Iqra University, Islamabad Introduction To Fashion Illustration
CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
Fashion illustrations are a classically beautiful way of showing off an item of
clothing designed by a designer or the illustrator him/herself. They are typically more
stylized than a traditional portrait. For example, the facial features are not “realistic", and
the bodies are often slightly elongated. This creates the elegant and 'chic' more interesting
look of a fashion illustration, and keeps the emphasis on the dress.
Fashion Illustration gives the illustrator the freedom to portray fashion as they
wish. Unlike fashion design, there are fewer boundaries in which the illustrators can
express their artistic point of view opposed to their flawless sewing skills. It is the
communication of fashion designs through drawing. The main focus is the fashion figure
or croquis used for draping the clothing onto. The true female figure measures seven to
eight head lengths in height; the fashion figure measures nine to ten head lengths. By
head it means that when an illustrator draws a croquis, the head is drawn first and then
according to the size of the head the rest of the size of the body is determined. For
example the distance from shoulder to waist is equal to two heads of the croquis the thigh
is also drawn equal to the two heads of the croquis whereas the hip is equal to one and a
half head.
In fashion drawing the basic proportions of the human form from head to crotch
are retained, while extra length is added to the legs to give dramatic stylized effect and
give the illustrator's designs more dynamic appeal. The body is drawn long and slim with
squared off shoulders and very unrealistically elongated legs. But it also depends on the
illustrator what his or her style is. Every illustrator has his or her own style. Some draw
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Iqra University, Islamabad Introduction To Fashion Illustration
the croquis very skinny and some like their croquis to be a bit less than skinny. Some
draw it with bold lines some just give a vague impression of a croquis drawn.The body
looks extremely out of proportion, as the legs tend to be exaggeratedly long. The waist is
drawn very slender. In the face the eyes are mostly made very big with really long lashes.
Again it depends on the illustrator. The lips are also exagerated. Some make them very
pouty and some make them smiling or a half smile or even give expressions like haughty,
arrogant, sweet, sultry etc. The nose and the teeth are rarely drawn. A stark nose and teeth
do not give a nice out look on the small face of the croquis.
It is important to mention here that a croquis is not at all a realistic sketching of a
human figure. It is like a clay in the hand of an illustartor and he/she can mold it into any
form he/she wishes in any way he/she wants. Its all up to his/her ideas and
experimenation. It is also worth mentioning that not all designers are good illustrators,
therefore some of them hire the services of an illustrator.1
1.1 Studying Fashion Illustration
Fashion Illustration is a very major course which is a must part of a Fashion
Design degree. It has many levels offered in each semester. Students develop
drawing skills with an emphasis on figural proportion and gesture. Using a broad
range of media, students draw from photographs and live models to communicate
design concepts for men, women and children covering a variety of clothing
styles, from costume to eveningwear. Basic drawing skills are a must to be
eligible to take this course.2
1 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fashion_illustration2http://www.saic.edu/courses/Adult_Continuing_Education_Beginning_Fashion_Illustration_65.html
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Iqra University, Islamabad Introduction To Fashion Illustration
1.2 Topic
The thesis topic is
“Importance of Fashion Illustration”
1.3 Aim
First and foremost aim to do thesis on this topic is to introduce the concept of
Fashion Illustration to a society that is ignorant towards it.
People will be made to realize the importance of Fashion Illustration as a very
essential aspect of Fashion designing and to start accepting it as serious a
profession as medicine.
1.4 Conceptual Framework
As the topic of this thesis is “Introduction to Fashion Illustration” so it will start
with a brief introduction to Fashion illustration followed by a small narration of
its history with pictorial references. Some illustrators will be introduced depicting
that this field is being adopted world over and can be introduced in Pakistan too.
Their styles and mediums will be shown by illustrations and in the end problems
will be discussed that are faced by customers due to illustrations and illustrators
emphasizing the importance of fashion illustration to the designers. For this
purpose data will be gathered through Internet giving proper sources.
Questionnaires will be distributed among general public especially art students
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Iqra University, Islamabad Introduction To Fashion Illustration
who can opt for this field later. Designers and illustrators will be interviewed to
get the whole scenario of what is going on these days and what are the different
problems faced by them and their customers. The results will be shown through
pie charts and graphs along with a gallaery of illustrations.
1.5 Hypothesis
The hypothesis statement is
“Creating awareness of Fashion Illustration among people of Pakistan”
It is a non-conditional hypothesis.
1.6 Objective of Research
To encourage the designers to consider the whole area of fashion illustration.
To investigate past and current practitioners, their style, materials and processes
that they use.
Then to feed back this learning into their own work.
To make illustrators aware of the problems that the customers face due to fashion
illustrations so that they may act to eliminate these problems.
To emphasize the importance of fashion Illustration so that more people should
join this field and take it seriously.
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Iqra University, Islamabad Introduction To Fashion Illustration
1.7 Impact of Research
After studying this research thesis, general public will become aware of the
existence of such a profession as Fashion Illustration and those people still
deciding their career goals who have a flare for art might decide to opt for this
profession.
Designers with no proper degree and education in Pakistan will know that there is
a very important step they are missing in their collection development that is
making Fashion Illustrations. They may learn themselves or start hiring
professional illustrators to do the job for them thus they will start following the
pattern for collection development that is followed internationally and this will
help Pakistan match steps with the international fashion world in the long run.
Existing Designers will be reminded of the importance of Fashion illustration and
they will make sure they are doing justice to this aspect of fashion designing.
In short new Illustrators will spring up, exhibitions will be held and organizations
of fashion will form giving a big boost to Pakistan Fashion industry
internationally.
1.8 Related Literature
During literature review, books will be consulted. Here a problem will be faced
because books on fashion illustration are not readily available in Pakistan but the
Internet will overcome this, as a large portion of the data will be gathered through
the Internet. Besides that questionnaires and interviews of illustrators and
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Iqra University, Islamabad Introduction To Fashion Illustration
designers will also prove to be very helpful and beneficial for the data gathering
part of the thesis.
1.9 Methodology
1.9.1 Qualitative/Quantitative
Research done through questionnaires is quantitative research and that done
through interviews is qualitative research. This research will be qualitative
and quantitative, as the data will be garhered through questionnaires and
interviews simultaneously. Quantitative method of research allows
quantifying the response of the respondent, their persona feedback through
questionnaire restricted to a specified target group. Qualitative method of
research allows measuring the annotations based on the information gathered
from the interviews.
1.9.2 Structured Interviews
Interviews will be taken from different designers in the market.
