Role of Technology in Fashion Design for Students
Technology has changed the world we live in by leaps and bounds. Tech has taken over every industry and the fashion and apparel industry is no exception. It has in fact infused innovation and creativity in age-old fashion design. If you’re a student who is pursuing a fashion and apparel design course, you need to make use of new-age practices or else you will be left behind. The aim is to prepare future designers and make them thrive in the competitive market. Most programmes today teach students how to use the latest tools and software which will aid them through the design process.
In this blog, we will be exploring the role technology has to play in the world of fashion designing along with the benefits.
Technology Meets Textiles: The Future of Fashion Designing
Digital Sketching
It’s a must for every fashion designer to know how to sketch. Traditionally, fashion designers would sketch on paper and get their designs approved. Well, this method still exists. However, it is now digitised. Upcoming designers now use software to create precise sketches, patterns and technical drawings. Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop and Sketchbook Pro are used for the same. Since it is vector-based design software, the size of the sketches is maintained. The smallest details to the largest garment patterns can be noticed. Also, designers have realised that with online tools, changes can be made easily. The entire thing does not have to be redrawn. It surely allows for more accurate and precise designs.
Computer-aided Design (CAD)
CAD is a term associated with most fashion design courses. The final semester of any course usually teaches students how CAD works. It has surely revolutionised the fashion industry by automating and optimising several aspects. Using CAD, designers can create 2D as well as 3D models of garments. They can even stitch or scan existing designs, or make modifications. CAD has enhanced the efficiency and productivity of the fashion design process. It has helped them visualise their designs. They can see how the garment will look digitally before it goes into making or production.
Artificial Intelligence
AI or artificial intelligence has opened up an array of possibilities in the world of fashion. From trend forecasting to customer recommendations, AI has changed the game entirely. There is no more trial and error. Systems are more efficient and organised. AI also has the ability to generate new designs and automate time-consuming tasks. From the fashion business point of view, AI helps with inventory and supply chain management. For decades, managing surplus inventory has been a challenge for garment houses. AI surely allows for better inventory management as it can analyse crucial data to predict demand accordingly. In this blog, we’ve discussed in detail the advancement of artificial intelligence in the fashion industry.
3D Printing
As the name implies, 3D design software gives garments a three-dimensional representation. Fashion designers can use 3D printers to create prototypes of their designs. This offers a major advantage as they can see how their design will look and feel before it goes into manufacturing. This not just saves time and money but designers can make any changes if they wish.
Virtual prototyping can also stimulate fabric drape, texture and movement. This surely reduces the need for physical samples. Another aspect of 3D design is 3D body scanning. Designers face a challenge when it comes to designing apparel according to actual measurements of a customer. With 3D body scanning, designers can make garments according to the exact body measurements that will perfectly fit the client.
Smart Textiles
Technology has not just transformed fashion design but even the types of clothes we wear on a daily basis. Smart textiles and wearable clothing have garnered immense popularity. As the name suggests, smart textiles are interactive clothing items that cater to the unique needs of the wearer. They are embedded with technological components. A few examples of interactive wearables include temperature-controlled jackets, shirts that can monitor your heart rate and dresses that take the shape of the wearer.
Virtual Reality
Another technology that is becoming popular in the fashion industry is virtual reality. Designers can use it to create 3D simulations of their designs. While it is helping designers, it is also helping fashion consumers. Virtual fashion shows and showrooms give consumers the chance to interact with collections from anywhere. AR try-on apps also allow them to try the garment on before buying. This considerably reduces returns.
Conclusion
Technology is surely having a positive impact on fashion design. Those studying fashion designing in Bangalore can leverage the latest tools and software to create designs that are both creative and functional. As technology continues to evolve, it will surely be exciting to see what the future has in store. At Vogue Institute of Art & Design, we focus on creating a curriculum that is future-oriented.
