What is Design Process in Fashion Industry?
The design process in Fashion Industry engages a high degree of creativity but in a way that is controlled and directed by the process so that it is channelled towards producing a viable, practical solution to the design problem, meeting or excelling the stated aims of the brief.
While creativity in design is important, design is an activity that serves economic as well as creative goals. The design process helps to ensure that a design satisfies all such considerations. The process seeks to generate several possible solutions and utilises various techniques or mechanisms that encourage participants to think outside the box in the pursuit of creative or innovative solutions.
The design process can be said to comprise below stages. Each of these requires design thinking.
Step Design Process in the Fashion Industry | Stages of Design Process in FashionÂ
Step 1: Design Research
Fashion Research majorly consists of Trend analysis, Forecasting study, Market surveys, and Online + Offline trend research of competitor and Inspiration brands. Once cover all these areas we have to compile all the necessary information and proceed with the conceptualisation process.
Step 2: Conceptualisation
Based on all the gathered information during the Research stage, a designer needs to form the concepts before starting any new season. The Concepts formed should be gelling with brand handwriting.
Step 3: Strategy Development
After forming the Concepts, the Design Team need to develop the strategy for the respective season. This includes Research Findings, Concepts for the season, Entire Design and Product Development process timeline, Product Overview with the help of inspiration collected etc. This strategy presentation will be shown to management to make sure that every process is aligned.
Step 4: Boards Development
Board’s development in the fashion industry is a creative and collaborative process that involves visual storytelling, and effective communication of design concepts. These boards help designers to convey their vision and create a common visual language.
The board’s development mainly consists of a Mood board, Colour board, Fabric swatch board, Look Board etc.Â
images are taken from the internet
Step 5: Range / Line Plan
In this step Design Team makes sure how many products they have to Design for the season. Collected inspiration during the research process gets streamlined in the form of a Product Grid.
Step 6: Tech pack and Artwork Developments
Once the Plan of action is clear during the Range plan Design Team will go ahead with Technical Packages and Graphic / Prints Development. Technical packages (Tech pack) are specifications of the product these will be released along with (Graphic / Print) artwork for Product Development.
Techpack Design
Step 7: Design Spec and Artwork Release to Vendors / Product Development Team
Once the Tech pack and artwork are released to the Vendors / Product Development team they will start the product development process. They send Lab dips / strike-offs / Desk Looms / Trims and Accessories / Fit /Prototype etc. for the Design team’s approvals.
Step 8: Approvals on Lab dips / Strike offs / Desk Looms / Trims and Accessories / Fit /Prototype etc.
After receiving Lab dips / strike-offs / Desk Looms / Trims and Accessories / Fit /Prototype etc. from the Product Development team Design Team need to provide approvals if it is as per the standard mentioned in the Product Specifications.
Step 9: Final Design Sample approvals.
After the closure of Step 8 and getting approvals from the Design team, the Product Development team will develop the final samples and send them to the Design team.
Step 10: Range Review
After receiving all the Final samples from the Product Development team, a Design team will review the Final range and then make it ready for final presentation purpose with the help of the Merchandiser.(The merchandiser will make sure costing of the final product is as per the standard given)
Step 11: Final Presentation
Once the range review meeting is over with internal management then product line will be ready for the Final presentation with the Buyer.
Step 12: Final sample handover to Merchandiser for further process.
After the final presentation Design team will hand over the range to the respective merchandiser for further process. (Production)
As we wrap up our exploration of the design process in fashion, it's clear that creativity is just the starting point. From conceptualisation to execution, each stage demands meticulous attention to detail, innovation, and a keen understanding of market dynamics. Whether you're a seasoned designer or an aspiring one, embracing this iterative journey can lead to the creation of timeless pieces that resonate with individuals worldwide.
You can download stages in Design Process in Fashion below.