Design Process:
a typical season in designing
TREND & INSPIRATION
Market research is conducted by looking at fashion shows online, traveling to relevant cities, and attending textile shows like Premiere Vision Paris and Texworld. The objective is to search of what is fresh and exciting, as well as to check for a common thread among the creatives.
Sp/ su 'I want to break free!!'
Silhouettes are easy, throw-on, non-precious, feminine. We came off a ghoulish election season and we need optimism and freedom. 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. There is a hint of nostalgia for simpler times, and a strong nod to nature.
PRINT & COLOR
This is usually a collaborative effort as print & color are deeply emotional and responsible for setting the tone of the collection. At Amour Vert, it 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.
The growth plan was aggressive with monthly catalogue drops which meant each month needed it's own concept and story.
SP/SU_APRIL_PROVENCE
SP/SU_MAY_HAWAII
SP/SU_JUNE_CUBA
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.
FITTINGS
My favorite part of the design process!!
There is so much anticipation when the garment comes off the sewing machine. The first time we see the garment on a live figure, it's such a gratifying feeling because it's where it all comes to life! I love the collaborative spirit between fit model, patternmaker, and designer, in our efforts to make the garment the most flattering, the most comfortable piece of clothing for our customer.
