Blog Post 8: C.A.D. in Fashion

Blog Post 8: C.A.D.

This blogging assignment has been a useful exercise for me. As Jones S. has stated (2002), in ‘Fashion Design’, ‘fashion is a global enterprise…..news and trends travel as fast as the speed of light thanks to…..the internet.’ Sue Jenkin Jones has been a Senior Lecturer in Fashion Design at Central Saint Martins College of Art & Design, London and is highly regarded. This blog has helped to highlight the importance for me to continue to post CAD fabric patterns & illustrations onto social media posts in the future, such as the latest one which I have just created.

It has also pushed me to research two-dimensional pattern design softwares based on flat, patternmaking techniques, as well as 3D software (visualization of drape and fit on virtual models).

Lectra’s Modaris pattern cutting software is a key tool used in pattern production.

Pattern Cutting is an essential part of clothing design,  creating a silhouette that works on various sizes and body shapes. Patterns can be drafted directly, created from basic blocks or created based on an existing pattern.
Assyst Bullmer supply software for all types of pattern cutting design, including garments such as lingerie, trousers, dresses, shirts and suits. Using the tools on the software makes pattern cutting faster.
Darts, pleats and fitting lines can be added automatically, then as the pattern is developed the software keeps the seam width and alters corners to fit the new pattern. Sleeves can be walked through armholes and notches added. Accurate measurements can be taken at any point or across any pattern and measurements such as chest measures combined by the software.

In my view C.A.D. is wonderful and the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages.  However, there are some drawbacks that users must be aware of.

They include:
• The initial costs of buying computer systems are always quite high.
• Since there is a heavy importance placed on computer systems, less people need to be employed.
• Information can be instantly lost or corrupted if a computer problem occurs and there are no back ups.
• Recurring costs for software updates are expensive and time consuming.
• Computer hardware often needs to be very new in order to adequately run most modelling programs.

After looking at many job openings for C.A.D. pattern cutters, the High Street Stores are requesting a good knowledge of how to use at the very least Photoshop and Illustrator.

‘Next’, as an example, are amongst these stores.  It is essential for these businesses to hire people who have these skills, as they have to manufacture clothes on bulk. C.A.D. enhances productivity and efficiency.   For example, if there is a pattern which is a popular cut, the following season may require adjustments on the colours and patterns, whilst maintaining the same cut.

C.A.D. in the fashion industry has become more important because it increases efficiency and makes the design process easier. C.A.D. software is used in every step of the traditional clothing construction process and then is used to produce a final, polished fashion illustration.
First, the designer thinks of a design. In the past, most designers got inspiration from real life, books and travelling but today, inspiration is on the internet too. C.A.D. gives the designer the advantage of putting in drawing every idea, and bringing it out in a way that used to be impossible. Then, the sketching is a lengthy process, since the designer has to combine his knowledge of trends too. C.A.D. helps in achieving the perfect sketch through the use of  tools on the software menu. These can be used to draw and erase and edit.
The production stage is next. C.A.D. software helps view the design in 3-D, for  detection of errors. After productions comes promotion. The final products of a fashion designer need to be promoted for it to be seen by the consumers. Promotional materials using C.A.D. software, such as billboards, magazines, brochures, posters, catalogues, fashion shows and invitation cards will be produced.
There are many advantages for using C.A.D. in the fashion industry. For designers who want to create a collection that is connected in terms of pattern and flow, C.A.D. allows them to create a design collection which ensures that every fabric flows in the same way. The C.A.D. software also allows the designer to view their designs in different colours, patterns and on different models  on the computer screen, before it is displayed to the public. The software also helps to save plenty of time, money and resources since fabrics and designs can be viewed before they are put into production.
The most popular software used in the fashion industry includes Adobe Photoshop, Adobe illustrator, Koledo and Optitex, U4ia and colour matters.

So, to conclude, I have researched the pros and cons of C.A.D. in the fashion industry and have decided that, in my view, the pros outweigh the cons. I have also come to the realisation that I must post fabric pattern designs and fashion illustrations which have been created and enhanced through C.A.D. onto social media as much as I can in the future. As Sue Jenkin Jones has explained in her book, fashion is global and news travels incredibly quickly, with the internet that is accessible to us at the moment.

Reference:

Jones S. (2002), ‘Fashion Design’, Laurence King Pub. (P.24)