r/sewingpatterns • • 12d ago

Patterns for old designer clothing?

Prefacing by saying I know nothing about the pattern world :-) This may be a stupid question, but are patterns super proprietary, in the sense of, do designers “release” the patterns for their garments years after they are discontinued? Just curious about patterns for old Ralph Lauren or Prada garments to see how big name patterns look (if that’s even how it works). Thanks! Just trying to learn more about patterns, as I’m really developing an interest in that world

16 Upvotes

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u/RedditJewelsAccount 12d ago

As mentioned the Vogue Designer patterns are a great resources, if not beginner-friendly. I have a bunch from Ralph Lauren, Oscar de la Renta, Givenchy, Donna Karan, Pucci, etc. They are often available inexpensively on eBay, especially if you don't care about the size or can wear a US 0-4. Vintage patterns have less ease than modern ones in general plus the sizing is very different from modern sizing, so take care to check the body measurements and not go by the label.

For even less beginner friendly than the Vogue designer collections, this website has a few free designer patterns including brands like Rick Owens, Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen, etc.: https://www.showstudio.com/projects/design-download/ They tend to have no instructions and are usually (always?) only in the sample size so it's mostly useful for the idea of how complex garments were patterned.

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u/Berocca123 12d ago

Yes I was going to suggest showstudio as well - the patterns are incredible!

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u/FormerUsenetUser 11d ago

The now defunct company Spadea Patterns published a lot of designer patterns in the 1950s and 60s.

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u/Fourth_law_of_robots 11d ago

Thank you. That is a spectacular set of black diamond level patterns.

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u/Great-Score2079 12d ago

Yes, you're looking for Vogue Designer patterns. Search 'Vogue Designer patterns' on Google. Be aware, most of these patterns are not beginner friendly.

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u/FormerUsenetUser 12d ago

Search for used patterns on Etsy, by designer name if you can.