Associate subject of this research are designers who do not
involve fashion il lustration in their collection development
process, who basically don’t have a degree or those who don’t
take fashion il lustration seriously; their input would be
important and precious. The respondents will all be encouraged
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Iqra University, Islamabad Introduction To Fashion Illustration
to give their true and unbiased opinions so that the results of the
research are accurate and as close to reali ty as possible.
1.9.3 Questionnaires
Besides taking interviews I will be gett ing my questionnaires will
be filled by general public of Pakistan especially students studying
arts who are deciding their career goals. Sample size of this
research is 50.Questionnaires will be fil led by 50 people both male
and female to get their first hand information for this research
which will prove to be very beneficial for me regarding data
gathering. It will be kept in mind that there is a l imited number of
questionnaires to get useful input from, so purposeful sampling will
be chosen with a view to selecting information rich cases for in
depth study.
The geographic area of my research will be the twin cities,
Islamabad and Rawalpindi. The twin cit ies have a variety of people
residing in them having characteristics of people living all over
Pakistan so they can act as representatives of the entire population
of Pakistan. And thus the research results could be applied over the
entire area of Pakistan and not just Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
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Iqra University, Islamabad Introduction To Fashion Illustration
1.9.4 Involvement of General Public
General Public will play a very major role in the data gathering process of my
research. The subject of this research is general public especially
students studying arts who are deciding their career goals. I chose
university students were chosen because of the importance of
vocational development and identity formation during this period.
1.9.5 Open ended Questionnaires
Open ended questions allows the respondent to give their true opinion without
being bounded by options because in open ended questions no options are given
to choose from and the respondent is free to write whatever comes to his or her
mind regarding the topic. These questions would provide very beneficial and
relevant information that would really help in concluding the research
successfully.
1.9.6 Internet Research on Facts
Internet would be a major source for data gathering for this research as it provides
vast information. It would be kept in mind while taking data from the Internet that
sources are given for every part of information retrieved and nothing is copied
down exact except if source is given. In other words rules of plagiarism will be
kept in mind.
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Iqra University, Islamabad Introduction To Fashion Illustration
CHAPTER 2
LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Fashion Illustration: A Venture into the Past
2.1.1 Introduction
Fashion Illustration has been around for almost 500 years. Ever since
clothing have been in existence and there was a need to express an idea or
image into a garment there has been a need for fashion illustration. Not
only do fashion illustrations show a design of a garment but also serve as a
form of art.3
2.1.2 The Beginning
To be specific Fashion illustration began with the arrival of Charles
Frederick Worth (1826–1895) who was not just a dressmaker but also the
first fashion designer. Before his arrival, largely anonymous seamstresses
handled clothing design and creation, and fashion statements descended
from styles worn at royal courts. Worth's success was because he was able
to dictate to his customers about what they should wear, instead of asking
them what they would like to wear as earlier dressmakers used to do.
3 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fashion_illustration
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Iqra University, Islamabad Introduction To Fashion Illustration
It was during this era that many design houses started to hire artists to
paint or sketch designs for garments. The images were presented to clients
much more cheaply than by making an actual sample garment. The clients
orderd the design only if they liked it. Resulting garment made money for
the design house. Thus, the tradition of designers sketching out garments
later turned in to a separate field known as Fashion illustration followed
by arrival of illustrators.4
Beginning Till 1930- Since the beginning of fashion illustration 500 years
back, it has been popular among the fashion followers. In the beginning
only the rich could afford to indulge in such activities like having fashion
illustration made and then the garments. It is also noticed that the past
fashion illustration only show the models looking rich ladies. Many styles
were followed and then dropped as time passed. Each illustrator did
something different and new then the one before. And thus step by step
fashion illustration took different forms in different ages.
1930: More recently, there has been a decline of fashion illustration in the
late 1930s when Vogue began to replace its celebrated illustrated covers
with photographic images.
4 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_fashion_design
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Iqra University, Islamabad Introduction To Fashion Illustration
1960: In the 1960s several leading artists, such as Rene Bouche of Vouge,
died.
1960-1980: From the 1960s to the 1980s fashion illustration was still on
the decline.
1980: Then in the 1980s fashion illustration finally made its comeback,
the 1980s were said to be the "boom time" and when fashion illustration
took its root.
1980 Till Today: since 1980 till today, fashion illustration did not loose
its value again. It’s been climbing the steps higher and higher in
popularity. A lot of illustrators have sprung up and people have started
taking this aspect of fashion designing seriously and professionally. It’s
become a form of art now.5
2.2 Fashion Illustrators
2.2.1 Also called
Fashion Artist
2.2.2 Job Description
Fashion illustrators make sketches and drawings of clothing, shoes, and
accessories for catalogues, fashion advertisements and other media. They
5 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fashion_illustration
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Iqra University, Islamabad Introduction To Fashion Illustration
conceptualize and create clothing and accessories by hand or use computer
software programs (e.g., computer aided design/CAD). Fashion
illustrations are used in newspaper and magazine advertising layouts, for
fashion designers as an aid in their collection development, department
store ads, television commercials, films, brochures, and flyers.
Professional fashion illustrators may also work on a freelance basis for a
manufacturer, a department store, and an advertising agency or for a
designer or out of their own studio.
2.2.3 Salary Range
A Fashion Illustrator’s annual earnings potential is up to $60,000.
2.2.4 Qualifications
Education – 2-4 year degrees in Art, Drawing, Fashion Design, or
Fashion Illustration is required for this job. Coursework in business is
helpful for freelancers.
Experience – Demonstrated ability, style, and skill is required; this is
displayed in the form of a portfolio. In addition to print illustrations,
online and electronic examples of work may also be required.
Personal Characteristics/Skills – Good computer skills, excellent
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Iqra University, Islamabad Introduction To Fashion Illustration
drawing skills; high level of creativity and artistic expression; ability for
self-promotion; basic business know-how.
2.2.5 Career Path
Fashion Illustrator Freelance > Staff Fashion Illustrator6
2.3 Categories of Illustrators
There are three broad groups designated for the artists of fashion illustration:
2.3.1 The Sensualists
The Sensualists are categorized to be strong, silent, and their work shows
the presence of the artist his/herself. The delight in the materials they use
such as paints, inks, paper, colors, textures, and they explore the
capabilities of those medias.
2.3.2 Gamines & Sophisticates
Gamines and Sophisticates create imaginary worlds inhibited by vivid
characters. They borrow elements of caricature and cartooning. As a result
often translate humor and wit through their work by referencing and
rejecting stereotypes of fashion representation.
