Digital Fashion Design

A personal project runs through the whole course and connects each stage, from pattern development and digital garment simulation to material exploration, turntable animation, AI-assisted imagery, and introductory tech-pack pages. CLO3D is the core design environment, while AI tools support creative exploration, visualization, and professional communication.

Tools are introduced through guided garment development exercises and applied immediately to your project, with feedback sessions and project reviews at every stage. You will choose, in consultation with your tutor, a garment or achievable look that draws on your previous design and patternmaking experience.

The final submission includes a concept and visual reference page explaining the design direction; the garment or look developed in CLO3D, with selected pattern, fit, and material iterations; the final renders, turntable animation, and AI-assisted fashion imagery; and the introductory tech-pack pages with a concise portfolio presentation.

Start of the next intake: November 13, 2026. This specialization course consists of 40 hours of in-person training at our 22@ campus, split across two weekly sessions: Friday afternoons (4:00 pm to 8:00 pm) and Saturday mornings (10:00 am to 2:00 pm).

1. INTRODUCTION TO DIGITAL FASHION AND THE CLO3D WORKFLOW

• Exploring how digital garments support design, prototyping, and product development. A first look at the CLO3D environment through an initial construction exercise, moving seamlessly between the 2D pattern workspace and the 3D garment simulation. Topics include navigation, selection tools, libraries, avatar setup, arrangement points, basic sewing, simulation settings, and file organization.
• Core course project: assemble and simulate a simple garment on an avatar and define the creative direction of your personal project.

2. BUILD, DRAFT, AND TRANSFORM

• Developing garments through two complementary approaches: adapting existing blocks and drafting patterns from scratch. Applying patternmaking principles to explore proportion, silhouette, and volume directly in a 3D environment. Topics include pattern drafting and editing, sewing relationships, internal lines, darts, pleats, gathers, elastic applications, and layering techniques. 3D design tools are also explored where they support the development of the chosen concept.
• Core course project: develop the core patterns and construction of your garment or look, at the level of complexity agreed with the tutor.

3. GARMENT DETAILS, FIT, AND ACCESSORIES

• Evaluating and refining the relationship between avatar, pattern, and material through iterative simulation, assessing balance, ease, and tension points, and adjusting the pattern to improve fit and functionality. Developing construction details such as topstitching, linings, fastenings, and trims. The module also introduces basic accessory development and the integration of imported 3D accessories or hardware through attachment and positioning tools.
• Core course project: refine fit and incorporate selected details or accessories that strengthen the design concept.

4. MATERIALS, SURFACES, AND GRAPHICS

• Developing the visual and material identity of the garment through fabric behavior, color, texture, and surface design. Comparing alternative material solutions and building a coherent visual language across the project. Topics include fabric properties, colorways, repeat patterns, graphic placements, scale, transparency, and introductory texture mapping. AI-assisted approaches to generating and developing graphic or surface design concepts are also explored before adapting them to the garment.
• Core course project: produce material and color variations and resolve the final surface treatment.

5. DIGITAL PRESENTATION WITH AI

• Bringing the digital garment to life through styling, camera composition, lighting, posing, backgrounds, and rendering techniques. Producing a turntable animation and a selection of images that communicate the design clearly and effectively. Using the rendered garments as a starting point, exploring AI-assisted editorial and campaign image generation, with particular attention to maintaining design integrity: silhouette, proportions, material qualities, and key garment details must remain accurately represented.
• Core course project: produce final renders, a turntable animation, and an AI-assisted fashion image, presented alongside the original CLO3D garment.

6. TECHNICAL OUTPUT AND TECH PACKS

• Translating the digital garment into technical documentation suitable for communicating with patternmaking and product development teams. Organizing and presenting design information with technical views, detail images, key measurements, colorways, materials, trims, and annotations. Selected outputs are assembled into introductory tech pack pages. The focus is on communicating design intent clearly and understanding the additional information required for production development and handover.
• Core course project: prepare a concise technical presentation including front and back views, selected construction details, and key garment specifications.

*The study plan is subject to change.