Shingo Sato, More Than A Designer, An Artist

In May, I had the most wonderful opportunity to attend a seminar here in Chicago that was sponsored by The Center For Pattern Design. When I saw Shingo Sato's designs, I knew I had to attend. It was by far the most incredible seminar I have ever attended, and I am not exaggerating.  

The publisher's note describes Mr. Sato best, "he combines all the best of fashion design and craft: the fundamentals of flat pattern design, the tradition of Japanese origami and the soaring vision of haute couture. His ingenious bold designs challenge the wearer but few can resist the excitement of doing so."

Mr. Sato is a lovely man with an equally lovely sense of humor. He does have a rather heavy Japanese accent, so I had to train my ear initially, but he does such a wonderful job in portraying what he is teaching that the accent is soon a none issue.
The book, Transformational Reconstruction is well worth the price, and much cheaper than attending the seminar. I am extremely happy that I had the opportunity to attend the seminar, but the book is so well done that you will not have any trouble understanding how he develops his designs.



 The book begins with the most simple design,

and continues on to the more difficult. Although I must say that if you begin in the beginning and learn the foundation of his process, what appears to be extremely difficult is really quite easy.  



If you are looking to expand your pattern drafting abilities and think outside the drafting box, this is the book for you. The book also comes with CD's that are just as wonderful as the book and aides in walking you through the process. Click on the link above or here to go directly to the website. I think you'll be very happy you did.

We were told in the class that one of his skirt designs was in negotiations with Simplicity Patterns. If I hear about it, I will definitely let you know.

Happy Pattern Drafting!

Rhonda