In a new era of eCommerce, online retailers have seen a rising level of demand by consumers for a more personalized and customizable shopping experience. This has opened windows of opportunity for different companies to launch virtual fitting rooms and various other solutions with the aim to enable consumers to confidently purchase clothes online, without having to worry about the garments not fitting upon arrival. However, when it comes to accuracy, it has become evident that despite many attempts, this concept is rather difficult to achieve when catering to such a broad audience. Naturally, the idea of virtual fittings has often been received by consumers with a high level of skepticism. 

The partnership between Browzwear and meepl was established to address the needs of both retailers and brands selling online to tailor to their consumer’s demands and enhance the online consumer experience as well as solidify buyer confidence. 

meepl’s technology brings a fresh approach to virtual fittings through their advanced algorithm that works to combine the retailer’s 3D garment database with the exact body measurements of the user. Through machine learning and 3D body scanning, the garment can be adapted and fitted in a matter of milliseconds, creating an interactive visual fit experience.

By seamlessly integrating meepl with VStitcher, garments can be made-to-measure with a true-to-life level of precision. As accuracy is key, meepl utilizes Browzwear’s simulation results that are then extracted from VStitcher, ensuring that the garments will be an exact representation of the physical version. It is crucial to be able to visualize exactly how the materials used will stretch and drape over different body shapes and sizes to avoid any fit errors that could typically occur throughout the process. 

With the consumer in mind, after their measurements are recorded via a user-friendly app, any eCommerce website that uses meepl, will automatically load the exact sizing to the fit of the garments, without having to re-input measurements. This way, any outfit can be seen on a 3D avatar that is an exact representation of the customer’s size.

By having an accurately fitted personal avatar, consumers can take advantage of a personalized online shopping experience as an alternative to visiting the physical store. In fact, considering recent global circumstances, this has shown to be an increasingly significant tool for both brands, retailers and consumers.  

Several brands and retailers that develop their apparel with Browzwear that have begun the POC with meepl have experienced positive results, and will soon bring the customer-facing solution to their eCommerce platforms.

Learn more about meepl on our Partners page

When the pandemic hit globally, like many other companies, we found that no one is immune to its spiraling economic effects, but some are more prepared than others which has been shown in their performance. The importance of a contingency plan comes at the business level but is also significant on a personal level. Each person needs to assess their own situation and identify what can be done to prepare for both the near and far future. 

As the industry continues to best mitigate these challenging circumstances, we have seen a dramatic rise in the demand for 3D true-to-life prototyping, going beyond just being marketing and visualization tools. These digital tools are essential throughout the entire product creation process to practically eliminate the traditional dependency on physical samples. Therefore, proficiency in 3D is soon becoming more of an expectation across the board as opposed to an additional specialized skill. Through our Indie program, we wish to open the doors for talented designers to acquire all the knowledge and expertise needed. 

Although our next Indie project was planned for August 2020, we recognized that the time to act and support the industry is now. Therefore, we soon set out to prepare the ground for our new learners and launched the Indie 2020 program a month later, admitting the first 80 individuals. These independents come from various fields across the fashion industry, but are mostly designers and pattern makers looking to venture into the next generation of apparel creation – 3D. 

We hope that after completing the course, each designer will have grasped all the skills needed to continue their journey and pursue their careers in the direction that the industry is headed. We also look forward to seeing them as part of our professional Guild, a new group currently formed that will be visible to apparel companies as they are looking for skilled Browzwear users. As fashion brands begin to accelerate their efforts in innovation, 3D designers will be a significant force in enabling this change to move forward.

What does the Indie program provide?

• A VStitcher cloud license 
• Access to Browzwear University, recently launched, this on-demand learning platform enables new users to learn the foundations for VStitcher 
• V-Ray rendering license, complementary of our friends at Chaos Group that understands the need to support the industry and empower 3D apparel designers with best-in-class results
• Access to Stylezone, Browzwear’s showcasing platform for 3D prototypes 

We’re looking forward to seeing more designers release their apparel 3D prototypes and bring their concepts to virtual life without the limitations of time and place. 

Want to join our next Indie program? Don’t hesitate and sign up here

The Indie program at Browzwear aims to give talented freelance designers the first-hand experience in 3D design. Considering the recent global circumstances, more and more designers are recognizing the need for a remote solution that will allow them to continue their work when physical resources may not be available. As the industry heads in a new direction, digital designers are proving to be the driving force behind this change.

We recently caught up with Keith-Patrick Han, a creative designer who completed our Indie program at the end of 2019 and carried his 3D skills into his future. When it comes to fashion design, Keith-Patrick has a broad background covering many different aspects. Whilst studying his BFA fashion design degree at Parsons School of Design in New York, he was particularly inspired by the ‘Systems in the Society’ course, which focused on fashion innovation and sustainability which have become increasingly relevant for the industry and its reputation over the past few years. This course enabled him to look at fashion from a different perspective, working to shape the future of his career.

