Where Does the Inspiration of Fashion Designers Come From?

Nov 22, 2023 apparel-and-fashion, clothing-and-accessories-matching, clothing-design, fashion-designer, fashion-design

The Sources of Inspiration in the Fashion Design Industry

The fashion design industry can be said to be the fastest in terms of updates and iterations in the design industry. There are at least two fashion weeks, spring/summer and autumn/winter, held every year. In addition, fast-fashion brands may even release new designs every month. From this perspective, the inspiration in the fashion design industry seems to be endless and constantly flowing. So where does this inspiration come from?

Before we can understand this, we need to first understand the market structure of the fashion industry and who you, as a designer, are designing for.

The fashion market is divided into luxury brands, premium brands, and independent designer brands. The works released in the luxury brand segment are further divided into women’s couture, ready-to-wear, men’s wear, and sportswear, among others.

Of course, the fashion industry has a high-end market, and there is also a mass market targeting the general public. One example of this is fast fashion, which is a low-end retail market that we are most familiar with.

The sources of their designs can be considered from the following aspects:

Approach 1: Fashion Forecasting

This requires mentioning a job in the fashion industry called “fashion trend forecasting.” This can be understood as a dedicated team that discovers the future fashion trends, including the popular styles, fabrics, and colors of clothing.

In other words, if you are a fashion brand targeting the mass market, you only need to understand the future fashion trends and design and produce according to the design styles provided by these trends. Naturally, this will bring benefits when you enter the market.

You may wonder, where do these ideas for trend forecasting come from? How do they predict trends?

In fact, part of the trends in the secondary market comes from the fashion shows on the runway, while another part may come from the observations of trend forecasters regarding changes in our lives.

With the development of short videos on the internet, the information gap between people has become increasingly fragmented and rapid. Fashion is not just about the names of clothing, but a way of life.

Forecasters discover potential consumer trends that we may not be aware of. For example, in recent years, the shift from minimalism to maximalism and back to minimalism is related to social changes, such as changes in pandemic policies and people’s evolving psychological desires.

Approach 2: Self-Exploration

Excluding the need for design development based on market factors, fashion schools or independent designers value personalization even more.

Exploring oneself and connecting with social development is what many individual designers pursue. By studying the career paths of fashion masters, we can easily see the correlations:

For example, fashion design master Alexander McQueen’s design “Highland Rape” conveys two layers of expression. One layer expresses the brutality and harm inflicted by the English on the Scots, while the other layer creates a powerful female image that has been hurt but remains strong, expressing the trauma McQueen experienced in his childhood.

For an individual designer, exploring the relationship between the body, gender, and clothing space showcases their ability as a fashion designer.

An excellent fashion designer should not only have an understanding of garment production but also have knowledge in history, culture, art, and other subjects.

McQueen once said, “If you don’t know it, how can you break it?” Therefore, in his designs, we can see a lot of inspiration derived from works of art.

Approach 3: Sustainable Design and Interactive Design

As society develops, fashion also goes through various changes. Currently, two major trends that many designers explore are sustainable design and interactive design with technology.

Under the current development status, these two types of design are also blending with each other and becoming increasingly intertwined with the fashion industry.

For example, with the popularity of NFTs, virtual fashion has become a trend in the fashion world. Collecting virtual garments has become a hobby for many trendsetters. Consequently, virtual fashion designers have become new positions in the fashion industry.

Approach 4: Genuine Exploration

However, it should be noted that where clothing design inspiration comes from actually depends on what kind of designer you are.

As a designer, you should first have a clear understanding of your own fashion taste and fashion pursuits. Regardless of the design theme you choose, you need to sincerely feel it.

Each design work must go through repeated deliberation and experimental development. As long as it is something you are interested in, inspires your creativity, something you can understand, and you are willing to create it sincerely, various things can become your inspiration.

If you have further questions about garment design or related topics such as studying fashion abroad or creating a portfolio, feel free to contact Kang Shishi.

Finding Inspiration as a Fashion Designer

Thank you for the invitation.

