by finding out if there were already products on the market like swimwear or clothing made with special fabrics that provide skin care and protection, or if there was an opportunity to create something for the fashion industry using smart fabrics with these characteristics.
I looked into the different types of smart fabrics or fabrics with special qualities that are available and their treatments to improve their quality or provide additional benefits.
First challenge:
Is there a type of unicorn that can provide both skin care and protection from the sun without the need to hide?
14 designs were chosen that in total were 20 references (I had no idea that this was how the garments were developed)
The process consisted of taking the samples from those references, and then making the samples with the chosen fabrics to test them
Emotionally, I had something to prove and in retrospect, I felt a sense of urgency to break free from my comfort zone, which caused me to make impulsive decisions without calmly evaluating all the possible scenarios where things could go wrong (and unfortunately, most of them did).
I was challenged by fabric optimization, as the cost of fabric per reference was much higher than expected. I attempted to decrease the styles of the fabrics to reduce costs, but this resulted in limited options for the final product.
Furthermore, I encountered challenges in securing a swimsuit manufacturer after the previous setbacks with the designer, as many were hesitant to take on the project due to its unconventional nature. In order to secure their services, I even agreed to increase the rate for the clothing, but unfortunately, they were short-sighted and did not prioritize the project as I had hoped.
Firt one
I was eager to prove myself and launch a successful clothing line, but my lack of objectivity led me to make hasty decisions without fully evaluating the potential consequences. I soon learned that creating a garment is a complex process, with fabric testing and mold creation being crucial steps. Ignoring these steps can result in a garment that doesn't work as intended, leading to production delays and potential failure.
Second one
I didn't have any prior knowledge of the fashion industry, and my inexperience caused me to overlook red flags and fall victim to a scam. My designer partner and manufacturer that was supposed to come with her in the plan package, was pocketing all the money I invested, while delivering shoddy samples and excuses. I was devastated, but eventually, I bounced back, and I realized that I still have a wealth of ideas and drive to continue my journey in fashion.
Third one
A project must be approached incrementally, with small sales tests to gauge customer reactions and gradually increase production based on their feedback. Starting with a production run of 30 references without experience is a recipe for disaster. The development of a single reference can cost upwards of 500,000 pesos, including all the tests and samples required. This investment should be released only after careful evaluation and consideration.
Fourth one
I learned the hard way that fashion is a challenging industry and that extreme positivity can blind you to reality. To avoid making the same mistakes, I started to educate myself about the industry and learned to identify warning signs. I also realized the importance of mold recycling, as it saves development costs for future designs and references.