As Keith-Patrick furthered his education in the field, he geared parts of his curriculum towards 3D design, such as taking classes on 3D modeling that incorporated software programs like Autodesk 360. It was at this point where he began to dip into several 3D design applications and think about ways that it can be used to save both time and resources as well as enhance creativity. As part of his thesis, Keith-Patrick came up with his own concept ‘assembled.by’ which proposed the idea of customers self-assembling garments at home via magnetic screws as a means of sustainable fast-fashion, without worker exploitation.

Alongside his work at the Acne Studios denim department and other street style apparel brands, Keith-Patrick was introduced to VStitcher by Browzwear’s 3D expert, Marylina Klenk. This led him to join the Indie program where he familiarized himself with all of the tools and functions to create his own 3D garments. Working with VStitcher proved to be a user-friendly software for Keith-Patrick, enabling him to go from the patterning to the draping of the garment without the need for a physical sample. 

“Essentially you can do anything that you would like to do”, says Keith Patrick when discussing the capabilities of 3D design. As a result, Keith-Patrick was able to take the concept ‘assembled.by’ and transform it into a reality by utilizing 3D design and rendering.

When discussing the implications of 3D for the future of the industry, Keith-Patrick suggests that although there will naturally be a level of skepticism, “when it comes to embracing digital tools within fashion, it is inevitable that this is where the future is headed”. When transitioning from 2D to working in a 3D environment it can be overwhelming, however, it offers much more room for flexibility throughout the product creation process as it is not confined to a physical location. Changes can be made quickly and easily, and steps can be cut out for a more cost-effective, efficient, and sustainable workflow. He also noted that when designing in 3D, your creative journey is shifted, and it is interesting to see what ideas people come up with. 

“Working with VStitcher as an independent designer, I would say it enables you to visualize ideas immediately without having to invest in physical materials,” 

says Keith-Patrick.

Keith-Patrick’s knowledge and experience with 3D design have opened up the doors of opportunity, he now pursues his digital design skills at the North Face, which is beginning to look at going down the 3D route. In fact, this year’s season creative kick-off which would have typically been based on physical prototypes is having to be carried out digitally for the first time due to the global situation. 

Keith-Patrick’s eye-catching designs have a unique flair that often entails a twist of his much inspired 90’s style. 

“This overall mini skirt is part of a modular self-assembly project and is made of sustainable PVC. The oversized white top is made of organic cotton. The garment has no seams or stitches, but instead, the garment is assembled by magnetic closures.” 

To view more designs check out Keith-Patrick’s website

To apply for Browzwear’s Indie program: https://browzwear.com/beta-program/

Full digital transformation cannot be achieved just by integrating one software. It requires a combination of complementary solutions. In this article,  Browzwear’s Co-founder and CPO Avihay Feld discusses how Browzwear’s Open Platform innovative partners, enable apparel companies to easily digitize their workflow, in the field of sales visualization. Read the full article on The Interline. 

Every few months we run an Indie project to give fashion designers and pattern makers the opportunity to learn and experience Browzwear’s software. The project’s mission is to bring more digital designers to the apparel industry and encourage as well as help to facilitate the change that is needed. One of these talented designers is Haz Sam, whose work was chosen to be presented on SHOWstudio, an award-winning online platform for fashion as a creative medium.

As we have recently been experiencing a global crisis, the fashion industry needs to ensure that it is prepared for situations where the market may be hit by a Black Swan. There are times where a designer may not have access to their sewing machine or isn’t able to ship samples overseas, however, this does not mean that creativity has to be sacrificed, and we can certainly see this through Haz’s story. Haz is a senior fashion design student at AMD, Akademie fashion and design in Düsseldorf, Germany. He postponed his bachelor year to undertake a 3D internship at Li & Fung and pursue his skills for the future of fashion.

Throughout Haz’s education and time at Li & Fung, he worked closely with Mr. Wilson Chan YS who gave him the ability to learn and experiment with Browzwear’s innovative 3D design software, VStitcher. After gaining the first-hand experience with the software, he decided to apply for Browzwear’s 2nd Indie Program to gain a deeper understanding and further his skills in digital design. As he became more familiar with the software, it became clear that sustainability is not strictly confined to fabrics, but rather the resources that are used across the entire process. The garment creation and approval process involve a significant amount of waste, not to mention time, especially when it comes to making alterations. By carrying out a digital design cycle, Haz was able to practically buy time and cut back on resources. As decisions can be made over true-to-life virtual garments, each change or manipulation can be made seamlessly and visualized in a matter of minutes.