First of all, inspiration is already a rather outdated term. People’s imagination of the inspiration behind fashion design is that they see something, and suddenly a light bulb flashes in their mind. They frantically search for paper and pen, doodling, and then come up with dazzling designs. Then they go around saying, “My inspiration comes from…”.

But real fashion design is not like that at all.

The so-called inspiration is nothing more than the accumulation of various research findings, converging into a focal point, and this focal point becomes your starting point for design.

So where does inspiration come from? First and foremost, what are you interested in?

This interest doesn’t have to be big, nor does it have to be meaningful. As long as you like it and want to learn about it. For example, NIELS PEERAER, a graduate of Antwerp, once said something interesting, “Cuteness knows no bounds.” His works mainly focus on bags and accessories, and you can see a strong sense of Japanese anime elements in his works. They resemble the flying wings in Cardcaptor Sakura, the bell in Doraemon, the tail of the nine-tailed fox, and the giant bow behind the Japanese kimono. However, NIELS PEERAER uses sturdy leather as the material, giving the cute elements a very rigid outline and edges. This creates a contradiction in his works, between constraint and expression.

Some designers focus on themes, which can be social issues, self-exploration, or identity.

This is similar to the first point, but with themes, the scope of involvement is broader, and there are more elements to be integrated. Take RUI ZHOU, a graduate of Parsons, for example. Recently, she gained popularity when Hyuna wore her bodysuit in a new music video. Her bodysuits actually explore the connection between the garment and the human body. She hopes to create changes in the human body that result from the restraint and compression of the fabric. The theme she is interested in combines bodysuits, the definition of clothing as a second skin, and the deliberate and natural elements of wabi-sabi Zen. In this process, she incorporates her own understanding and exploration.

Inspiration can also come from playing with materials.

Ranura Edirisinghe, a graduate of Central Saint Martins, for example, focuses on material exploration in his works. He defines his works as an attempt between art and fashion, with his primary materials coming from donated and discarded items. He uses these “trash” materials to create meticulously handcrafted designs at a luxury level based on material innovations. This process of material experimentation explores the complex future of biodiversity, sustainability, socioeconomics, and human rights. In a society where trash creates wealth, is trash an inaccessible resource? Can trash still be called trash when it is made into luxury items? What kind of interaction will we have with such an environment?

Inspiration can also come from the impact of technology.

Iris van Herpen’s works are probably familiar to everyone. The exaggerated shapes created from unconventional materials extend the possibilities of fashion and blur the definition between art and fashion. But Iris van Herpen’s inspiration, or rather, the design focus, lies in her exploration of 3D printing. She uses pulse lasers to layer rubber, metal powder, and other materials into computer-calculated shapes. These printed works include pieces with a soft texture and dynamic art fashion that requires wind power. In exploring the possibilities of 3D printing technology, Iris van Herpen has birthed many iconic silhouettes, structures, and fabric designs.

To summarize, inspiration must begin with self-exploration. I have listed a few points, but whether it’s interest, themes, materials, or technology, ultimately, it is centered around me, telling a story and exploring. What kind of person am I? Why do I have such ideas about the same theme? Why am I interested in this topic and these materials? The differences in “me” are the fundamental factors that distinguish designers.

So if you want to gain more inspiration, start by getting to know yourself. Pay more attention to your connection with the world, discover your curiosity about the world, and explore the differences between yourself and others. This is the first step to becoming a designer.

I met two designers born in the 90s before, and chatted with them about how they came to love design as a profession. Perhaps their stories can give you some inspiration.

Among my friends born in the 90s, there are film critics, players of traditional Chinese music instruments, and entrepreneurs who have successfully built their own businesses… I think there are quite a few reliable ones among them. I have a group of friends, and most of them are born in the 90s. I particularly enjoy chatting with them. They always surprise me with their unexpected ideas and diverse perspectives on things. Being with them is always a lot of fun.

Now let me introduce two female designers I know who are both interesting and ambitious. And yes, they are both born in the 90s!

