If you dream of becoming a fashion designer, you have probably seen terms such as ready-to-wear, haute couture, resort and pre-fall. But what do they actually mean? It is much easier than it sounds.
If you dream of becoming a fashion designer, you have probably seen terms such as ready-to-wear, haute couture, resort and pre-fall. But what do they actually mean? It is much easier than it sounds.
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Ready-to-Wear, or prêt-à-porter, means clothing designed to be produced in standard sizes and sold to customers.
The two main seasonal collections are usually: Spring/Summer and Fall/Winter.
But a fashion collection is not simply a group of different clothes. The looks should be connected by one idea — through colors, silhouettes, fabrics, details or mood. For example, a designer inspired by the sea might use blue and sandy colors, flowing fabrics, wave-shaped lines and details inspired by fishing nets.
Haute Couture collections are much more elaborate.
Designers can experiment with unusual shapes, embroidery, feathers, flowers, beads and a huge amount of handwork. Some couture pieces take hundreds of hours to create.
These clothes do not always need to be practical.
Haute Couture is about showing the designer's creativity, ideas and craftsmanship. That is why couture shows can sometimes look almost like theatre.
Resort, also called Cruise, is a collection shown between the main fashion seasons. Originally, these collections were created for people travelling to warm destinations during winter. Today, Resort collections can include almost anything: dresses, suits, knitwear, trousers and even coats.
Pre-Fall is another collection released before the main Fall/Winter season. These collections are often more practical and wearable. For a future designer, they are very interesting because they show how a creative fashion idea can become clothing that people can actually wear and buy.
One of the best resources is Vogue Runway. You can explore collections from Chanel, Dior, Prada, Gucci, Valentino, Versace and hundreds of other designers. Try choosing one designer and looking at several collections from different years. You will gradually begin to notice recurring shapes, colors, fabrics and ideas. This is an excellent way to develop your fashion designer's visual eye
At the Italian E-Learning Fashion School, you can study Fashion Design online with teachers from Italy.
During the course, students create their own fashion collection, developing it from the initial idea and sketches into a complete collection of looks.
You can start from zero — no previous professional experience is required. We also offer Fashion Design training for teenagers from the age of 12.
Perhaps today you are looking at your favorite designer's collection — and one day someone will be looking at yours.
