If you're an aspiring Vivienne Westwood or Coco Chanel, then sketching your designs is an important part of your work. The Big Book Of Fashion Illustration by Martin Dawber is a gigantic book, filled with hundreds of examples of how designers present their ideas.

Claiming that fashion illustration is "as rare as a snow leopard" these days, this book brings the dieing art alive, with a wide range of work from contemporary designers the world over. From minimalistic to incredibly detailed, the sketches are pieces of fine art in themselves. Covering womenswear and menswear, right through to accessories and beauty, the work is a mixture of illustrations, paintings, computer design and photography. It's surprising just how varied the styles can get.

This is a very inspiring and insightful browse, which I'm sure would inspire any fashion designed.

Published by Batsford. Order a copy for only £18.00 including free UK p&p. Call 0870 787 1613 and quote reference CH1096.

You can pick up a copy of the book from Anova now.