Developing and perfecting a fashion range plan (2024)

by Jason Lee Coates

Jason shares specific tips and tricks about creating a cohesive and interesting
range plan consisting of wearable, sensible, and unique pieces.

In the last two blogs, I talked about how an idea and a theme must be clearly established to create a collection. Now it’s time to make it into a RANGE. A range consists of a variety of looks for the collection that fit within the theme while ensuring that each has its own unique point. To create interest, each range needs to offer an assortment of looks at different price points.

In other words, a range plan is a visual chart of your collection. It allows you to further imagine how the pieces will coordinate together and how each contributes to the whole look of the collection. Below are some examples of range plans of major international designers from previous seasons. Here, you can see that it’s all about a mix and match of multiple items.

Developing and perfecting a fashion range plan (1)

Developing and perfecting a fashion range plan (2)

Developing and perfecting a fashion range plan (3)


At this point, it is essential to step away from yourself and give your collection the critical eye it needs. Learn to detach from the personal. Be as objective as you can to see what your collection needs, which is not necessarily just what you want.

In the last month, our eight PHx Tokyo designers have been working on finessing the range plans that they have created, working within the bounds of their category – jewelery, bags, menswear, womenswear – as well as relating it to their themes. It’s getting to a crucial stage because this is the last period where the collection is solely in 2D. It is the moment that I like to call RANGE EVOLUTION.

As you can imagine, every designer’s approach is different, as is every fashion business and brand, but there are certain rules or guidelines to consider. Having the correct proportions and silhouettes for the range as well as confirming the right quotient of pieces for a collection are two of the most essential. You don’t want to bore a fashion buyer by showing too few pieces, too many, or a poorly merchandised collection.

It’s a difficult task, as obviously accessories brands differ from clothing, but ultimately it comes down to having a concise edit whilst still showing your artistry. I have been constantly emphasizing how EDITING is necessary but even more so at this point. It’s the time when I’d really like to challenge you to push yourself beyond what you think you can do in order to create something new and fascinating. A beautiful and well put together collection is not enough; it also needs to inspire curiosity.

This is where fabrication comes into play. We went on a virtual field trip to some Japanese fabric suppliers to help infuse the PHx Tokyo collections with options of more technical or glamorous fabrications that may not be available in the Philippines.

Fabrications can gain a new character through manipulation, clever draping and handwork, and when done correctly, contribute to the uniqueness of the pieces. Do you have to make use of Japanese fabrics to create this uniqueness especially if you are targeting the market? Not necessarily. Working with fabrics created by Filipino artisans can also work for you, especially if it will allow you to create textural characteristics that are globally distinct. Japanese buyers may also find the storyline fascinating, and we all know that these modern consumers thrive on these selling points.

With this editing and evolution comes a move to the next level as well, where a designer must consider attention to detail – finishing, buttons, seaming, labeling and tagging. Japanese buyers and most serious international buyers will be focused on not only the overall image of a brand but also the quality and details associated with it. I always say that it doesn’t matter so much how a garment looks on the outside if it is a hot mess inside. Darlings, this is fashion, not clothes!

Evolution is about spending more time and consideration on pushing the limits of your talent. It is about finesse and clarity and simple storytelling. When you have figured and perfected all that out, next comes sampling…and that’s a whole different ballgame, so until my next blog.


Check out other articles for this series:

Part 1: Beat designer’s block: finding inspiration for your next fashion collection
Part 2: Concept with core for your collection’s theme

Jason Lee Coates is a prominent fashion stylist, magazine editor and fashion agent based in Tokyo, Japan. He, along with H3O Fashion Bureau co-director Hirohito Suzuki, has been mentoring the eight Filipino designers of CITEM’s PHx TOKYO.