Jovoine’s 91s Designer

Kathy and her own studio

Kathy Chu Wenli, born in 1991, is a girl who speaks slowly and calmly, with a sense of distance. This impression is consistent with her newly established fashion brand Jovoine, both exuding a sense of distance. In today’s fashion market, which is so anxious and seeks flattery, Jovoine is truly a breath of fresh air.

I got to know Kathy in October this year. When I saw her brand and online store, my first impression was that it was cold and distant. It’s the kind of style that women who are determined about their goals would choose. We agreed to meet in Beijing this winter.

At Joy City, Kathy sat across from me in all black, wearing a black fur hat. The black color created a sense of coolness and distance, and I was worried that our conversation would be awkward. But less than three minutes later, our conversation flowed seamlessly from design, to fashion, and then to life, idols… With a cup of coffee, it felt like reuniting with a long-time friend.

I told her directly that my first impression of Jovoine was that not everyone can afford to wear it, and not everyone can handle it. “Exactly, I like this kind of distance. It’s not just about distance, it’s a way of life.” I couldn’t agree more. In today’s society, there is too much ineffective socializing, too many gatherings and anxieties surrounding us. I feel that loneliness or being alone is a sophisticated way of life.

Little Red Dress & Me Before You

Every brand has an inspiration when it is first established, whether it comes from life or from movies. When I saw Jovoine’s little red dress, I knew its clean lines and design would attract countless girls.

The little red dress inspired by a movie

“Have you seen the movie ‘Me Before You’? The inspiration for this dress comes from the dress the female lead wore on a date with the male lead in the movie. We put a lot of effort into the waist design, and it sold out as soon as it was released.” Kathy’s eyes were filled with excitement and satisfaction as she talked about the birth and production of this dress. I couldn’t help but want to try it on immediately…

A friend who wore this little red dress also loved it

The design on the back of the dress is also something I really like

After seeing the size of this dress, it happened to coincide with another friend of ours doing a photo shoot with a red dress theme, so Kathy immediately sent her one. My friend was so excited after trying it on that she called me that night to say it was the most suitable and favorite red dress she had ever worn. She felt that she owed it to this red dress if she didn’t attend a formal dinner wearing it…

Design is Attitude

Every piece of clothing has its own attitude, and every brand expresses the designer’s viewpoint.

Kathy says her Jovoine is not just an independent designer brand. She is an artist who slowly experiences life. She loves art and humanities and enjoys life. This is the DNA of Jovoine. “We are constantly striving and daring to find a balance between commercial brands and designer brands, striving and naturally experiencing everything that life brings, both good and bad. We let our thoughts, experiences, and reflections settle, and tell everyone through our works.”

Second designer:

Jill Chiu is a female designer I met this year who was born in the 90s. I have bought two pieces from her store, and the process was very smooth. Her work attitude as a young girl is very professional and rigorous.

Because her studio is too far away, each time I provide my own measurements and she makes the clothes for me. In addition to a dress that I am particularly satisfied with, I also custom-made a skirt from her. The gold details on the skirt show that she put in a lot of effort!

Q: When did you first have the dream of becoming a fashion designer? Was it because you like beautiful clothes or for other reasons?

A: In primary school (or maybe others are more ambitious, when I was in primary school, the only thing I wanted was for the class to be over so that I could play with the boy next door), I didn’t have a clear concept of becoming a fashion designer. I only wrote in my dreams that I wanted to be someone who makes clothes. I can’t remember the initial reason, but what stuck in my mind was the smile on women’s faces when they wore new clothes. This happiness left a deep impression on me, so I wanted to make clothes. It’s a joyful profession.

Q: How long did it take you to establish your own studio? Did you ever feel like giving up? What was the most challenging part? How did you get through it?

A: It took about a year. Actually, I didn’t have a specific plan to establish a studio. I just kept designing for customers, and then it started naturally. I never wanted to give up because this is something I enjoy doing. The most challenging part is the non-design aspects, which can be quite troublesome. The key is to solve each issue one by one. You have to believe that there is no problem that cannot be solved, and just be patient to get through it.

