12-Steps KWANDA SEASON MENTORSHIP CURRICULUM
The fashion we love to design is also ranked among the most polluting industries worldwide,MOSHIONS under the foundation of “ KwandaHub” has been working on contributing with a design mindset toolkit to take care consideration of the whole process « Idea- life « of creatives and their works to challenge the sustainable future. In its ambitious framework, the brand is investing in research, empowering production of organic materials and redefining its production process for a more sustainable product life cycle.
The brand takes inspiration from Rwanda’ sustainability goals and strides, reimagining quality over quantity. Through a concrete 12-step ‘Idea to Life’ guide, the brand takes you through steps that involve the research, concept and development of every item. All ensuring reduced environmental impact.
The artist is introduced to have a creative direction approach spends time researching and getting inspiration from different areas in their life. They then invests their aesthetic knowledge u into production, while working with experts on best practices for conscious production.
Key phases of shared learning experience with Kwanda hub mentorship
1. Creative Imagination (ideas from the artist) - Designer portrait
Using pre existing research on sustainable fashion brands to develop a case study
Research is paramount to the collection design ( imagery compilation and credits )
Designer uses personal and professional experiences as tools of research
He uses emotional drive
Using the environment nature as the canvas of collection design, from culture, food, and social life
2. Research summary ( visual research summary on ideas ) - storyboard pic
In this state, the Designer invests time and resources heavily in learning about culture in all its glory. The past, present and future notes of creativity guide this journey - provoking past inspiration and new experiences.
Grouping ideas into visual representations
Working with archives: museums,books & artisans/ makers themselves
Using past and present aesthetics to bring a new vision to life
Inspiration from other leading/ pre existed fashion designers from around the world
Old traditions (techniques and patterns,shapes , silhouettes from your culture or in your inspirational world)
3. Vintage manipulation of ideas (physical/digital manipulation) imagery& materials.
In this section, digital and physical interpretations become one. The Designer takes the idea to the next level by verifying the absolute functionality from imagination, translated in real-life prototypes.
Manipulating ideas into physical objects
To feel the art.
Cutting, fusing, wrapping embossing and embedding - techniques to reach a prototype idea
Print and embroidery moodboard development
Using technical tools to sketch as many ideas as you can
A practice to test the sustainability by looking at each item individually
Visualise the idea through sketches
4. Idea Sketching ( manual/digital) - 1 hand & 1 digital sketch
The final prototype is realised. It is judged on its reflection of all intended ideas by the Designer and brings forth the creativity. The prototype takes on a representation of the actual item the moment it is produced.
5. One final idea prototype (physical fusion new product) - imagery & material
Mockups of the final product
Exercising the tailoring, draping, patternmaking techniques to play/test functionality of the fashion
Muslin; pre-final objects used to mimic the final products
Research continues in this step. This time, textile, colour manipulation and research are brought to test. Suppliers are vetted and inspected to ensure they align with Moshions’ transparency and sustainability conditions.
6. Design research of the idea (Textile, colour, manipulations research ) Imagery, sample swatches moodboard next to sketches,
Tracing/monitoring the fibres of raw materials (vegetable and animal fibres - botanical colours)
Inspecting the feeling the product will evoke: colour, emotions, aesthetics and tone of voice of intended result
Engaging with the design aspect/discipline (prints and embroidery) of the fashion
In this stage, the sketched idea is brought to life. The team starts the process of pattern-making, constructing mockups and defining drapery measurements.
7. Technical Construction of the sketched idea ( pattern making , mock-ups ,drapery measurements) - the fitting pic on human body
Ensuring international standards are observed for the fashion and design development
Employing advanced techniques to bring the design to life
The artist undergoes an exciting process of revealing the worked-on item to all fashion enthusiasts, target audience. The item is given proper celebration on all platforms - both in-person and online.
8. Presentation of the constructed idea as a product - the final fitting pic
Internal discussion on fashion and design of the product; underscoring world-class quality and functionality
Once the final product is available, we connect with our partners in retail to get the items to you. This helps us to manage stock and ensure no excess production as most items are limited to ensure resource optimisation and flexible inventory.
9. Merchandising of the final product - product pic on white background
Estimating the value of product in line with the 4Ps
Assessing the retail route of the product according to the business of fashion
All these efforts are powered by awareness. At the end of the mentorship the artist have time to decide on creations a brand or remaining intact with their experience.
To brands creators; reaches out to audiences from all around the world to make the pieces known and worn.
10. Promotion of the product - editorials with cinematographer/ fashion photographers .
Customer outreach - finding/getting to the right profile
Product education/presentation to local and international audience
Working with international agencies to advance visibility of the product
Content development for align communication about the product
Moshions is intentional with the product life cycle. The team has a systemic approach to deal with any future. For instance, the team arranges with customers who have any aesthetic issues with their items to ensure they’re restored or eligible for recycling. This reduces waste and ensures more product life.
11. Next life of the product ( measures accordingly to the future and long run) - (digital photos of the tags)
Amplifying Moshions’ commitment to cleaner production (3 R’s of recycling)
The product description that describes maintenance and return policy for environmental purposes
At Moshions, we are custodians of our art. We believe every piece we make tells a story and should be preserved in the most courteous way possible. Our House is a workshop, an incubation and - most importantly - a gallery of African heritage.
12. Documentation of the product ( protection and archiving ) - museum photos / fashion
The physical and digital documentation of the archive (purposes) product on agreement with shared rights and profit on the final garment
Value projection of the archives
Presentation of the archives (How and where)