[PODCAST] EP 7: Is Fashion Design Easy?

[@zoehongteaches]

I has occurred to me that I (other than that initial design ideation period I talked about before) do not find design escapism because my life is relatively peaceful outside of work. OR my brain is too scattered to get in a design only zone for too long. hahahahaha but that's just me personally. Thanks all for raising interesting points and keeping it clean! I have the best community!

[@imsoyancy]

I think because you’re so talented it comes off as effortless. People see the success but not the YEARS of work that went into it 😅

[@zoehongteaches]

Aww, I promise I wasn't fishing for compliments! But thank you anyway.

[@caiamore25]

*giggles* from start to finish. I just realize I am not alone thinking most people denies the fact of how much work,imagination and effort goes in designing and constructing a single garment that works in both worlds -- far more a collection. We have glorified designers and to say its easy is an understatement of how much creatives and artisans behind them are undervalued or even recognized. Thank you Zoe! 😘😘😘

[@zoehongteaches]

You're welcome!

[@andresciessere5144]

Yesss Thankyou for this! Im a Draper/pattern maker and I love how people see me draping on a mannequin to realise a sketch from the design team and think it’s ‘so fun and creative’ 💀

[@rrdcreates]

The title had me over here so fast lol - and in the first 5 minutes it did not disappoint! People really think fashion is swirling around Joann’s like Maria Von Trapp with inspiration striking us as our friends golf clap in the distance.

[@zoehongteaches]

ahhahahahaha~

[@ladybarbarapinsonartist4052]

Wowee... you are remarkable. I too found the question absurd. I left medicine for fashion design; fashion is much more demanding due to multiple spinning discs all in the air at the same time. Like you, I find fashion,soul satisfying, because of the innate challenges. Cheering for you,Zoe!

[@soulchristen]

I enjoyed this character building philosophy of work. I greatly appreciate that creative right brain type endeavors take effort, planning, and work as well. Do beauty well. New sub.

[@themarquis336]

Amazing how many people fail to understand that people who work in fashion, WORK in fashion. It’s not a passtime hobby. If your job is being a designer, it cannot be therapeutic, it cannot be an escape. You are supposed to put in a lot of thought and effort and even stress. It’s a JOB. Also, if you’re a designer, by definition of the concept, the last person you should be thinking about is yourself. You’re designing to make other people’s lives easier or more comfortable or more pleasurable. It’s not about you. If you’re not actively thinking about other people’s needs, you’re just mindlessly doodling.

[@iDrey22]

The video I have been unknowingly needed! Thank you so much for sharing❤❤❤

[@qhudsia]

I'm loving your podcasts and interviews! I would love if you did a segment explaining high end fashion details and how to tell for example, a nicely tailored coat from a poorly made one. I'm developing a sense for these details but would love yours as you have so much experience. It would also be great to have a segment on new trends in the fashion industry or your take on the latest line-ups. Basically, I would loveto compare my research on keeping up-to-date with how you view and look at these things.

[@keepcalm2573]

To foreigner watching this youtube is so beneficial it’s because we can learn both english and fashion together ❤

[@eburris3480]

love you and the video zoe!! just so you know, most disabled people do not like being referred to as “differently abled” because it makes it seem like “disabled” is a taboo word, and we prefer just “disabled”. thought you might want to know!

[@zoehongteaches]

Thanks!

[@shirleykathan-sayess5764]

LOL 😂! From start to finish. As a graphic designer/illustrator, I had a client (printing salesman) say, “I could do this in half-an-hour, but I know you could do it five minutes.” I told him it took me half an hour to sign my name! People only see the physical effort. They do not know of all the WORK going on inside your head. The one thing I thought you directly omitted was your commitment to maintaining high quality because your name goes on it! You did imply it by mentioning your concerns for the client’s taste, desire for silhouette, difficulty to make, etc. Finally, as a mother of a 7 yo girl and a 5 yo boy (now 52 and 50) I looked for outfits for my children at Sears. The quality and styles that spring were so bad I concluded they were designed by someone who didn’t have children and apparently didn’t know any. ❤ Shirley

[@chloegX]

Haaaa hahaha these writers remind me when years ago I learned to sew and finally made a decent enough circle skirt to wear out in public. When I told people I made it, they (non-fashion people) were genuinely convinced I should go on Project Runway. Keep in mind it was cut from a pattern! Anyways, 15 or so years later, I've worked over enough industries and with enough people to know that too many think that the act of doing something means they are GREAT at that thing. And then they are surprised when nothing works. Every type of technical job needs intense, ongoing learning and the ability to self-correct. I think some of these people need to be fashion illustrators or store owners instead of designers.

