For FMD560 Apparel Product Development
October 2023
For my Apparel Product Development course at Central Michigan University, I created a ballet-inspired brand in collaboration with two classmates. Our team, which included two visual merchandising majors and myself as the fashion design lead, developed the brand from the ground up. We conducted a comprehensive process that encompassed trend and target customer analysis, competitor research, and brand building. Across three seasons—fall, winter, and spring/summer—I designed a total of 39 garments, each available in over 120 unique colorways, ensuring a vibrant and diverse collection that resonated with our vision.
In addition to garment design, I managed all aspects of visual merchandising, including window and wall displays, to create an inviting brand atmosphere. We produced merchandise plans, line sheets, concept boards, and fabric tests while managing the PLM system. Furthermore, we devised a sourcing and costing plan, established a distribution strategy, and formulated our visual merchandising approach. Our efforts culminated in a cohesive and commercially viable brand vision, ready to captivate our target audience.
Created using Adobe Photoshop
SILHOUETTE BOARDS
COLOR, FABRIC, &
The third board, a silhouette board, showcases the dynamic shapes that echo ballet’s form and drama. Billowing, voluminous skirts and sculptural puff sleeves contrast with sleek, fitted bodices, bringing to life the flowing and poised silhouettes found on stage. Together with other silhouettes like ruching and fitted designs, found on my classmate's boards, collectively capture the elegance, drama, and timeless beauty of ballet.
The first board, a color board, embodies the dark, elegant mood of ballet’s more dramatic performances. Rich, deep blacks and shades of charcoal dominate, drawing inspiration from the haunting beauty of the black swan and the shadowy grace of ballet’s darker characters. The overall palette evokes sophistication and mystery, balancing power with refinement. This dramatic color scheme pairs beautifully with softer tones like creams and blushes found in other brand palettes, creating a versatile range that captures both the intensity and grace of ballet.
The second board highlights fabrics that bring the ballet theme to life through texture and movement. Featuring layers of delicate tulle, intricate lace, and soft, voluminous materials, this board captures the ethereal, airy feel of a dancer’s costume. These materials suggest elegance and fragility while celebrating the artistry and craft of ballet-inspired design. Paired with additional fabric choices within the brand, knits, beading, and embroidery can be found on my classmate's boards.
COMPUTER AIDED DESIGN
MERCHANDISE LINES
Created using Adobe Illustrator
MERCHANDISE
SHEETS
Created using Adobe Illustrator
Creating the merchandising sheets for Jeté was an essential part of organizing the brand's seasonal collections and refining its ballet-inspired aesthetic. I carefully arranged each garment according to the season, considering fabric weights, colors, and silhouettes to ensure a balanced, cohesive lineup. Lighter materials like tulle and lace in soft blushes and creams naturally aligned with spring/summer, while darker colorways and structured fabrics suited the fall/winter vibe, adding drama and elegance. This process helped us craft a clear, seasonal merchandising strategy that showcased Jeté’s identity while offering fresh perspectives throughout the year.
BOARDS
CONCEPT
Created using Adobe Photoshop
Each board features four models showcasing key pieces from each season, bringing the designs to life and highlighting their ballet-inspired elegance. Using Adobe Photoshop, I layered and arranged each element to ensure a cohesive and polished look that conveyed Jeté's aesthetic and brand story.
WINDOW
DIRECTIVES
Created using Adobe Express
&
WALL
A CLOSER
LOOK AT THE GARMENTS
For the final part of the brand development, I created select garments from one of our designed seasons. As a team, we decided to use the pieces from our Spring/Summer "Ballerina 'Off-Duty'" collection. I sewed a high-neck bodysuit, a draped arm sleeve, and ruffled bloomer shorts.
