Clothing Design for the Digital Age - Fashion School Review

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Clothing Design for the Digital Age

by Clare Kaufman
Fashion School Review Columnist

July 28, 2008

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Clothing designs


Launch Your Fashion Career from The Art Institutes

were once born on a sketchpad. These days, they come to life on the computer screen. Fashion design software applies 2D and 3D CAD (computer aided design) technology to every step of the clothing design process, from pattern drawing to runway modeling.

Imagination is only part of the game. Clothing designers today wield the same technical skills as graphic designers. The best fashion schools boast high tech computer labs and courses targeting the industry's powerful computer-aided drafting tools.

Fashion Design Software: An Overview
Here's a look at some of the fashion design software applications you can expect to encounter in fashion school.

Pattern Design
Generate new patterns or digitize and edit hard copy patterns. Pattern design software allows designers to add grommets, darts, pleats, seam allowance, advanced measurements, and dimension changes.

Textile Marker
Plan pattern cuts to make the best use of textiles, minimizing waste and labor. The software even marks striped and plaid textiles to ensure the continuity of the pattern across cuts.

Made-to-Measure Modulator
Modulate the shape of a garment to fit the four key dimensions of the human form: shoulder, bust, waist, and hips.

3D Runway Designer
Visualize your clothing design on a moving model. This 3D animation software allows the clothing designer to create and clothe an avatar. The fashion design software simulates the movement of the cloth based on the pattern and fabric characteristics.

Fashion design software has revolutionized the clothing design process, staging virtual "dress rehearsals" to plan each step. Designers, manufacturers, and fashion merchandisers rely on CAD tools to reduce labor costs and material waste. Digital clothing design skills are crucial in today's fashion industry. Choose a fashion school with a state-of-the-art computer lab and technical training courses. If you're not quite ready to enroll in a degree program, but have an interest in fashion and CAD, classes are available through online colleges.

About the Author
Clare Kaufman is a freelance writer specializing in education and career advice. She has a graduate degree in English.