How Does Fashion Design Work?
Fashion designers shape societal aesthetics, influencing what people wear. Their work can range from incorporating existing trends to developing their own unique vision.
Fashion designer responsibilities include following design instructions and briefs, creating sketches and computer-aided designs, researching trends and forecasting future styles, selecting fabrics and materials, producing prototypes, estimating costs and more.
Design Concepts
Designers must develop small concepts that serve as the basis of their later design ideas. One of the ways this is done is through the design process that a fashion designer undergoes when developing her or his designs.
Many schools under analysis promote this aspect of the work of designers by offering courses on deconstruction (e.g., transforming men’s clothing into women’s garments at CSAFD in Krakow). Other methods include urging students to focus on zero-waste design.
Researching Trends
Designers often keep a journal or notebook to document their inspiration. They also might collect photos, memorabilia and sketches in one place to help them pull their ideas together into a cohesive design concept.
Fashion designers should enhance their cooperation and connection to create more possibilities for research. They also should collaborate with each other more to improve the quality and depth of their work.
Selecting Fabrics and Materials
Fashion designers must have a strong interest in fashion trends and a keen eye for color, shape, form and fabric. They should also have a high level of design preparation and sketching skills.
If working at a large firm, they may be responsible for designing clothes and supervising clothing production. If working for themselves, they will usually manage marketing and business activities, too.
Creating Prototypes
Creating a prototype can help you get a realistic view of your final product. It can also be helpful to take apart competing products and see how they’re made.
Some fashion designers begin by draping fabric over a dress form, known as a mannequin, while others create their patterns using computer software. Depending on the project, the prototype may be tested for fit, construction and finish.
Producing Mood Boards
Fashion mood boards are visual tools that help designers develop a clear vision for their design projects and communicate that vision effectively to clients, stakeholders and team members. Mood boards can be created digitally or physically.
Mood boards also allow stakeholders to see the logic behind the designer’s choices, dispelling the myth that designers make their decisions haphazardly. This can lower the risk of disagreements and promote teamwork.
Selecting Suppliers
When designing a new collection for your brand or freelance clients, you need to evaluate and select suppliers. You want to ensure that they are providing affordable materials and, where possible, offer exclusive materials that set your brand apart from others.
You also need to prioritize traceability and supplier transparency throughout the manufacturing process. This includes asking suppliers about their sourcing methods and ensuring they are ethically aligned with your business.
Estimating Costs
For fashion designers who are self-employed or work for a garment manufacturer, accurate costing is essential. This allows designers to identify manufacturing costs and fees, plus expected mark-up profit.
Rent and utilities are also significant expenses for fashion design firms. This can be especially true in major fashion hubs where high rental rates are the norm. This can also include the cost of maintaining a professional workspace that enhances productivity and creativity.
Developing Samples
Fashion designers create a sample garment to test design, fit and construction. This is a vital step in the production process, and it can save clothing brands from expensive mistakes that may be difficult or impossible to reverse once production begins.
The first sample is often made in a cheap fabric known as a muslin, and it excludes trims or findings to focus on the construction of the garment. It’s also known as a prototype or development sample.
Working with Models
Fashion designers often work with models to showcase their designs for photoshoots and runway shows. They may also work with image production teams to design looks for magazines, products or movies.
Designers must consider the target audience when choosing fabrics, trimmings and construction details. They must balance this with budget requirements and ensure that all styles are practical and sellable. This can involve making sacrifices like using cheaper materials or removing features such as pockets and zippers.
Developing Collections
Fashion design teams do more than create new clothing; they also take business and market analysis into account. This includes looking at demographics and trends to ensure that their collections appeal to consumers.
Garments in a collection typically come in different versions, including colours, fabrics and prints. These variations are referred to as styles.
Developing collections is a crucial aspect of creating a fashion brand, and it can help designers stay ahead of the competition.
read more