Technology & Innovation
4 minute read
Currently, there is no hotter topic in the fashion world than digital fashion design, and the industry is applauding the benefits of using 3D creation tools such as CLO3D and Browzwear or virtual showrooms. To keep up with the ever-changing technology, fashion schools are now preparing a new era of young digital designers sprinting to the frontline of 3D design.
One of them is Emil, a young designer from Denmark studying at Designskolen Kolding, who told us about his dedication to 3D design and the education at universities.
Do you think that design schools are preparing students enough for the digital future?
The Design School in Kolding is doing a lot related to teaching about innovations in the fashion industry. What works really well is their double approach. They teach the theoretical side of the industry, which is, of course, further away from reality, but bridge the gap allowing us to collaborate with real-life companies in different projects. As topics like digitization and sustainability are everywhere now, it is more crucial than ever for schools to push this agenda. That is how they can equip students with competencies they can put to use once they leave university.
READ MORE: CLO3D vs Browzwear vs Optitex: which 3D fashion software is better for you?
How did your 3D journey start?
It was quite early in my study program at the Master's, where I was introduced to 3D design as part of a project in which we had to realize our prototype both physically and digitally. As soon as I started playing around in the program, I was blown away. I could really not see myself going back doing things the old way because there is so much potential in the 3D software, and especially in CLO3D. For me, it opened the door to a new creative freedom that I have not encountered before.
I could really not see myself going back doing things the old way because there is so much potential in the 3D software. For me, it opened the door to a new creative freedom that I have not encountered before
And then you entered a CLO3D competition- how did that go?
After our school project, I really dedicated myself to becoming better at CLO, and I used my spare time to improve as I was only taught the basics. Then I heard about the CLO competition to design 3D clothes. The teacher who had introduced me to CLO encouraged me to just try it out, so I did. I was really insecure at the beginning about whether my skills were good enough, but applying them sort of pushed me to become better.
So I entered the competition and spent more of my summer than I planned on doing this project, so I was sitting at 30 degrees in a dark computer room at my school working on my projects. But it paid off- I was awarded second place in the student category, and that was amazing. I would encourage everyone into digital fashion to try it out and enter the competition to push themselves.
Do you feel that 3D and digital design experience is expected by fashion brands from young graduates these days?
I think that we have quite a big issue in the fashion industry. When companies are looking for designers, they want 3-5 years of experience but expect the newest skills from the fashion industry as well. It can be really difficult for a graduate to bring that to the table. What is exciting is that I feel like I can have a chance at defining what digital fashion design is, as it is so brand new it can be many different things. So, let’s first figure out what a digital fashion designer is. The closer we get to that answer, the more companies will understand why it is important to have digital skills within their company. But I do see more and more companies looking for 3d and digital skills, and I also think the demand will grow in the future, which is interesting on so many levels.
Let’s first figure out what a digital fashion designer is. The closer we get to that answer, the more companies will understand why it is important to have digital skills within their company.
Find more about how Delogue PLM supports design schools and students on their digital journey through our Academic Program.
