Kathryn Heard Portfolio
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Projects // computer aided design

These projects integrate concept work, hand-drawn croquis, technical flats, spec packs, embroidery design, original textile design, and trend research. The final projects were created using a variation of Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and Indesign.

Senior CapstonE: A/W 2019 Womenswear

Throughout a semester-long capstone project, I worked with a team to design a brand expansion line for an existing company. We chose to design a capsule collection for a partnership between internationally-renowned designer Valentino and beauty subscription success, Birchbox. The expansion would manifest in bi-annual subscription boxes, each containing makeup, accessories, and a seasonal capsule collection of Valentino garments.

​Our target customer was a 25-35 year old woman who is vivacious and prizes her time as much as her penchant for designer fashion. She would work as a museum curator, PR consultant, creative director, or any profession that allows her to express herself. Because of her love for people, life, and career, she does not have time to shop or fuss with creating outfits. 

With the Valentino x Birchbox subscription, we provided transitional pieces for the on-the-go modern woman. Each subscription customer would receive six to eight garments, as picked by an online stylist, for her very own seasonal capsule wardrobe. The collection features sporty details, contrasting textiles, romantic movement, and value added embroideries and textures. Its colors nod to Valentino's signature red, but are grounded by neutrals for Fall 2019. This box is a celebration of confidence and femininity through elevated street style. The collection speaks to the unmistakable spirit and character of its wearer: she's strong, she's rebellious, she's a doer, she's a thinker. 

Our group collection was honored to be named "Best in Show" by IMG Fashion representatives at Auburn University's annual Fashion Event in May 2018.
Photos by Katie Duncan.
Video by Natalia Watson.
Models: Lane Allen, Abby Pool, Audra Reeves, Jihyung Sung, Laiken Baumgartner, Valerie Johnson, & Lily Nieber
Click to Download Technical Spec Pack


YMA Fashion Scholarship Fund 2019

Winning Submission

In my third year competing for the YMA Fashion Scholarship Fund, the objective was to "explore opportunities for a fashion company to expand in the global market." I chose to expand fashion rental giant Rent the Runway to London, England. The idea was to revisit one of Rent the Runway's past ventures of offering exclusive designer lines. I designed six garments for a hypothetical collaboration between Rent the Runway and Stella McCartney. 

Rent the Runway and Stella McCartney go well hand-in-hand because both are making waves in the fashion industry via support of sustainable practices. Rent the Runway discourages over-zealous consumption, while Stella McCartney uses, or is making steps to only use, recycled polyesters, naturally dyed textiles, and ethically sourced labor. This collaboration would encapsulate where forward-thinking fashion lies. 

The designs are feminine, elegant, and sophisticated, and feature a tailored look which McCartney, influenced by British fashion, often employs in her own designs. The looks are composed of vegan silk and recycled polyester in a wide array of textiles. Original prints contrast the stark white of standard bridal design, add contrast, and breathe life into the garments by way of representing living natural forms. 

Below you will see my research, concept board, materials, design development, fabric explanation, garment board, specs for three looks, and Stella McCartney's explanation of sustainable textiles, which she and the proposed line use. 

My case study was chosen as a winning submission for the YMA Fashion Scholarship Fund for its gala in January 2019.

yma fashion scholarship fund 2018

winning submission

In my second year competing for the YMA Fashion Scholarship Fund, I chose a company to research for my case study, with the objective of "explor[ing] how the weaving together of digital technology with offline shopping can improve the performance of a fashion retailer of your choice." I chose to research bridal designer Hayley Paige and conceptualize a digitally enhanced store experience and a customizable bridal collection called the Adorned Experience.

Through the Adorned Experience, a bride would be able to design her dream gown from a variety of choices (the bodice, skirt, fabrication, applique, and beading) in the flagship store for Hayley Paige bridal. By using a smart tablet, video boards, and a real-time 3-D responsive mirror, the bride could design a gown and see it on herself realistically then and there. It would take out the guess work out of customization, which could soon and very well be an integral concept in the future of fashion, due to technological advancements.

Below you will see my research, store design, digital software mockup, customization choices, concept board, materials, and the options I provided for the collection, as well as illustrated looks to display potential end product based on consumer choices. 