2.3.4 Technocrats
Last there are the Technocrats, they use computers in a way in which are
revolutionizing illustration. All of the Technocrats draw but do not end
6 http://www.fashion-schools.org/fashion-illustrator.htm
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Iqra University, Islamabad Introduction To Fashion Illustration
with hand illustration. Technocrats digitally transform illustrations and
work towards a final computer generated product.7
2.4 Introduction To Some Professional Illustrators
2.4.1 Jason Brooks
Educational background: Jason Brooks was born in London. From an
early age he drew and painted avidly and first received freelance
commissions in his early teens. At 19 studied graphic designs and
illustration at St Martin's School of Art. 1992 won the prestigious
Vogue/Sotheby's Cecil Beaton Award for fashion illustration. He attended
the Royal College of Art in London for a Master of Arts Degree in
illustration.
Experiences: Brooks regularly attended fashion weeks in London and
New York, worked as an on the spot fashion illustrator at the Couture
Shows in Paris for the Independent Newspaper. Here he drew at the
Ateliers of Versace, Valentino and Lacroix and gained valuable
experience of the fashion industry.
Brooks was one of the first illustrators to adapt to the new medium of
computers.
In 1999 Brooks began a series of cd covers for Hedkandi which went
on to sell over 4 million albums worldwide.
7 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fashion_illustration
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Iqra University, Islamabad Introduction To Fashion Illustration
In 2000 he joined forces with FOLIO, the leading London illustration
agency who still represent him worldwide. www.folioart.com .
His current plans include having more solo exhibitions (he recently
exhibited in St Petersburg) and to publish a book of his work.
Products: A range of Jason Brooks products are available under his own
label through licensing agreements with BRB in Spain and with Mark's
Inc. in Japan who in 2007 will be launching his Jil & Jet character range of
stationery and calendars.
Clients: L'Oreal, Coty, Saatchi & Saatchi, Globetrotter, Safilo Sunglasses,
Tali, Mercedes Benz, Audi, Martini, Finlandia Vodka, Carlsberg, Ritz
Hotels, Veuve Clicquot, British Airways.8
2.4.2 Steven Stipelman
8 http://www.jason-brooks.com/
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Iqra University, Islamabad Introduction To Fashion Illustration
Background: Artist and fashion illustrator Steven Stipelman was raised in
New York City, where he studied art at the prestigious High School of
Music and Art and then at the Fashion Institute of Technology.
Career Development: Stipelman's first major illustration job was at the
leading specialty store Henri Bendel in New York City. In 1965 he began
working as a fashion artist for Women's Wear Daily, the daily newspaper
and bible of the fashion industry. He worked there for twenty-five years,
producing drawings that were highly regarded for their look of effortless
elegance. He has been a professor at the Fashion Institute of Technology
and Parsons School of Design in New York City and at Marist College in
Poughkeepsie, New York. He has also lectured and conducted workshops
at a number of other institutions, including Cornell University in Ithaca,
New York, and Drexel University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Clients: Other Stipelman clients have included Estée Lauder, Vogue, and
Lord and Taylor. Stipelman has won many awards for his work and has
exhibited throughout the United States. His stunning sketches adorn the
covers of numerous fashion industry books.9
2.4.3 Ruben Toledo
9 http://www.shop4pictures.co.uk/bios/stipelman.html
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Iqra University, Islamabad Introduction To Fashion Illustration
Background: Ruben Toledo was born in Havana, Cuba in 1961 and is at
once a painter, sculptor, illustrator, fashion chronicler and critic, and
surrealist.
He has designed mannequins, store windows, award statuettes, scarves,
fabrics, dishes and carpets.
He has painted murals, portraits, album covers and barns.
He has also created witty and incisive illustrations for the top fashion
magazines and journals from around the world, among them The New
Yorker, Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Town & Country, Paper, Visionaire,
Interview and The New York Times.
Additionally, he is the illustrator of Nordstrom’s national designer ad
campaign.
He is the author of Style Dictionary a collection of his drawings and
watercolors.
Ruben Toledo recently completed his first film — an animated History of
French Fashion entitled Fashionation.
Exhibits: Toledo’s work has been on exhibit throughout the world,
including the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. His
collaboration with his fashion designer wife, Isabel Toledo, was the
subject of both a book and a museum exhibition titled Toledo/Toledo: A
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Iqra University, Islamabad Introduction To Fashion Illustration
Marriage of Art and Fashion at The Museum at the Fashion Institute of
Technology in New York City, where they both reside and work.
He says his success has been a blessing. "There are a million people who
can draw better than me. My talent is about receiving what's in the air, the
mood... the feeling... the aura. I love finding out what's in between the
lines and sharing it."10
10 http://www.steidlville.com/artists/346-Ruben-Toledo.html
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Iqra University, Islamabad Introduction To Fashion Illustration
2.5 Mediums
2.5.1 Black Lead Pencil
A large range of black lead pencils are available in different thickness from
soft to hard. The choice of paper is also important depending on the finished
effect required. If pressure is applied on the pencil it gives a darker tone when
giving shades, leaving areas of white to give the details. When working it is
advantageous to experiment with a wide selection of pencils, some sharpened
to a fine point others with a softer point for shading.
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Iqra University, Islamabad Introduction To Fashion Illustration
2.5.2 Colored Pencils
There is a wide range of colors in colored pencils. Water solvent color
pencils are also available which turn to paint if water is applied on the
paper after coloring. Both rough and smooth paper can e used depending
on the effect required.
Tone: Use one color to produce different tones by varying the
pressure applied on the pencil.
Burnishing: Color may be smoothed out by this method. This is
done by going over the color with a white or light gray pencil.
Mixing Colors: 2 or 3 Colored pencils can be mixed to create
another color.
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Iqra University, Islamabad Introduction To Fashion Illustration
2.5.3 Water Colors
Watercolors are available in both tablet and tube form. In a tablet
powdered paint is made solid by pressure and a wet brush is used to apply
color from a tablet. Ina tube watercolor is present in a paste form, which
can be thinned with water. Different sizes of brushes can be used. The
effect of watercolors is best on a watercolor sheet.
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Iqra University, Islamabad Introduction To Fashion Illustration
2.5.4 Gouache
Gouache is basically the same as watercolor but it is mixed with white
pigment, which makes sit opaque. Gouache when dry forms a solid
opaque color. A wide range of colors is available in small glass bottles,
which can be mixed together to make new colors. Watercolor paper is
most suitable for gouache. Tinted paper can also be used, as the paint is
opaque.
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Iqra University, Islamabad Introduction To Fashion Illustration
2.5.5 Markers
There is a wide variety of markers available ranging from permanent color
to water-soluble ink markers. Nibs tend to fiber tipped, nylon or foam.
Sizes range from fine to broad and they may be round, square, and bullet
or chisel shaped. They are also available in a wide range of colors.
