How Do You Train a Fashion Team in CLO3D? A Bespoke Corporate Training Case Study: Charlotte Stiffell

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21/01/26

How Do You Train a Fashion Team in CLO3D? A Bespoke Corporate Training Case Study: Charlotte Stiffell

About the Client

Charlotte Stiffell is a London-based fashion studio specialising in premium corporate workwear and tailored clothing. Their team oversees the complete creative and technical development process, supporting clients across a varied and evolving range of suiting and uniform projects.

The Challenge

Before the training began, the team faced a number of challenges:

  • They had previously used CLO3D but needed a refresher to rebuild confidence and update their workflow.
  • Much of their 3D work had been outsourced, which increased costs and limited internal creative control.
  • They wanted to integrate 3D into their existing design and development processes but needed guidance on where it fitted best.
  • Their product range requires advanced materials, trims and finishing techniques to reflect the premium tailoring they produce.
  • Sampling timelines and costs were becoming increasingly pressured, and they wanted a more efficient way to present ideas to clients.

The goal was to build an in-house 3D workflow that aligned with their premium tailoring standards and supported both design and technical development.

My Training Solution

I created a bespoke 8-week programme delivered through a mix of remote and on-site sessions, tailored specifically to their niche in suiting and corporate uniforms.

Each session followed my usual structure:
Live demonstration → guided follow-along → practice → feedback.

To support their learning, I also provided:

  • Practice files and tailored exercise content
  • Digital fabrics built specifically for their product range (wool suiting, crepes, linens)
  • Rendering and presentation standards
  • Support via email and a dedicated Google Drive
  • Recorded sessions so they could rewatch and consolidate skills
  • Homework in week 2 and week 7
  • Check-ins with the business owner every two weeks to review progress and adjust the programme as needed

The curriculum was designed around their existing product blocks, working with both their historic models and patterns supplied via DXF. Because they have an in-house pattern cutter, the focus remained on workflow, visual accuracy, fit, and presentation, the areas that would have the biggest impact on their business.

What We Covered

The sessions explored a comprehensive mix of creative and technical workflows in CLO3D, all tailored specifically to the demands of suiting and corporate uniform design. We covered:

  • DXF handling and pattern refinement for tailored garments
  • Digital fabric development, including realistic material maps for wools, crepes and linens
  • 3D fitting techniques and approaches for achieving accurate tailoring silhouettes
  • Visual workflows, such as colourways, rendering standards and presentation assets
  • Workflow efficiency, including recolouring methods, CLO-SET organisation and preparing styles for production
  • Advanced elements such as animation and the integration of Blender for accessories

Every topic was approached through the lens of tailoring, ensuring the tools aligned with their product range and internal workflow.

Business Impact

The training has already begun to influence their internal processes:

  • Faster product development – the team can now create digital prototypes, test ideas and share them internally without relying on external support.
  • More visually engaging presentations – client presentations are evolving into higher-quality digital formats using CLO3D renders.
  • Reduced outsourcing – by bringing 3D development in-house, costs and lead times are beginning to reduce.
  • Better communication with their in-house workshop – digital garments provide clearer visual references for the production team.

Looking ahead, the long-term impact has the potential to support:

  • Reduced sampling volumes
  • Stronger digital workflows between design and garment technology
  • Improved collaboration with clients during early development

Future Integration Plans

To continue building on the foundations from the training, we discussed additional ways CLO3D could support their day-to-day workflow:

  • Using Photoshop to recolour garments quickly instead of generating multiple render sets
  • Introducing 360° 3D models and QR codes in client presentations
  • Enhancing online fittings for the Garment Technician using 3D
  • Creating a small library of reusable digital trims and tailored components

These steps will help the team embed CLO3D more fully into their design and development process over time.

“Laura is incredibly friendly, helpful and knowledgeable regarding CLO3D and is eager to provide help in any way she can. We had a lovely time during the sessions and found them valuable in building upon our current understanding of the software, as well as exploring more in-depth topics. Her guidance has benefitted our workflow and overall business greatly. Would highly recommend!”

Charlotte Stiffell

This feedback reflects the progression I saw in both team members throughout the training. Their openness to learning and willingness to explore new workflows played a significant role in the results they achieved.

My Reflection

This project was a real pleasure to lead. Tailoring is one of the most rewarding categories to teach in 3D because of the attention to detail, precision and craftsmanship involved. The team were enthusiastic, inquisitive and eager to build a workflow that genuinely supports their business.

Watching their confidence grow week by week, from rebuilding the fundamentals to producing polished tailored garments highlighted just how valuable the right training can be. CLO3D is going to play a key role in how they continue to communicate design, streamline development and offer a more efficient service to their clients.

If you’d like to train your team in CLO3D…

I offer bespoke online and hybrid programmes tailored to your product category, team size and workflow.

If you’d like to explore what this could look like for your business, you’re welcome to get in touch.

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