The Language of Fashion Design

April 15, 2014
Twenty-six elements of fashion design make up the alphabet alluded to in the title's "language" conceit, including material aspects like drape, texture, volume, and contrast alongside more abstract principles such as function, motif, collection, and direction. Each concept features one exemplary designer: Rei Kawakubo for deconstruction, Diane von Furstenberg for print, etc. Rather than repeat the usual parade of famous names, however, Volpintesta (portfolio, model drawing, concept development, Parsons The New School for Design) highlights an international roster of designers, many without flagship stores or star status. The variety and number of illustrations are a major strength of this book, which also includes a brief glossary after the main text. The author points out notable design details via captions to sketches, drawings, and runway photographs from a multitude of sources. Written at a textbook level, this work's utility lies not in critical or historical perspective, but in its omnivorous, enthusiastic gathering and mapping out of global ideas to serve as inspiration for students beginning to learn the language of fashion. VERDICT Illustrative images teach fashion principles by showing not telling. Recommended for libraries that serve design schools and aspiring designers.--Lindsay King, Yale Univ. Libs., New Haven, CT

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