Developing and perfecting a fashion range plan (2024)

FAQs

How do you develop fashion design ideas? ›

How to Create a Fashion Concept
  1. Look closely at the shape of the design and any other tiny shapes that appear inside it (like geometric lines) and see what can be created from it. ...
  2. Now take a closer look at the textures layered within the design. ...
  3. Next, you can play with colour. ...
  4. Look at the lines. ...
  5. Finally, the pattern.
Mar 4, 2021

What is range planning in fashion? ›

Line / Range Planning

A Line Plan (Range Plan) is a roadmap used for laying out the option counts of a new collection by attributes such as end-use, price band, color group, print type, etc., to ensure alignment between Design, Merchandising, and Sourcing teams.

What is the 5 steps of Planning a fashion show? ›

5 Key Tips for Planning a Fashion Show
  • Utilise technology as much as possible. It's important for anyone planning a fashion show to embrace technology. ...
  • Choose the right models. ...
  • Make sure the atmosphere is right. ...
  • Schedule in practice runs. ...
  • Make guests feel special.
Jan 16, 2020

Why is a range plan important in fashion? ›

It allows a business to check that they are making a profit (money) from the range. The cost of each garment is calculated according the the materials used and time it takes to manufacture. A store will add a mark-up to each garment so that they can also make a profit.

How do you answer a fashion interview question? ›

General questions
  1. Why are you interested in a career in fashion?
  2. Tell me about your educational background.
  3. Walk me through your resume.
  4. What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?
  5. What interests you about this specific role?
  6. What do you know about our company?
  7. Who do you follow in the fashion industry?
Jun 24, 2022

How do you develop fashion knowledge? ›

How to learn about the fashion industry
  1. Review trends on social media. ...
  2. Sign up for newsletters. ...
  3. Read books about the history of fashion. ...
  4. Connect with fashion designers in your area. ...
  5. Find a mentor who can offer insight. ...
  6. Pursue experiential learning opportunities. ...
  7. Consider studying fashion formally.
Jun 24, 2022

What are the benefits of range planning? ›

A key purpose of the long-range plan is to avoid random, non-specific growth and focus the organization's skills toward those areas where it excels, such as making high-quality consumer goods.

What is a range plan? ›

A Range Plan is a document that captures all of the products you will be selling, information about those products (your cost price, the selling price, the profit margin, colour, supplier, lead time etc), your forecasted sales of each product and how many units you need to buy/produce for the time period you'll be ...

What is a product range plan? ›

A product range plan is a detailed, written overview of your entire collection. It helps you keep track of product parameters such as style numbers and names, number of styles, colors, variations, and features. It also includes financial information and sales forecasting.

What are key elements to a fashion business plan? ›

The ten essential elements for a clothing business plan are the executive summary, overview, product/service description, market analysis, competitor analysis, marketing plan, sales strategy, production plan, operation plan, and financial projections.

What are five top strategies for the fashion business? ›

5 Strategies To Improve Profitability In The Apparel Business
  • Consider vertical integration. ...
  • Improve customer service. ...
  • Consider other investments too. ...
  • Work on employee morale.

What are the biggest challenges in improving the fashion industry? ›

Challenges In Fashion Industry
  • Increasing International Competition.
  • Exploitation of laour.
  • Competition.
  • Sustainability.
  • Production difficulties.
  • Increasing pollution.
  • Technological difficulties.
  • Consumption issues.
Nov 23, 2022

What are the 5 C's of fashion? ›

Five strategies, called the "Five C's of Style," can help you revise a draft: cut, check for action, connect, commit, and choose your words.

What are the four 4 basic elements of fashion design? ›

The four basic ingredients or elements of design used in fashion are shape or silhouette, line, colour and texture. A silhouette can be described as the outline of the entire garment. This is the most obvious visual element of the garment.

How do you plan a fashion show checklist? ›

5 steps for planning a successful fashion show
  1. Pick a venue. The first step in organising your star runway show is to carefully select a venue that will complement your collection and vision. ...
  2. Choose models. ...
  3. Select a theme and clothing. ...
  4. Create an atmosphere. ...
  5. Market, promote, and organise.

What is range presentation? ›

Range – This is simply an agenda (agenda doesn't fit into INTRO). Ensure that your presentation has a clear agenda or list of items you are going to cover. Objectives – What are the objectives of the presentation. Help people to see what they will know, understand, be able to do etc.

