During my project at Arvind Limited, I designed a range of men’s tees using indigo knits for the season Spring-Summer 2009. I also came up with a range of jackets and boleros for the season, Autumn-Winter 08-09. These designs were basically targeted at the young generation ready to experiment with styles and fabrics.
I had to undertake market research for various ready-to-wear brands like Levi’s, Spykar, Lee Cooper, Pepe Jeans and Killer. Based on the research and fabrics provided, I designed a range of tees, jackets and boleros. I also had to work upon various fabric effects achieved through dyeing, washing, tinting and printing. Working with indigo knits was a challenge every day; be it shrinkage problem, colour bleeding, hand feel, stitching or washing. Innovative solutions had to be figured out for every new style and collection.
The project gave me immense professional learning. I came to understand the links among various aspects of design like conceptualization, market research, visualization, sampling, costing, production feasibility and market sale. A correct balance was struck between the concept and the final product.
I also got a chance to have a glimpse of corporate culture. I learnt to strike a chord between the initial concept and the final product and with all the processes in between. It lent me a great deal of knowledge about the entire design process right from working with yarn to the final garment packaging.
The project helped me to explore different directions and come up with new design developments. With rich knowledge and inputs from the industry, the project has moulded me into a very different person at both personal and professional levels.
