By definition, “3D modeling is a blend of geometry and design that visually represents the images specific coordinates map out. Often, designs start as basic polygons that designers refine into complex shapes using the tools available in their chosen software.”
Think of Toy Story when it comes to cartoons or Avatar as a more realistic version, those were made using 3D design. It can be used to make images look more realistic.
Now let us bring that to the fashion industry for context. 3D design can be used to help designers fasten the design and sampling process. The fashion industry has had to deal with the fact that e-commerce and the digital age are changing the nature and speed of fashion.
Recently Tommy Hilfiger used it and managed to cut their design process. Customers also benefit, as brands can create a feature that helps them get a better idea of what a garment will look like on them, by creating online images on their websites that seem real.
But like most things in the fashion industry that make anybody’s life easier, especially as the business- accessibility is a problem.
Form the knowledge required to use it. The money it takes to hire someone or a team that understands, particularly if you do not have an in-house technology department. For example, the smallest fashion houses will not have that. Only large houses as bug has Tommy Hilfiger would be able to afford this technology.
Distribution is another hurdle that comes with 3D design. As a result of being too big, 3D files are difficult to share, so getting the images or videos out to the public is no small feat. Even while working on the designs, teams have a hard time-sharing 3D files among each other, because of the size. Or the software required to work with 3D designs.
But the benefits are rewarding and make the struggles behind the scenes worth it- when you see how much the customers can do when they have access to 3D design features on your website, while shopping. For instance, 3D design is tailored to meet Gen Z needs. A generation that loves anything that can be customized to them specifically. Or those who are indecisive.
Consumers can use 3D design to help them with trying clothing on different body sizes. While brands can use information from a client’s profile, to customize what they offer them. From personalizing offers based on location and size to colors schemes and season.
3design has also helped the fashion industry with overcoming the challenges in making clothes that are plus sized. Now some brands are using stitch designs to create sizes XXL. Something that most brands seem to struggle with before. But it is a slow process.
3D design can even help the fashion industry in its bid to become more sustainable. By reducing or eliminating processes such as sampling, waste is reduced.
Even the beauty industry has started dabbling in 3D design with Pat McCgrath and Fenty Beauty using 3D models that only exist virtually, in some campaigns.
This process was introduced to the fashion industry 10 years ago, and there is still so much more that needs to be learned and discovered.
