Transition to Digital Sampling with our Introduction to CLO 3D course

Tracey Eden Willis

As we prepare to deliver our first face-to-face course “Introduction to CLO 3D” commencing on the 14 May, we take some time out to speak with our industry expert, digital fashion trailblazer and course facilitator Tracey Eden Willis.

*****

CoE: What is CLO 3D?

T.EW: In Australia, CLO 3D stands as a relatively recent addition, encapsulating various facets of the fashion industry. It seamlessly integrates design and illustration, patternmaking, fabric selection, construction, production preparation, tech pack creation sales and marketing.

This platform harmonises visually with technical flat patternmaking and design, diminishing the necessity for excessive sampling and promoting sustainable garment development practices.

CoE: Can you provide an overview of your experience with CLO 3D and your background in the fashion industry?

T.EW: Over the past few years, I've steadily built my proficiency in 3D technology, starting from initial design and development stages and guiding products through fitting to final production. This technology offers comprehensive end-to-end capability.

I've discovered that not only is the process economically efficient, but it also significantly fosters sustainable practices. Collaborating with the design process using 3D is instantaneous, with accurate real-time representations.

With over 45 years of experience in the Australian Fashion Industry, my focus has primarily been on design, pattern development, pattern draping, and managing design rooms. I've had the opportunity to work in diverse locations such as India, Vietnam, and Hong Kong, establishing sample and design rooms within factories and design hubs.

Throughout my career, I've been fortunate to contribute to numerous runway productions, each providing valuable lessons and exhilarating experiences. Overall, I've had the privilege of engaging with all facets of fashion design development and marketing.

CoE: What are the key features and benefits of CLO 3D for sustainable fashion design and development?

T.EW: CLO 3D is immediate! What you are developing on screen, you see with real technology.  

You can utilise every aspect of this sophisticated tool to accurately fit and experiment, creating designs ranging from simple to highly intricate. In traditional design workflows, it is common to produce 2 to 3 garment samples before considering moving forward to production samples. However, working with CLO eliminates the need for numerous development samples, resulting in a more sustainable sample process.

With CLO 3D, the final garment rendering process becomes streamlined. It even removes the necessity for flat lay imagery typically used in marketing materials. Final product images generated in CLO 3D can seamlessly transition between online and print formats.

Additionally, CLO 3D offers the capability of animation, allowing sales, marketing, and design teams to visualise and appreciate the dynamic nature of the garment. This feature not only impresses users but also reduces excessive sampling, contributing to a more efficient workflow.

CoE: What are the main topics and learning outcomes that students can expect from your introductory course on CLO 3D?

T.EW: Over the course of the 6 weeks, we will delve into two distinct styles of patternmaking, employing the basic pattern and sewing tools integral to 3D workflows. We'll explore various fabrications and adeptly manipulate the Avatar (mannequin) within the program.

Throughout the course, we'll also focus on using and manipulating the render, lighting, and image capture processes. Ultimately, you'll progress from conceptualisation to producing a final render, utilising both 3D and 2D formats, and leveraging all fundamental tools at your disposal.

Please note applicants enrolling will need to be competent in Adobe Illustrator and Microsoft Office.

This course is the pre-requisite for a suite of CLO 3D courses to be rolled out over the year which will include:

·    Digital Advanced pattern techniques with CLO 3D

·    Digital block drafting with CLO 3D

·    Digital draping for patternmaking with CLO 3D

·    Digital rendering and animation with CLO 3D

Enrol here.