2.3.4a A2 Commercial and industrial practice

Question 1

The fashion industry

Answer 1

Street style
Street style is associated with youth groups and
youth subcultures who are grouped according to
culture, age, ethnicity, religion or social class. Styles
reflect a group identity.
* Contemporary fashion
Contemporary fashion refers to trends that are
currently fashionable and favoured by the masses.
Also reflected in interior design, art and architecture.
* Ready to wear (Prêt-à-Porter)
These are small collections that are created by
leading designers but are set at an affordable price
and are not exclusive. Sold at retail outlets.
* Haute couture
Excusive one-off garments made to measure with
the finest and most expensive fabrics and trims.
Originally, Haute Couture was only available through
the leading Parisienne fashion houses.
* Role of designers
Designers bring about change by introducing new
concepts or ‘looks’. Fashion shows are used to
introduce new collections. Ideas trickle down from
these shows into mainstream fashion.
* Fashion forecasting
Market researchers who predict future trends years
before they become popular.
* Trend setters
Individuals who have a strong sense of style and
fashion who often trigger new trends, celebrities for
example.
* Image makers
Image makers specialise in creating a ‘look/style’
for clients, who could be individuals, groups or
companies looking for a corporate image.

Question 2

Commercial manufacturing

Answer 2

• Job production (custom-made, bespoke,
  one-off)
  Refers to a unique product for a specific individual
  made by highly skilled versatile machinists and
  technicians. Expensive and exclusive products are
  made this way. Prototyping is a type of one-off
  production as it the product is individually made to
  test a concept.
• Batch production
  In batch production, a set number of identical
  products are made in a given timescale in a factory
  setting on a production line. Teams of workers each
  complete a set task before passing the work along
  the line.
• Mass production
  The largest scale of production used for products
  that are in constant demand over a much longer
  period of time. Workers focus on one task which can
  be repetitive. Some factories operate 24 hours per
  day in order to meet demand. Assembly lines are
  organised for maximum efficiency and profit. Some
  sections may include automated manufacturing.
• Line production
  Work is organised in bundles and moves from one
  machinist to the next in what is effectively a straight
  line. Each machinist or operative completes the
  same set task before passing the work on.
• Progressive bundle production
  Product parts are organised in bundles which are
  passed along the assembly line. Each operative
  completes their set task in that bundle before
  passing it on to the next operative. Bundles could be
  organised according to size or colourway.
• Cell production
  This is a sub system that operates within another
  larger production line.
• CAD/CAM in industry
  CAD – any form of digital design for overall styling,
  embroidery, laser cutters, print designs, lay-planning
  and pattern grading.
  CAM – automated operations including 3D printing,
  fabric printing, embroidery machines, fabric
  spreading and cutting machines and laser cutting.
• CIM – Computer Integrated Manufacturing
  CIM is an integrated management system that
  links all aspects of manufacture including point of
  sale from a central computer system. Stock levels,
  production, orders and sales can be tracked easily.
• Sourcing and supply of materials
  Purchasing teams will source and forward order
  materials for textile products well in advance of
  production beginning. Fabric manufacturers are part
  of the supply chain and rely on the supply of yarn
  before the fabric can be made. In a global economy,
  this is worldwide.
• Project management systems
  A critical path outlines the different stages
  which need to be met in the development and
  manufacture of a product to point of sale.
• Quality Control (QC)
  QC checks take place at critical control points
  (CCPs) throughout manufacture. It is a technical
  process to confirm quality and standards. QC starts
  at sourcing raw material to the finished product
  where some products with defects will be rejected.
• Quality Assurance (QA)
  Quality assurance is a system of checks to ensure
  that products are free of faults. It is a continuous set
  of processes which includes monitoring production,
  all aspects of the product, and detecting faults
  before they occur. QA is the responsibility of all
  involved.