The Fashion Designer Survival Guide by Mary Gehlhar, Zac Posen (2008, Paperback, Expanded)

This is a wonderful, practical guide. It takes a designer-stylist candidate through the steps of what to expect and to be aware of from the author's personal experience. Loaded with the truth, it hides no aspect of the challenges of the industry and in fact, equips a student or potential designer in a way that one would walk away from the experience having a healthy idea of whether this fits their ideal and goals, motivation and strengths of gift in pursuing. It dispels glamour and digs into the reality of serving in the world of fashion; a career that requires self-confidence and hard work in order to acheive success. Marketing vs. fame is the primary message in this field of interest. There are many, many books for designers, but this one prepares the up and coming for reality. Students enter in with eyes wide open with this tell all book.