Markers tend to bleed on some papers and may go beyond the line so
always experiment first before applying color on original drawing. Some
areas of work will tend to look darker if these are gone over twice with the
same marker.
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Iqra University, Islamabad Introduction To Fashion Illustration
2.5.6 Charcoal
Charcoal is actually black coal cut in the form of pencil or a stick to give
ease for working on paper. It gives a textured effect on the paper rather
darker shade than pencil shading. Best results are produces on paper with
grains on it or some other texture. Color can be made to dark or light
depending on the amount of pressure applied to the charcoal stick.
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Iqra University, Islamabad Introduction To Fashion Illustration
2.5.7 Wax Crayons
A large selection of wax crayons is available and they come in different
thickness. They produce a solid bright waxy color and it is difficult to
produce different tones with wax crayons. Experiment with crayons on
paper of different textures and colors. A wax crayon or candle may also be
used as a resistant to water colors.11
11 Patrick John Ireland. (2003), Introduction to Fashion Design. B.T. Batsford Ltd.London.
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Iqra University, Islamabad Introduction To Fashion Illustration
2.5.8 Computer Graphics
It is the most widely used medium for Fashion Illustration now days. It is
fast and easy, most suitable for today’s busy life when an illustrator
simply don’t have days to put on just one illustration when he can make
five in one day on different computer software’s such as Adobe
Photoshop. Usually the croquis is drawn by hand on a paper and then
scanned. The rest of the work is done on computer and the final product is
computer based.
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Iqra University, Islamabad Introduction To Fashion Illustration
2.6 Types of Fashion Illustration
2.6.1 Women’s Wear
When a designer intends to design women wear, a female croquis is
drawn. It is narrower at the shoulders and has body proportions and
features of a female body.
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Iqra University, Islamabad Introduction To Fashion Illustration
2.6.2 Men’s Wear
When a designer intends to design men’s wear then a male croquis is
drawn. Its shoulders are drawn very broad. By doing this, it automatically
starts looking like a male. It’s other body proportions and features are of a
male human body.
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Iqra University, Islamabad Introduction To Fashion Illustration
2.6.3 Children’s Wear
A child croquis is adopted from a human child’s body of a particular age.
For example a toddler’s croquis is drawn a bit chubby with protruding
stomach and a big head.
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Iqra University, Islamabad Introduction To Fashion Illustration
2.7 Displaying and Presenting Work
2.7.1 Mood Board
Mood board depicts the mood of the theme chosen for collection
development. The way in which material is arrange son the board and the
color schemes selected, reflect the mood and the theme being promoted.
2.7.2 Research Board
Research board includes carefully selected reference material to the theme
selected for collection consisting of for example photographs, photocopied
images, postcards, magazine clippings, sketches and fabric trimmings which
sere as a source of reference and inspiration when designing.
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Iqra University, Islamabad Introduction To Fashion Illustration
2.7.3 Story Board
A storyboard reflects the research, color and fabric of a design collection.
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Iqra University, Islamabad Introduction To Fashion Illustration
2.7.4 Fashion Design Presentation Board
The board presents a design and its technical drawings with its fabric
samples and may also include sketches, photographs or any other relevant
material to suggest the mood of the designs and the environment in which
they would be worn.
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Iqra University, Islamabad Introduction To Fashion Illustration
2.7.5 Reproducing Color, Patterns and Textures
Matching the color against the fabric being used is a skill an illustrator has
to master. The fabrics being used in the garments have to be drawn on the
croquis body exactly the way they would look on a model in reality.12
12 Patrick John Ireland. (2003), Introduction to Fashion Design. B.T. Batsford Ltd.London.
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Iqra University, Islamabad Introduction To Fashion Illustration
2.8 Importance of Fashion Illustration in Collection Development Process
2.8.1 Introduction
There is a preset stepwise procedure that designers all over the world
follow for their collection development process every season. But
unfortunately designers in Pakistan fail to do so due to lack of knowledge
and awareness.
2.8.2 Selection of Theme
When starting design collection, designers begin with design research,
working from different areas searching for a theme. Inspiration may come
from many sources in fact, from any object, which has a strong visual
impact. It is good to work on a theme as it gives designers a framework to
work within and it also enhances the designer’s creativity as the theme
inspires him or her to do different things and make creative cut lines. The
theme of the example shown here is “A Night at Opera”
2.8.3 Mood Board
After the selection of a theme a board is prepared which basically depicts
the mood of the theme. The way in which material is arranged on the
board and the color schemes selected, reflect the mood and the theme
being promoted.
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Iqra University, Islamabad Introduction To Fashion Illustration
2.8.4 Research Board
After the preparation of the mood board the designers go for a research on
that theme. A camera may also be used to research images and textures.
Research material is displayed on a board for reference and inspiration
when designing. This board is called research board.
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Iqra University, Islamabad Introduction To Fashion Illustration
2.8.5 Rough Sketches
After the research on the theme is completed, the designer sits down with
his sketchbook or loose sheets and start making rough sketches basically
giving life to the ideas in his mind.
2.8.6 Fabric Research
The designer also goes out on a fabric search in the market and collects
swatches.
2.8.7 Layouts
The garments, which the designer likes best from his or her rough sketches
are selected, and final layouts are prepared with technical drawings and
neatly rendered images of the garments.
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Iqra University, Islamabad Introduction To Fashion Illustration
2.8.8 Stitching and Finishing of Garments
Then the stitching procedure starts which ends with the finishing of the
garments.
2.8.9 Display of Garments to Public
After that the garments are ready for display in an outlet or for a Fashion
show or a photo shoot in a fashion magazine.
2.8.10 Conclusion
The role of fashion illustration was evident in the whole collection
development process and it is not wrong to say that this whole process
would not be possible without fashion illustration. If you are unable to
give an idea the shape of an illustration it is not possible to turn it into a
garment. Without a visual image the completion of a garment is
impossible.
Another thing that it is highly recommended that designers all over
Pakistan should start following this procedure for their collection
development process. This will help them to match steps with the
international fashion world and come up to their standards.
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Iqra University, Islamabad Introduction To Fashion Illustration
CHAPTER 3
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3.1 Research
Research is a human activity based on intellectual investigation and aimed at
discovering, interpreting, and revising human knowledge on different aspects of
the world.
It is done by scientific Method or historical method.
3.2 Research Methods
The primary objectives of research are the advancement of knowledge and the
theoretical understanding of the relations among variables.It is done by a specific
research question, hypothesis or peoblem.
