Lectra unites fashion academics

14/12/2012
Textile industry technology provider Lectra brought together professors, education coordinators and directors from 26 fashion schools and universities from around the world at its fifth education congress in London.

There was a strong focus on 3D prototyping and pattern-making, with contributions from Lectra customers and academic institutions.

“Pattern makers play a crucial role in fashion design,” said Maggie Stott, a senior pattern cutter at retailer Warehouse. “This role is complex in that it combines both technical and creative aspects. If the amount of time-consuming tasks is reduced, pattern cutters can concentrate on the construction and volume that give character to clothes.”

Delegates from Amsterdam Fashion Institute (Netherlands), ESMOD (France), Cegep Marie-Victorin (Canada) and North Carolina State University (US) discussed how 3D virtual prototyping can be used by students for fitting and prototype validation, as well as design work, which improves the accuracy of the garment development process.

The National Institute of Fashion Technology (India) demonstrated the extent to which familiarity with the latest design and pattern-making technology is a competitive advantage that enhances the employment prospects of students in India.

Dorota Watson, subject leader, fashion at Ravensbourne college in London, said: “The event is a great way for Lectra’s Privilege partners to get together and share their views and expertise. Ultimately, students are the ones to benefit from what is discussed.”


Institutions from 11 countries were represented at the event, including Brazil, Canada, China, India and the US.