How Designers Recycle
Their Most Popular Designs

Question:  “Do designers ever repeat popular designs?”

Answer:  Absolutely!

When a particular design sells really well during a season, a designer will typically include it in the next season's collection in either the same form or in a slightly modified version.  She might bring it back in a different color than the previous year, for example, or she might reverse the primary and accent colors so customers can mix and match with their existing clothes.  It's an economical way to develop a sure-fire winner.

Chanel and Armani, in particular, do this all the time.  The Chanel jacket has remained virtually unchanged for nearly seventy years, only changing colors, fabrics, and embellishments with each passing season.  Armani also keeps his designs consistent so that devotees can mix and match with their existing Armani clothes.

In fact, most designers try to reuse existing patterns or elements whenever possible.  They might keep a particular sleeve, waistband, or skirt for years, for example.  Not only does this prevent them from re-creating a new pattern each year, it allows them to get the most mileage from work they've already done. Very smart.

So keep this in mind when your own designs begin to sell.  Recycle the most popular styles for as long as they make money.  It’s a quick and easy way to bank a bundle.

Good luck!

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Diana Pemberton-Sikes is a fashion writer and image
consultant and a contributing author to FabJob’s Guide
to “Become A Fashion Designer.”  You can visit her
online at FashionJobReview.com .