What is the most important element in fashion? ›

Silhouettes. The silhouette is one of the most important elements of fashion design. It is the basic shape, outline and style of the clothing.

What is range architecture in fashion retail? ›

Range Architecture: Optimum width and depth combination

These two elements combine to make up the store's product assortment or merchandise mix. Finding a balance between product width, depth, and the merchandise mix will be critical to a retail store's success.

How do you pass a fashion interview? ›

Interview tips for fashion designers
  1. Know the brand, retailer or supplier... Make sure you get to a store! ...
  2. Know your portfolio back to front. ...
  3. Take pride in your work. ...
  4. To lead or to follow? ...
  5. Speak out! ...
  6. Don't be afraid to ask questions. ...
  7. Added extras.

How can I impress in a fashion interview? ›

How to prepare for a fashion job interview
  1. Know everything about the brand. ...
  2. Find out who will be interviewing you. ...
  3. Understand the job role you're applying for. ...
  4. Research and develop ideas. ...
  5. List what you want them to know about you. ...
  6. Prepare for interview questions they may ask.
Dec 7, 2020

What is fashion best answer? ›

Fashion is best defined simply as the style or styles of clothing and accessories worn at any given time by groups of people.

What are the key skills for success in the fashion industry? ›

18 fashion designer skills
  • Creativity. Fashion design is a creative profession that requires innovation and imagination. ...
  • Art skills. Fashion designers are often skilled artists. ...
  • Computer skills. ...
  • Communication skills. ...
  • Interpersonal skills. ...
  • Attention to detail. ...
  • Sewing and crafting. ...
  • Dexterity.
Aug 12, 2022

What skills do you learn in fashion? ›

Skills and qualities
  • good communication, presentation and negotiation skills.
  • creative and artistic skills.
  • flexibility to adapt designs to suit clients' needs.
  • good organisation and planning skills.
  • an understanding of different fabrics and clothes making.
  • an interest in fashion and new fashion trends.

What is the 7 elements of fashion design? ›

What Are the Elements of Design? The elements of design are the fundamental aspects of any visual design which include shape, color, space, form, line, value, and texture.

What is idea development in fashion? ›

It is the point from where the ideas are going to start and the basic shape of the design would be conceptualized. The ideas might spring upon a designer at any moment of time. The important thing to keep in mind is that the idea or concept should gel with the market.

Why is a long-range plan important? ›

A long-range plan is a guide that can help an organization reach a growth goal. These plans might be a part of a company's strategic plan, which is a comprehensive framework that determines the direction of an organization.

What is the strategy of planning? ›

Strategic planning is a process in which an organization's leaders define their vision for the future and identify their organization's goals and objectives. The process includes establishing the sequence in which those goals should be realized so that the organization can reach its stated vision.

What strategy is long range planning a part of? ›

Long-range planning is an important piece of the financial planning scope – and one that informs tactical budgeting and forecasting cycles and strategic mid-range planning to drive towards future business performance.

What is the short range planning? ›

SHORT-RANGE PLANNING. Finally, short-range planning covers time periods of one year or less. These plans focus on day-to-day activities and provide a concrete base for evaluating progress toward the achievement of intermediate and long-range plans. CONTINGENCY PLANNING.

What is a medium range planning? ›

Planning over a period of between about 10 and 25 years into the future, which is intermediate between short‐range planning and long‐range planning. Also known as middle term planning or mid‐term planning.

What is the range brand strategy? ›

A broad strategy in which a firm develops separate product range names for different families of product.

What is an example of range branding strategy? ›

For example, Nestle uses its Maggi brand for its range of fast foods like Maggi noodles, sauces, super seasonings, Tonite's special, dosa mixes and soups.

What does range mean in retail? ›

Range is the difference between a market's highest and lowest price in a given period.

What are the 4 core areas in a fashion business? ›

The four basic components of the primary level are: fiber processing, yarn production, fabric production and fabric finishing.