It follows a specific plan or procedure, the research process or method. 13
Research methods used in this thesis are as follows:
3.2.1 Interviews
An interview is a conversation between two or more people (the
interviewer and the interviewee) where questions are asked by the
interviewer to obtain information from the interviewee. Interviews can be
divided into two rough types, interviews of assessment and interviews for
information.Interviews are structured or unstructured and conducted either
face to face or by telephone.14
13 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Research14 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interviews
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Iqra University, Islamabad Introduction To Fashion Illustration
Structured Interviews
The aim of structured interview is to ensure that each interviewee is
presented with exactly the same question in the same order.
In this type of interview, the researchers want ot know specific
information which can be compared and contrasted with information
gained in other interviews.15
Structured Interview Results
i. Interviewee: Mr. Faisal Akram
Occupation: Fashion Designer
Education: Masters in Fashion Design from Brooks College California, USA.
Job: Teaching at Iqra University Islamabad as a Lecturer in Art and Design
Department.
1. What is Fashion Illustration?
It is a sketch of garment on a croquis which designer illustrate to show design and
innovation
2. What role does it play in garment development process?
Illustration plays an important role in garment construction because we totally
focus on sketch to develop and cut the cloth according to the innovative
illustration.
3. Do you think this role could be ignored and some designer can do without
making illustrations?
15 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Structured_interview
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Iqra University, Islamabad Introduction To Fashion Illustration
I do not agree with this statement. I believe that if you don’t have any idea and
illustration then it is not possible to make patterns for any garment, which is
imaginary. It is just like you are sitting in a car without patrol.
4. Do you make illustrations as a Designer?
Yes, I do always. Without illustration you cant finalize an idea of garment.
5. When a Theme is followed in a collection, how is it different from a collection
in which no theme is followed?
Whenever we work on theme it presents harmony and specific impression
accordingly, rather if we analyze non-thematical collection it automatically shows
disturbance and non-professional work.
6. What is the reaction of customers when you make illustrations for them?
Before making illustration I discuss and try to open my ideas then in second step I
make illustration. I don’t bluff my designs to customers.
7. Did you ever feel that you couldn’t make a garment exactly as you showed it
in the illustration?
Sometimes it happens if illustration and design is depended on so many cuts and
patches. I remember in one of my projects we were suppose to use different
materials and because of material and so many patches garment had not shown
the actual look.
8. Do you think the fact that you make illustrations bring more customers to
you?
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Iqra University, Islamabad Introduction To Fashion Illustration
I am totally dependent on computer based illustrations and I believe that more
choice and quick design attracts customers and if you have so many designs to
show in first meeting than automatically this strategy gives quick feed back.
9. Don’t you think customers are mislead when they see an illustration because
the croquis is so thin and pretty and every garment obviously looks good on
it which may not be the case with the customer?
Yes, I totally agree. There are some cases people see garment on croquis and
when they wear it they are disappointed because of entire look and fitting which
was ok on croquis.
10. What do you say about the so-called designers in Pakistan who are working
without a degree like our actors and models?
Non-professional designers start work but can’t satisfy customers. I can imagine
the pathetic dressing of our actors and models because of tailors who call them
selves’ designers.
11. How much do you use computer programs in your daily designer work?
I am 90% dependent on computer programs because in less time I do a lot of work
and designing.
12. Do you discuss the garments with your customers after showing them the
illustrations?
Yes, I do because if you will play games with them then as a reaction they will
play games with you. So it is better to show them the true picture.
13. Do you think the customers do get distracted by the inspiring style or colors
of the illustration and not really see the garment?
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Iqra University, Islamabad Introduction To Fashion Illustration
Yes, its reality the more you stylize the illustration customer will attract and I
think style and color attracts human psychology.
14. When in studying stage did you ever feel that there are not enough books
and rendering materials and tools on Fashion illustration available in
Pakistan?
I completed my fashion studies in States when I came to Pakistan I realized that
this is a major problem especially for students, I did not even see a single book
illustrated by a Pakistani Illustrator
ii. Interviewee: Ms Maheen Ali
Occupation: Fashion designer
Education: Graduated from Fashion Institute of Technology, New York, USA.
Job: Teaching in Iqra University Islamabad as a lecturer at Art and design Department.
1. What is Fashion Illustration?
A sketch of garments overall look stylized.
2. What role does it play in garment development process?
It gives a sketch of how the garment will come out.
3. Do you think this role could be ignored and some designer can do without
making illustrations?
No I can’t be ignored. It is easy helpful way of studying the whole look of the
garment.
4. Do you make illustrations as a Designer?
Yes I do
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Iqra University, Islamabad Introduction To Fashion Illustration
5. When a Theme is followed in a collection, how is it different from a collection
in which no theme is followed?
There is no rhythm or harmony throughout the project.
6. What is the reaction of customers when you make illustrations for them?
The customer understands what the whole look is going to be like and if it is what
they want. It is pleasing for them.
7. Did you ever feel that you couldn’t make a garment exactly as you showed it
in the illustration?
Yes you can if you had a very good understanding of how the fabric you are using
will fall or the garment as they are being
8. Do you think the fact that you make illustrations bring more customers to
you?
Yes to some end it does.
9. Don’t you think customers are mislead when they see an illustration because
the croquis is so thin and pretty and every garment obviously looks good on
it which may not be the case with the customer?
Yes they do
10. What do you say about the so called designers in Pakistan who are working
without a degree like our actors and models?
They don’t have the understanding of the basic background of art and creativity.
They are playing and using other designers work.
11. How much do you use computer programs in your daily designer work?
Twice a week
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Iqra University, Islamabad Introduction To Fashion Illustration
12. Do you discuss the garments with your customers after showing them the
illustrations?
Yes
13. Do you think the customers do get distracted by the inspiring style or colors
of the illustration and not really see the garment?
Some times, very rarely.
14. When in studying stage did you ever feel that there are not enough books and
rendering materials and tools on Fashion illustration available in Pakistan?
Yes.
iii. Interviewee: Ms Saadia Niazi
Occupation: Fashion Designer
Education: Graduation from PSFD Lahore
Job: Teaching at Iqra University Islamabad in Art and Design Department as a
Fashion Illustrator.
1. What is Fashion Illustration?
It is the most successful way of presenting an idea or a concept that conveys the
style that the designer has envisioned to others.
2. What role does it play in garment development process?
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Iqra University, Islamabad Introduction To Fashion Illustration
It is the visual needed to begin the project.
3. Do you think this role could be ignored and some designer can do without
making illustrations?
It would be very hard to explain the artist's vision in words. It is an essential part
of the design process in my view.
4. Do you make illustrations as a Designer?
Absolutely.
5. When a Theme is followed in a collection, how is it different from a
collection in which no theme is followed?
The collection without a theme is often in danger of losing 'direction' and the
designer may find it hard to come up with designs.
