Creative Process
The following is an example of the work I did for Amour Vert as Head Designer:
1. DETERMINE BRAND DNA
AMOUR VERT_ CALIFORNIA COOL / MEET PARISIAN CHIC
Amour Vert was looking to expand it's already well-established sustainable T-shirt line and create a full product offering to suit the customer's every need. My role as Head Designer was to define the Amour Vert aesthetic and create a concise but diverse product offering that fulfilled her every need and occasion. Taking inspiration from Amour Vert's Founder, we created a slogan "California Cool meets Parisian Chic," and determined effortless and feminine would be our staples.
2. SEASONAL TREND & INSPIRATION
Market research is conducted by looking online at fashion shows, visiting relevant cities for trend, and attending tradeshows like Premiere Vision Paris, Texworld, LA textiles.
SS 2017
Silhouettes are easy, throw-on, non-precious, feminine. Previously, AV only offered silk wovens and modal knits, so I expanded the fabric offering to include organic cotton woven shirting, tencel, cotton slub knit, to supplement this easy-breezy summer attitude. Extra emphasis is put on interesting details and texture through pintucking, flounce, and cotton lace trim.
3. PRINT & COLOR
This was a labor of love conducted in collaboration with my Creative Director. I would travel to tradeshows and do print research to determine trend and make recommendations. We would then meet with surface pattern designers and vendors to make final selections and make additional adjustments.
SS17_APRIL_PROVENCE
SS17_MAY_HAWAII
SS17_JUNE_CUBA
4. SKETCH REVIEW
After a few days of sketching, my team and I would meet to review the board. We checked the assortment to ensure it was well-balanced, and also to brainstorm on additional ideas that we found exciting.
5. FITTINGS
Fittings are one of my favorite parts of the design process because it's where it all comes to life! I love the collaborative spirit between fit model, patternmaker, and designer that makes a garment comfortable.