[@oscarzepeda1558]

We Super Duper Love your absolute & brutal honesty !!! We do need a kick & some fire in da A. !! TY !! Zoe !!! I’m just putting this out there, let’s start planning a Zoe Hong Teaches Fashion CON, I would definitely go !! With specialized classes, speakers and fashion related vendors…. Much love Zoe !!

[@zoehongteaches]

An incredible idea! In the future perhaps.

[@habituscraeftig]

This reminds me of how random acquaintances think they can give home sewists projects to do because 'they love it' so much. It's an incredible undervaluation of artistic labor. Romanticisation renders the process invisible, even though *the process is, in fact, the job.* We aren't fairy godmothers.

[@AngelaWoolsey]

I can totally relate to all the things you think about while recording. I do the same thing. The worst part is that I can't redo that shot when I'm cutting out a garment. Then what?? One of the worst things is when I check to see if my phone is recording (and it is) when I'm finished with that portion, I look at the video to review it and find that it only recorded a tiny bit of all the work I did. Very frustrating!

[@zoehongteaches]

Relatable! When I put the ink down, it's a done deal! Or you have to start all over from scratch!

[@thefashionalchemist]

Listeeeeeen I was already at the final sampling stage for one of my designs and guess what happened? Something fucked up lol and I'd already been doing samples and experiments FOR WEEKS to make sure that all was well and good! But clearly the design process showed me something else 🙄. It was infuriating for me, but I had to go back and do some fabric sampling before progressing further. Honestly, if it was perfect I would have made that hat without any mistakes but every time I've made something, something has always come up that I needed to fix! It's constant problem solving - that for me is fashion design lol. I definitely feel the same way about designing as you, its work that I enjoy because there's lots of problem solving involved, and it isn't boring. The solutions you come up with can go on and on and on, and those can also trigger new ideas 😃

[@ifetayodavidson-cade5613]

Relatable! My job had a project in which the other rules and instructions constantly changed, including changes to earlier rules sometimes. A date invited me to bard game night and the game his friends chose had constantly changing rules. It wasn’t fun because it was too much like work.

[@got2bjosh]

Love story time and rants.

[@meaprimadonnagirl]

For me escapism is getting out of reality. Fashion is my way to communicate with the world. Fashion for me is so related to society, culture and behavior that the last thing I think about fashion is escapism. It's the opposite to be honest, for me it is getting connected to the world around me. I understand what you said Zoe, I really related to this video

[@jeanne553]

Fashion design is 95% hard work and 5% fun/glamour, in my opinion.

[@zoehongteaches]

Sounds about right

[@banterj]

You are very establishment “FIT”,”I won’t get out of bed for less than $10,000”,fashion elite type(in my opinion),I usually don’t care much for such people because I am a self thought wearable art artist and can’t connect to the art or fashion industry alike…BUT I LOVE YOU,hearing you speak while I handstitch a dress(because my ADHD won’t allow me learn how to use a sewing machine)or clean the house,your personality feels like I have my homegirl over here just yapping and I LOVE IT!…you DO give amazing information,I just can’t relate all parts(just some) BUT I come here to hear your voice.😆😆

[@Nesrine_toumia]

I really love her she is amazing💗

[@crystalneel748]

Excellent delivery of content as usual by our Queen Zoe!👸🏻💖 Seriously I am not even working in fashion, nor teaching, right now, but I still absolutely enjoy listening to you! And if you knew how extremely selective I am about who I will listen to, at all, about anything…you would know this is a big compliment! You have a real gift as a teacher~great teachers teach learners HOW TO THINK, rather than just spewing out information. My BA is in education with a fashion merchandising minor. I love how your gift of “teacher patience” shines through when it’s like I know you’re thinking, “🤦🏻‍♀️please THINK people think, use your precious little minds!’ LOL And then you explain the how to’s….in perfect detail! 👩🏻‍🏫 I would love to see you do a design live to watch your real time processes! I’m sure it would be informative & interesting to hear you thinking & working out loud! So much content is edited out there that I think we can start to feel inferior because our real time processes take so much longer… Thanks for sharing your gifts & talents!💝

[@zoehongteaches]

Thanks for your kind message!

