Universal Studios Opens Costume Digital Design Workroom

The Universal Studios Costume Department has opened its Digital Design Workroom. In a 3D virtual environment, Workroom staff can create a designer’s garment using talent measurements, fabric type and color, and overall fit.

The Digital Design Workroom technology saves time in design, approval, and manufacturing while reducing fabric waste by creating more accurate patterns.

“The Workroom is very flexible. Designers can bring in photos and sketches or even actual garments to replicate,” said Poppy Cannon-Reese, Director of Costume at Universal Studios. “The Digital Design Workroom staff provides hands-on client support from concept to printed pattern to manufacturing.”

Designers can provide the Workroom staff with objects such as fabric samples, buttons, buckles, straps, and zippers to see life-like attributes and behaviors for their desired garment. Print placement for fabrics, stitching, and logos can also be displayed in the system.

The software simulates draping, accounting for fabric weight and texture, and allows for multiple iterations on customized avatars. Images and videos of the designs can be shared for approvals via email, enabling a quicker turnaround.

Once approved, the design is converted into a pattern that is printed on site. Designers can take the pattern with them, or have Universal Costume finish with sewing and alterations.

Universal Studios Costume Department is a unit of NBCUniversal, one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production, and marketing of entertainment, news, and information to a global audience.