This is the first book to offer students a thorough grounding in the principles of fashion design. It describes the qualities and skills needed to become a designer, examines the varied career opportunities available and gives a balanced insider view of the fashion business today. Its broad, up-to-date approach unites history, theory and practice. Subjects covered include how to interpret a brief; building a collection; sketchbooks and drawing tools; choosing fabric; fit, cutting and making techniques; portfolio presentation; and fashion marketing and economics. The book aims both to inform and to inspire, and to equip students and new designers with a valuable route-guide to the profession. Principally written for fashion-design students, it will also serve as a reference and career guide and as a reliable manual for fashion professionals.