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3D Technology for Fashion Design

By admins | October 1, 2008

 

 Recently we came across an interesting article from CNN regarding 3D technology for fashion design.  Basically a former fashion industry veteran, Shenlei Winkler, is working with IBM to develop a 3D design program for our industry.  She came up with the idea after years of excess sampling resulting in environmental waste.  In an effort to reduce sampling and its costs both monetary and environmental, as well as, reduce her own time spent on development, she created this new technology.  So do you think 3D technology using computer generated images could really replace sampling?  Right off the bat we see several potential road blocks. 

• First of all, samples are used primarily by salespeople to sell the product to the buyer.  We have all been in situations where for one reason or another samples were not able to make it to a meeting, therefore sales had to sell using a CAD or line sheet.  This rarely went over well, as buyers want to see, feel, and fit the actual product for which they are spending thousands or millions of dollars.  Assuming salespeople and buyers are willing to do so, why not use already existing technology like, AI, PrimaVision, Photoshop, or U4ia? 
• Second, designers need to see actual samples in order to go forward in the design process and send comments to factories/manufactures.  We need to feel the fabric and see how it works for that particular design, pitch colors for coordinating hardware or accessories, and critique quality of all construction details.  This is especially crucial if, as a designer, you are using a new factory, new fabric mill, or trying out a new wash/dyeing method.
• Last, fittings!  There must be an actual sample in order to run a proper fitting.  Winkler states that by using this new 3D technology the designer will be able to “fit them on digital models.” While that may be theoretically possible, who is going to tell you that the pants are uncomfortable because the rise is riding up their crotch or the seam at the back neck is too itchy.  And what about the walking, sitting, and bending tests?  In addition, without a sample how would a tech-designer or patternmaker be able to communicate and make adjustments with the production factory?

The main concept of this technology is, “designers who digitize more of their work might be able to get new products into stores faster – and that could potentially give them an edge over the competition.”  “Designers are just going to be able to blow through their work,” Which leads us to the question digitize what?  Hand drawing?  By now aren’t most of us already using computer design?  And “faster” how, how would this speed up the process?  How exactly would this help the designer be faster then say using Adobe Illustrator?  We love the concept especially if we can save some time and the environment, but we just don’t see how this could be implemented, which may not be a critique of Winkler but rather CNN’s shallow reporting regarding the practical application of her new technology.  For the full article: http://bigtech.blogs.fortune.cnn.com/2008/09/26/fashion-goes-3d/

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Topics: cad design, designers, enviroment, fashion industry, production, samples | 1 Comment »  Email This Post

One Response to “3D Technology for Fashion Design”

1. Tierra Says:
   October 1st, 2008 at 3:07 pm

   I understand your critiques, but at least its a start. 3D modeling has changed the design industry and the fashion industry is being left behind. Although I agree the final test should be done on a real person… at least fabric was saved until that point. thanks for the info

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