DESIGN PROCESS - Trends, Color, Color Matrix, Style Matrix, Merch Board

WOMEN'S GOLF - FALL 2015

TREND & INSPIRATION BOARD: After conducting trend and market research, I created two distinct yet cohesive themes for this brand's two major deliveries.

COLOR PALETTE: Created to complement the two different delivery themes. A set of base colors matches to the fashion colors for both deliveries.

COLOR MATRIX: Once the color palette was finalized, I built the color matrix to go over color matching with the client and test their preferred matches. This cut down on the number of re-colorings that were needed.

STYLE MATRIX: Similar to a slot plan, but a visual representation. I created this design tool as a visual aid to make it easier for the merchandisers to plan how many silhouettes they were going to buy and how many style types they needed before I started designing styles. This cut down on the number of design revisions needed to achieve a collection that worked for their budget.

LINE SHEETS: I created and updated the line sheets throughout the development process to ensure that communication was clear in my own department, with the vendor, and with the buyer.

MERCHANDISING BOARD: I created these boards to represent how the collection would look on the floor next to the basic styles. It also helped ensure the customer had enough options to build outfits.

LAUNCHING A BRAND - Using Color Matrix & Merch Boards

MEN'S GOLF - SPRING & FALL 2012

I helped launch this brand's fashion golf line with this collection. Inspiration was taken from bold, geometric designs that were trending within the market. The look book features a professional golfer that wore our designs during tournaments.

COLOR MATRIX: I created this color matrix at the beginning of the design process to go over color matching with the client and test their preferred matches. This cut down on the number of re-designs that were needed.

MERCHANDISING BOARD: I created the merchandising board for our client, which helped them organize and put together the looks in the look book.

WOMEN'S ATHLEISURE: Merging Active + RTW

This collection was designed specifically to crossover from performance activewear to dressier sportswear that can be worn outside of the gym (or off the golf course). Called ATHLEISURE, this trend is still popular since comfort is paramount and customers want the convenience of garments that serve more than one purpose. Intended to be more than just another golf brand, we drew inspiration from Athletic brands, Sportswear brands, and upscale Fashion brands.

ATHLEISURE FABRICS: Fabric technology keeps getting better and this allows performance features to be added to garments without the usual dry and "plastic" feel of traditional athletic garments. For this collection, the fabrics create interesting textures using matte/shiny satin stretch-wovens, brushed buttery-soft knits, and layered/ruched detailing that is flattering and has a luxurious feel.

MERCHANDISE ASSORTMENT: In addition to larger scale views of each style, we created a board to show how the garments and color palette work together as a cohesive collection. This helped us narrow down the colorways and provided a visual for merchandisers.

FABRIC STORY: To save on cost, we broke this collection into a limited number of fabric stories with similar fabric qualities in different weights. This ensured the quality would be consistent and we could meet our target costs.

BRAND DNA & INSPIRATION - updating or launching a new brand

MEN'S GOLF

For this brand, I created INSPIRATION BOARDS to present my view of the TARGET AUDIENCE as well as the CORE DESIGN AESTHETIC. After reviewing the trends, competitor shopping, analyzing market research and past selling, I delved into the design process by pulling all this information together.

BRAND DNA BOARD: I listened to the client's feedback on their target customer and incorporated trends from the current market, such as: popular sports, activities, cars, brands, lifestyle. The IDEAL CUSTOMER is an adrenaline-driven man in all aspects of life and wants performance active wear that is modern, clean and doesn't get in the way of their life.

CORE DESIGN AESTHETIC: I came up with a design that looked modern and not overly designed. The garments utilize small or micro-prints to give a textural feel. I used different features to achieve multiple textures for a rich and luxurious upscale look, like: Embossing, Matte & Shiny Prints, Metal rivets or button details, Jacquard fabrics, and micro-prints.

FROM DESIGN TO PRODUCTION - Techpacks, Prints, Color

WOMEN'S PERFORMANCE GOLF

DESIGN: I designed this collection for two separate deliveries that were distinct and yet also complemented each other. Each delivery was created with it's own COLOR PALETTE, THEME and PRINT artwork. Techpacks were created with print artwork, trims, BOM to make first proto samples. Merchandise boards were colored and presented to the buyers along with proto samples for final ordering.

PRINTS AND COLOR CONTROL: I utilized a combination of all-over repeats and engineered placement prints to give visual interest and allow items to merchandise back to others without being too similar. The PAISLEY ALLOVER PRINT at the yoke on the Short Sleeve Mock Neck matches to the ENGINEERED PAISLEY PRINT skort. I managed all strike-off and lab dip approvals closely to ensure that the prints matched each other and other solid fabrics.

PRINT MARKERS: I created print markers for the PAISLEY PRINT skort so we could maximize fabric usage and keep within the buyer's budget.

Designing for Different Deliveries

WOMEN'S PERFORMANCE GOLF

For this brand, I designed two distinct deliveries so each delivery brought something new to the floor. I had to make them work as a cohesive collection since there would be time they sat on the floor together. Yet, each delivery had it's own THEME, featured PRINT pattern, and featured COLOR to work within the global palette.

PRINT DESIGN: The trending design aesthetic was a modern and clean feel with simplified and updated versions of more traditional prints, like florals and argyles. I created the GEO ARGYLE PATTERN by looking to traditional argyle golf sweaters and updating them for a more modern and geometric look. The result was a print reminiscent of golf traditions but a modern update that the wearer could get excited about.