Application
This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge to design structured bras and swimwear for production.
The unit of competency applies to designs which include structured foundations. Bras and swimwear that do not include these components are covered in other fashion design units.
The unit of competency applies to a variety of fabrics and garments which may be produced by an individual or design team. The extent and nature of product design will depend on the products individual workplace.
Work may be conducted in small to large scale enterprises and may involve individual and team activities.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. | ||
1 | Determine job requirements | 1.1 | Follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) |
1.2 | Comply with work health and safety (WHS) requirements at all times | ||
1.3 | Use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) in accordance with SOPs | ||
1.4 | Identify job requirements from specifications, drawings, job sheets or work instructions | ||
2 | Prepare to develop bras and swimwear | 2.1 | Research and analyse current national and international fashion trends, components, specialised needs and quality and special construction practices for structured foundations |
2.2 | Analyse market and develop story themes to outline options | ||
2.3 | Research and record appropriate production information | ||
3 | Develop design concept | 3.1 | Consider design requirements for design brief and develop preliminary design concepts |
3.2 | Consult team members to assess and improve design | ||
3.3 | Develop design concept to meet client brief | ||
3.4 | Prepare artwork, drawings, specifications and any additional documentation that may be required, in appropriate format | ||
3.5 | Include fit and performance standards in design concepts | ||
4 | Present and document the design | 4.1 | Prepare a presentation of the design concept |
4.2 | Use appropriate communication tools and presentation skills to target needs of the audience | ||
4.3 | Convey features and benefits of the design and promote acceptance and approval | ||
4.4 | Prepare documentation to record the process and outcomes and maintain records | ||
Evidence of Performance
Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy the requirements of the elements and performance criteria, and include:
reading and following work instructions, standard operating procedures (SOPs) and safe work practices
applying relevant standards
researching local and overseas fashion trends and specialised construction for bras or swimwear
researching and assessing production information and technical requirements for structured garments
developing preliminary design concepts for structured garment designs, in response to design briefs for at least two (2) different target groups or specialised needs
communicating effectively with team members to assess and improve design
developing design concepts to meet client brief, using two (2) different types of fabric: one-way stretch, two-way stretch or no stretch fabric
preparing artwork, drawings, specifications, fit and performance standards, and any additional documentation that may be required, in appropriate format
using communication and presentation skills to promote the design concept and target needs of audience
documenting the process and outcomes, and maintaining accurate records.
Evidence of Knowledge
Evidence must be provided that demonstrates knowledge of:
safe work practices and procedures and use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
Australian Standards for garment production
discretion and judgement in planning and selecting processes
elements and principles of quality design in the bra or swimwear industry
industry, global and local trends
fashion trends:
colour
fabrics
styles
trims
components
garment construction
specifications for structured garment production:
budget
type of garment
style requirements
fit model specifications
size range
timeline
design restrictions or conditions
components of structured garments:
straps
hooks
elastic
fasteners
ribbon
underwire
foam padding
oil filled straps
rings
fine lace and delicate fabrics
characteristics of one-way, two-way and no-stretch fabrics
research sources
colour or colour mix and interpretation
current practices and special construction methods for bras and swimwear with structured foundations :
fusing
gluing
moulding
sewing requirements
seam allowances
stitch requirements
seam finishes, such as flat seam, blind hem and French seam
fabrics, fibres, trims, components, accessories and their properties and characteristics
quality practices
communication tools:
inspiration board
storyboard
personal presentation
multimedia tools
print and audio tools
demonstration or exhibition
presentation skills:
effective verbal and non-verbal communication
active listening
use of appropriate communication tools
positive language
clear statement of main points
interpersonal communication skills
body science:
structural anatomy
morphology
anthropometry
workplace practices
recording and reporting practices.
Assessment Conditions
Assessors must:
satisfy the assessor competency requirements that are in place at the time of the assessment, as set by the VET regulator
have vocational competency in designing bras and swimwear at least to the level being assessed, with relevant industry knowledge and experience.
Assessment should occur in operational workplace situations. Where this is not possible, or where personal safety or environmental damage are limiting factors, assessment must occur in a sufficiently rigorous simulated environment reflecting realistic operational workplace conditions. This must cover all aspects of workplace performance, including environment, task skills, task management skills, contingency management skills and job role environment skills.
Assessment processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language, literacy and numeracy requirements of the work being performed and the needs of the candidate.
Conditions for assessment must include access to all tools, equipment, materials and documentation required, including relevant workplace procedures, product and manufacturing specifications associated with this unit.
Foundation Skills
This section describes those required skills (language, literacy and numeracy) that are essential to performance.
Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.
Range Statement
This field allows for different work environments and conditions that may affect performance. Essential operating conditions that may be present (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) are included. | |
Workplace procedures include one or more of the following: | requirements prescribed by legislation, awards, agreements and conditions of employment SOPs work instructions oral, written and visual communication quality practices, including responsibility for maintenance of own work quality and contribution to quality improvement of team or section output housekeeping tasks related to environmental protection, waste disposal, pollution control and recycling WHS practices |
Australian Standards include: | the relevant industry or Australian Standards that are current at the time this unit is being undertaken |
Structured foundations include one or more of the following: | boning underwire corsetry |
Specialised needs include one or more of the following: | styling features relating to health effects of bra and swimwear construction appropriate bra and swimwear structure for special client groups, including maternity, mastectomy, junior and costume wear sports and fuller figure bras and swimwear and the need for extra support use of specialist materials and trims |
Developing story themes include one or more of the following: | fashion magazines samples swatches trims colour palette |
Production information includes the following: | clarifying design parameters, in consultation with production manager, sales team, management and client, as required researching trends in fabrics and components for performance, colour, availability, care and maintenance requirements and suitability to design assessing technical requirements associated with production within specified guidelines identifying any additional expertise required for design |
Fabrics include two or more of the following: | one-way stretch two-way stretch no-stretch (bias cut fabrics) |
Specifications include the following: | budget type of garment style requirements fit model specifications size range timeline design restrictions or conditions |
Audience includes one or more of the following: | management client patternmaker sample machinist fitting and grading specialist |
Sectors
Not applicable
Competency Field
Fashion design and technology