Q: Do you think any girl can become a fashion designer? For example, someone like me who knows very little? (laughs A: Yes (I feel like my sewing machine can finally be used again), as long as you have enough passion. If you think it’s impossible, it’s only because you don’t know enough about it. After all, liking clothes and designing clothes are two completely different things.

Q: When buying clothes, what should a 20-year-old girl, a 30-year-old woman, or a 40-year-old woman pay attention to? Or what should they focus on when choosing clothes?

A: I think no matter how old you are, when buying clothes, you should always remember “who you are”. What you wear is the simplest way to introduce yourself (like my husband Lee Min Ho, he looks handsome no matter what he wears!), and that’s the most important thing. Dressing should ultimately please yourself.

Q: I bought a few dresses from your store this summer, and I find your dresses very interesting. Can you talk about the inspiration behind them?

A: My customers are mainly white-collar workers and returnees, and I hope my designs can bring them some joy. So, most of my inspiration comes from artists' paintings and their thoughts, including colors, techniques, proportions, etc..

Q: Winter is here. Can you tell me what is your favorite item of clothing for winter? Or how to choose a coat for winter?

A: My favorite item is a coat. For me, the most important thing about a coat is the cut, followed by the material. So, everyone should pay attention to their own body shape and try on coats of different silhouettes to choose the one that suits them best.

Q: Could you recommend one of your most outstanding design works of this year? Where did you get the inspiration?

A: The inspiration for this year’s coats comes from ‘LIGHT FUR’, and ‘LIGHT’ can be interpreted in many ways. The coats this year mainly revolve around this theme of ‘LIGHT’. I am satisfied with all the works I have released, so I can’t favor one over the other.

Designer Introduction:

Born in Guangdong, grew up in Hong Kong, graduated from the fashion program at the Central Academy of Fine Arts in 2014. In August 2014, she won the “Best Newcomer Award” at the 2014 China (Jimo) International Fashion Week.

Pitfalls to Avoid in Creative Design

Inspiration comes from all aspects, but there are some points that still need attention. Avoiding these pitfalls can lead to better creativity.

Pitfall 1: Themes that are aesthetically pleasing but hollow and pale

This is not to say that beautiful things should not be considered, but as inspiration themes, they tend to be weak and difficult to persuade. Only by using creative methods and media can different effects be presented. However, it is always difficult to stand out compared to originally outstanding themes.

Pitfall 2: Themes that are simplified to the extreme

For example, themes that only include simple muscles or patterns, as the starting point of the entire project, monotonous themes are difficult to sustain the months-long creation period of the portfolio, and the visual effects may not be diverse enough. Of course, it is usually easier to remove materials than to add them back.

Pitfall 3: Themes that lack aesthetic sense in the chosen materials

Even ordinary objects can emit unparalleled beauty. In life, the “ugly things” that ordinary people see can also dig out their unique charm in the eyes of designers and often produce stunning aesthetic effects. The selected materials for the theme need to have the potential for the most direct aesthetic exploration and have meaningful considerations.

Pitfall 4: Themes that are difficult to obtain primary materials for

Usually, the creation of a portfolio requires high-quality research images and information. Even if the theme is perfect, if any aspect or element is difficult to obtain primary research material, it will have a significant impact on the progress of the entire portfolio. Therefore, the ability to conduct research and access primary information should be an important consideration when choosing a theme.

Pitfall 5: Themes that are already cliché

There are countless themes in the world, and if there are similarities, they need to be changed. There are already so many people studying fashion design, so it is inevitable that portfolio themes will encounter this issue. This requires students to thoroughly stimulate their own creativity and come up with unique ideas.

Inspiration of a Fashion Designer: Accumulation of Daily Observations and Various Sources

The inspiration of a fashion designer comes from their accumulated experiences in daily life. When I was in college, I would pay attention to trends, fashion trends, color combinations, fashion shows, etc. Every day, I would save any beautiful pictures or clothing that caught my eye.

