The Line Up : Design

The Design Process

In the fashion industry designers and manufacturers begin the design process more than a year in advance. The process by which a sensational design is created involves developing ideas, sketching designs, selecting fabrics, working through the sample making process, modifying the design, making another sample when necessary, grading and creating patterns, and finally manufacturing of the garment.

At The Line Up, you have the option of choosing designs that have already been developed, ready for the manufacturing process (Classic and Classic Enhanced Design Services) or working with our staff in creating a ‘new concept’ design (Premiere Design Services). This requires working through all of the processes as indicated above.

The following will help guide you through the design process.

Getting Started

Coming prepared is the most important factor for success. The more we understand your ideas and needs, the more successful we will be in addressing style and function of your garment(s).

It is for these reasons our design team begins conceptualizing designs and sending ideas once we have received the following:

Visuals of your Ideas

There are a variety of ways this can be done.

Illustrate your ideas by using the Design Model (PDF).
Send us pictures that support your vision. Fashion magazines, the internet, costume catalogs and other team photos are great resources for finding images. Please note, faxed images are difficult to see. When faxing send line drawings without color. Please mail, e-mail or send us internet links of these items.

Budget

Understanding your financial capabilities will allow us to properly advise you in selecting the best services and styles.

Music or Theme Ideas

If you have music that supports a specific theme, please send this to us. The garment should depict the concept and enhance movement desired.

Color Preferences

Be specific regarding color or fabric preferences. Again, visuals are essential. Provide us with a color sample or image of a garment depicting your preference.

Quantities and Time Frame for Delivery

This will allow us to help you manage time and costs from design to delivery.

Contact Information

We need to know who makes the final decisions regarding design and how to contact these individuals.

Experience has taught us that proceeding without this information results in frustration and indecision. To promote success for you, always remember, we will not begin conceptualizing or illustrating ideas until the above ideas are well established.

Exchange of Ideas

Once we understand how to proceed, the fun begins! We will illustrate ideas and send fabric samples.

Illustrations are created digitally. This allows us to easily update and send ideas via the internet for the fastest ‘turn around’ time.
Please refer to ‘Digital Design Services’ for more information regarding this process.
Our design and patterning staff will exchange information with you until we decide on the final design.
Fabric selection must be carefully planned and based on functionality, reorder needs and budget. Refer to ‘Selecting Fabrics’ for more information.

Taking the Design to Reality

Before we begin the production process, we often recommend creating a sample or prototype. In the case of Premiere Design Service, this is an essential part of the design process. The prototype allows you to:

See the garment on the human body to be sure the fit and cut is correct.
Visualize the finished product from the distance in which the garment will be worn.
Make adjustments prior to the final production of the garment (please note: fabric changes and major design changes requiring re-patterning will result in additional services and fees).