Fashion, an explicit term, is something beyond the commonman's approach and where there is no limit to the permutations one can think ofin terms of designing. As the human approach towards change is so frequent andthe designer, in a process, to fulfill the demand of new style goes through anumber of phases.


The product of Fashion, either it's a garment or anaccessory, goes through the same to take the actual shape that is known as"Design Process." Taking an example of a garment as a fashion product, theprocess includes: Inspiration, on the basis of which, Mood & Swatch board,Color Palette, Story & Client boards are created. Specifications &Illustrations (the complete collection) are originated i.e. in overall, an innovative process.


Finding Inspiration shows the designer's ability to work onthe product which gives an overall idea of the collection to be executed. Theexploration of the sources makes the design unique and the reinvention/research of the inspiration influences the garment ideas that emerge after theclose observation. An inspiration can be found everywhere, whether it is aseashell on a beach or a splendid skyscraper. The reflective glass of askyscraper might suggest the use of a shimmering modern fabric; the peelingpaint of an old beach hut could stimulate to create a look incorporated into arippled layers. The designer, however, the furthest extremes can explore.


The firststage of organizing the thoughts and collecting images (Mood board) enable tochannelize the creative excitement towards a cohesive collection. It capturesthe mood or flavor of the design project, as well as reflects the target customer.The in depth study & close examination of the inspiration stimulates theideas about colors & textures which influence choice of fabrics. Colorpalette is selected with the important shades and identifying the harmoniouscombinations from the inspiration whereas black & white inspiration board focusesmore on shapes & textures. Methods such as dying, printing, appliqu &manipulating the fabrics convert the stimulated ideas into required textures& fall of the garments. At the stage of developing fabrics for Swatch Board,practicalities of achieving the effects hardly matters whereas innovation ishighly demanded. Designing a collection is concerned with decisions of taste,choice and sensitivity and relies on the value judgments.

The actual product (the garment), when takes shape on the fabric includes Pattern development & the process of Garment Production (Layout, Cutting, Stitching, Finishing etc.).As a final product, it gulps the concept in it but the question arises when it comes to reality. As, a layman doesn't digest the idea of originating such products which don't meet the requirement/necessity or is not utilized but the criteria is not to fulfill the basic need of the consumer but of the designers, for whom to innovate & create, is an urge that is growth promise & moreover leave a mark on audience' mind. The idea behind writing this article is to spread awareness about what fashion is. The existence of Fashion is not only to cater the consumer's needs but to represent the designer's innovation which brings revolution in the fashion world. As the human tendency which always demands a change, a plenty of experiments worked upon by the designer, creates a difference & design innovative products which usually are considered as non-wearable.

The author is Designer & Lecturer of Fashion Technology