Creative ideas are elevated by experience and expertise. This book sets forth a challenge to fashion designers--continue to expand your horizons, exercise your skills and experiment with strategies. The idea behind collecting and cataloging the essential principles of fashion design, is to build a framework for artful examination that the designer can revisit regularly for inspiration and instruction. Fashion Design Essentials is divided into five easy to reference categories: I. THOUGHT - This section presents intellectual exercises that are intended to serve as catalysts for channeling creativity. II. INVENTORY - This section helps define and re-think the uses of tools and raw materials for fashion design. III. TECHNIQUE - This section identifies a varied assortment of fundamental techniques for executing a fashion designer's idea. IV. ARTISTRY - This section is designed to conjure and cultivate the artistic instincts of a fashion designer. V. NAVIGATION - This section provides the fashion designer diverse strategies for negotiating a path to success.