The research process is iterative and organic, and requires the use of varied information sources.
Click the tabs below to identify research steps and resources.
Research starts with an initial idea or question, which is often vague or unfamiliar. This can be developed into a well-formed topic through iterative reading, exploration and brainstorming.
While looking for information, consider:
After reading and testing a few sources, take a moment to reflect. Is there a particular concept that has grabbed your interest, that you would like to continue to explore? Does this topic seem feasible to research: not too general nor too obscure? Is the topic relevant to this class, and to the field of fashion? If still unsure, brainstorm a new angle on your idea, and re-try the search. Trial and error is the key to topic development.
Suggested information sources:
Encyclopedias (online or printed) provide summaries and references to related sources:
Books and ebooks will explore a topic from many angles. Use the "Books and More" search box at the right or:
With a better understanding of your direction, continue to investigate and test your topic(s) or question(s). Scholarly research sources will add focus and depth.
Take note of:
Continue to reflect and refine your research. It will still be necessary to try multiple searches/sources. Remember that there will not be a 'perfect' source. Instead, a number of sources (some more relevant than others) will be combined in a new way.
Suggested information sources:
Scholarly fashion journals provide the most targeted and advanced research for this course:
Art and design databases can be used to explore a number of journals and magazines in fashion, design, fine art and more:
Books and e-books are still useful at this stage, especially exhibition catalogs and scholarly books. Use the 'Books and More' search box to the right.
Fashion does not exist in a vacuum. Interdisciplinary research - using sources outside the field of fashion - can provide perspectives that expand on what you have already found.
Look for and consider:
It is not necessary to include information from a broad range of disciplines. Identifying just one key idea from one other discipline may be enough.
Suggested information sources:
Use databases and search engines that cover multiple disciplines, or that focus on a research area other than fashion or art:
Primary sources are information, images or objects that are contemporaneous to your research topic. They provide evidence of what was produced, what took place, what was said, how people reacted, and more.
Look for and consider:
Even just one or two strong examples of primary sources may be enough for your research.
Suggested information sources:
Primary sources can come from almost anywhere and need not be limited to library research. That said, here are a few library resources that provide primary source material:
Research is an iterative and organic process. Sometimes it's necessary to move backwards, as well as forwards.
Throughout the research process, periodically step back and reflect:
Other people can be a source of information and support as well.
Browsing for books and articles? Search Catalog+ to find a variety of resources all in one place:
Looking for a specific book title or author? Search the Classic Catalog below:
Search below for journals, magazines and newspapers by title (e.g., Design Issues, Artforum, New York Times).
Search for printed periodicals