DAVID SEPULVEDA PHOTO
Wisdom fits Patricia Kalba of Westville.
You don’t have to get naked for it to work. State-of-the art textile clothing technology, with complete body scanners that take measurements and dimensions in virtual fitting rooms, are set to revolutionize the fashion industry and its manufacturing component, according to New Haven fashion maven Neville Wisdom, who will unveil his latest fashions Friday.
The cutting machine.
The in-demand designer will be showcasing his own technology-assisted designs at his fall-winter 2015 runway show as part of a broad slate of events scheduled for the On9 First Friday series in New Haven’s Ninth Square.
NW Brand Director Lauren Sprauge CAD station.
Wisdom has not acquired that full-body scanning technology — yet — but new CAD (computer-aided design) 3‑D virtual technologies and a new high-tech cutting machine have revolutionized his approach to manufacturing. Though the shop still offers full custom design service, Neville said that the new technology and equipment facilitate 98 percent of onsite manufacturing and design, with final custom adjustments that ensure no one leaves the showroom without the proper fit.
Sewing specialists are an integral part of the production process.
The final tailoring adds its magic to a formula that Wisdom said supports his Five-Compliment Rule: “Every woman who wears one of our dresses will get at least five compliments the first time she wears it.”
Wisdom reviews design specs.
Once Wisdom has established and filed a customer profile, future fittings require less time, providing a consistent fit and feel. With CAD, larger design runs allow for greater inventory choices, with the added benefit of being able to make stylistic modifications as desired. There are also cost savings through more efficient use of materials.
Wisdom’s workplace has come a long way since Mayor Toni Harp cut the ribbon at the opening ceremony of his shop in Westville last April. At the time, the piece of equipment he was most proud to show was a long-coveted, outsized work table. The Westville location is now one of three Neville Wisdom showrooms that include Branford and Ninth Square locations.
Wisdom says there’s a connection between looking good and feeling good.
During a visit to his shop at 903 Whalley Ave., Wisdom noted that one goal of this year’s runway show would be to demonstrate his versatility by providing clothing that a wide variety of body types and sizes could wear. Without giving away details, he promised some surprises during the show to get the message across.
Wisdom tailors shop windows to attract visitors from the CT Open tennis tournament.
NW brand director Lauren Sprague said that Friday’s collection — some 30 to 35 looks — will have a vintage feel, many rooted in the structure and style of the early 1900s. The clothes may have an avant-garde appeal, or suggest a more flirty profile, but all are informed by Wisdom’s signature design work based on classic lines, modernized and spiced with a little funk. Expect to see a predominantly earth-tone palette, with some plaids, patterns, and lines that emphasize structure.
A previous On9 NW show with long rows flanking the runway.
This Friday’s runway show makes other changes from previous On9 fashion shows as well. Rather than the long rows of chairs that typically flank his runways, Wisdom is setting up bistro-style tables for those attending the reserved seating, ticketed event. Some free, limited seating will be available outside the ticked area on a first-come-first-served basis, according to On9 marketing director Lindsey Burke.
Burke said the event represents the last in the On9 summer series of outdoor events. A portion of Orange Street will be closed to traffic. “There will be nothing like it in the area,” she said.
Friday’s On9 roster of events will also feature a bridal fashion preview at Ninth Square’s Inspired Venue (formerly Inspired Turkey, 82 Crown Street) by Bridal Trousseau, a free Sridaiva Yoga class at Fresh Yoga (49 Orange St.), a cash bar on Orange Street featuring couture cocktails by 116 Crown St., a tasting table by Fornarelli’s Ristorante (99 Orange St.), appetizers by Thali Restaurant (4 Orange Street), a pop-up shop at the Happiness Lab at 756 Chapel Street, and vintage clothing and accessories at English Building Markets (839 Chapel St.). Artspace (on Orange and Crown Streets) will be exhibiting The Jerome Project and Making the Invisible Visible. Lively music will be provided by DJ Dooley‑O. Artists Sharon Lee and Jahmane West will add to the pre-show festivities with live demonstrations. For a complete list of On9 activities, times, and details, click here.