6. What is the reaction of customers when you make illustrations for them?
People like seeing a visual of what the designer is suggesting to make for them.
7. Did you ever feel that you couldn't make a garment exactly as you showed it
in the illustration?
That would only happen if you were not technically sound. Its unlikely for a good
designer to be faced with a problem like this.
8. Do you think the fact that you make illustrations bring more customers to
you?
That is quite unlikely.
9. Don't you think customers are mislead when they see an illustration because
the croquis is so thin and pretty and every garment obviously looks good on
it which may not be the case with the customer?
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Iqra University, Islamabad Introduction To Fashion Illustration
It is the duty of the designer to advise their client on such matters, diplomatically,
ofcourse!
10. What do you say about the so called designers in Pakistan who are working
without a degree like our actors and models?
As long as they produce work that satisfies the consumer. People can be naturally
talented at things they have not received formal education for. I don’t think
anyone can put them down for it.
11. How much do you use computer programs in your daily designer work?
Not at all.
12. Do you discuss the garments with your customers after showing them the
illustrations?
Not often. They have to trust you after a point.
13. Do you think the customers do get distracted by the inspiring style or colors
of the illustration and not really see the garment?
The colors and style 'make' the garment. I don’t understand your question.
14. When in studying stage did you ever feel that there are not enough books and
rendering materials and tools on Fashion illustration available in Pakistan?
Absolutely. We need a lot of information and exposure in this department.
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Iqra University, Islamabad Introduction To Fashion Illustration
Unstructured Interviews
Unstructured Interviews are a method of interviews where questions
can be changed or adapted to meet the respondent's intelligence,
understanding or belief. Unlike a structured interview they do not offer
a limited, pre-set range of answers for a respondent to choose, but
instead advocate listening to how each individual person responds to
the question.16
3.2.2 Questionnaire
A questionnaire is a research instrument consisting of a series of questions
and other prompts for the purpose of gathering information from
respondents. Although they are often designed for statistical analysis of
the responses, this is not always the case. The questionnaire was invented
by Sir Francis Galton.
Questionnaires have advantages over some other types of surveys in that
they are cheap, do not require as much effort from the questioner as verbal
or telephone surveys, and often have standardized answers that make it
simple to compile data. However, such standardized answers may frustrate
users. Questionnaires are also sharply limited by the fact that respondents
must be able to read the questions and respond to them.17
16 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unstructured_Interviews17 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Questionnaire
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Iqra University, Islamabad Introduction To Fashion Illustration
Qualitative
Qualitative research involves an in depth understanding of human
behavior and the reasons that govern it. Qualitative research relies
on reasons behind various aspects of behavior. Simply put, it
investigates the why and how of decision-making.
It explores attitudes, behavior and experiences through such
methods as interviews or focus groups. It attempts to get an in-
depth opinion from participants, as it is them that are important.
Quantitative
This type of resrach generates statistics through the use of large
scale survey such as questionnaires.
(see appendix for questionnaire)
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Iqra University, Islamabad Introduction To Fashion Illustration
CHAPTER 4
DATA ANALYSIS
4.1 Quantitative Results
Questionnaire Survey
Table 4.1
Age group
Frequency PercentValid
PercentCumulative
PercentValid 18-20 32 64.0 64.0 64.0
21-24 15 30.0 30.0 94.025+ 3 6.0 6.0 100.0
Total 50 100.0 100.0
Pie Chart 4.1
ConclusionThe above table shows the frequency distribution of respondents with respect to age. It shows that 6% are 25 and above, 30% between 21 and 24 years of age and 64% are between 18 to 20 years. Over all maximum people who were given the questionnaire were from 18 to 20 years of age.
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Iqra University, Islamabad Introduction To Fashion Illustration
Table 4.2
Occupation
Frequency PercentValid
PercentCumulative
PercentValid Student 47 94.0 94.0 94.0
Others 3 6.0 6.0 100.0Total 50 100.0 100.0
Pie Chart 4.2
Conclusion
The above table shows the frequency distribution of respondents with respect to
occupation. It shows that 97 % of the respondents were students while the rest of the 3%
respondents were holding other jobs.
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Iqra University, Islamabad Introduction To Fashion Illustration
Table 4.3
Gender
Frequency PercentValid
PercentCumulative
PercentValid Male 15 30.0 30.0 30.0
Female 35 70.0 70.0 100.0Total 50 100.0 100.0
Pie Chart 4.3
Conclusion
The above table shows the frequency distribution of respondents with
respect to Gender. It shows that 30% respondents were male and 60% were
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Iqra University, Islamabad Introduction To Fashion Illustration
female. That means more females were given the questionnaire than
males.
Table 4.4
Any idea what Fashion Illustration might be?
Frequency PercentValid
PercentCumulative
PercentValid Yes 15 30.0 30.0 30.0
No 35 70.0 70.0 100.0Total 50 100.0 100.0
Pie Chart 4.4
Conclusion
The above table shows the frequency distribution of respondents who had
or didn’t have nay idea of what fashion illustration might be. It shows that
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Iqra University, Islamabad Introduction To Fashion Illustration
only 30% or respondents knew what fashion illustration is the rest 70%
didn’t have any idea what fashion illustration is.
Table 4.5
Have you ever been to a designer?
Frequency PercentValid
PercentCumulative
PercentValid Yes 37 74.0 74.0 74.0
No 13 26.0 26.0 100.0Total 50 100.0 100.0
Pie Chart 4.5
Conclusion
The above table shows the frequency distribution of respondents who had
or had not been to a designer. The results show that 74% of the
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Iqra University, Islamabad Introduction To Fashion Illustration
respondents have been to a designer and 26% have never been to a
designer.
Table 4.6
Did he\she first draw the garment for your approval before making it?
Frequency PercentValid
PercentCumulative
PercentValid Yes 16 32.0 32.0 32.0
No 33 66.0 66.0 98.0Not applicable 1 2.0 2.0 100.0
Total 50 100.0 100.0
Pie Chart 4.6
ConclusionThe above table shows the frequency distribution of respondents for whom
the designer first drew the garment for their approval. The results show
that sketches were made for only 32% of the respondents while 66% of the
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Iqra University, Islamabad Introduction To Fashion Illustration
respondents had not been made any sketches and for 1% this item was not
applicable.
Table 4.7
When visiting a designer, would you like it if some sketches of garments were shown to you in different colors or designs before a garment is made for you?
Frequency PercentValid
PercentCumulative
PercentValid Yes 44 88.0 88.0 88.0
No 6 12.0 12.0 100.0Total 50 100.0 100.0
Pie Chart 4.7
Conclusion
The above table shows the frequency distribution of respondents who would like it if
some sketches of garments are shown to them before a garment is made for them. The
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Iqra University, Islamabad Introduction To Fashion Illustration
results show that 88% of the respondents would like it very much while the rest 12% of
the respondents don’t want nay sketches to be made.
