Take a look behind the fabrics and flashy designs of the high fashion industry as we dive into exclusive interviews with the most influential insiders of fashion. Get lost in the inspirations behind the fabrics they create and the stories they tell, as we explore the minds of the people who are paving the way for the future of fashion.
1. Uncovering the Secrets of Fashion: Insiders Spill the Details
Fashion is one of the most visually stimulating industry – ever-evolving rapidly with trends and styles. To get an inside scoop into the industry, we’ve uncovered the secrets of fashion, as told by some industry insiders. Here are the details you need to know!
- Designers
Behind the scenes, the most important people in the fashion industry are undoubtedly the designers. It’s these creative minds responsible for constantly pushing fashion forward with high-quality garments and unique designs. From creating sketches to working on prototypes, their daily tasks are often highly labor-intensive and detail-oriented. It can take months to develop and perfect a single collection.
- Colors and Schemes
The colors a designer chooses for their collection is key to setting the tone of the collection. Most designers will scour inspiration from places like magazine editorials and street style blogs to narrow down the palette they’d like to work with. A single season can have multiple color schemes – each conveying a unique mood and message.
- Fashion Events
Whenever a collection is complete, the next step is to get it out into the public. Fashion events are the perfect way to do this. Fashion weeks are the most popular, however private showcases, exhibitions, conferences, and media events are all common occurrences in the fashion industry, too. These events allow designers to network with influential industry professionals and often provide the perfect platform to meet customers face to face.
- Retailers
At the heart of fashion is the retailer. They are the ones responsible for selling the designer’s work and to which designers often have to tailor their collections for. Nowadays, this may also include their own online stores which require a lot of upkeep and digital marketing. It’s often the collaboration and acclaim of retailers that can catapult smaller designers into the spotlight.
2. Gaining Insight into the Designers Behind the Scenes
Designers bring to life the amazing technology and products we love. Working behind the scenes, they possess the elusive skill of turning seemingly abstract concepts into fully functional and aesthetically pleasing digital creations.
Getting to know who are behind the designs – their stories, inspirations, and motivations – can help give greater context and appreciation for the creations. Here are 5 of our favorite interviews with the amazing designers who bring us the products we use on a daily basis.
- Marc Koehler: A perfect example of “getting things done”, Marc Koehler talks about his career and how his passion for design helped him create meaningful and meaningful products.
- Joris Laarman: A pioneer in pushing the boundaries of 3D printing, Laarman shares his journey and how he views innovation and design.
- Tim Brown: Curiosity and creativity drive innovation, according to the co-founder of IDEO. Tim Brown takes us through his design journey, and his thoughts on succeeding in design.
- Chris Do: Chris Do’s inspirational story shares his reimagining of a career path in design, and the value of compassion, community, and diversity.
- Alice Rawlinson: Alice Rawlinson talks about good design practices and offers a crash-course in building the perfect analog product. She shares her creative process and favorite tools of the trade.
Designers are the equivalent of modern-day magicians. And now, getting to know the behind-the-scenes creators of the products we use and enjoy every day has never been so accessible. Check out these influencers and get inspired to create the next great thing.
These interviews remind us that at the heart of great design there is an important human element. By telling the stories of these dedicated creators, we can all now gain insight into the innovative mindset behind the designs.
3. Peeking Inside the Design Process: An Inside Look at Fashion’s Construction
Fashion is all about design and construction. To get a closer look at how fashion works, let’s take a peek inside the design process. Below is an inside look at the intricate construction of fashionable clothes and accessories.
- Fabric Selection: Quality fashion starts with a fabric selection process. To ensure a long-lasting, well-made garment or accessory, designers must choose the right material for the job. They must take into account the intended use of the item, its planned laundering and even how it’s expected to drape on the body.
- Pattern Making: After selecting an appropriate fabric, it’s time to create the patterns. This step is where designers can really get creative, as each piece is crafted to flow with the body and create a perfect silhouette.
- Cutting: Interpreting the patterns accurately is important for making a quality item. Poorly cut fabric will create an item that looks wonky and unappealing. To ensure success, the fabric pieces need to be carefully cut in precise matching measurements.
From here, you can move onto assembly. The pieces must be stitched together in the exact sequence that was designed. This is where the designer’s vision starts to take shape. For more complex garments, certain seams and pockets may have to be hand-sewn to fit precisely and securely.
The final steps are pressing and finishing. The item must be carefully pressed in order to lay perfectly flat and look its best. Depending on the goal of the designer, certain materials may need to be steamed for soft folds and other materials may need to be pressed with a hot iron.
With an inside look at the construction of fashion, you now have a better understanding of the detailed work that goes into creating beautiful clothing and accessories. Whether mass-produced or custom-made, a lot of time and effort needs to be put into each item.
4. Dressing the Part: An Exploration of Fashion’s Elite Visionaries
John Galliano – Starting from humble beginnings, John Galliano has ascended to become one of the world’s preeminent and most influential fashion designers. With his eponymous label, he’s created an entire fashion universe that is timeless, mesmerizing, and yet rooted in tradition. He has collaborated with some of the world’s most celebrated couturiers, including Karl Lagerfeld and Christian Dior, and has been credited with some of the most exceptional collections in recent years.
Olivier Rousteing – Best known for being the creative designer of French fashion house Balmain, Olivier Rousteing has livened up the fashion world since 2009. He has quickly become one of the most influential visionaries in the fashion world, garnering millions of followers on social media. Rousteing’s success can be attributed to his ability to mix classic elegance with modern flair, seamlessly creating clothes that span the past and the future.
Riccardo Tisci – Since joining the fashion house Givenchy in 2005, Riccardo Tisci has developed a unique and captivating style that has taken the fashion world by storm. He’s been credited with redefining the couture aesthetic, giving his creations a modern yet versatile appeal. He’s also created a following of devoted fans, including celebrities like Kanye West, Cara Delevingne, and Victoria Beckham.
Kris Van Assche – Known for his impeccable eye for detail, Kris Van Assche has been the head designer of Dior Homme since February 2007. His creations tend to blend edgy punk elements with a more traditional aesthetic, creating garments that are both fashionable and wearable. He is also an advocate for sustainability in fashion, creating pieces that are meant to be worn for more than a season.
Hedi Slimane – A renowned fashion designer who has gained notoriety for his modern and creative designs, Hedi Slimane has been in the fashion industry for decades and has collaborated with some of the most luxurious fashion houses. His designs are often characterized by their minimalist silhouettes and intricate detailing. He has also been a champion for youth culture, showing the world his take on streetwear through his cutting-edge designs.
Tune into Behind the Seams and get an exclusive look into the lives and work of the fashion insiders! Those who have waited for a backstage pass to the fashion industry will be delighted to hear about the bold and innovative people behind the seams that are making the fashion world remarkable!