So I have been sitting here looking at my own fashion design ideas, and I realized that I have been assuming I know what people want and like. I am about to start working on some new designs, ones that are more for everyday wear, but still have that cyber/goth/freak/rave touch that makes them individual and standout, as well as expanding my eveningwear line to include more 'classic' styles, such as the basic pixie hemline and bell sleeved dresses that so often are found in a goth wardrobe. I also hope to start up a 'business goth' line, clothing for those who have to dress within the confines of an office (like myself).
But before I sit down and really begin to draw, I thought I'd ask all of YOU - the people who (I hope) will eventually be wearing the clothes I design - what YOU want out of your clothes. What are YOU looking for when you go shopping? What details excite you? What disgusts you? If you could have one item of clothing, what would it be? What is your favorite hemline? Style of pant? Are you a bellbottom or a palazzo? Cigarette or loose fit?
Tell me how to design clothing for you, so I can stop feeling like an ass for assuming that all ravers want to dress like cartoons or that all goths must be either cyber or vampire.
I can't wait to hear from you all!
-shell-

i wanna look just like tank girl !!!!

anything from the Mad Max movies. make Max's leather jacket from the original movie. with the riveted shoulder pads.

some less revealing gothic lolita-esque items might be nice

mmm- good. more, i need more!
-shell-

I don't wear pants, unless they're PVC, which means they're usually skin tight.
I usually design my own stuff and friends make them. Except for the exceptional corsets I own from London.
But were I to shop randomly these would be important:

One off's- I hate mass production of anything, unless it's non-descript like PVC pants for instance, or your average Mortisha velvet skirts- there are plenty of those afloat but everyone makes them individual in the manner they wear them. But this is not cost effective for a lot of people which is sad.

Don't steal designs if a client brings one of their own.

Excellent finishes- i.e. the inside musn't look like a frenzied attack by a rampant sewing machine! It's imperative the item looks as good inside as out- hence why I love it when local designers put purple satin lining in corsetry for instance!

Get sizing right, that is crucial- variety of sizes too! Some stuff from Black Rose I tried on had the most obscure sizing- bust 38 just about, waist 32 I'd say and arms and shoulders somewhere in between. Which makes the item good for individual parts only- cutting up the bottom to become a skirt, sleeves to be worked onto another top etc. So proportion with sizing is vital.

I cannot give you examples of actual styles because I think starting out these issues are really more important. When it comes to design, don't copy, go with your gut, your inspiration. Be creative. Look around you at what people are wearing and then transform it into your individual style. Be inventive, that is what will get you noticed!

and things that arent too delicate for those of us with children, puke needs to be removed!

Yeah and don't make anything that looks like those big-ass raver pants that people like Mac, Mac Girl, Kikwear, or some shit like M2 makes. I used to wear pants like that. Some shit I went through when I was like 13...

keywords:

originality
attention to detail

sybelle, you forgot Mad Max.

whats that?

hey guys thanks for the suggestions! of course, as a designer, i wouldnt put out clothing that wasnt well made or not original. i just want to put out clothing that people will want to wear, so i thought id ask for some input so i could refresh my design inspiration. i appreciate all the input, keep it coming!
-shell-

Trousers for us shorter people would be cool, they never seem to do trousers for people who are shorter than about 5'4