If you havent already I suggest you look at transparency maps to allow a limited change of haor or clothing , poser magnets and then find a simple modelling program to try.

There are a bunch of tutorials on building conformers.

Material zones can be done in Poser using the group editor.  Its in the Poser manual.

For applications , a modelling program , a mapping program, a paint program for doint texture maps is all you need.

Thre are a bunch of python utilities to help with rigging and there are programs like Philc obj2cr2. I think you should learn to do it the long way first so you understand the process.

You have my email, feel free to contact me if you have specific questions.