Beginner's Guide: What Is 3D Design In Fashion, And Why Does It Matter?

Some four years ago, I came across geist.xyz, a fashion project by zeitgeisted showcasing simulated algorithmic synthetic textiles. I had been working with textiles for many years, yet seeing them move in that ghostly manner was a strangely new experience that I could not shake off.

It was the beginning of my interest and research into using technology and a digital approach to textiles and fashion - to design and make smartly.

Fast forward to the present. In my first blog post for NOFORM, I talk about what 3D design in fashion is and why it really matters. The post is intended for beginners.

3D model of a skirt from Simone Rocha’s SS 2014 collection

The digitalization of the fashion industry has already taken place - from e-learning, cloud-based PLM (product lifecycle management) systems, and e-commerce to the use of digital media for marketing and promotion. The timing to talk about 3D design couldn't be better. This digitalization of processes has already created an ideal foundation to introduce 3D digital design elements at almost every step of the supply chain.

The discipline of 3D visualization and modeling is not new. Industrial designers have been practicing it since the early 90s (link), however, in fashion it is a relatively new concept. In the same way an automotive designer could assemble different components of a car to visualize it in a 3D environment, a fashion professional can now do the same with pattern pieces. Since fashion entails three-dimensional physical products, it only makes sense to conceive them in a 3D environment. One reason for the late entry of this technology into the fashion industry could be the further development it needed to simulate a plethora of textiles with soft, organic properties - as opposed to hard materials like metal and wood. Second, the fashion industry adapts to technology more slowly than other industries, as they say. But that will be a discussion for another time.

A sweatshirt model in a 3D environment

From the rise and popularity of digital personalities like Miquela, Noonoouri, and Shudu, who immerse audiences in their virtual worlds, to fashion brands selling virtual clothes in gaming environments (link), everything points to a fundamental shift in how we want to create and consume fashion in the 21st century.

3D Design & Education

Fashion is a dynamic discipline, built on change and adaptation, yet there are only a handful of institutes with a progressive outlook that train students for future-proof careers. With so much technology and so many industry solutions available, one can only wonder why.

For fashion design students, who tend to be more visual in their design thinking, a particularly challenging part of the process is translating ideas from a 2D sketch into a 3D mockup or sample. Incorporating 3D design can greatly ease this process - any changes made to pattern pieces are reflected on the body in real time. This eliminates the guesswork, allowing more room for experimentation and a greater chance of innovation.

2D and 3D window display in CLO3D

These 3D CAD programs can also be used to teach core skills like draping and patternmaking.

3D Design & Industry

The sampling process is the most expensive part of the business for any brand. With multiple prototypes required for approval at different stages, there is significant waste of both time and physical resources. Implementing a 3D design process can support early visualization, quick changes, and faster approvals - all the way from inception to manufacturing through a connected PLM system. This is clearly a mammoth task for any established organization, but a step in the right direction toward greater productivity and efficiency.

Imagine a brand maintaining a digital inventory of 3D models of every garment it designs and manufactures. These true-to-life models could then be used for e-commerce, helping customers make better buying decisions. Technically accurate, photorealistic rendering is already replacing traditional product photography. And the benefits go well beyond design and prototyping - combine these 3D models with AR (augmented reality) and body scanning, and there is an entirely new shopping experience that many companies are already testing.

A virtual sample created in CLO3D

All things considered, 3D digital design is here to stay in fashion. It is an expression of changing times. Those who embrace and adapt will lead.