Watch Me Design my Fashion Collection- Part 1
This post captures my design process for creating a clothing collection and line. I will show you how I created a collection concept or theme, sketched designs, commented on prototype samples, and reviewed final production samples.
If you prefer to watch instead, there is a video on this page that captures everything in this post.
Since there are a lot of pieces in this collection, I'll break it down into 4 mini concepts, detailed over 4 posts. This is the first post of this series that will cover the following comfy knit designs:
CONCEPT DEVELOPMENT
The first step was to define a clear framework for my collection and identify the brand, target customer, season, line plan, and concept.
I was designing this collection at home during COVID when everyone was sitting at home wearing sweatpants. When I got this opportunity to design this collection, it was a chance for me to fantasize about life after quarantine. I designed these pieces with the hope of more social gatherings and events in the future. With that said, I had to be realistic and continue the theme of comfy clothes that could be worn at home.
Here is the framework I established for the collection:
Brand: Shein x Amiko (this collection was for a design competition called "Shein x 100K challenge.")
Target Customer: 18-35 trend-forward, mass-market
Season: Spring/ Summer 2021
Line Plan: 20 matching sets
Concept: Comfy matching sets with both feminine and sporty elements. Novelty details and texture
Main ideas:
• Neutral color story from eggshell whites to golden beiges with sprinkles of pink and powder blue hues
• Matching sets for a polished look (without sacrificing comfort)
• Feminine details on athletic-inspired silhouettes
• Lightweight knits and cables
• Floral printed mesh
I love matching sets because they make getting dressed easier. I also liked the idea of creating pieces that could be worn together as a set, or styled separately. Here is a satin jacket and skort set styled together and separate.
Here are rough sketches for the collection.
SWEATSHIRT + SHORT SET
Sketch
I created this sketch in the Procreate App on the iPad.
The sweatshirt has a half placket with snaps, tipped ribbing at the collar and sleeve, and a raw hem. I wanted the fit to be loose and boxy.
The shorts have an encased elastic waistband, raw hem, and a snap placket at the side seams.
Tech Pack
The first stage of the sampling process was to create Tech Packs. A Tech Pack (short for "Technical Package") is the instruction manual with all design, construction, and materials information. Here's an example of my construction detail page.
I asked for a heather jersey with sequins but this fabric turned out to be difficult to source so I changed the fabric to heather grey jersey, which was more wearable anyway.
Prototype Review
Here is the first prototype. I was happy with the results! I like the way the raw hem executed and I love how the tipped ribbing looks with the main body fabric. I made very minor comments on this sample.
Production Sample
Here is the final production sample styled together and separately. Here is the shop link.
CROP TANK + SHORT SET
Sketch
I was inspired by the idea of a tennis set. I wanted this design to be in a white cable knit that was lightweight enough to be worn in spring.
The top has a high neckline and low armholes with ribbing. The hem features a high-low effect with a side slit.
By making the ribbing at the short hem tighter than the circumference of the short opening, the shorts can blouson for a bloomer affect.
Tech Pack
Here is a my spec or measurement page.
Prototype Review
The first prototype looked pretty good, it just needed to be cleaned up a bit. I lowered the neckline and increased the rib height. I also tapered the hem for a better fit.
Here is the next sample, a big improvement! I thought the slit at the side seam was distracting and necessary so I removed it.
Production Sample
Here is the final production sample styled together and separately. Here is the shop link.
DRESS WITH CARDIGAN
Sketch
This design is in a rib-knit fabric and features adjustable straps, scalloped elastic trim at the neckline, lettuce hem, and hook and eye detailing.
Tech Pack
I always spend a lot of time on my construction page. Here is where I make my design intention clear and call out and specific details that I want the factory to follow.
Prototype Review
Here is the first prototype in an available fabric. The final sample will be a light cream color.
I lowered the neckline and adjusted the bust seams for a more flattering fit around the bust. Also, the scalloped trim wasn’t the quality I hoped for. I wanted a narrow elastic scallop, the type you see in lingerie. I decided to cancel this detail anyway because I felt it fought with the lettuce hem (too many textural details.)
I cancelled the trim on the cardigan as well. I thought a simple binding on the neckline would fit better with the design. Notice how the scalloped trim makes the design feel more “busy?”
I also lowered the neckline and shortened the length. I wanted this piece to feel young and cool.
Production Sample
Here is the final production sample styled together and separately. Here is the shop link.
RACERBACK TANK
Sketch
I wanted to design a piece that was a basic with a twist. I took the idea of a simple white racerbank tank and reinvented it by creating asymmetry. The small triangular panel would be in mesh.
Tech Pack
Each piece required its own measurement page in the tech pack.
Prototype Review
The first sample of the tank looked pretty good. I thought the adjustable ring and slider looked too big and obtrusive, so I asked to source something more dainty.
Even with a lot of work, I don’t think the shorts would execute well in this fabric so I canceled them. I was also concerned about the shorts being see-through and I didn’t want to take the risk.
Production Sample
Here is the final production sample. Here is the shop link
CONCLUSION
These designs are available to shop for a limited time!
SWEATSHIRT + SHORT SET
CROP TANK + SHORT SET
DRESS WITH CARDIGAN
RACERBACK TANK
If you enjoyed this blog post, check out my FREE e-book:
Fashion Strategy + Tactics
This e-book includes an email series with the below info:
1.) Defining a brand with a unique mission, purpose, communication style, and visual identity that resonates with your target customer
2.) Finding opportunity to provide value to a specific group of people or target market
3.) Researching and learning more about your target market or customer
4.) Defining a concept for your collection including season, line plan, theme, color, fabric, prints, embellishments, silhouettes, and other design details.
5.) Brainstorming design ideas that are consistent with your brand and create value for your customer
6.) A beginner's road map to learning how to draw fashion designs including links to free courses and tools