The Future Figured: The Avatar in Virtual Fashion Design

Dressing and redressing a figure is a fundamental practice in the fashion designer’s process. Until recently, hand renders and their corresponding technical drawings were considered sufficient methods. Today, new visualization options afforded by computer-aided design software offer screen-based tools that can enhance the look and accuracy of a drawing. However, these still require a significant amount of drawing skill and garment construction knowledge—not to mention command of the software application. On the one hand designers, despite common misconceptions, are not necessarily good at drawing their ideas. On the other, 3D artists are not always apprised of the details of garment construction. This study identifies challenges including apprehension, frustration, the length of the learning curve, the disconnect from the materiality of creation by hand, and the different “mindset” required. Indicators show that dependence on skilled specialists may increase, including collaborations with 3D artists. New specialist service industries may arise in the fashion landscape of the future—and indeed this transformation has already commenced