Design an athleisure line consisting of eight current styles for the upcoming Spring/Summer 2022 season. Create a color story, mood board, and 12 pattern variations for your collection.

The Ask

Color Story and Icons

The Process

When asked to create an athleisure line, I chose one of my favorite artists, Andy Warhol, as my inspiration. I wanted to create a vibrant and energetic line designed exclusively for free spirited children, inspired by the iconic Andy Warhol and colorful world of Pop Art. This collection combines the spunky youthfulness of children with the bold and vibrant aesthetic that defined the Pop Art movement. I first created a mood board consisting of famous works by Warhol, as well as other colorful magazine covers and photos. As for the patterns, I took the most prominent shapes from various Pop Art pieces, including the iconic banana and hibiscus flower figures that are widely associated with Warhol. Using the color selector tool on Adobe Illustrator, I chose the most vibrant versions of various primary colors, resulting in a brightly colored palette.

Favorite Pieces

Garment Design

After creating my patterns, I then used Adobe Illustrator’s pen tool to create garment outlines based on various athletic wear flats. Understanding the active lifestyle of children, this collection prioritizes comfort and functionality. It features stretchy fabrics, elastic waistbands, and comfortable designs, ensuring that kids can move freely and play without any restrictions. The collection includes leggings, shorts, a sweatshirt, and various tops that seamlessly blend style with functionality. Each design was then given a playful product name, material list, size list, and SKU to simulate a real line development.

The last step of my process was to create a complete line sheet and create a name for it. I chose the name “Happy Hour”, which is a term commonly associated with a time of day dedicated to relaxation, enjoyment, and socializing. By infusing this concept into a children's athletic clothing line, the name suggests that wearing these garments is akin to entering a joyful and carefree zone. The juxtaposition of "Happy Hour" with children's athletics creates a dynamic and energetic vibe. It suggests that physical activity and play are not just routines but enjoyable experiences filled with enthusiasm and positivity. The collection aims to convey a sense of fun and celebration, emphasizing the lively and carefree nature of childhood.

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Patterns

Utilizing Adobe Illustrator and the color wheel, I generated distinct patterns by tracing my icons and employing complimenting color duos. I aimed for my six patterns to burst with a kaleidoscope of bold colors and playful patterns, mirroring Warhol's love for vibrant hues and eye-catching designs. From warm pastels to electric blues, each pattern aims to bring a sense of joy and energy to the world of children's fashion.

Pictured below are two of my favorite pieces in the “Happy Hour” collection. The “Flower Power” tee is inspired by Andy Warhol’s famous painting, “Flowers 73”. This piece is featured in three different pastel color ways. It’s perfect for the quiet, yet spunky girl. The “I Love You” tank is another favorite of mine, as it features an ombre style heart pattern. It boasts more vibrant colors and makes a perfect staple piece for any girl’s wardrobe.

The Finished Collection:

“Happy Hour” by Athleta

The Result

This project helped me further my knowledge in both Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop. Prior to this project, I had little to no knowledge in the process of pattern creation, garment design, and overall product development. I usually only focus on womenswear, so creating a collection for children was challenging, yet fun task. This project definitely allowed me to travel outside of my comfort zone, but I believe it taught me many valuable lessons that I can utilize in future tasks.

Happy Hour Collection

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