My case study was chosen as a winning submission for the YMA Fashion Scholarship Fund in January 2018.

yma fashion scholarship fund 2017

winning submission

YMA Fashion Scholarship Fund Website
"The mission of the Fashion Scholarship Fund is to advance the fashion industry by encouraging gifted and enterprising young people to pursue careers in design, merchandising, retailing and business, ensuring the industry will continue to attract dedicated, capable and creative individuals."
This national competition awards scholarships to winning students who submit case studies based on a problem that the YMA provides. This year, the objective of the case study was to design a line of 6 to 8 pieces that could be used in some way to enmesh Macy's and Etsy in a way that benefits all parties. For the case study, I designed hang tags and labels, performed a SWOT analysis on the companies involved, illustrated my looks, created technical flats, and wrote a research-based case study.

I designed the brand Uncommon. It's a resort line for professional millennial women that need options, unique products, and easy-going pairings and silhouettes. I sourced the fabrics for this line from individual Etsy sellers from all around the world. This made it so that the products I designed would have more of an artistic, eclectic, and personal feel. This idea would be further pursued in the method that the products would be sold. Based on research of my peers, many busy working women prefer smaller boutique-like settings with a narrower selection. This line would be sold in Etsy pop up shops in Macy's stores (such as the Macy's flagship store on 5th Avenue in New York ), with individualized merchandising and decorations. This brand would benefit Macy's with floor sales, the Etsy website (as it has been losing vendors) with vendor loyalty, and the individual Etsy artists who might stay on Etsy with a chance to sell their textiles to be in production.

My case study was chosen as a winning submission for the YMA Fashion Scholarship Fund in January 2017.

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​Pattern Play: S/S 2019 Mixed Market

This coordinating family beachwear line features two original repeat prints. These bright and festive prints and colors would be perfect for a beach trip in the summer. Printed on a swim fabric of 80% polyester and 20% spandex, "Pattern Play" features appropriate looks for all members of the family.

What Goes Around: A/w 2018 Womenswear

I designed this collection for Anthropologie's Fall 2018 line. After conducting extensive trend research, I designed four looks for four different occasions, i.e. a casual get together, a seasonal cocktail party, a casual weekend event, or the board room. Sumptous fabrics and textures elevate each piece to Anthropologie's standard of sophistication and detail. I incorporated nostalgic colors, textures, and silhouettes of the 70's to represent the circular swing of life, which was inspired by a recent trend of circular hardware in fashion.

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​Watercolor: S/S 2018 Textiles

These textile designs were inspired by the color and easy going vibes of American beaches. Offered in two versatile color ways, these repeat patterns were intended to mimic watercolor strokes and organic shapes with color, rhythm, and depth. Watercolor could very well be made into vibrant swimsuits and beach wear for the target market of women ages 16-26. ​

​​Barcelona: S/S 2018 Engineered Textiles

Barcelona is a collection of simple sheath dresses with punchy, colorful textiles inspired by the Spanish city. In an effort to reduce waste, these engineered textiles could be printed solely on pattern pieces instead of full bolts of fabric. As a result, engineered textiles would save the producer valuable time and money.


​Foster: Pre-Fall 2017 Womenswear

For a project in a Computer Aided Design class, I created a collection of five looks based on market and consumer research, as well as my own personal style. Below, you will see target market information, a concept board, digitally edited croquis, fabric selections, technical flats, and color way offerings.
​
I created a quirky collection that nods to the seventies. I was inspired by a recent trip to New York City, where I was inspired by the streets of the Garment District. My target market is a young woman in a creative field that loves to express herself -- she fosters her creative side in everything she does. I often crave strong and simple silhouettes with textural details, so this collection speaks to that. I chose hues in a nostalgic seventies color palette to juxtapose crisp whites, and I believe that these colors together make the palette more modern. These flirty silhouettes are ideal for a young, vibrant woman living in the city.

​​Dichotomy: A/W 2017 Menswear

​Based on megatrend research for fall 2017, Dichotomy infuses nostalgic fabrics and colors for a retro feel, all the while incorporating modern trends such as joggers. Dichotomy exudes intriguing contrast and an effortlessly sartorial look.

technical flat Archive


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