Case Study
First Collection for a Paris Fashion Entrepreneur
A Paris-based first-time fashion entrepreneur partnered with White Cotton's collection development service to transform hand-drawn sketches into a professional 6-piece capsule collection of 1,050 units, receiving mentorship on tech packs, fabric selection, and production timelines.
Type
Fashion Entrepreneur
Location
Paris, France
Size
Startup
The Challenge
The Challenge
The founder had a strong design vision and hand-drawn sketches but no technical fashion knowledge — no tech packs, no fabric specifications, no understanding of production minimums or timelines. They had been quoted €50,000+ by a Parisian atelier for development alone and needed an affordable, full-service partner who could translate creative ideas into production-ready garments without requiring prior industry experience.
Our Approach
Our Solution
White Cotton's collection development service took the project from sketch to shelf. We assigned a dedicated product developer who worked with the founder over four weeks to translate their sketches into professional tech packs, recommend fabrics and construction techniques, and build a production plan that fit their budget. The final 6-piece collection covered hoodies, tees, and a statement jacket — all produced in-house at our Barcelos facility.
Step by Step
The Process
Creative Brief & Fabric Selection
Three video consultations to understand the brand aesthetic (minimalist Parisian streetwear). Sent a curated fabric sample pack with 8 options. The founder selected 380 GSM French terry, 250 GSM organic cotton jersey, and 500 GSM brushed fleece.
Tech Pack Development
Converted 6 hand-drawn sketches into professional tech packs with flat drawings, construction details, measurement specs, and BOM (bill of materials). Each tech pack went through two revision rounds.
Sampling & Fit Iteration
Produced proto samples for all 6 styles. The founder flew to Barcelos for a fitting session, where we adjusted the hoodie pocket placement, tee hem length, and jacket collar shape. Final samples approved after one revision.
Production
Produced 1,050 units total across the 6 styles — 150 units each for the two hoodie styles and the jacket, 200 units each for the three tee styles — in 2 colourways per style. Applied screen-printed graphics to the tees and flat embroidery to the hoodies and jacket.
Brand Finishing
Designed and produced custom woven main labels, printed care labels with French washing instructions, and hang tags. Each piece was individually quality-checked, pressed, and packed with branded tissue paper.
Technical Details
Project Specs
Garments
Oversized Hoodie, Cropped Hoodie, Relaxed Tee, Fitted Tee, Longsleeve Tee, Statement Jacket
Fabrics
French Terry 380 GSM, Organic Cotton Jersey 250 GSM, Brushed Fleece 500 GSM
Techniques
Screen Printing (3 colourways), Flat Embroidery (chest and back), Custom Woven Labels, Custom Hang Tags
Quantity
1,050 units (150 per style for the hoodies and jacket, 200 per style for the tees, 2 colourways each)
Timeline
12 weeks from first call to delivery
MOQ
Hoodies and jacket from 100 units per style in one colourway (75 per colourway on 2+); tees from 150 units per style in one colourway (100 per colourway on 2+)
Outcomes
Results
- •Development, sampling, production and labelling together came in below the €50,000+ the Parisian atelier had quoted for development alone
- •Collection launched via a pop-up in Le Marais and sold 60% of inventory in the first weekend
- •The founder secured a feature in a French fashion blog, citing the quality of Portuguese manufacturing as a differentiator
- •Returned for Season 2 production six months later with 8 new styles and a larger repeat order
Client Testimonial
“I had sketches and a dream but zero idea how to actually make clothes. White Cotton didn't just manufacture my collection — they taught me how the industry works. The product developer caught design flaws I never would have noticed and suggested construction details that made the pieces look twice the price.”
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