This project immerses students in the end-to-end fashion design process to support Kang’s Boutique in developing a new feminine-inspired collection. Students will gain real-world experience in trend forecasting, design development, technical production planning, and creative direction, all while learning how design choices influence brand identity, consumer demand, and business scalability.

By the end of the project, students will deliver a comprehensive capsule collection proposal complete with designs, technical packs, costing research, and a creative launch concept, simulating the responsibilities of a junior fashion designer within a growing retail brand.

Tasks Students Will Complete

Trend & Market Research (60 hrs)

• Analyze Spring/Summer 2026 fashion trends using WGSN, TikTok/Instagram, and Pinterest.
• Conduct competitor benchmarking (Aritzia, Zara, H&M, and boutique cultural fashion brands).
• Run light consumer research (surveys/interviews) to understand gaps in the feminine fashion market.

Mood Boards & Style Guides (40 hrs)

Develop multiple mood board iterations (colors, fabrics, cuts, cultural inspirations).

• Create style guides mapping target customer personas and wardrobes.

Capsule Collection Design (90 hrs)

• Produce 5–7 core garment designs, with multiple iterations per design.
• Use digital design tools (Adobe Illustrator, Procreate, CLO3D) to refine sketches.
• Incorporate accessory options (scarves, jewelry, handbags) into the line.

Fabric, Material & Sustainability Research (40 hrs)

• Research vendors and compare pricing, sourcing, and sustainability certifications.
• Develop costing sheets for each fabric and trim option.

Technical Specification Packs & Prototyping (50 hrs)

• Create detailed tech packs for each garment, including measurement charts, stitching diagrams, and finishing notes.
• Build virtual prototypes using CLO3D or equivalent software (if available).
• Outline sample testing protocols for fit, drape, and wash durability.

Launch & Creative Direction (20 hrs)

• Develop a collection name, brand story, and narrative.
• Create a photoshoot/lookbook storyboard aligned with Kang’s Boutique’s brand voice.
• Propose initial marketing tie-ins (social media teasers, online launch, pop-up styling concepts).

Expected Outcomes and Deliverables

By the end of the 300-hour project, students will deliver:

• A trend forecasting & market research report (20–25 pages).
• 3–4 mood boards and style guides showing iterative design evolution.
• 5–7 finalized design sketches (digital or hand-drawn) with detailed rationales.
• A fabric and material sourcing plan, including cost breakdowns and sustainability notes.
• Technical specification packs (tech packs) for each design, production-ready.
• Virtual prototypes of garments (if possible) or detailed mockups.
• A creative direction proposal (lookbook storyboard, collection naming, campaign theme).
• A final presentation deck to Kang’s Boutique summarizing the full collection.