A Case Study in Personalized Digitally Printed Clothing

The project presented in this paper focuses on the digitisation of the clothing product development process incorporating 3D body scanning, automatic pattern generation, visualization, digital printing and embroidery. The aim was to introduce custom print and embroidery to the existing Bodymetrics Digital Couture offer in two London retail stores. The first objective of this project was to extend the couture jeans offer in Selfridge's, and the second objective to introduce customizable suit linings for Nutters in Harrods. The current virtual data flow with the inherent processes is described and a detailed account of the research is given in two stages and illustrated with examples of the use of digital print and embroidery in each case. A description is given of the steps constituting the first stage, which involved the consumer in print and embroidery selection and the automatic extraction of his or her measurements from which a prepared pattern was produced. An engineered print was visualized on a 3D virtual image of the customer, before being cut and manufactured. For stage two of the work an account is given of the methods used for re-proportioning imagery to automatically fit different pattern sizes. The problems of CAD workflow, fabric stability during the printing process, and print registration during single ply cutting for each case are outlined, together with a summary of progress and outstanding issues.