The Mountain Sweater
The Mountain Sweater was the first cut-and-sew garment I developed for Fades USA. Designed as a brand staple, the piece embodies the “Fades” name through a custom gradient dye treatment that creates depth and tonal variation.
From digital CAD development to e-commerce launch, the sweater was designed to showcase vibrant colors and brushed texture while maintaining styling versatility. Released ahead of the recent resurgence of gradient knitwear, the Mountain Sweater positioned Fades USA within an emerging visual trend while staying aligned with the brand’s identity.
Inspiration
The inspiration for this sweater draws heavily from the intimate, mohair-brushed sweater famously worn by Kurt Cobain during one of his iconic MTV performances. Alongside that, I was inspired by the fit of vintage raglan-cut sweaters, which create a distinct silhouette. By blending these influences, I aimed for a modern twist, pairing vintage charm with today’s trend toward a boxier, slightly cropped fit, which has surged in popularity over the past five years.
Process
For the Mountain Sweater, I began by sourcing brushed cotton-polyester blend swatches from my manufacturer. The focus was on achieving both a soft hand feel and a quality gradient dye. After testing the swatches for texture and appearance, I selected two styles: a magenta-to-purple gradient and a gray-to-black gradient. With the fabric chosen, I created the digital CAD in Illustrator, tracing and replicating the gradient to serve as the blueprint. Given the boldness of the pattern and texture, I selected a subtle tonal embroidery on the cuff for branding, a small detail that lets the design speak without competing. Additionally, to prevent an itchy interior, the sweater is lined with French Terry rather than the raised brushed texture used on the exterior. Finally, the CAD and tech pack were sent to the supplier to ensure a smooth transition to production.
Garment Construction
