The Sampling Process – A FashionCapital Masterclass

This week, 25^th January 2018, we had leading, industry expert Sue Mee Maudsley impart her knowledge and skills at the second FashionCapital Masterclass of the year covering ‘The Sampling Process.’

Sue Mee has over 25 years experience in the fashion industry, she has designed and consulted for brands such as Topshop, Monsoon, Burberry, John Lewis and many more. Alongside designing and consulting for mainstream high street and luxury brands, she also designs and consults start-up brands providing guidance on producing their own collections.

The aim of the Masterclass was to provide essential advice and top tips about the multiple stages within the sampling process to consider when taking design ideas through to finished product. Attendees included new business start-ups as well as those at the initial idea stage all seeking substantial information about sampling through Sue Mee’s invaluable expertise.

The workshop began with a brief introduction about Sue Mee’s career she then went on to explain her ten point plan covering; ideas, mood boards, fabrics, trims, print, liaising with a manufacture and much more.

Within each topic she explained how to overcome the hindrances that can come about when creating a collection within a factory. For example the importance of a creating a tech pack. “When producing a tech pack, you must make sure it is clear and informative for the supplier or factory to create your designs. A descriptive detailed tech pack means the factory or supplier you wish to work with can provide a costing.”

The relevance of the sample was explained in detail and how it provides an opportunity to analyse what works and what doesn’t for each design. “Don’t be delusional into thinking you will get it right the first time, sometimes you end up having to create two or three samples until the garment is correct.”

Additional areas of discussion included planning and lead times, and how to maintain an organised calendar throughout the complete process from design to manufacturing through to marketing and launching the brand.

Overall, it was an insightful and invaluable masterclass. The group gained a vast amount of knowledge and expertise from Sue Mee on developing their design ideas to the finished product.

Attendee feedback included:

“I am so inspired by this session it has enabled me to start the process of getting my collection together. The masterclass was very helpful and I received great advice and guidance from Sue.” Payal

“It was very informative, I feel more confident knowing more about production. I have learnt how to go about producing my own clothing line.” Makeda

“It was a great overview of the areas of sampling and the process of creating a collection. The content provided was fantastic, I’ll be back.” Neheta

If you are interested in joining one of the FashionCapital Masterclasses click here