In addition to things related to my major, I occasionally look at history, TV dramas, Weibo, Zhihu, etc. Bypassing internet censorship has become a regular thing.

I also take a look at architectural designs, environmental designs, and product designs. After all, design is essentially the same across different fields.

Being a designer is not just about drawing on the computer; it also requires understanding the market. Occasionally, I would go to the fabric market to see if there are any new fabrics that I can bring back as samples. Sometimes, a single fabric can ignite your creative inspiration.

By the way, music and stage plays are also sources of inspiration for me. When you put on headphones, you enter your own creative world. Pleasant music plays in the background as you create, keeping your inspiration intact.

Everyone has their own unique sources of creative inspiration. I hope you will find your own set of methods soon.

Becoming a master requires talent, not just effort. But general success can still be achieved through hard work. Inspiration can be found in art, history, culture, nature, and more. Love for the craft is the best teacher and creates a sense of joy and accomplishment.

To become a master, talent is necessary, and hard work alone is useless.

However, if you want to achieve general success, it can still be attained through hard work. Art is universal; by observing and contemplating, inspiration can be found in the history, humanity, nature, flowers, birds, insects, and fish of painting. By studying the works of predecessors and watching TV dramas, you can spend all your spare time sketching and designing. Over time, you will master some techniques and have more ideas.

Hobbies are the best teachers. If you truly love this profession, you will naturally excel. Creating good works brings immense joy. I really miss the days when I did fashion design; it was the happiest time of my career.

Fashion Inspiration: Street, Traditional, Nature, and Other Designs

Creativity is interesting, but as a designer, constantly coming up with ideas, discovering new trends, and transforming the ideas in your mind into beautiful fashion requires a pair of discerning eyes and an accumulation of reference materials.

1. Street fashion Many fashion elements originate from bold flashes of inspiration, and it is difficult to say whether designers or people on the streets are the first to lead the fashion trends. The combination of jeans and lace, fur and vibrant colors, heavy boots and summer wear—all these novel combinations and mixtures of different fabrics are eye-catching.

2. Traditional costumes Every country has its unique cultural background. Applying the patterns and colors of traditional costumes to modern fashion, and even integrating elements from different cultures, is a common source of inspiration.

3. Nature It can be said that nature is one of the most important sources of inspiration for clothing design. The lines of flowers and plants are widely used in clothing cuts, and photos of natural scenery can also provide designers with different color matching inspirations.

4. Other types of design works Such as architectural design, graphic design. When you see these excellent design works, you will be amazed at their beautiful shapes and color combinations, and you can draw inspiration from them.

Therefore, it is important to establish your own aesthetic image library! Collecting pictures on the Internet related to the above themes or topics that interest you, organizing and categorizing them, and looking at them when lacking inspiration can have unexpected effects!

Cultural Cognition

Derived from cultural cognition.

Design Inspiration from Experience

Design is not easily quantifiable like other industries. When lacking ideas or inspiration, nature, art exhibitions, museums, books, flower markets, movies, magazines, etc. can all be great sources.

Another personal favorite is creating fabric samples and craft prototypes. It helps consolidate fragmented ideas and triggers secondary inspiration for further creation.

Patternmaking is also an essential hands-on experience that gives insights into material characteristics and structural transformations. Design originates from life and everything else.

Design is not as quantifiable as other industries. Sometimes, inspiration for design can run dry. When you have no ideas or inspiration, you can take a look at nature, art exhibitions, museums, books, flower markets, movies, magazines, and so on.

Another method I personally enjoy is creating fabric samples and experimenting with different techniques. You will find that this is a great way to gather fragmented ideas and trigger your secondary inspiration for creation.

Pattern cutting is also an essential practical experiment that will give you a different understanding of fabric properties and structural changes.

Inspiration from shopping and online pictures.

If a designer and this person doesn’t pretend to be fancy, they will definitely tell you honestly that their inspiration comes from shopping malls and pictures they come across online.