice Draping

* Covers advanced techniques for draping bodices, including darts, pleats, and gathers.
* Demonstrates how to manipulate fabric to create various neckline and sleeve designs.
* Example: Draping a princess-seamed bodice with a sweetheart neckline.

Chapter 3: Skirt Draping

* Guides readers through the process of draping different skirt shapes, including A-line, circle, and bias-cut skirts.
* Teaches techniques for adding volume, fullness, and movement to skirts.
* Example: Draping a flared skirt with a curved hemline.

Chapter 4: Draped Tops and Dresses

* Explores techniques for draping tops and dresses from a single piece of fabric.
* Demonstrates how to create unique and asymmetrical designs using draping methods.
* Example: Draping a draped tunic top with a one-shoulder neckline.

Chapter 5: Advanced Draping

* Covers advanced techniques for draping garments with complex shapes and details.
* Teaches how to create features such as ruffles, gathers, and flounces.
* Example: Draping a gown with a draped overlay and asymmetrical hemline.

Chapter 6: Fabric Selection and Draping

* Explores the relationship between fabric choice and draping results.
* Provides tips on selecting fabrics best suited for different draping techniques.
* Example: Demonstrating how the drape of a silk fabric differs from that of a linen fabric.

Chapter 7: Draping for Special Occasions

* Focuses on draping techniques for garments designed for special events, such as wedding dresses and evening gowns.
* Demonstrates how to create elegant and sophisticated designs using draping methods.
* Example: Draping a bridal gown with a lace overlay and flowing train.

Chapter 8: Draping for the Runway

* Covers techniques for draping garments for fashion shows and runway presentations.
* Emphasizes the importance of creating impactful and visually appealing designs.
* Example: Draping a conceptual garment with exaggerated proportions and sculptural elements.

Chapter 9: Creative Draping

* Encourages readers to experiment with innovative and unconventional draping techniques.
* Shows how to break away from traditional design principles and explore new possibilities.
* Example: Draping a garment using unconventional materials, such as paper or metal mesh.