3D Technology at QVC from a Technical Designer Perspective

Interviewing: Sara Goryl (Technical Designer at QVC)

This has allowed me to not only gain further insight from Sara's previous experience but how she has adapted with the industry and her current company. With previous expose to 3D nearly 14 years ago said is well versed and continues to explore this growing side of the industry daily. There is continues learning going forward regarding 3D tech and endless possibilities in the future which will allow our business & industry to grow. Sara highlights the possibilities for 3D in the future within her specific role.

*Below is a 3D fitting snapshot- typically done in block patterns or a fabrication that has been used greatly prior. This is an example of how seamless a 3D fit can be. However that being said there are complications as well- just as a physical garment is constructed which can alter the appearance same goes for a 3D figure*

1. What is your current potion, and do you use 3d tech?

Technical Designer, I do not currently work in a 3D program but am on a team that is establishing standards and procedures as we are working with a few of our vendors requesting certain proto samples on 3D avatars instead of physical samples. We also use 3D cross-functionally to review graphic placements as well as any print-matching concerns in garment form.

2. Do you have previous experience with CLO or any additional 3D technology’s?

I worked in Browzwear for a brief time several years ago at a previous company. Currently our vendors work with CLO and we only evaluate the 3D images they send us; we are not currently working in a 3D program. I am on a team establishing standards for the vendors as far as lighting, angle, friction, etc. We are also determining how to grow our 3D program, for example adding additional fabrics/brands.

3. How long have you been utilizing 3D?

My first exposure to 3D was about 14 years ago, when I briefly worked in Browzwear. For a while I did not use it at all until about one year ago when we started the pilot program here.

4. What were some worries when first launching into the 3D space- for the specific brand you support & in general?

I think it is important to have a good starting point when venturing into 3D. For example starting with established blocks in existing fabrications. Our 3D pilot program started with only 3 brands and 1-2 existing fabrications in each of these brands. The brands testing it out are block-driven brands. We also started with knit tops and are now exploring few knit dresses and knit bottoms. There are only 3 vendors that are part of our 3D pilot program as we feel confident in the skills of their 3D technician. It would be concerning to use 3D for a woven fabric with less stretch, we rely on our fit models for feedback regarding movement and comfort.

5. Can you describe challenge you or the company in which you work for has had within this space.

In 3D same as cutting and sewing a physical sample there is still some concern about inconsistencies and varying skill levels of the person working in 3D. Two people can start out with the same information and come up with two very different results. There is a lot that goes into dressing/styling the garment on the avatar in the 3D program and making sure the fabric properties are correct.

6. Where do you foresee the 3D world going in the future?

I think the next steps will be seeing full size runs in 3D as well as potentially petite/tall samples. As mentioned above it is also a great tool for graphic and print placements.

Could 3D eliminate samples all together?

I don’t think the 3D software is currently at a place where it can completely replace physical fit samples but it can definitely cut down on the number of physical samples needed.