Which Is Superior: Physical Or Digital Fashion Design Samples?

Summary

This video explores the benefits of using 3D fashion software like CLO, Browzwear, and AI to reduce the need for multiple physical samples in fashion design. The creator, Mikelle Drew-Pellum, explains that while 3D tools are great for visualizing looser-fitting garments, physical samples are still necessary for form-fitting clothing like swimwear and lingerie. She emphasizes how 3D tools save time, money, and resources, offering faster decision-making and environmental benefits. For new styles or body-conscious designs, a physical sample and model fitting are recommended for accuracy.

Takeaways

• 💻 The use of 3D software like CLO, Browzwear, and AI can reduce the need for multiple physical samples in fashion design.
• 🌍 Reducing the number of physical samples not only saves money but also benefits the environment.
• ❓ Designers must decide when a digital sample is sufficient and when a physical garment is still necessary, depending on the garment type.
• 👗 Looser-fitting garments, such as loungewear or athleisure, are easier to fit digitally, while tight garments like swimwear and lingerie may still need physical fitting.
• 🧍 Soft body simulations in 3D software can help, but they are not yet perfect substitutes for real human feedback on fit.
• 👀 3D’s greatest benefit is visualization, allowing designers to evaluate fit, fabric, and design before making physical samples.
• 🛠 For repeat styles with new colors or patterns, designers can skip physical samples and rely on 3D and AI for visualization and marketing.
• 👙 For new, tighter-fitting styles, it’s crucial to get physical samples and involve experienced fit models and technical designers for validation.
• ⏳ 3D and AI tools save time and money in sampling, helping designers make faster decisions and reduce waste.
• 📚 Designers are encouraged to start using 3D and AI tools despite the initial learning curve to significantly benefit their workflow and sustainability efforts.

Q & A

What is the main advantage of using 3D software in fashion design?

The main advantage of using 3D software like CLO, Browzwear, or Style3D in fashion design is that it reduces the reliance on physical samples, saving time, money, and resources, and it's also more environmentally friendly.

What types of garments are best suited for digital fitting according to the script?

Loose fitting garments such as sleepwear, loungewear, and athleisure are best suited for digital fitting as they are more forgiving and easier to simulate accurately in 3D software.

Why might a designer still need a physical sample even with 3D software?

Designers might still need a physical sample to accurately assess fit, especially for garments like intimate apparel, swimwear, and bodycon garments where the compression and how it affects the human body cannot be fully replicated in 3D.

What is the role of fit maps in digital fashion design?

Fit maps in digital fashion design help to visualize how a garment fits on a model, but they may not be able to capture all the nuances such as a shoulder strap digging into the model's shoulder, which is why physical samples and fittings are still necessary.

How does the introduction of soft body simulation in CLO3D and Browzwear-VStitcher impact the accuracy of digital samples?

Soft body simulation in CLO3D and Browzwear-VStitcher helps to provide a more accurate depiction of how a garment sits on a real body, but it's still not completely precise and cannot replace the feedback from a person wearing the garment.

What is the greatest use of 3D software in fashion design according to Mikelle Drew-Pellum?

Mikelle Drew-Pellum believes that the greatest use of 3D software in fashion design is for visualization, allowing designers to see their garment on a three-dimensional body before committing to physical production.

How can 3D software help in reducing the number of unknowns in the fashion design process?

3D software can help in reducing the number of unknowns by allowing designers to see design lines, fit, materials, and overall aesthetics in a digital form before creating physical samples, thus minimizing surprises and reducing costs.

What is the recommendation for using digital samples for repeat styles in fashion design?

For repeat styles, it's recommended to use digital samples and 3D assets for marketing purposes, as changes are usually minimal and can be validated through new colors and patterns without needing new physical samples.

When is it advised to get a physical sample despite having a digital one?

It's advised to get a physical sample when creating new styles, especially if they are not loose fitting garments, to ensure proper fit and comfort, and to gather crucial feedback from fit models and technical designers.

What is the added benefit of using 3D and AI tools in fashion design as mentioned in the script?

The added benefit of using 3D and AI tools in fashion design is that they can help save time and money in the sampling process and contribute to environmental sustainability by reducing the need for physical samples.

What is the final suggestion Mikelle Drew-Pellum gives to designers who are not yet using 3D and AI tools?

Mikelle Drew-Pellum suggests that designers who are not yet using 3D and AI tools should start incorporating them into their workflow, despite the initial learning curve, as they can significantly save time and money in the long run.