Chapter 6
Design a Line
Mini Collections
Another great way to challenge your design skills is to create three-piece mini collections based on a single word. Building collections forces you to think about different pieces of apparel and ways of dressing. Design loungewear, evening wear, separates, dresses, sportswear, and more. Use one theme word to keep everything consistent.
Idea Factory: Mix & Match
Need a jump-start to get your creative juices flowing? Try these fun exercises for some instant inspiration!
On a piece of paper, fill column A with adjectives, such as colors, textures, feelings, etc. Fill column B with nouns, including people, places, and things.
Column A Examples
Pink
Fuzzy
Happy
Sparkly
Somber
Column B Examples
Rock Star
Beach
Leopard
Teenager
Latte
Now randomly choose one word from column A and match it with one word from column B. Examples: Fuzzy Rock Star, Pink Leopard, or Sparkly Latte.
These may sound like silly combinations but use them to inspire some fashion! Fuzzy Rock Star might inspire an outfit that includes a faux fur jacket with leather pants. Pink Leopard could inspire a pink animal print, but what about a pink silk pajama set with little leopard slippers? Sparkly Latte seems like a great T-shirt graphic, or maybe it’s just a sequined skirt in a beautiful creamy golden latte color. Use these kick-starts to rev your design engine, and then run with it!
Collection I: Cupcake
This cupcake-themed collection features bright, cheerful colors and whimsical touches. Slim, cropped pants with a sherbet tuxedo stripe contrast with a feminine blouse with quirky details (Figure 1). A graphic tee featuring a cupcake has a little Peter Pan collar for a prim feel and is paired with a rainbow sprinkle-print midi skirt (Figure 2). Finally, a bright ombré tulle dress is topped with a polka dot blazer (Figure 3). This mini collection has a sweets shop vibe full of fun details!
Collection II: Birds of a Feather
This bird-themed collection is sophisticated and stylish. Peacock colors feature in the evening gown along with dramatic feathers and draping on the left shoulder (Figure 1). The second design uses a monochromatic color family. Red, burgundy, and mauve create subtle sophistication with feather detailing on the skirt hem and armholes (Figure 2). The last look is cozy and casual: An oversized cream cable-knit sweater has a winged appliqué across the neckline in a neutral color palette (Figure 3). This collection is like a peek into the closet of a high-society bird lover!
Collection III: Artiste
A mini collection with an Artiste theme is a fun one to imagine. The first design suggests an art studio look. Paint-spattered jeans and a striped boatneck tee feel perfectly casual and creative (Figure 1). A quirky raglan tee and pencil skirt combination is topped with a workroom apron in the second design (Figure 2). Finally, linen balloon pants and a crisp cotton button-down tunic feel effortlessly cool in the third fashion (Figure 3). This collection gives the feel of a capsule wardrobe for some fabulous painter or artisan.
