Before the computer-aided design was invented, product designers used to create their designs on paper by drawing. While some designers still take this approach, most nowadays use computer-aided design (CAD) tools, which are much easier and more detailed.
Besides, CAD software can also be used with computer-aided manufacturing systems to ensure that the manufactured products are the same as the designed products. Ann Dishinger Chicago highlights the 10 phases of fashion design in this article.
Table of Contents
1. Forecasting Fashion
Fashion is all about trends. Consumers are always looking for new and better clothing designs. Therefore, any decent fashion designer must be good at forecasting fashion. Knowing the current fashion trends can help stimulate ideas that can win the hearts of consumers.
By researching, attending, and analyzing various fashion events, a designer can get familiar with current fashion trends and forecast future trends. This will enable them to come up with some ideas to develop.
According to Ann Dishinger Chicago, aspiring fashion designers should put themselves out there and strive to build networks. This is because the fashion and design industry is about who knows who.
She also advises aspiring designers to complete fashion and design courses, attend seminars and build a portfolio early in their careers.
2. Conceptualization
After forecasting fashion and coming up with some ideas, the next phase of the fashion design process is conceptualization. This is the process of further developing fashion design ideas by choosing fabrics, colors, patterns, and textures.
The fashion designer should use a mood board, which is an inspirational board that can help them draw the final theme. The primary role of any fashion design department in the garment industry is to develop new concepts.
Ann Dishinger advises aspiring designers to learn how to use the mood board as it is a tool that can boost their creativity.
3. Transformation
Transformation is the process of converting the abstract form of a design into something tangible. Most fashion designers use computer-aided design tools to give the product being designed a wholesome look.
This will enable them to put more focus on the brand. Ann Dishinger knows that designers who have built a strong foundation for themselves through formal training know how to use computer-aided design tools.
4. Selection of Fabric
Once the design is ready, what follows is the selection of suitable fabrics for the product. Functionality and cost-effectiveness are the main factors always considered when selecting a fabric.
The fabric must reflect the needs of the intended user. For instance, intimates and underclothes must be lightweight, supersoft, and well-fitted. Similarly, swimming suits should be made of waterproof material that can dry quickly.
5. Trim Selection
The designer must also choose the trim selection along with the fabric selection. This will depend on the type of fabric selected as well as the cost of the trim.
Ann Dishinger usually chooses trims to match the body fabric. She also considers affordability and quality when selecting trims.
6. Color Selection
The next step in the design process is the selection of colors. The personality of the developed theme will inform the choice of color. The ideal color scheme should bring out the personality of the theme. Color selection depends on the season’s forecasted trends.
7. Modelling
Every designer must have a mannequin for modeling purposes. The garment imitation is wrapped around the mannequin for visualization purposes.
If changes are needed, the garment imitation on the mannequin is remodeled to meet the brand’s and client’s needs. A mannequin allows the designer to adjust if the market’s needs change or if they develop another innovative idea.
8. Style Selection
Once the fabric, color scheme, and trim have been sorted out, the next step is selecting the style. Current and future fashion trends and the interests of your clients and audience will help you choose the right style.
Ann Dishinger advises fashion designers to stay up-to-date with industry news and attend fashion events to ensure they always keep up with the ever-changing fashion trends.
9. Detailing
Detailing will help the designer to identify functional, decorative, and hidden pieces in the product they’re designing. This is a critical process in the fashion design process.
Detailing transforms a garment into a stylish piece of clothing by adding decorative stitching, customized fastenings, embellishments, and decorative print.
With a strong foundation in the fashion design industry and staying up to date with fashion trends, a fashion designer will easily choose the correct details for the product under development.
Pricing will also help to inform the selections made because every designer wants to produce the most stylish pieces of clothing for the masses.
10. Feasibility Study
Before production can commence, a feasibility study must be done to identify the cost of production, projected demand, profit margins, and other financial details.
This gives manufacturers and distributors data on how many units to produce, the sizes, and the colors. Fashion designers with formal training also have the business knowledge to conduct adequate feasibility studies.
That is why Ann Dishinger Chicago advises every aspiring fashion designer to get a degree or diploma in fashion and design. Getting the necessary practical training through internships or apprenticeships will enhance success in the fashion industry.
Every fashion designer needs to have a mentor like Ann Dishinger. The industry is highly competitive, so giving up on your aspirations is easy. Under the guidance of an experienced fashion designer, you will learn a lot about the profession and improve your chances of achieving success in the industry.
You must also build relationships and expand your networks in the industry because the people you know and those who know you will significantly impact your success. Also, hone your business knowledge and skills because this will help you make informed financial decisions. Lastly, you must be passionate about what you’re doing.