Abstract: A system and method for providing surface detail to computer generated two-dimensional graphic images of apparel or other free-form surfaces such that the three-dimensional appearance of the image is provided or enhanced. That is accomplished through a combination of user-controlled mesh generation for providing the topology of the image "surface" and a texture-mapping technique for applying the surface detail once the mesh has been generated. The system and method of the present invention may be used as one function of a larger two-dimensional computer aided design system for apparel, footwear, textiles, interior design, or other applications where the user may wish to add surface detail to a two-dimensional computer image of a three-dimensional object or surface.