[@gudovamasha]

Thank you, Zoe for everything you're doing! You're probably the only one on youtube doing a proper education. I send almost every new designer who texts me to watch your videos first. For us, fabric wholesalers, last few years became a nightmare. With all those videos ''how to start your brand on a budget'' that pop up every week, hundreds and thousands of youtube designers started to attack us (can't find another word, I'm not a native english speaker), the most ridiculous part that they don't know anything about fabrics, anything about business, they don't even know how to talk to businesses and they can't explain what they need but keep repeating sustainable, ethic, sustainable, sustainable 🧟‍♀🧟‍♀🧟‍♂🧟‍♂....without having any knowledge of what it's all about. They expect us to mentor them. And some bring their snowflake attitude, literally attacking me for not helping them. Great negotiation skills 😁 I just wish you made a new (updated) video on fabrics and how to source them so I can use it as a protection.

[@FunSoSoToTo]

Can I send this to my previous employer? 😩 SAY IT LOUDER TO THE PEOPLE AT THE BACK Truly I thank you for breaking down the thought process of designing, it's useful for people who underestimate it, and it's useful for me as fashion designer to look into a different perspective

[@CrystalRicotta]

I love snaps for buttons on flannel shirts❣️really any shirt - I prefer the snaps.

[@Chlrpp]

Hey, I agree, I am about to join a fashion school and designing is not relaxation or escapism. Ya I do enjoy it that's why I wanna do it, every time I design I don't think of relaxing or anything I think of something new I want to create and doing better than my previous designs and idk if it's me but I'm just not satisfied with my design until I get that one piece which I clearly adore so much. So escapism is not what I think of while designing. I will just be disappointed by my designs if I was relaxing.

[@zoehongteaches]

Thanks for sharing!

[@barborapolakova499]

Love your videos. Please keep sharing. XoXo

[@allangradus1917]

I would be interested in the live stream and live talk/conversation of thoughts process when sketching/designing etc.

[@CrystalRicotta]

Abercrombie kids bridged that gap for a moment (early 2000’s) with comfy kids clothes that looked adult. My gf worked their and we scored for the time sweet cropped cargos with silky pockets.

[@meeneshwermadhu7859]

You are amazing !! Much love - Meen

[@zoehongteaches]

Hi Meen! Get to work!

[@sarahhernandez4304]

Easy? Lolol, that’s hilarious. So much more challenging than others think.

[@bettyle1282]

I appreciate all your knowledge! Thanks for sharing such a wealth of information

[@zoehongteaches]

You're welcome!

[@kianamatics]

Hii Zoe, I love you!!!!! I love how you keep it real!! What do you think of Netflix's Next in Fashion? Would you consider going on it? Would you consider your students?

[@zoehongteaches]

I haven't seen it but I'm not interested in entering any fashion reality show competition type things. I think it'd be fun to be a judge though. Maybe I'll recap it in a video.

[@kianamatics]

@@zoehongteaches ooohh yesss! Would love to see you be a guest judge?! 😍😍😍

[@yunyunus66]

Thanks zoe. Informative and fun as always. And i am too, too old to not be comfortable :)

[@zoehongteaches]

hahahahaha~

[@behindtheseams810]

Do what you love and you’ll work the hardest, you’ll give it your all! I totally agree with you. I honestly hate when people assume designing is effortless 😅

[@elev8897]

I LOVE YOU. I'm signing up for your class. SOLD!

