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Fashion Design

A guide to print and online resources at CCA Libraries

Research Help

Need some help? Don't hesitate to contact a California College of the Arts librarian for help with research projects, accessing databases, searching the web, or any other information needs.

In Person

Our librarians are on hand on both campuses during library hours to answer your questions. Stop in and let us help!

Email

Email a librarian at refdesk@cca.edu or use our contact form.

Phone

Simpson Library: 415.703.9574

Fashion Design Research Guide

Woman's Ensemble, 'Queen-ish,'  Vivienne Westwood

Welcome to the CCA Libraries guide to fashion design research. This site helps students and faculty find the resources they need for their academic and creative practices, including links to subscription databases and other research tools. This guide directs you on how to find the best books, articles, design materials, and images, plus examples of how to cite sources in your work. If you have any research questions, ask one of CCA's librarians -- we're here to help.

Photo Credit:  Woman's Ensemble, 'Queen-ish', from the 'Harris Tweed' collection, Vivienne Westwood, fall/winter collection 1987-1988, from the LACMA collections

Reference Resources

Begin your research by seeking some general background information about your topic using reference sources. Some reference sources will be available in print at the library (see column below). Other reference resources are available electronically (see right-hand column). 

Reference books are helpful. They . . .

- offer introductory information
- explain the background of a topic
- highlight key terms
- assist with formulating a topic
- help to envision the path(s) your research can take

Print Reference Books