We are often asked about how we design and develop new products, here’s how…
Although we are not trend driven, we are trend led, so a nod to fashion without being too ‘out there’. We always want to make sure that our garments are classic enough to stand the test of time but have an edge that makes them different to other brands. We aim to offer you a different angle so that style comes naturally and effortlessly. With this in mind we are constantly developing details for our garments that we think you will love. We like to include them in a way that makes sense and fits with the overall aesthetic and doesn’t look like an afterthought. Sometimes these details are created through practicality and we like to share those benefits with you, such as shirred waistbands with wonderful stretch and lined with soft jersey.
How we start…
I review the trend information available for the season and new interesting fabrics that are either knitted locally, are made from sustainable fibres or are dead stock destined for landfill. I pick out concepts that fit well with our customer and choose the fabrics that suit those concepts. I take these ideas and look at how I can incorporate them in to the Frock Tales styling and start sketching, initially loads of ideas. Then I analyse them to work out which are best so that I have more than I want to release. The next stage is to mix the ideas together taking the key ideas and trying them out in different ways. The final stage is bringing the range together and choosing the styles that work well together as a collection.
Technical development…
I take the final designs and work out exactly how we are going to make them. This takes a lot of discussion with our very experienced and knowledgeable sample machinist. The final construction is a team effort and brings together the best construction techniques and the quality that we want to achieve. This information is recorded and then I make the pattern in the size to fit our mannequin. After cutting out the fabric the machinist makes the first sample. We fit this on the mannequin and I make any pattern adjustments required. Once a final initial sample is made, we use this in a photoshoot to gain images for our website and we grade the pattern so that we have a pattern in each size that we want to make.
Production…
Initially we make two garments in each size. If the style is popular, we make more and try other colours. We never make too much in one go as we aim to control stock and limit making garments unnecessarily.
Garment embellishment…
Styles that require embellishments that we are not able to carry out inhouse are sent to local companies such as, dye houses, embroiderers or printers. All our outsourcing is local to us to help keep our carbon footprint to a minimum.
What happens to our waste fabric…
We try not to put fabric waste in landfill and instead collect it in the bags that our fabrics arrive in and donate it to groups that can make use of it, such as schools, clubs, local charities and individuals making craft projects.
Feedback…
We really value your opinions, this helps us to provide even better garments, thank you to all the customers that have taken time to give us feedback.
Janie Morgan-Wood