Table 4.8
Did he\she discuss the garment with you first telling you why it would suit you or why it wouldn't in reference to your looks and body proportions?
Frequency PercentValid
PercentCumulative
PercentValid Yes 22 44.0 44.0 44.0
No 28 56.0 56.0 100.0Total 50 100.0 100.0
Pie Chart 4.8
Conclusion
The above table shows the frequency distribution of respondents with
whom the designer did or did not discuss the garment before sell ing it.
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Iqra University, Islamabad Introduction To Fashion Illustration
The results show that with 44% or the respondents the designer discuss
the garment but with 56% of the respondents the designer did not discuss
the garment they were buying.
Table 4.9
Have you ever been disappointed by a designer who failed to produce a garment exactly the way he\she drew?
Frequency PercentValid
PercentCumulative
PercentValid Yes 37 74.0 74.0 74.0
No 13 26.0 26.0 100.0Total 50 100.0 100.0
Pie Chart 4.9
Conclusion
The above table shows the frequency distribution of respondents who have
or have not been disappointed by a designer who failed to produce a
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Iqra University, Islamabad Introduction To Fashion Illustration
garment exactly the way he sketched it . 74% of the respondents had been
disappointed by the designers failed abilities to produce a garment exactly
the way he drew it. While 26% have never been disappointed.
Table 4.10
Have you ever experienced the fact that the garment didn't look as great on you as it did in the sketch or on the dummy?
Frequency PercentValid
PercentCumulative
PercentValid Yes 38 76.0 76.0 76.0
No 12 24.0 24.0 100.0Total 50 100.0 100.0
Pie Chart 4.10
Conclusion
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Iqra University, Islamabad Introduction To Fashion Illustration
The above table shows the frequency distribution of respondents who have
or have not experienced the fact the garment didn’t look as great on them
as i t did in the sketch or on the dummy. The results showed that 76% of
the respondents have experienced being disappointed while the rest 24%
have always been satisfied by the look of the garment on them.
Table 4.11
Have you ever felt inferiority complex by looking at super thin and pretty models?
Frequency PercentValid
PercentCumulative
PercentValid Yes 33 66.0 66.0 66.0
No 17 34.0 34.0 100.0Total 50 100.0 100.0
Pie Chart 4.11
ConclusionThe above table shows the frequency distribution of respondents who have
of have not felt inferiority complex by looking at thin and pretty models.
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Iqra University, Islamabad Introduction To Fashion Illustration
The results showed that 66% of the respondent girls were in a complex
while the rest 34% were satisfied by the way they look.
4.2 Qualitative Analysis Results
After interviewing several people, from the fashion field and other
students who are the customers, I have concluded that there is s
definite dearth of professional illustrators in Pakistan. It is a
customer demand having illustrations drawn before their garments are
made and this demand should be fulfilled.
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Iqra University, Islamabad Introduction To Fashion Illustration
CHAPTER 5
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
5.1 Conclusion
This research is based on the importance of fashion illustration. The basic aim is
to introduce the concept of fashion illustration in Pakistan where it is scarce.
Introducing it to the existing designers will make their work better and bring
Pakistan forward in the lane of fashion design in the world because then the
designers would be following the internationally set rules of fashion designing
and would be accepted all over the world. Whereas introducing fashion
illustrations to young students would be very beneficial in bringing up new
illustrators in Pakistan, making fashion illustration a common profession in
Pakistan.
In order to conduct this research a sample of 50 questionnaire was made
and mostly students were given the questionnaires to fill to know the extent of
knowledge they have about fashion illustration and also to know the way fashion
designers are working in Pakistan nowadays because these students also form a
big percentage of customers those designers have. The respondents were divided
into groups on the basis of their age.
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Iqra University, Islamabad Introduction To Fashion Illustration
Basically this research is conducted to give designers and students a basic
know how of fashion illustration and also to find out that what are the factors
which keep our designers from joining the same lane as the international
designers and in the end t find out the problems customers are facing due to
designers lack of know how of fashion illustration now a days and even what are
the cons of fashion illustration its self. As per mentioned the questionnaires were
distributed among 50 respondents and it was found out that 6% respondents are
25 years and above, 30% respondents are between 21 and 24 years of age and
64% are between 18 to 20 years. Over all maximum people who were given the
questionnaire were from 18 to 20 years of age. It was also observed that
unconsciously only 30% were male respondents and 70% were female
respondents. And also that 94% were student and only 6% of respondents held
other jobs.
It was not surprising when it was found out that only 30% of the
respondents knew what fashion illustration was and the rest of the 70%
respondents had not a least bit of idea about it. And it doesn’t mean that those
30% knew correctly what fashion illustration was. Out of that only a few got it
right the rest just made a guess or they thought wrong. A female in the age group
of 21-24 wrote its “tailor stitching”. Which is far from the correct answer. A male
in the age group of 18-20 wrote “which suits you” its still cant figured out what
did he mean to say. a vague answer was given by a female in the age group of 18-
20 said ”it’s the way of defining fashion in a technical manner”. A female in the
age group of 18-20 gave one of the correct answers. She said” I think fashion
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Iqra University, Islamabad Introduction To Fashion Illustration
illustration is when the designer sketches a garment for his customers”. From the
above information it is quite evident that people in Pakistan do not even have a
ague idea what fashion illustration might be emphasizing more on the need to
introduce it to them so that those students who have a knack of such things would
know here is a future for them also doing what they like to do.
Further going ahead in the questionnaire the second item was have you ever been
to a fashion designer? And not surprising enough 74% of the respondents said that
they have been to a designer and only 26% of the respondents said that they
haven’t been to a designer. This big difference is evident due to the new so called
designer culture in Pakistan where even those people have opened boutiques and
call themselves designers who don’t even know the ABC of designing. This
matter will be further discussed in the interviews discussion section.
Only 32% of the respondents confirmed that the designer they have been
to made sketches of the garment for the customer’s approval before making it.
While 66%said that no prior sketches were made. It is evident from this finding
the small percentage of designers in Pakistan who follow the correct designing
pattern followed internationally. This emphasis more on the need to tell the
designers the importance of making fashion illustration so that hay may be able to
follow correct patterns of fashion designing.
When asked the customers choice that would they like it if some sketches
are shown to them in different colors or designs for their approval before making
the garment then a big percentage of 88% of respondents said yes they would like
it very much and a mere 12% said that they don’t need nay sketches. This finding
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Iqra University, Islamabad Introduction To Fashion Illustration
depicts a big customer demand that is left unfulfilled. And it is a big need that the
designers should introduce fashion illustration into their designing system if they
want to make customers, Right now all they are doing is losing them.
