6 Fool-Proof Ways To Capture & Vet Fashion Ideas for Best Results
- Britta Cabanos
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
As designers in the sustainable fashion space, we know that inspiration can strike at the most unexpected moments - on a morning walk while sorting through fabric scraps or even mid-conversation. The trick isn’t just having the idea; it’s knowing how to nurture it from spark to concept. Here’s my step-by-step process to vet and capture fashion ideas for best results, ensuring those fleeting flashes of creativity don’t slip away and become the seeds for your next standout collection.
1. Document the Spark
Let’s be honest: our best ideas rarely arrive when we sit at our desks, ready to work. That’s why I always keep a dedicated sketchbook (and a digital folder on my phone) within arm’s reach. When inspiration hits, jot down everything - sketches, color combos, fabric notions, even random words that capture the vibe.
Pro tip: Always date your entries. It’s incredible to look back and see how your ideas evolve. Think of this as building your own “idea library” - a resource you can revisit whenever you need a creative boost. This library will keep you organized and in control of your creative process.
2. Build a Moodboard
Now, let’s give that idea some atmosphere. Moodboards are my go-to for translating abstract thoughts into something visual and tangible. They help you feel connected to your ideas. Gather images, textures, color swatches, and even snippets of poetry or song lyrics that evoke the story you want to tell.
Don’t overthink it - this isn’t about perfection. Use whatever tools work for you: Pinterest, Canva, or a classic collage of magazine clippings. The goal is to create a visual experience that helps you (and your collaborators) feel the energy of your concept.
3. Ask: Who Is This For & Why Now?
Before diving deeper, pause and get specific:
Who is this idea for? Think beyond demographics - consider your customer’s lifestyle, values, and aesthetics.
Why now? Is your concept responding to a cultural moment, a market need, or an emotional shift?
The most impactful designs are both creative and relevant. They speak to a real person at the right time.
4. Get feedback
I know—sharing early ideas can feel vulnerable. But Feedback is gold. Show your sketches or mood board to trusted peers, mentors, or even your ideal customer. Ask open-ended questions like, “What does this make you feel?” or “Would this fit into your life?”
Remember, you’re not looking for approval. You’re collecting insights that will help you refine and strengthen your concept.
5. Create a Concept Page
Time to distill everything into one clear, intentional page. Your concept page should include:
One strong visual (your best sketch or mood board image)
A concise paragraph summarizing your idea
Three key features that make your concept unique
This forces you to clarify your vision - a crucial step before moving into development. To simplify this process, I’ve created a Fashion Concept Template you can download. It’s designed to help you organize your thoughts, document your vision, and take the next step toward turning your idea into reality.
Download our Fashion Concept Template here to easily organize your thoughts, document your vision, and take the next step toward turning your idea into a reality.
Are you brainstorming with a team? Check out how to have a Speed Team Design Charrette Session!
6. Design Charette
Try a Speed Team Design Charrette! Grab some Post-its and host a quick design-thinking session. It’s a fast, fun way to generate ideas, spot patterns, and get everyone’s creative juices flowing.
Here's how to systematically embed sustainability goals into fashion design charrettes, synthesized from cross-industry best practices and tailored for eco-conscious apparel development:
1. Pre-Charrette Foundation
a. Define Sustainability Non-Negotiables
Material mandates: Specify thresholds (e.g., ≥70% recycled content, GOTS-certified fabrics)
Circity requirements: Design for disassembly/repair, closed-loop systems
Emissions framework: Set Scope 3 targets (supply chain transparency) using fashion-specific GHG Protocol guidance
b. Assemble Radical Stakeholders
Core team: Sustainable material specialists, ethical labor advocates, circular design experts
Provocateurs: Textile recyclers, climate scientists, repair economy entrepreneurs
Customer proxies: Loyal buyers from your sustainable line
Mushroom Leather
c. Build Sustainability Toolkits
Material libraries: Swatches of mushroom leather, recycled polyester, natural dyes
Impact calculators: Embed LCA data for common fabrics (water use per kg of organic cotton vs. hemp)
Regulation guides: Map upcoming laws (EU textile waste directives, PFAS bans)
2. Charrette Framework
a. Immersive Kickoff
"Fashion's Future" scenario: Role-play 2030 customer expectations under climate crisis pressures
Material reality check: Pass around landfill-bound textile waste from local recyclers
b. Sustainable Ideation Sprints
Circular design challenges:
"How would this jacket biodegrade gracefully?"
"Design a take-back program for these shoes."
Waste-to-wearable exercises: Transform deadstock fabrics into 3 prototypes in 30 minutes
c. System Mapping
Supply chain hot-spotting: Use Miro boards to trace a t-shirt's journey from farm to landfill
Intervention prioritization: Dot-vote on impact areas (water reduction vs. chemical management)
3. Sustainability Evaluation Matrix
Criteria | Weight | Concept A | Concept B |
Material circularity | 30% | Mushroom leather (biodegradable) | Recycled PET (requires energy) |
Production energy | 25% | Solar-dyed | Grid-powered |
Social equity | 20% | Fair Trade certified | Conventional factory |
Repair potential | 15% | Modular seams | Permanent bonding |
Cost premium | +15% | +5% |
4. Post-Charrette Accountability
Materialize commitments: Convert top ideas into SMART goals (e.g., "Replace 50% virgin polyester with ocean plastic yarn by Q3")
Champion System: Assign owners for key metrics (Water Usage Lead, Carbon Tracker)
Transparency framework: Develop public-facing sustainability dashboards showing real-time progress
By treating sustainability as a design constraint rather than an add-on, this process embeds eco-innovation at the concept stage, which can drive maximum impact.
Your turn: How do you capture your sparks of inspiration? What tools or rituals help you turn ideas into tangible designs? How do you Vet and Capture Fashion Ideas for Best Results? Share your process in the comments - let’s inspire each other to keep pushing sustainable fashion forward!
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