Working at Kohl's
ROLE
3D Product Development Intern
TIMELINE
15 weeks
SKILLS
3D Rendering
Pattern-making
CAD Creation
Visual Design
Presentations
Prototyping
Animation
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TOOLS
Browzwear
VStitcher
Illustrator
InDesign
Photoshop
Google Slides
ABOUT MY POSITION
I was Kohl's first-ever 3D Product Development Intern. There, I trained and got certified in Browzwear University where I learned VStitcher, an industry leader in 3D garment creation. It is a comprehensive, intuitive, and technological apparel design solution that allows you to bring the garments you envision to life on screen. I enjoyed how I got to learn about sustainable alternatives to sampling, manufacturing, photographing garments.
The Prompt
KOHL'S INTERN DESIGN CHALLENGE
You will conduct research and identify a white space customer opportunity. This could be someone who falls under our current growth initiatives (D&I, adaptive, Gen Z) You will be creating fresh, inclusive, and innovative designs while learning more about the particular customer, culture, or celebration.
Deliverables and tasks include: research and identifying customer white space, researching their culture, meeting with an initiative point person, review past assortments of chosen initiative, generate customer profile, create a mood board for your designs, and design a collection of 4-6 outfits.
The Process
1
Research the Culture, Celebration, & Customer
During this stage, I did extensive research on AAPI month and Asian American male mental health. I also found the WHY behind the collection: I want to empower Asian American men who feel emasculated by media with a collection that will make then feel heard and powerful.
2
Utilize Kohl's Resources and Mentors
I was able to talk to Dawn, Craig, and Erica from the Apt. 9 men's team and get their advice on how to properly build a collection. I looked at archived Kohl's collections for past Lunar New Year's. From these touch bases, I was able to get an idea of how my customer is and access popular Apt. 9 colors and silhouettes.
3
Design a Collection Based off of the Prompt
After researching and talking with the Apt. 9 team, I was finally able to work individually. My collection showcased traditional Asian silhouettes and prints in order to elevate AAPI men who feel disempowered because of their identity. It was important to show that these designs are symbolic of their resilience and strength.
The Research
ABOUT MENTAL WEALTH
Mental Wealth is the collection that I made for Apt. 9 Mens. This collection was motivated by the fact that it is important for brands to uplift Asian male-identifying customers. See research slides.
THE COLLECTION
By adopting Asian silhouettes, traditional patterns, and symbolic imagery, Asian male customers will feel empowered and heard. The healing t-shirt was sold at Kohl's in May 2022 for AAPI Month. See design slides.
The Final 3D Renderings
All assets were created by me in Browzwear, a 3D fashion software.
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BOMBER JACKET
JOGGERS
HEALING TEE
This healing tee shirt was sold at Kohl's in May 2022 for AAPI Month.
MENTAL HEALTH TEE
