Learning CLO3D: Breathing Digital Life into My Signature Styles

As someone who’s spent years draping fabric, sketching silhouettes, and bringing lingerie, swim, and loungewear to life by hand, stepping into the digital world of CLO3D has been a refreshing (and slightly dizzying) shift. But what began as a curiosity has quickly turned into a full-blown creative adventure.

Right now, I’m in the thick of learning CLO3D—and let me tell you, it’s a wild ride. The interface is powerful, the tools are incredibly versatile, and I’m constantly discovering new ways to bring my designs to life in 3D. At first, it felt a bit like learning to sew blindfolded, but thanks to the wealth of online tutorials—from YouTube gems to in-depth Skillshare classes—I’m slowly getting the hang of it.

One of the best parts? I’ve started using CLO3D to recreate some of my favourite designs from over the years—timeless silhouettes that are very much me. Think clean, confident, feminine shapes that flatter the body and move beautifully.

And this brings me to one of my biggest passions: resortwear.

For years, I’ve been designing and making my own resortwear—pieces I actually wear and live in. There’s something so magical about creating clothes for sunshine, escape, and that breezy, barefoot energy. It’s the ultimate balance of comfort and glamour. Now, with CLO3D, I’m breathing new digital life into those pieces—experimenting with scale, proportion, and prints, while staying true to the relaxed luxury I love.

What sets my style apart is the unmistakable Asian aesthetic that runs through so much of my work. My deep love for Asia—especially Japan—has had a profound influence on my design eye. I’ve lived, worked, and travelled extensively throughout the region, and over the years I’ve collected countless pieces of vintage inspiration, including a beautiful selection of vintage kimonos. Their silhouettes, colours, and craftsmanship continue to inspire me and inform the cuts and print stories I create today.

Take this latest set, for example:

CLO3D renders for Corrie Designs Mini Beach Capsule

This mini capsule includes a flowing kimono-style cover-up, a bold one-shoulder swimsuit, and a classic triangle-tie bikini—paired with coordinating accessories like a sarong and beach tote. The print itself was inspired by a vintage kimono I found years ago and instantly fell in love with. The dramatic, oversized florals and vibrant palette felt like the perfect tribute to my love of Japan—modernised with a fresh, resort-ready twist.

A key part of learning CLO3D is also understanding patterns and construction, which has been incredibly valuable. It’s given me the chance to refresh and sharpen those technical skills, and more importantly, to put them into immediate action within my creations. Seeing the digital garment evolve from a 2D pattern into a 3D form has been a game-changer—one that blends creativity with technical confidence.

Next step? I’m planning to export the patterns from CLO3D, print several metres of fabric with my own designs, and then… pull out my sewing machine and get making! There’s something so rewarding about blending the high-tech with the hands-on, and I’m excited to bring these digital looks into the physical world.

I’m still learning, still exploring, and yes, still occasionally laughing when something goes haywire in CLO (a towel that once turned into a tablecloth mid-render comes to mind…). But this journey is just beginning, and I’m genuinely excited to see where it leads.

If you’re a designer looking to evolve, or someone who wants to reconnect with your creative spark in a new way, I honestly can’t recommend it enough. There’s so much joy in discovering new tools that can elevate the work you already love.