Retro Stylist Wear is a fashion-forward brand creating functional and stylish apparel for the grooming industry. The company blends fashion and function, designing garments such as smocks, capes, aprons, and bandanas that meet the practical needs of salon professionals while reflecting contemporary trends.
Surface Design Internship
During my internship, I had the opportunity to explore every stage of the design process, from research and concept development to production-ready deliverables. I conducted market research and brand analysis to understand the competitive landscape, then created original surface pattern repeats and fashion flats tailored to the grooming setting. I developed professional tech packs, detailing fabric selections, garment construction, measurements, and print placements, ensuring designs were production-ready. I also applied finalized patterns to garment mockups, created multiple colorways, and supported minor marketing campaigns with product visuals and copy. Throughout the internship, I collaborated with the team, refined my designs based on feedback, and gained hands-on experience translating creative concepts into finished products ready for manufacturing.
This experience allowed me to strengthen my skills in pattern design, garment visualization, and tech pack creation while learning how to balance style, functionality, and brand identity in a real-world production environment.
Weeks 1-3
My internship began with deep brand and market exploration. I studied the grooming apparel landscape, analyzed competitor offerings, and uncovered opportunities for Retro Stylist Wear to stand out. This research guided the creation of my initial repeat designs, where I experimented with motifs, color ideas, and functional textile considerations. The end of the week's work culminated with the final tech pack creation and art sheet creation for future printing purposes to be presented in weeks 4-6.
Weeks 4-6
Weeks 4–6 focused on refining the work from the earlier phase and expanding the collection with new surface pattern designs. During this section, I finalized edits to my previous patterns and garment concepts, then began creating a new series of repeats inspired by Retro Stylist Wear’s vintage-influenced brand identity. I also developed my first set of holiday prints—including Christmas-themed designs—while exploring how retro aesthetics could translate into playful, seasonal patterns.
Weeks 7-8
Weeks 7–8 highlight both independent exploration and creative collaboration. During Week 7, I produced new fashion flats for potential additions to Retro Stylist Wear’s product line and designed a pattern collection rooted in soft, whimsical themes of poetry and picnics. In Week 8, I collaborated with a fellow intern to develop four repeat patterns across various colorways, inspired by celebrations like Easter and birthdays.
Weeks 9-10
As the internship came to a close, I spent the final weeks producing two new pattern collections while tying up any remaining deliverables, including tech packs and design edits. My last collections were rooted in joyful, seasonal themes—one celebrating the bright, juicy palette of summer smoothies, and the other capturing the fun, energetic spirit of a day at the dog park. It was a colorful and meaningful way to finish the experience.
My Designs at Retro Stylist Wear
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My Designs at Retro Stylist Wear 〰️
