Date Posted: 16th Jul 2012 at 8:35 AM
Today I was finally able to crack the line as a first time creator with my Alpha Line of UK style Lee Brand Jeans for Women. The patch design was borrowed from the UK Leola Patch Style. For an american reference, Brittney Spears once wore them which helped their popularity.
I insisted on staying focused on the Lee UK style as you will quickly notice something. A short range comparison with the USA style will reveal a drastic change in the line. The UK style is more sexy in my opinion and flaunts a woman's natural curves. The USA style seems to be more conservative and doesn't really have much that stands out about it. The men's line has also recently taking this conservative approach.
Side by side comparison should reveal the obvious. Moving on with my decision set on the UK style, I needed to determine the mesh template I was going to use.
Initial assessment proved that the Maxis template of jean was simply not going to work and copied the too conservative approach. Aside from that and base observations of the UK Lee Jean models revealed that some "rear" definition was going to be needed if my jean line was going to shine. Most of these female models are very gifted in the rear for obvious reasons. Sadly, that quality was severely lacking with Maxis.
My solution was found after locating custom body shape meshes by the acclaimed designer and my self-proclaimed sensei Warrlokk. I haven't been able to meet him yet but it would be a real honor. Im a huge fan of this person's work!
Anyway, Warlokk-sensei apparently already created multiple bottom size meshes for Women based of the Maxis original jeans.
Upon comparison I determined the best option was to go with either 34 or 36. Any size smaller or larger would render the pocket designs to small or stretched to deformity. As can be seen in my first release, I made use of the actual back pockets themselves. I will not reveal my secret how but I will say it was a lot of work.
It seemed easy in planning stages but actual application forced me to break open a number of tuts on this site from recoloring to advanced meshing. I also had to become intimately familiar with my graphics program "scalpel" of choice, Jasc Paint Shop Pro 8. The tools packed in this lil bobble of a program was invaluable.
Now that my first line has been published, I will now utilize the back pocket patch design without use of the patches directly. With this new process, I will be able to complete solve the texture issues I have been having with my old method.
Based on my initial tests, I am pleased that the new design will be even more of a hit then my first line. And since I will be making these available as a bottom separate, I am sure their usefulness will be much appreciated. Rest assured, this will not be a minor mod. In fact, their won't be anything minor about it.
Actual R&D time required to reach this point in my new design process:
January 2012 till 07/15/2012 (Release of First Line).
It has been a heck of a long run and I am so happy I am finally a recognized creator, now its time to really shine!
Eventually I hope to release some Lee Jean shorts for Women in various lengths then I will start moving down the age bracket stopping at child. Once I am satisfied with my jean line for Women I will focus attention on a Men's line.
It will not be as extensive and will be based on the early 90's to 2000 Lee USA classic style before the conservative shift was made in the product line. The shield shaped pockets will be utilized with emphasis on the boot cut fit and look. I am not much of a fan of the oversized baggy look.
I will loosely quote Sylvia Stingray from Bubblegum Crisis 2040 with a phrase I think applies to both men and women: "It simply will not do for someone with a great body to hide it under a bunch of floppy rags." (Well, that not her words exactly but I think anyone who recalls this scene knows what I mean. I like clothes that fit not over sized or extra baggy. Might as well be wearing pajamas while your at it.
Mood: