Fabrics is the most important choice to make in the design process. My preference is to fall in love with a fabric and then design for bodyshape and event.
Be careful when choosing fabric as the price per meter can dramatically impact the cost of final garment. EG 3m at $20pm or 3m at $175pm = $450 difference
I like to design to suit the fabric, for example if there is a border design feature, I will try to incorporate this feature into the design
Try to be open in colour and fabric choices and be prepared to fall for something new. Set your heart on a flavour rather than an exact copy of someone elses design.