As part of its commitment to provide students with the latest in design capabilities, the London College of Fashion (LCF) has purchased OptiTex software for 25 design stations. It has opted for the full OptiTex package including PDS, Marker, 3D modules and 3D Runway Designer.

The LCF has the distinction of being the only college in the UK specializing in all aspects of the fashion field, based upon a philosophy of offering creative development coupled with a strong vocational focus.

After reviewing several software packages in our bid to remain at the cutting edge of 3D CAD/cAM fashion technology, LCF decided to purchase the OptiTex 2D to 3D software," says Sharon Blackford, Senior Lecturer of CAD/cAM at LCF. OptiTex offers students a thorough design experience, whilst affording them the ability to explore new innovative digital approaches to producing and displaying tangible products such as garments through the creation of virtual catwalks and virtual fit.

OptiTex's platform has the widest range of options and parameters and is the most user friendly on the market. It leverages 3D models, ending the limitations of standard production technology. Entire textile lines can now be created virtually, eliminating wasted material and speeding products to market.

The advantages of exposing their students to the software were clear to the LCF staff, while the opportunity to contribute to the students education excited OptiTex as well. It's wonderful to facilitate the creativity of the next generation of designers,said Ran Machtinger, President and CEO of OptiTex, Ltd. The student designers can see their creative visions come to life while gaining valuable experience they will take to their first jobs.

Fashion designers and labels using OptiTex include Lands' End, Coach Leather, Tommy Hilfiger, and Target Corporation, concludes Blackford. The OptiTex software facilitates design solutions across several markets, and the experience gained from this cutting-edge software will enhance the employment prospects of LCF graduates.

About OptiTex

Founded in 1988, OptiTex specializes in the development of innovative, easy-to-operate 2D and 3D CAD/cAM solutions for sewn products and other related industries. Our native Microsoft Windows-based software for digitizing, pattern engineering, grading, marking, advanced automatic nesting and draping, are specifically designed to meet the needs of today's manufacturers of industrial fabrics, apparel, upholstery, transportation, composites, home furnishings, among others. OptiTex's open architecture system features multitude of import/export formats, enabling OptiTex users to interface with a wide range of software and hardware. OptiTex also offers the convenient option of purchasing a completely integrated CAD package OptiTex products are sold and supported around the world through certified distributors and OEMs.

About LCF

London College of Fashion is the only college in the UK to specialise in fashion education, research and consultancy. With an international reputation for fashion education, we offer a unique portfolio of courses from fashion design and technology, management and marketing to communication, promotion and image creation. Our aim is to reflect the breadth of opportunity available in this vibrant, ever-changing industry. The college's reputation for excellence has been further enhanced by our merger with the prestigious Cordwainers College - with its century-old reputation as the leading provider of training and education in footwear and accessories.