[@66yogi]

This is typical for those who really don't understand ART in general. The new Artificial Intelligence issue is also making this misconception worse were you type a couple of words to have the AI software mickey mouse a design for you. Thanks for explaining the hard work of the process. If you have not already done so, please address the Artificial Intelligence topic since there is much concern now by artists and designers. Maybe the person who asked the question can take out a piece of paper and a pencil and draw a full collection to see if its work or an airy fairy I dream up a full collection up and its all done lock, stock and barrel. Lets slap it on to some models and create a fashion show. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and talent. :)

[@הדרשאול]

Zoe if you ever come to Israel again for your husband family please do a meet up!! I would so love to meet you

[@rachelkarcher2565]

I think all work is work by it’s nature. I don’t think creating on any level is escapism. Producing requires decision making in contrast consumerism (reading/watching) only has a choice about the content to be consumed.

[@LittleBigDebbie]

Theres an artist called steven zapata that made many drawing meditations which are really helpful. But hes a dark fantasy artist and his works doesnt require to be "built" into clothes, so i understand what you mean, its different kind of works entirely. Still, i was a little surprised bcz id never take those questions as offensive, since i learned the value of being in the zone with zapata and how liberating and truly creative it can be. You discover first hand how conscious effort and ideals can be hindering illusions that dont help in your process and you feel the vague physical effect they provoke. Im sure whoever asked those never meant to offend your work. They were genuinely wondering about how to approach this work. And i believe every person has their own way of going through it.

[@zoehongteaches]

That's what I was talking about the escapism found in the initial ideation of clothes, you get in this design zone, like in my football padding project. But it doesn't feel like escapism when working on executing the initial ideas.

[@LittleBigDebbie]

​@@zoehongteaches oh, the one you made the initial sketches during a flight, right? That must have been an amazing moment 😭 I kept wondering what exactly does escapism can mean in a broader sense. But i think i get what you mean. Designing is engaging with the reality of materials and brands and everything, right? Theres no way to escape. Mad respect for all designers out there, really. Thank you so much for another great video and your reply, Zoe, its an honor to be noticed by you 🥺

[@TheLily97232]

Exactly. Having your art having to become real and usable makes everything more complicated and limited. If it's just images for enjoyment it has no needs really. That's why I deeply admire and respect anything design. It's another level

[@Thezoodawg]

You graduated from Otis college of art and design right? If so, do you recommend it? It is currently my top choice and I plan on majoring in Fashiom Design. My current top choices are Otis, Parsons, and SCAD all for either fashion design or accessory design.

[@Hepburn100]

Designing is pressure

[@zoehongteaches]

It definitely can be!

[@vanityshop5155]

Hi Zoe, I'm in a bit of a tough spot trying to decide whether it would be worth it to go to school for fashion design -- it would be a little tough financially and for other personal reasons. If I did, I would be going to my state University, not an out-of-state fashion school. I'm wanting to be thoroughly competent in pattern-making and garment construction, to confidently and comfotably be able to make my own clothes and have my own brand one day. My question to you is, do you think a person can learn those things as well as they would at school, with KZbin, books, and other online resources that we have these days? If yes, do you think it would be at a terribly slower pace, or about the same? I think that's my biggest anxiety -- not knowing if all of my trial and errors, and stresses of learning are similar for everyone in this field, or if they would be much less and go smoother and faster, if I were at University, under the guidance of a teacher. Thanks, Your viewer

[@zoehongteaches]

You should check out my fashion school playlist, especially my Do I Need Fashion School video.

[@habituscraeftig]

Look at the resources available in your state for people doing job retraining (in the US, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, SNAP Education and Training, &c.). Your state should have a list of programs at two-year colleges that are state-funded for people who are trying to get back on their feet due to poverty or divorce. Check that list to see if there are any apparel design programs. You might be surprised. To be clear, I'm not suggesting that you are eligible for these programs. It's a way to find inexpensive small colleges with two-year technical programs that have definite job opportunities on the other end (they have to have a good track record finding people work, to maintain their position as viable job retraining programs). Your state may vary, but it's worth checking. Even if you end up going to a bigger program, it's an inexpensive way to see if you want to go the schooling route.