What is product planning fashion? ›

Product development in fashion is the process of designing, planning, and developing saleable products for the target consumer. The purpose of product development is to certify that the manufacturer understands and follows the specifications established to build a specific product.

What are the 4 key business strategies? ›

Four generic business-level strategies emerge from these decisions: (1) cost leadership, (2) differentiation, (3) focused cost leadership, and (4) focused differentiation. In rare cases, firms are able to offer both low prices and unique features that customers find desirable.

What are the 4 brand growth strategies? ›

4 Brand Growth Strategies

The four brand strategies are line extension, brand extension, new brand strategy, and flanker/fight brand strategy.

What are the 4 key strategies? ›

The four most widely accepted key components of corporate strategy are visioning, objective setting, resource allocation, and prioritization.

What are the 3 biggest influences on fashion? ›

Fashion Designing Basics: Factors Influencing Popular Fashion
  • Fashion Forecast (Colour & Fabric) Deciding the colour, fabric and look for the upcoming season is something that every designer works on. ...
  • Movies & Music. The entertainment world is a major influencer of fashion. ...
  • Fashion Stylist. ...
  • Economy of a Country.
Dec 20, 2017

What are the four major factors affecting fashion? ›

But along with it, the following are some other significant factors that influence fashion:
  • Psychological Factor.
  • Social Factor.
  • Economic Factor.
  • Cultural Factor.
  • Political Factor.
  • Environmental Factor.
  • Physiological Factor.
Oct 13, 2022

How do you create a fashion trend forecast? ›

3 basic steps for effective fashion forecasting
  1. Step 1: Hunt. Trend experts search and document trends as they surface. ...
  2. Step 2: Identify. The research is edited into key themes. ...
  3. Step 3: Gather.

What makes a good fashion sense? ›

Having a good fashion sense is having an instinct for how clothes look when worn together and how those clothes can make an outfit that both looks good and expresses something about you. It isn't about knowing any sort of formula or the absolute and only correct way to dress.

How would you describe your personal style examples? ›

A - I like to be casual and down to earth, I love comfort and easy to care for clothes. B - I am organised and practical and prefer to fill my wardrobe with versatile investment pieces. C - I am spirited and self expressed and originality is key.

How do I find my personal style? ›

How to find your personal style
  1. Spend a day looking at clothes—but don't buy anything yet. ...
  2. Use Pinterest as a mood board. ...
  3. Step outside of your comfort zone. ...
  4. Start slow and evaluate the clothes you wear on a daily basis. ...
  5. Mimic the looks of people whose fashion you adore. ...
  6. Clean out your closet regularly.
Apr 6, 2023

What are the 4 things fashion forecasting involve? ›

The fashion forecast process includes basic steps of understanding the vision of the business and profile of target customers, collecting information about available merchandise, preparing information, determining trend, and choosing merchandise appropriate for the company and target customers.

What are the seven steps in developing a usable fashion forecast? ›

7 Steps in Developing a Forecast

Determine the causes of change in the past. Determine the difference between past forecasts and actual behaviors. Determine the factors likely to affect trends in the future. Apply forecasting tools and techniques while paying attention to issues of accuracy and reliability.

What are examples of fashion forecasting? ›

Fashion forecasting involves the following activities such as studying market conditions, noting the life style of the people, researching sales statistics, evaluating popular designer collections, surveying fashion publications, observing street fashions etc.

What is a short range plan? ›

SHORT-RANGE PLANNING. Finally, short-range planning covers time periods of one year or less. These plans focus on day-to-day activities and provide a concrete base for evaluating progress toward the achievement of intermediate and long-range plans. CONTINGENCY PLANNING.

Why is a long range plan important? ›

A long-range plan is a guide that can help an organization reach a growth goal. These plans might be a part of a company's strategic plan, which is a comprehensive framework that determines the direction of an organization.

What are the examples of range branding? ›

For example, Nestle uses its Maggi brand for its range of fast foods like Maggi noodles, sauces, super seasonings, Tonite's special, dosa mixes and soups.

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