Production for Dummies

So, we always say how busy we've been etc. etc. LAME. I know, we need to update this bitch way more often--which will happen, I promise for sure. But let me give you a glimpse into the current madness that is our lives. In order to produce this current season, this is a basic, step-by-step breakdown of the stressful process that has consumed our lives.

Step 1: Design. This is the paper and pencil process, putting shit down conceptually and seeing what works.

Step 2: Fabric Shop. Now that you've got your design ready, it's time to make shit real. Taking cues from what you've drawn, start finding fabrics, linings, hardware, and anything else required for your piece.



Step 3: Tech. Here, we measure out every last detail of the garment, from the sleeve length to pocket depth and stitch type. BIG UPS to Liz on this one, she's our tech designer who basically held our hand through this part. All these measurements and construction directions are then assembled into a packet, hence, a tech pack, that's given to the production company.


Step 4: Sample. Taking the instructional tech pack and the fabrics you've found, the production house will create patterns out of your design to cut a sample of your garment. This sample is then adjusted and resampled until it is exactly as you envisioned the piece.


Step 5: Hustle. Now that you have your garment, it's time to see where you can sell. So with your samples in hand, you create a lookbook and linesheets and present your product and ideas to whatever retailers you see an appropriate fit for your garment and your vision. Find the buyer or the manager of your favorite retailer or boutique and set up an appointment, and remember your A-B-C's: Always Be Closing. Get your written Purchase Orders and it's time to move to the next step.

Step 6: Marking and Grading. From the sample that was meticulously crafted and resampled, the measurements are taken as the base size. So it's general practice to create your sample as the medium. Then, these measurements are scaled up or down, or graded, to create the measurements for a size run. Then, taking the fabric rolls you bought, the patterns for the design are laid out to make the best use of the entire fabric roll, a process called marking.

Step 7: Production. Now that you have fabric for your design and it has been teched, graded, and marked, it's time to mass produce. (Lots of fashion companies send this process abroad to Asia or South America to take advantage of the cheap labor and mass production capabilities. VANE is made right here, in the heart of New York City, on 38th Street.) So the rolls are laid out, and with the markers in place, the patterns are cut and sewn. Labels and appliques are then applied.

Step 8: Pray. Congratulations, you've made some shit. Now it's out in the world, you better hope that people are buying.

Not so glamorous, eh? Welcome to our world....