[@vanityshop5155]

@@habituscraeftig Thanks for the suggestion.

[@marquellebowden9052]

Heyy Zoe this is a little off topic but what makes a good finale piece for a collection? I really want it to challenge myself and make a more runway/ avant-garde piece to tie the whole collection together.

[@zoehongteaches]

Traditionally, the finale piece is a bride, even if your line is not bridal. Or the most elaborate evening gown, if you do eveningwear. I've seen swimwear lines finish with an elaborate white bikini and veil, so it's not limited to gowns.

[@marquellebowden9052]

@@zoehongteaches Okayy this helps thank you Zoe

[@yetkinyldz5165]

I am schoked when I accidentally came across with this video in 20 second 😅😅

[@amirthefuture-7213]

I love fashion desgin is because there is no shortcuts

[@nataliechim5227]

Zoe great video. Keep doing what you are doing, live streams can be a boring turn off if they are not planned out and they also require effort to make them interesting. I have seen documentaries about Karl and Yves and your comments are spot on. That saying, 'If you love your job you will never do a day's work', is an absolute furphy and don't start me on multitasking. Thanks for being so generous and sharing all your knowledge and giving viewers a realistic view of the fashion industry.

[@zoehongteaches]

You're welcome and thank you!

[@jessicatv2761]

Hi Zoe as always amazing ! What materials are the best for childrenswear iyo ?

[@zoehongteaches]

Natural fibers that breathe, in fact, I think in the US flammable fibers like polyester is illegal to use for children's sleepwear (because of house fires). Things that feel soft to the touch like brushed cottons, flannels, knit jerseys, nothing itchy like pure wool or pure linen. Always feel the underside of the fabric because that's the side that's going to be against the kid's skin.

[@dindog22]

Design is hard. I can’t do it. I tried. I went to fashion school. I ended up being a seamstress and I’m very proud of my skills but I dang well can’t design

[@zoehongteaches]

And tons of designers can't sew to save their lives. We all have our strengths!

[@TheLily97232]

Can't do it either.

[@djm050]

I think people find fashion effortless because they are in true sense of the word ignorant. They don't know what goes in to textile testing and assessing what attributes fabric should have to make a garment someone will want to buy. They don't entire mass production process and the challenges that actually go into making clothing and they just watch Cruella DeVilles movie and like wow should beaded a dress by hand in one night not actually realizing that amount of beading would take days!!!!WITH A TEAM!!!!

[@defj660]

True but I don't think that's what whoever asked the question was getting at. Escapism doesn't equal effortlessness. We've all heard the maxim "you can be busy without working", right? That beaded dress may have taken an awful lot of work but in the end it's still a beaded dress. In addition to that, offer something beautiful to a herd of people and you'll get more of them wanting to own it not because they appreciate it as work of art, but in order to elevate themselves above the other cretins. In addition to that, add in the environmental pollution from overproduction (greed) which we all know about and I wouldn't blame anyone for asking "What's the effing point?".

[@obakengsenosi1336]

hi Zoe how do i go about pitching my luxury leather goods brand to possible investors, and also is it possible to do it only via sketches ??? ... thank you

[@zoehongteaches]

I don't know about the first question but you definitely need actual samples.

[@theophlsramohlale]

TITLE? NO ITS NOT EASY😭

[@Richieverse]

Team Selena❤️

[@aBirdAndHisBoy]

Random, but who are your favorite beauty gurus? *the Rare Beauty comment makes me think you follow the beauty community

[@zoehongteaches]

Mostly I'm on Kbeauty tiktok because skincare and monolid eye make up. I follow Lisa Eldridge on YT and the Queen Mother Pat McGrath on TT. I also enjoy Nikkie Tutorials, she makes me smile with her energy. I am more likely to read "non-incentivized reviews" online than trust anything beauty vloggers promote though.

[@aBirdAndHisBoy]

@@zoehongteaches I love Nikki Tutorials too! And yes, Pat McGrath is indeed the Queen!

[@yetkinyldz5165]

Firsttt❤❤❤❤❤

[@TheLily97232]

I went to art school and the desig' kids were the ones staying the longest at school so.... lol yeah.