The Contemporary Fashion Design Process for APD Sustainable Fashion

Have you ever looked at a bold, sculptural garment and wondered how it began? Maybe you’ve imagined a sketch on a page, or a beautiful fabric draped across a mannequin. The truth is, the fashion design process isn’t always glamorous or linear - it’s intuitive, creative, messy, and incredibly intentional. At Amy Page DeBlasio, every piece begins with a single idea: how can we help women express the most confident and creative version of themselves? As a woman-owned, ethically minded brand rooted in contemporary women’s fashion, our entire clothing design process is built around three core beliefs: Style should feel personal. Fashion should feel empowering. And every garment should be made with purpose. In this behind-the-scenes look, we’re sharing exactly how an APD statement piece comes to life - from inspiration and fashion market research to sustainable fabric selection, pattern making, and local production in NYC. By the time you finish reading, you’ll understand: Why fashion market research and inspiration matter for ideation How we use mood boards and fashion design sketches to bring concepts to life How we choose sustainable materials that balance structure and longevity What makes a pattern and garment sample successful How ethical, small-batch production shapes everything we create Fashion Market Research and Fashion Design Inspiration Before we ever sketch a silhouette or pin fabric to a dress form, we start with curiosity. Our goal is to understand what modern women are craving from their wardrobe - not just aesthetically, but emotionally. What inspires APD designs? Our inspiration is always a blend of: Amy's intuition (she designs what she likes and doesn't hold back) What Amy doesn't see in the market Historical silhouettes Movement, fabrics, texture, and color The needs and personal style journeys of bold, creative women But most importantly? We design for women who want their clothes to say something. Women who love expressive patterns, striking colors, thoughtful lines, and silhouettes that highlight individuality. How we approach fashion market research Our market research isn’t about chasing trends - it’s about understanding needs. We observe: The direction in which contemporary women’s fashion is moving What women are struggling to find in their closets Which silhouettes help women feel confident How life, work, travel, and lifestyle choices shape what women want to wear Instead of following fast-fashion cycles, we ask: “What’s missing? What does the APD woman need - not just now, but season after season?” This approach allows us to create pieces that feel fresh yet timeless; bold yet wearable. Visualizing the Garment: Fashion Sketches & Mood Boards Once the inspiration is clear, we start visualizing. This is the moment when creativity becomes tangible. Mood boards: Our creative foundation Before any sketching happens, we create a mood board - a collage that helps define the energy of a collection. It may include: Colors and tones Art and photography Fabric swatches Notes on movement, emotion, and silhouette direction These boards help us anchor the story behind each piece and ensure the entire collection feels cohesive and intentional. Turning ideas into fashion sketches Using the mood board as a guide, Amy begins to sketch. Fashion design sketches help us explore: Custom Prints Silhouettes Neckline and sleeve variations Construction details Color and print choices Trim, hardware, and finishings Sketching is fluid and intuitive. Some concepts evolve into final garments, while others help refine direction. Each sketch helps us evaluate proportion, movement, and personality - ensuring the design feels distinctly APD. Materials Selection: Choosing From Different Types of Fabrics Fabric selection is where creativity meets practicality. The fabric determines how a garment will move, feel, and last, so we’re extremely intentional here. What we consider when sourcing materials We ask questions like: • Will this fabric hold the structure of our design? Some silhouettes need crispness; others need fluid movement. • Is it luxurious yet functional? We design pieces you’ll want to reach for over and over. • Is it a sustainable material that will last? Durability is essential - not just for quality, but for the planet. Balancing aesthetics + ethics Every textile we choose must align with our commitment to slow fashion and sustainability. Amy personally sources all fabrics - from expressive prints (some that she designs herself!) to textured knits - ensuring each one offers: Comfort Breathability Durability Structural integrity Aesthetic harmony This step ensures that every APD garment not only looks striking but also stands up to real-life wear. Fashion Pattern Making & Sampling: Our Product Development Process With sketches and materials finalized, we move into the technical stage of the clothing design process. Pattern making: Turning sketches into blueprints Pattern making is where the garment’s architecture is developed. A successful pattern requires: Precise measurements Proper seam allowances Balanced shaping Functional movement Clean, intentional construction lines This is the step that determines the fit and overall success of the garment. Creating the first sample Once the pattern is drafted, we produce a garment sample. This allows us to evaluate: Fit Balance and proportion Movement Comfort Construction quality The sampling stage is where the garment becomes real - and we refine until the piece fully captures the bold, confident APD aesthetic. Ethical Garment Production: Local Manufacturing in NYC When the final sample is approved, we move into production - but always in thoughtful, small batches. Why we produce locally APD proudly manufactures in NYC. Producing locally allows us to: Support skilled garment workers Reduce carbon emissions Ensure ethical labor practices Maintain close oversight of quality Communicate directly with our production partners Small-batch, sustainable clothing production We don’t believe in mass production or trend chasing. Instead, we prioritize: Limited-quantity releases Thoughtful cutting to reduce waste Quality over speed Longevity over disposability This way, each APD piece receives the attention it deserves. And you receive a garment designed to last - both in quality and in style. Conclusion: Why Our Design Process Puts You First At APD, our fashion design process isn’t just about creating garments - it’s about helping you express your personality through texture, color, and form. Through our thoughtful fashion product development process, we strive to: Create expressive designs rooted in individuality Choose durable, high-quality materials with intention Prioritize ethical, small-batch production in NYC Craft garments that empower you to feel confident and unique Fashion should feel meaningful. Purposeful. Personal. And that’s exactly how every APD piece is made - from the first sketch to the final stitch. Choose fashion with purpose. Explore our sustainable, luxurious pieces built to last.