Ask Fashion Girl

Dear Cleo,

Welcome to the future! Virtually every field has been revolutionized by computer technology, including fashion. Computers are wonderful and enhance so many aspects of the industry, yet they can’t take the place of a talented, creative mind. While in school, work hard to establish a strong base in fashion fundamentals such as sketching, draping, color theory, and cutting. To keep from feeling intimidated by the computer, think of it as simply a tool that provides many new ways to express your creativity. Many designers resist the transition to computer designing and sketching—until they get the hang of it, that is! It’s similar to the struggle you go through learning to ride a bike or drive a car. At first it’s frustrating and foreign, but once you get the hang of it, it’s hard to imagine NOT cycling or driving.

No matter what part of the fashion industry you specialize in, computer knowledge can only help you in your career. There are plenty of significant reasons for embracing computer technology. While the initial investment of time to learn a program might seem overwhelming, the end result is worth it. Computer programs will save you tons of time, energy, and money—very valuable assets in the fashion industry! Believe it or not, you’ll most likely find yourself wondering how people ever did without computers.

The two industry giants of computer technology, Gerber and Lectra, let you do some amazing things. Want to see how your sweater design would look if it was done in plaid instead of a solid color? You can experiment with variations from a huge library of prints, patterns, trims, buttons, and styles. Fabric selection is a major part of the design process and the computer can simulate different weaves, prints, colors, and textures. Print your new textile print right on sample fabric or send your print design directly to the fabric mill for production! The computer can also create a three-dimensional image to show you how a patterned fabric will "drape" on a particular design, like a gathered skirt. Save a world of time by using the computer to arrange all your sketches into work boards without resketching. Then put your entire design collection on CD-ROM for customers anywhere in the world! Beyond all the creative design possibilities, the computer lets you cost out each item in your collection with a built-in cost sheet calculator and see what changes in the design will do to the price of the garments. This is just the beginning! Computerization has also done wonders for the production end of the industry.

Be patient and don’t give up on computer technology—programs are being made more "designer/user friendly" every day. Focus on building core design skills in school, stay focused on your talents, and you’ll be fine! Good luck!!

Good luck!

Sincerely, Fashion Girl