Computers in Fashion Design
Glenda Baez
12/06/2005
CS110 11:30
Glenda Baez
Intro to Computers
Computers in Context with the Fashion Industry
Knowing where, when and how your hand bags, studded jeans, beaded shirts, tweed jackets and silk blend skirts are sketched, design and created is amazing. A creative mind has to come up with a great idea sketch it on to a pallet or canvas and deliver a wonderful creation to be produced. That was then this is now.
Nowadays, all you need is a computer addition pallet and designing software and voila a creative design. You have software with stencils, color options, textures and great additions. There are so many computer programs to help make designing easier, such as Arah Weave “that lets fabric designers experiment with colors, yarns and weaves while viewing detailed, realistic on screen samples”(Computer Concept page 334). There are still many more computer programs for all different aspects of design. No more paper and pencil. Now it can all be done at your desk on your computer. No more trial and error, tearing paper and sharpening pencils it is all about click and print.
Designers have begun to use pattern making software which helps them visualize how pieces of flat materials and fabrics can come together to make clothing, shoes, hang bags and so on. “Graphics software packages allow designers to create images on screen,” (Microsoft encyclopedia). Companies are now using computer’s to scan and manipulate pieces of pattern and fabrics onto a computer screen that can provide a three dimensional model of what is being designed and created. This helps them rearrange any imperfections and provides them with a sense of how it would be seen on a runway.
By using computers as storage of information on designs that were previously
created and information regarding different textures, patterns and cuts and how they can work together makes the next creation easier to establish. Designer’s can now save the images of designs for presentations, records of information regarding production, sales and supplies. “Computer plays a major role in fabric design and manufacturing”, because most if not all current manufacturing companies are by computer generated machinery. (Computer Concept page 334). Because of this they can produce more of the product in less time, so it is less time consuming. But it does not stop their, designers are using computers for emailing samples or images of their creation to production companies and warehouses. This keeps them interacted with everyone they need to get to in order to produce a great design. Interacting with colleagues through e-mail is a great way to keeps tabs on production, cost and suppliers. They are even use for marketing and advertising.
Computers in fashion industries are now being use to provide the world with “online runway show”. Who said you have to pay big bucks on a dress to attend a runway show in New York, Paris or even Los Angeles. It is all now provided in the comfort of your own home via internet. Victoria Secret was the first to present and online runway show and it was successful so why not other designers. Many small designing companies are doing so now because it is less expensive then having a huge event. You can watch the runway show and when you see something you like to can even purchase it right their and then.
Online sources have become a major way of shopping there what I would call an online shopping mall” it is an easy way to find what you are looking for. Well production companies are using this source more and more. Why you ask? Well because it is a less ex pensive way to advertise your merchandise. You pop up screens and website link, you do not have to pay for commercials and catalog production. And you ask how do I know the merchandise would fit? Why you shouldn’t even ask, online virtual models of course, this allows shoppers to create a custom model of themselves…which can “try on” clothes to show you the online consumer how they would look when wearing the clothing or garment( Computer Concept page 335). Many online shopping website provide you with this option or a chart of specific measurements that would allows you to choose from the size you are looking for.
Computers in fashion design have many uses and can be truly very helpful. They can help with production, manufacturing, sales, and supplies. This makes it so much easier to produce better merchandise. Computers in fashion design have escalated very highly. Now in fashion design schools they provided many computer generated classes. I see a bright and colorful future a head for designer and their fashion creativity.
Works Cited
Authors: June Jamrich Parsons. Dan Oja, Computer Concepts 8th Edition
New Perspectives Introductory
Microsoft Encyclopedia, Window XP Home Edition 2003.