Transforming Ideas into Style: The Road to the Runway
The Road to the Runway
Fashion design is all about creativity and self-expression; to shine bright in the fascinating fashion world, every fashion designer must possess skills from sketching designs to selecting fabrics and colors to constructing garments and presenting them on the runway.
Finding inspiration
Every couture collection is inspired by art, music, cultural heritage, or anything that ignites the designer’s imagination. For instance, the vibrant colors of the sunset, the rosy hue of flowers, or the intricate patterns of a painting could inspire a collection.
The foundation of every couture collection is the designers' immersion in their chosen sources, collecting images, sketches, and notes.
Color palette and mood board
Now that the inspiration is clear, the next step is to form a color palette and a mood board. This process involves gathering images, colors, and textures that represent the initial vision and idea. The mood board is one of the most important processes as it serves as a visual representation of the inspiration and helps identify the overall aesthetic of the collection.
Sample of mood board and color palette.
Translating vision into design
Sketching is a crucial process in translating vision into a tangible design. During the sketching phase, where every sketch serves as a blueprint for the final garments, designers often experiment with different styles and details. This stage allows them to consider and visualize how blended fabrics, colors, and textures will bring their sketches to life.
Once the sketches have been finalized, the next step is selecting the fabrics and materials. This step is of great importance as the choice of cloth dramatically affects the look and feel of the final garment.
To help choose suitable fabrics, designers often work with textile experts to find the perfect material; they use moulage techniques and mannequins to create a three-dimensional form of their concept. This technique allows designers to work directly on a mannequin to create and modify the structure and fit of a garment in real time.
In fact, for specific designers, a moulage takes precedence over sketches. They find that working directly with fabric on the mannequin offers a more intuitive and hands-on approach to design. Once the moulage process is complete, designers may translate their draped forms into sketches, further refining and detailing their designs.
Whether starting with sketches or moulage, the goal remains to bring their creative vision to life in the most authentic and compelling way possible.
The art of haute couture
Once the materials have been selected, the process of crafting the garments begins. This is where the magic of haute couture truly shines. This process is meticulous and involves hours of labor and pattern-making.
Some artisans specialize in various skills and techniques in every couture atelier, such as embroidery, beading, and tailoring. Like the textile experts, these artists also work closely with designers to ensure that every detail is perfect.
Before finalizing the garments and transitioning into the production phase, designers create toiles – also known as muslins or calicos, and samples. These are prototype versions of the designs, and they are essential as they allow the designer to test and refine the fit, shape, and construction techniques. This step requires highly skilled craftsmanship, ensuring the crafted piece meets the designer’s standards.
The production phase can finally begin once all the elements are in place. This phase involves the creation of the final garment, ensuring the designer oversees every aspect of production, from cutting and sewing to final touches. This involves working with suppliers, negotiating prices, and guaranteeing that high-quality materials are used throughout the collection.
Technical innovation
In fashion design, technical innovation adds new dimensions to creativity and craftsmanship. Schiaparelli and Iris Van Herpen are designers known for their avant-garde and structured designs that push the boundaries of fashion.
Schiaparelli is known for her surrealist approach, often incorporating unexpected elements and innovative textiles into her designs. Iris van Herpen, on the other hand, has become synonymous with the fusion of fashion and technology. Her work often features intricate designs created through cutting-edge techniques such as 3D printing, laser cutting, and computer-aided design.
This intersection of fashion and technology represents the future of haute couture, where innovation and artistry go hand in hand.
Preparing for the fashion show
The journey ends with the preparation of the fashion show. Although this step is exciting, it requires much work and logistical planning, including traveling to check for venues, contacting agencies, and booking models. Therefore, the designer is responsible for ensuring that every detail and aspect of the show - from lighting to music to the runway setup- aligns with their initial collection vision.
Finally, after months of hard work and creativity, the designer's vision is revealed to the world through the runway show. This is a very important event, with a carefully choreographed presentation to showcase every piece in the best conditions. Every element, from the choice of music to the staging, is designed to enhance the impact of the collection.
The ever-evolving journey of couture
Combining creativity, inspiration, and craftsmanship plays a huge role in creating a couture collection. Each collection tells a unique story, reflecting the designer's vision and the myriad influences that shape their work. From the initial spark of inspiration to the final strut down the runway, the journey of couture is a testament to the artistry and passion that define high fashion.
