Detailed patterns and step-by-step instructions guide fashion designers through creating 9 iconic dresses. With background on each garment's historical significance and examples of how they've reinvented in contemporary collections.

Patternmaking for Dress Design covers patternmaking techniques for 9 iconic dress designs, focusing not only on the concepts needed to draft patterns, but also uniquely exploring the history of each garment design to reveal what lies behind their enduring appeal today. Each chapter provides easy-to-follow patterns for the sheath, empire, shift, trapeze, wrap, strapless, shirtwaist, cheongsam and coatdress.