“I don’t believe that sustainability is only about fabrics but also the tools we are using. VStitcher offers both a realistic interpretation of patterns and at the same time offers a great tool for creativity. In the design process, we have a lot of waste, altering and changing forms to end with the final product.” says Haz “In 3D we are saving a lot of time, yet the beautiful draping effect VStitcher offers, for designers like me who like to experiment with form is a luxury”

Most importantly, VStitcher provided Haz with all of the essential tools in which he could unleash his creativity and freely experiment with different forms, patterns, and drapes throughout the garment creation process. “As fashion in its own core is based on a dream, VStitcher offers creativity along with technical details. It will also help a lot of new generations of designers to have the know-how plus adding the creative element to their design concepts”. Haz also notes his inspiration from the Karl Lagerfield prize winner, Hed Mayner, who combined both handcraft and 3D technology to create his pieces.

In his latest digital work, Haz joined a virtual creative project by SHOWstudio, where he was able to infuse his inspirations from poetry, art, and personal experiences within his designs that were to Sarah Burton’s Alexander McQueen S/S 20 collection. This project aims to give designers the opportunity to interpret patterns and creations from renowned fashion brands and take them into their own hands. However, the project that has been famously running seasonally since 2002, which brings patterns by well-known designers to the masses, had to make some adaptations this time round. In light of COVID-19, this year’s edition featured virtual submissions with patterns and designs created by designers from their homes, through digital means. The virtual garments that Haz designed portrayed a synthesis of darkness and melancholy with more delicate beauty and floral aspects which worked to make the pieces so unique. He also adjusted the virtual model accordingly to present a global citizen look. The potential for the incorporation of creativity and originality within the 3D design is endless, and in Haz’s case, the emotion was reflected throughout his entire collection. Here’s SHOWstudio’s story on the project. 

After the SHOWstudio project, Haz recreated an outfit with his own patterns based on his artwork and embellishments to create a unique design that he presented in his own ‘Leila’ piece. Haz plans on continuing to produce unique and artistic designs with VStiticher, focusing on sustainability. “Browzwear should be an inspiration for recent graduates and fashion students as new creative tools of the future with a very positive impact on fashion education.”

Here are Ali’s pieces, submitted to Showroom and the creative behind it with his re-imaged designs using inspirations and digital material:

Stephen Doherty (Gratitude blooms)

“I visited the exhibition in London on my last day. I used the flowers as an embroidery print and created a 3D form out of them. The flowers are cut and added to the pattern with adjustments.”

Fashion Vs Art

“I have used my own artwork, my own paintings and Inspiration from other artists. Fleur Du Mal  /Flowers of evil: it is a tribute to Alexander Mcqueen, as he was inspired by both Goth and Nature (Flower print). So I wanted to bring  elements of lightness, darkness, melancholy and beauty together in a 3D Form.”

The Virtual model was altered

“To give more of a global citizen look and tackle diversity as well. Green Eyes of the east, Slanted form of Asia, Darker skin tone (African Tribute).”

COTTONINC 

“Sample use: I have digitally used the samples that I got at the buyers’ team at Li and Fung. Those are fabrics that are created by a development team. They don’t exist in real life as production, however, they offer a formula to create fabrics without waste.”

Fabrics: “Browzwear’s software has the advanced ability to digitally create sheen or iridescence and display their luminous glow, which is technically complex to achieve”

 

 

Interested in joining our next Indie program?

Apply here for the next batch: https://browzwear.com/beta-program

At Browzwear, we’re always striving to bring our customers the tools for a smooth and efficient workflow according to their specific needs. This involves updating our software with frequent fixes and new feature developments.

Recently, we’ve received an increasing number of requests for a more customizable tech pack, and the use cases given by clients have got us to work immediately. As a result, we’ve integrated a solution that our entire client base can benefit from. The latest hotfix release gives users the ability to download the tech pack directly from VStitcher or Lotta in a user-friendly Excel format.

The tech pack in an Excel format gives VStitcher and Lotta users the flexibility to customize the data before sharing it, so it can be adapted to any requirement and workflow. The file can easily be exported from VStitcher without needing to have Excel pre-installed on your computer. From annotations to resizing images or implementing additional data, the tech pack can be edited accordingly. By having an editable tech pack, communication between different departments can be made clearer, leaving less room for misunderstandings.

Once the customized tech pack is ready to print, you can select different print previews giving you the option to print out fewer pages. However, if you’d rather work with a different format that isn’t HTML or Excel, we still offer the capability of building a custom template via our open platform integration. 

“As more companies adopt digital workflows to improve business efficiency, we’re ready to take on new use cases and requests to further our capabilities, bringing our clients enhanced technological solutions” says Joy Foo, Senior Product and Partner Success Manager at Browzwear. 

To download the latest version of VStitcher and Lotta 2020 January Edition, visit login.browzwear.com or contact your account representative.

[March 2020]