"This book is a treasure trove for the functional designer, combining all the most pertinent information about body structure, body movement, and body function in one reference. But the book is also a valuable resource for the fashion designer. Every educated designer should read the first two chapters, but the sections on arm and shoulder anatomy and movement, on spinal variations and asymmetry of the body, on the mid-torso (the waist area), and many other sections are as relevant to fashion design as to functional design.
One of the best features of this book is that it does not simplify or reduce issues to the 'norm', but introduces variation and the full range of body issues. Differences related to sex, age, and body shape and condition are discussed throughout the book. Who would know that not only the dimensions, but also the configuration of the rib cage varies between men and women? It does, and as the authors point out, this fact can impact the design of unisex garments.
Last but not least, the explanation of the body from the point of view of the apparel designer has revealed many areas where research is needed, or where unwarranted assumptions have been made. For example, it seems that the neat ordered anatomical models of body structures placing the various organs in relationship to one another were developed from the study of prone cadavers. But the apparel designer is dealing with live bodies in a standing position, and in motion, in which case this neat ordering is not at all accurate. Repeatedly the authors point out that in the absence of studies that focus on the kinds of data needed by apparel designers, precise information is not available. There is potential for many dissertation projects outlined in this text. In illuminating the full complexity of the human body in reference to the job of the wearable product designer, the authors have performed an incalculable benefit to designers. As they state in the book when 'designers go beyond surface observations of the human body to fully understand anatomy and body function - safe, fully functional and innovative products will result.' Beyond this, using this book to mentor all our students, whether fashion or functional designers, to develop their designs through informed knowledge of the body will result in better and more fulfilled designers."
-ITAA June 2019 Newsletter