3431 Study Guide Role of Product Developers Is to design apparel styles to write specifications for construction of the apparel styles to coordinate style selections to develop a product line Three types of planning Creative Planning tracks trends and interprets them for the company s target market Merchandise Planning further defines styles by developing fit standards materials and con struction specifications Production Planning links merchandising creative designs and technical design decisions to the actual construction of products Line Concept results from trend research and includes the mood theme and key elements that contribute to the identity of the line Line Development begins as the design team translates the line concepts into groups of gar ments to be delivered throughout the selling season Line Presentation consists of showing the proposed line of products to the technical design staff and sourcing managers for selection of styles to include in the season s product line Apparel Supply Chain Traditional Linear Supply Chain Fiber Production Yarn Manufacturing Textile Production Apparel Manufacturing Retailers Final Consumer Today s Supply Chain More complex and flexible than the traditional linear model includes all of the companies directly involved in designing supplying material components manufacturing and distributing apparel Core Competencies the business functions that a company is best equipped to execute Sourcing the process of procuring materials and production Collaborative Supply Chain Interactive networks of independent manufacturing specialists that join forces operationally to integrate complementary resources to respond to a market op portunity through the creation of a particular product PLM Software newer more complete enables the firm to make detailed cost estimates for new styles based on past figures to input adjustments in product costs as they evole and to keep cumulative records to measure their overall financial effectiveness Vertical Integration A strategy that seeks to consolidate a supply chain by acquiring a com pany or companies at another stage in the supply chain Business Functions Merchandising The process of planning developing and presenting product lines for identi fied target markets with regard to pricing assorting styling and timing Production The responsibility for making or manufacturing apparel products Finance Operations area that keeps track of all the accounting activities of the firm Operations Area of the from that oversees the upkeep of equipment used by employees build ing facilities and distributions activities required fro securing materials and shipping finished products Marketing Area of business that sets advertising and promotional objectives recommends sales foals creates advertising and promotional programs and tools sells products and gathers data relative to target customers Sourcing the process of procuring materials and production Trend Forecasting Color Forecasting Process begins two to two and a hla dyers in advance of a selling season Based on environmental scanning which identifies the non fashion events tha influence fashion trends and lifestyle themes 1 Color Associations The Color Marketing Group the International Colour Authority ICA and the Color Association of the United States CAUS are the largest color organiza tions They provide forums for their members to come together to discuss the various issues of color network with other industry professionals exchange information become familiar with new technology and forecast color directions 2 Textile Consortiums The Cotton Council the Wool Bureau and the Manmade Fiber Producers refine early color forecasts for their own markets 3 Color Forecasters Doneger Design Directions Huepoint and The Color Box offer subscription color services for a fee Release their forecasts about six to twelve months after or ganizations giving them more time to get a more solid prediction Four to six forecasts a year Short Term Forecasting Process of analyzing current events and pop culture to identify new trends that can be communicated to the customer through seasonal color fabric and silhouette stories to five fashion a fresh look each season Long Term Forecasting A process for analyzing and evaluating trends that are identified by continuous scanning of a variety of coerces for information Design Principles Understand the importance of design principles and how they relate to product develop ment 1 Balance refers to whether a garment is symmetrical of asymmetrical when a silhouette is divided vertically down the missile In a balanced garment the right and left sides of the body appear to be even 2 Emphasis Focal Point The first place on the garment to which the eye is drawn It may be created through a convergence of lines a combination of colors or a detail 3 Proportion The relationship or scale of all of the parts of a garment or ensemble to each other and to the body as a whole 4 Harmony Refers to the way in which all of the design elements in a garment work together to produce a pleasing aesthetic appearance and to give a feeling of unity to the design 5 Rhythm The organized movement of the eye through the related elements of a garment Rhythm can be achieved by sting silhouette lines through the use of color line or shape and through the use of repetition radiation and gradation Elements of Fit Grain reflects the direction of threads in the fabric used in a garment Set Reflects a smooth fit with no unwanted wrinkles Line Refers to the manner in which the structural lines of a garment conform to the lines of the body Balance Occurs when the right and left side of the body appear to be even when viewed from the front back and side Ease The amount of difference between the body measurements of the intended wearer and the measurements of the finished garment Line Development Parameters of Line Development Garments must be merchandised as a group to look ap pealing on the floor online or in a catalog 1 Original Designs sketch designs in order to achieve a unique fit or fluid silhouette 2 Style Modification styles from previous collections that sold well may be included in a new line with modifications made in details of styling color fabrication 3 Knockoffs Garments that are adapted or modified from products designed by other firms Assortment Plan A detailed outline of the line plan that addresses customer preferences what product how much of it what colors what sizes