To judge the concern that the designers show towards their customers, the
respondents were asked whether the designer they were visiting discussed the
garment with them telling them why it would suit them or why it wouldn’t suit
them with reference to their body proportions and looks. The results showed that
with 44% of the respondents the designer they were visiting discussed the
garment with them but with 56% of the respondents the designer did not discuss
the garment they were buying. It is a small difference in the percentage but still it
is countable as another flaw in our fashion industry which if not over come,
Pakistan would never be able to join hands with the international fashion industry.
Pointing towards a fault in those designers who do make fashion
illustrations but can manage to do it properly the respondents were asked that
have they ever been disappointed be a designer who failed to produce a garment
exactly the way he/she produced it. . 74% of the respondents had been
disappointed by the designers failed abilities to produce a garment exactly the
way he/she drew it. While 26% have never been disappointed. This is a big
difference in percentage and there is also a probability that these 26% respondents
who have never been disappointed are those for whom the designers they visited
never made any sketches. So, evidently if there are no sketches, there is no
disappointment. This is even more devastating that those designers who do make
fashion illustrations cant do it up to the mark. They are not thinking while they are
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Iqra University, Islamabad Introduction To Fashion Illustration
sketching. Every designer should make sketches keeping his/her own abilities in
front of him/her. They should think that would they be able to make this garment
exactly the way they are drawing it or not.
Another factor of customer dissatisfaction is when they look at a garment
in a sketch or on a dummy they love it. It is mostly because a croquis is so thin
and pretty and sometimes they are more inspired by the illustration style or the
colors that they overlook the garment and order it up. When finally made they try
it on and obviously they are disappointed because either the garment wasn’t as
great as they thought or obviously the customer wasn’t like a croquis and the
garment didn’t suit the proportions of the customer’s figures. These are very
important details that a designer should discuss with the customer prior to the
making of the garment so that there is no disappointment in the end on the
customer’s behalf by being disappointed and on the designers behalf by losing the
customer. This factor was also included in the questionnaire. The respondents
were asked that did they ever experience that the garment didn’t look as great on
them as it did in the sketch or on the dummy. The results showed that 76% of the
respondents had experienced being disappointed by the end product while the rest
24% had always been satisfied by the look of the garment on them. This shows
that a large percentage of the customers have already been a victim of this fault in
our fashion designing system. In order to prevent any more customers from being
its victim it is suggested that the designers should discuss the garment with the
customers showing them the real picture. Those customers do not have the insight
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Iqra University, Islamabad Introduction To Fashion Illustration
to over see how the garment would look on them but those designers have the
experience and the insight so it is their duty to tell the customers.
The last item in the questionnaire pointed towards a big evil in our society.
Due to the super thin models the girls in our society fall in the trap of inferiority
complex, which leads to dieting and making themselves prone to a lot of diseases.
Having asked have you ever felt inferiority complex by looking at super thin
models 66% of the respondent girls were in a complex while the rest 34% were
satisfied by the way they look. It is a big percentage and a big issue which cant be
overlooked.
In the end it is concluded that there are a lot of faults and flaws in Pakistan
Fashion Industry which if not overcome would prevent it to join lanes with the
international fashion industries. Here this thesis comes in handy which tell the
existing designers and also other people who could opt for this profession in the
future the importance of fashion illustration and the defects it has so that they can
over come it all and follow the internationally set pattern of fashion designing
process in the most perfect way leading Pakistan fashion industry internationally.
According to the interviews with professionals’ fashion illustration there is
a definite dearth of Fashion Illustration in Pakistan and there is an urgent need to
bring it into the fashion industry in Pakistan. By doing this, firstly a big customer
demand will be fulfilled. Secondly making illustrations will bring more customers
to the designers resulting in profits and it will also create satisfaction among the
customers and will bring our designers into the same lane as the other
international designers. The role of fashion illustration can definitely not be
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Iqra University, Islamabad Introduction To Fashion Illustration
ignored in the collection development process, as according to Mr. Faisal Akram
without putting an idea on to paper it is impossible to realize it. Using computer
programs for making illustrations is also an aspect, which is ignored and should
be introduced. There are some drawbacks of Fashion illustration as well according
to the interview results. The customers usually get inspired from the colors and
style of the pretty and thin croquis and order up the garment which when made is
nothing like the garment the croquis was wearing. As a result they are
disappointed. Another important issue is about the so-called non-degree holder
Fashion designers that are spreading in the local market of Pakistan like virus.
They don’t have a degree; they know nothing about art and creativity. They just
steal the ideas of other designer and sell it cheaper. They are destroying the
market for the other real designers.
5.2 Recommendations
After carrying out all the research, below are some suggestions and
recommendations that I have put forward.
Designers who lack the skill of Fashion Illustration should take courses and learn
and implement it.
Students who have an interest in art field should seriously consider becoming an
illustrator.
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Iqra University, Islamabad Introduction To Fashion Illustration
Students who show some interest towards Fashion Illustration should be
encouraged and appreciated by their respective art schools
Art and fashion schools should offer specialized courses on Fashion Illustration
and present it as a separate profession. And Fashion institutes should collaborate
with Fashion Institutes abroad like in USA or Paris and hold programs in which
their teachers are requested to come over or the students could go over there to
attend classes and learn.
Those designers who have a little know how of Fashion Illustration should
research on it and write some books on this topic to help those students who are
studying it and also some steps should be taken to bring books from abroad so
that they are readily available for the students to study.
There is also a big issue of non-availability of a variety of material to work with
in Fashion Illustration. The mediums that are available are either not of good
quality or very expensive so that not every student can afford to buy them.
Designers who make illustrations should be careful and they should keep in mind
whether they would be able to realize it into a garment or not.
Designers should make it a habit to discuss every detail of the garment with their
customers so that the pretty and thing croquis and its perfect garments do not fool
the customers. As According to Ms. Saadia Niazi “It is the duty of the designer to
advise their client on such matters”.
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Iqra University, Islamabad Introduction To Fashion Illustration
Designers when making their collections should follow the internationally
approved pattern of collection development so that Pakistani designers would
have the scope to go up and show their garments on the western runway.
Designers should start taking Fashion Illustration seriously because it is a
representation on their work which if good can make customers. They should
work on Adobe. Show every thing to the customers. If the customer wants any
changes make those changes and show the new result to her on the spot so that
there are no chances of mistakes later.
And lastly those designers who are working without a degree and stealing other
designer’s work and customers should be discouraged and a system of copyright
should be introduced in Pakistan.
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