Fashion designers approach the creation of a collection through a complex and multifaceted process that combines creativity, technical skill, and market awareness. This blog entry will explore the various approaches taken by different fashion designers in developing their collections, with a particular focus on their design processes.
For many designers, the design process typically begins with extensive research and gathering inspiration. Designers draw from a wide range of sources, including historical and cultural influences, art, nature, and personal experiences1. This initial phase is crucial for defining the collection’s theme, mood, and overall direction. For instance, some designers create mood boards to organise their ideas, incorporating images, color palettes, textures, and patterns that inspire them2.
Once the inspiration is established, designers move on to conceptualisation and sketching. This stage involves translating abstract ideas into concrete designs. Sketching serves as a vital tool for fashion designers to externalise their thoughts and explore various possibilities.
After initial sketches are created, designers refine their ideas and develop more detailed design boards. These comprehensive layouts showcase each design’s fabrics, colors, and details, helping to visualise how the pieces will work together in a cohesive collection2. This stage often involves experimentation with unique design elements, such as embroidery, appliqués, or unconventional silhouettes, to make the collection stand out2.
The design process often continues with fabric selection and color theory. The choice of fabrics and colours plays a crucial role in the design process. Designers carefully select materials based on factors such as weight, texture, drape, durability, and maintenance requirements2. Color theory is also applied to create a mood that resonates with the target audience and reflects the brand’s identity2.
Once designs are finalised on paper, the next step is creating prototypes or samples. These are physical representations of the garments made from chosen fabrics and materials. Samples are used to test the fit, functionality, and appearance of the designs on real or dummy models. This stage often involves multiple fittings and adjustments to refine the designs and ensure quality and consistency across the collection.
Some designers adopt a collaborative approach to the design process. For instance, a study of US undergraduate clothing design students revealed how team-based learning strategies can be implemented in conceptual clothing design. In this approach, students worked cooperatively to develop a group collection under a shared theme, with each student creating an outfit that contributed to a cohesive collection3.
In recent years, there has been a growing trend towards sustainable and ethical fashion design. Some designers are incorporating eco-friendly materials and production methods into their process. This can also lead to the rediscovery of traditional craftsmanship and methods. As an example, a practice-based research project by fashion designer Allegra Jane focused on creating a sustainable fashion collection using eco-friendly handloom weaving for the Australian market4. This approach involved learning about the cultivation of eri silkworms for peace silk production and exploring natural weaving and dyeing processes to reinforce sustainable design concepts4.
In addition to rediscovering traditional methods, some designers seek inspiration from unconventional sources to innovate their design process. This can also involve seeking inspiration from other disciplines’ design process. A study examined the application of creative bridge or creative leap theory in developing a garment collection using an architect’s creative design process5. This approach aimed to foster creativity in designers through non-traditional methods, potentially benefiting the education and practice of apparel designers5.
The fashion design process is a complex journey that combines creativity, technical skill, and market awareness. While individual approaches may vary, most designers follow a general framework that includes research, conceptualisation, sketching, fabric selection, prototyping, and refinement. The process is often iterative, with designers constantly evaluating and adjusting their ideas throughout the development of a collection.
As the fashion industry evolves, designers are increasingly incorporating sustainable practices, collaborative approaches, and innovative techniques into their design processes. These developments reflect the industry’s response to changing consumer preferences, environmental concerns, and technological advancements.
Understanding the diverse approaches to fashion design not only provides insight into the creative process but also highlights the complexity and depth of thought that goes into creating a successful fashion collection. As the industry continues to evolve, it is likely that we will see further innovations in design processes, driven by technological advancements, sustainability concerns, and changing consumer demands.
In the next blog entry, I will explore how the design process might translate to the process of designing a digital fashion collection, which aspects will remain similar and which might pose challenges or offer new opportunities for incorporating new and innovative methods in the design journey.
1 Kapoor, “Fashion Designing and Fashion Trends in Current Scenario.”
2 Southwell, “Starting a Collection: The Fashion Design Process Explained.”
3 Sohn and Kim, “Conceptual Clothing Design Process Using Cooperative Learning Strategies: Senior Clothing Design Class.”
4 Teowarang, Kurniawan, and Van Lunn, “Creating Sustainable Fashion Collection Made of Handloom Textile for Australian Market.”
5 Mcroberts, Freeman, and Thibodeaux, “Creative Apparel Design Process Approach Using Architectural and Artistic Influence.”
Sources:
Kapoor, Deepa. “Fashion Designing and Fashion Trends in Current Scenario.” International Journal for Research in Applied Science and Engineering Technology 11, no. 1 (January 27, 2023): 1491–94. https://doi.org/10.22214/ijraset.2023.48852.
Mcroberts, Lisa Barona, Charles Edward Freeman, and Julianne Thibodeaux. “Creative Apparel Design Process Approach Using Architectural and Artistic Influence.” International Journal of Costume and Fashion 15, no. 2 (December 31, 2015): 79–91. https://doi.org/10.7233/ijcf.2015.15.2.079.
Sohn, MyungHee, and Dong-Eun Kim. “Conceptual Clothing Design Process Using Cooperative Learning Strategies: Senior Clothing Design Class.” Fashion, Industry and Education/International Journal of Costume Culture 14, no. 1 (June 30, 2016): 59–68. https://doi.org/10.7741/fie.2016.14.1.059.
Southwell, Elaine. “Starting a Collection: The Fashion Design Process Explained.” Elaine Southwell Designs (blog), November 30, 2023. https://elainesouthwelldesigns.com/fashion-design-process-2/.
Teowarang, Janet Rine, Michael Nathaniel Kurniawan, and Carla Van Lunn. “Creating Sustainable Fashion Collection Made of Handloom Textile for Australian Market.” CORAK 11, no. 1 (October 30, 2022): 23–40. https://doi.org/10.24821/corak.v11i1.6842.
