Hot Topic aimed to develop a non-licensed fashion collection that resonated with their core Gen-Z consumer. The focus was on the E-Girl aesthetic—a subculture blending edgy, alternative, and cyber-inspired fashion trends. The challenge was to create a bold, wearable collection that balanced trend-driven elements with Hot Topic’s signature rebellious style.

I researched emerging Gen Z fashion trends, identifying key aesthetics that would appeal to Hot Topic’s audience. I curated a mood board with 📊 trend inspirations, 🎨color palettes, and art references to set the 👀 visual direction. Three front-and-back CAD designs were developed, showcasing unique silhouettes and details aligned with the E-Girl aesthetic. One design was further refined into a complete tech pack with fabric, trim details, and📍technical callouts.

The collection emphasized statement graphics, bold contrast stitching, distressed fabrics, and hardware embellishments. A mix of dark tones, neon accents, and Y2K influences created an 👀 eye-catching, contemporary feel.

📊 Trend Research & Forecasting

✍️ CAD Design & Technical Illustrations

👚 Fashion Design & Development

📍 Tech Pack Creation

To define the collection’s aesthetic, I created an inspiration board focusing on the evolution of E-Girl fashion and potential upcoming Gen Z trends. This guided the design process and ensured alignment with Hot Topic’s brand identity.

The mood board integrated key trend elements such as:

Dark, moody color palettes with pops of neon.

Mesh layering, harness details, and punk-inspired accessories.

Digital-inspired graphics with glitch, anime, and Y2K motifs.

Mixed textures, including distressed denim, pleather, and fishnet accents.

The board featured high-impact visuals of fabric textures, outfit inspirations, and digital artwork references, forming a cohesive narrative for the collection.

🖼 Mood Board Curation

🌈 Color Theory & Palette Development

🖌 Art & Graphic Trend Research

👀 Visual Merchandising Strategy

To capture the essence of the E-Girl aesthetic, I developed three original designs, each incorporating key fashion elements that resonated with Hot Topic’s demographic.

The CAD designs featured:

Layered Mesh Crop Top & Pleather Mini Skirt – A semi-sheer, fitted top with cutout details, paired with a pleather skirt featuring contrast stitching and buckle hardware.

Oversized Graphic Hoodie & Striped Arm Warmers – A streetwear-inspired hoodie with glitch graphics, paired with detachable striped sleeves for a layered look.

Distressed Denim Corset & Wide-Leg Pants – A structured denim corset top with lace-up detailing, styled with high-waisted, wide-leg pants featuring heavy distressing and patchwork elements.

Each CAD illustration clearly presented front and back views, with shading and texture details to indicate fabric structure and design intricacies.

CAD Fashion Illustration

Silhouette & Fit Development

Digital Sketching & Rendering

Alternative Fashion Design

To prepare for potential production, one CAD was selected for full tech pack development, detailing garment construction, fabric, and trim specifications.

I created a comprehensive tech pack for the Layered Mesh Crop Top & Pleather Mini Skirt, including:

Fabric Details – Mesh overlay (90% nylon, 10% spandex) and pleather (PU-coated polyester).

Trim Details – Metal buckle closures, contrast stitching in neon thread, and elasticated hemline for fit adjustment.

Technical Callouts – Placement of cutouts, seam finishing, lining recommendations, and recommended stretch percentages.

The tech pack featured detailed callouts with clear annotations, ensuring accuracy for sample development.

Tech Pack Development

Fabric & Trim Sourcing

Garment Construction Specifications

Production-Ready Design Execution

This collection was designed to push the boundaries of Gen-Z fashion, staying ahead of the curve while maintaining Hot Topic’s unique alternative edge. By blending emerging digital subcultures with wearable, trend-conscious styles, this project showcases an innovative approach to youth fashion design.

By strategically aligning with consumer trends and utilizing cutting-edge design techniques, this collection effectively captures the next evolution of the Hot Topic aesthetic.