Alvanon has launched a new range of fashion ‘fit forms that will give thousands of fashion designers, brands and retailers the ultimate tool for accurately capturing the predominant European body shape.
The data captured by the 3D body scans was analysed by Alvanons team of anthropomorphic researchers and technical fit experts who generated the new European ‘fit standard. This was compared to existing fit standards and size charts of over 100 of the most popular European brands to determine what the most democratic and commercially acceptable fit standard would look like. Alvanons team of 3D creative experts then used the data to create a series of technical fit forms, AlvaForms, that most accurately represent the shape, posture and balance of the European consumer across the full range of sizes from size UK 36 (EU 46) to 46 (EU 56) in mens and size UK 8 (EU 34) to 18 (EU 44) in womens. Alvanon will launch a range of larger EU size forms for women in UK sizes 20 to 30 (EU 46-56) this July.
While large multi-national brands and retailers request a customised AlvaForm series designed to their specific target consumer demographic, we identified a real need for a pan-European standard among smaller brands and designers and also larger retail groups who have to appeal to a wide cross section of European shoppers,” said Janice Wang, co-founder and chief executive officer, the Alvanon Group. “The new EU standard AlvaForm series represents the most commercial and practical fit standard solution for these companies.
Ed Gribbin, president, Alvanon Inc. added: The EU standard AlvaForms are the most accurate, practical and easy to use tools for European brands and retailers looking to execute their standard of fit more consistently. After developing our core sizes, size 38 for women and 50 for men, we proceeded to develop body forms representing the full size range. We used traditional four centimetre grade rules between sizes in line with the vast majority of brands thus ensuring an easy, seamless ability to adapt to the new Alvanon standard. For ease of conversion we have also labelled the new AlvaForms with the country specific size designations common in the UK, France and Italy. He concluded: In the end it is all about optimising consumer satisfaction and brand loyalty. Adopting fit tools that represent the shape of real customers will enable fashion suppliers to fit more of their customers more of the time and that is a happy outcome for all concerned.
Through its three integrated divisions, AlvaInsight, AlvaForm and AlvaBlock, Alvanon offers practical solutions that enable its clients to achieve fit consistently and continuously from design through to consumer. AlvaInsight is its ‘front end strategic consulting division comprising fashion and retail industry experts who draw upon apparel business insight, technical design expertise, rigorous statistical analysis and practical experience to help clients define their target markets specific fit criteria. The AlvaForm division, comprising 3D artists and anatomical ‘life sculptors, develops and supplies customised mannequins that enable clients to create and maintain their fit standards consistently across the supply chain. The AlvaBlock division develops tailored blocks based on a clients AlvaForm, minimising pattern-making inconsistencies across a global supply chain.
Founded in 2001, the Alvanon Group of companies provides full-service, integrated fit solutions for the apparel industry. From its head office in New York, operations centre in Hong Kong and operating offices in the UK and Germany, Alvanon provides customised fit strategies and product development tools to the worlds leading fashion brands, retailers, lingerie, swimwear, sportswear, mail order and corporate clothing suppliers. Alvanons fit offer combines the worlds largest database of 300,000 body scans with the unparalleled expertise, products and services provided by a team of over 70 dedicated sizing and body shape professionals.
