Fashion Design Drawing Course

by Jerome J. Hausman

(2003; $21.95), by Caroline Tatham and Julian Seaman. Barron's Educational Series, Inc., 250 Wireless Blvd., Hauppauge, NY 11788.

Secondary-school students are attracted to fashion design activities. After all, it is at this age that students become more consciously aware of their own clothing.

This book is modeled around the fashion courses offered by colleges and universities. The book's aim is to remove the mystique surrounding fashion, and to demonstrate how designs can be created through a systematic process of research and development, and the use of a range of illustration techniques. The sections of the book are clearly set forth: finding inspiration, illustrating fashion, planning and designing, and communicating your vision. The book concludes with a glossary and listing of fashion resources.

The publication's strengths are in the clarity and verve with which the illustrations are presented. It's what is being taught for the "fashion industry." The publication's weakness can be found in its designing for tall, gaunt "model types" seemingly oblivious of the many body types (male and female) for which clothing needs to be designed.-J.J.H. For information about this publication, circle No. 400 on the Reader Service Card.