Fashion has always been a fascinating industry. From designing to creating a piece to showcasing in a runway, everything looks glamorous. But what happens behind the scenes? What are the struggles, the triumphs, and the day-to-day tasks of Toronto fashion designers? In this blog, we dive deep into the world of fashion and explore the routine of a designer.

Concept ideation

Every fashion piece begins with an idea. A designer has to brainstorm, research, and sketch to put the pieces together for a trendy collection. From the color palette to the fabric selection, every detail has to be accounted for. The designer also has to ensure that the designs align with the brand's style and the target audience's preference. Knowing the latest trends and understanding what works are important for conceptualising.

Fabric selection

Once the concept is solidified, the next step is choosing the fabrics. A designer not only has to consider the look, feel, and quality of the cloth but also how sustainable it is. Many brands are shifting towards sustainable materials to show they care about the environment. Brands are also under pressure to use sustainable fabrics that support local communities.

Designing and creating

With the concept and fabric picked, the designing process begins. The designer has to sketch the clothing silhouette and the measurements. Then, they have to create a pattern, where they outline the pieces' shapes, sizes, and how they should be assembled. Finally, the designer creates a prototype, which can take many fittings and trial and error to perfect (which we go into below).

Construction and Quality Control

The designer must then construct the pieces using machines or hand stitching methods, depending on their individual preference and technique. After each item is finished, quality control checks have to be conducted before they are packed up for delivery. This ensures that there are no discrepancies in size, color, or design flaw and that all pieces match the original design.

Business-side

Being a fashion designer isn't all drawing pretty dresses and picking fabrics. It's also running a business. A designer has to account for budgets, sales, and marketing. They have to make sure their product is marketable and priced attractively. They also have to arrange for photoshoots, write product descriptions, and keep up with social media trends and followers. A lot of research and hard work goes into making the fashion industry look glamorous.

Long hours

Lastly, being a fashion designer requires long hours. There are deadlines that need to be met, which means they have to sacrifice their free time to finish on time, and don't forget the multiple fittings required to perfect a design. Designers also have to attend meetings, runway shows, and photoshoots, which can all happen after hours.

There is no doubt that fashion design requires hard work, creativity, and dedication. From ideation to business, fashion designers have to wear many hats to produce a polished fashion piece. Being a designer can be extremely challenging, but it can also be incredibly rewarding to see their ideas come to life and be admired by many. The fashion industry is always evolving, demanding designers to be innovative and adapt to change, but the passion for fashion never gets old.