Research -Each collection is researched so that all the items in it complement each other, will be in style, and have the particular look for which the company is known for.

Predicting Trends -A designers most difficult task is forecasting what will be in style for the coming years.  To do this, they know the past trends and look at repeats.  They also purchase HIGH priced trend magazines.  Additionally they  observe what succeeded with customers in the past.

The Collection

Theme -A designer selects a theme that represents their collection.  It can be a period in history, a foreign place, a range of colors, a type of fabric…

Designing -After the groundwork is completed for the nature of the collection, the designer must decide how many and what types of garments should be included in the collection. Usually, they have a three month period to design, produce and publicize the collection in time for their fashion show. Press and buyers get their first look at the collection at the show

The Design

Steps -Designers work differently to put the design ideas together: some sketch, drape fabric on a dress stand, or use patterns from previous seasons.

Create a paper pattern

Make a muslin sample

Try it on (a dress stand or live model) adjustments are made

When fit is right, a professional pattern cutter makes an accurate pattern

A sample item is made in the fashion fabric, then produced in various colors

Fashion show: reveals the finished designs in their most attractive state

What are the careers involved in creating a collection?

Fashion Designer, Textile Designer, Fashion Illustrator, Pattern Cutter. Fashion Photographer, Fashion Journalist, Public relations consultant, Fashion Buyer, Stylist, Fashion Model

Design Capitals

There are many cities around the world that host a strong fashion economy but 5 major cities are considered by most to be the centers of the fashion world.

Milan, Italy

These fashions have a reputation for casual elegance and luxurious fabrics.  Many Italian couturiers, such as Valentino, are based in Rome.  However, Milan is seen as the fashion capital of Italy because many well-known designers are based there and it is the venue for the Italian designer collections, which take place at an exhibition center called the Diera di Milano or the Milan Fair.

Paris, France

Chic and stylish. Home of famous couture houses such as Dior and Chanel. The houses stage exclusive fashion shows in their own salons.  Many other famous French designers show their work twice a year. One of the best known French designers and a pioneer of ready to wear is Yves Saint Laurent.  He consistently turned out stylish, quality garments over many years. One of the innovators of French fashion is Jean Paul Gauliter.  He designs unusual witty clothes which stand apart from the main thrust of French style.  He designed for Madonna.

London, England

Known for unorthodox clothes, with a young market and popular appeal. Vivienne Westwood is one of the pioneers of street style, the name of daring youthful looks which London is known for.John Galliano, Richmond Cornejo and a design group called English Eccentrics also turn out fresh ideas consistently. Other well known names include Zandra Rhodes, Katharine Hamnett (known for slogan t-shirts) and Bruce Oldfield who designs glamorous evening wear.

New York

American fashion design is dominated by a clean-cut casual style reflecting the sporty, health-conscious life styles of many Americans.  The fashion industry in New York is based around Seventh Avenue. A designer who helped to set the trend in America for sport influenced day wear throughout the 1940’s and 50’s was Clair McCardell.  Many of her styles have been rivived.  More recent influences on the American Look have been Calvin Klein, with classic coats, separates and jeans. Ralph Lauren designs casually elegant clothes in natural fabrics and Donna Karan works with practical, sophisticated women’s wear.

Tokyo, Japan

The look is lose and apparently unstructured.  This is often the result of complicated cutting techniques.  Colors are often subtle, and somber.  Fabrics are rich and textured. Many of the famous names in Japanese fashion now work in Europe or the USA, but the Tokyo designer collections are still a major international fashion event.  Famous names in Japanese fashion include Kenzo, known for layered looks and highly original knitwear. Miyake, considered a master of draping and cutting, and Rei Kawakubo who developed a completely new way of cutting.  His work has been compared with the bias innovation of Vionnet in the 1930’s.