Designing Workwear for a Fashion-Forward Brand
Client
SEED BRKLYN
Timeline
Feb 2022 - Aug 2022
Role
Designer / Producer
SEED BRKLYN is a dynamic community space in BedStuy, New York where art, fashion, and culture meet. Christophe Roberts, the creative force behind SEED, enlisted my help to design two styles of custom aprons — one for baristas and another for gardeners — that would be both eye-catching and functional.
The Greenhouse Cafe at SEED BRKLYN.
How to design a durable garment that upholds the client's brand identity?
Research and Inspiration
Working together to ideate
The journey began with a conversation with Christophe about his vision for the aprons and who would be wearing them.
And, because the designs were unconventional for aprons, a deep dive into research was in order. I focused on: innovative design ideas, suitable materials, and techniques for applying embellishments.
We talked about the visual must haves: incorporating the SEED logo, multiple pockets, bright green fabric, and contrast color detail.
And the functional must-haves: one-size fits all, durable, comfortable, and easy on-and-off.
SEED logo and brand colors provided by Christophe.
I knew from the start that our chief challenges were the strap designs, so I began researching materials and then sketching rough ideas of how it might be constructed. I thought far out of the box for this one to match with Christophe's bold aesthetic.
Early stage apron sketch.
Prototyping and Iterating
Developing samples for testing
In addition to conducting research, producing technical sketches, and drafting patterns, I collaborated closely with a Brooklyn pattern maker, and an international production house to successfully complete this project.
We built a test a apron for fit and used it to determine the shape, size, and construction of the apron — especially the pockets as they were quite complex.
Fit test apron sample.
We asked ourselves: how does it fit , can it be sewn, and how can we produce it efficiently?
Once we answered these questions, we prepared the first sample to test the application and the placement of the graphics and trims.
Apron sample.
Further refinements and enhancements led to our the pre-production sample AKA the prototype.
Emphatic approval from the SEED team meant that we hit all our marks in fit, comfort, quality, and style. We were off to production!
Pre-production apron sample.
This collaboration was a journey of blending art with practicality. By intertwining Christophe’s artistic vision with functional design, we created custom aprons that not only met but exceeded expectations.
We successfully delivered 220 aprons in six months (from scratch!) and continue to fulfill their reorders to this day.
Behind the scenes photoshoot. Courtesy of SEED BRKLYN