Lingerie Design

Book excerpt: The design of lingerie is often seen as a mystery, even by professionals working in other sectors of the fashion industry. This book explains the processes at work and the many unexpected influences that inform the choice of color, silhouettes, and decoration. The book documents the rise of the deluxe lingerie brand. This interest in luxury labels has led many young designers to chose lingerie as a creative outlet – conscious of fashion, but also with a clear view of their own 'lingerie world'. The book features the work of 30 lingerie designers from around the world, bringing out the individuality of each designer and providing a compelling insight into their working methods. Beautifully illustrated throughout, it presents inspirational images from the designers' collections alongside their sketches and mood boards. In this book, Pamela Powell takes a very practical approach, showing how to design and construct lingerie, sleepwear, and foundation garments. Step-by-step illustrations demonstrate the basic slopers and show how to manipulate them into different styles. Advice is given about how to work with the specialty fabrics used in the industry including woven, knit, power stretch, and bias-cut fabrics. Specially commissioned photographs and diagrams are used to showcase construction techniques specific to lingerie including boning, elastic, and lace insertion, and how and where to use the myriad of closures available. A final chapter on embellishment shows how to add unique and personal touches to garments and apply that luxurious finish.