An introduction to our Full Service process
At Rule DD, the design and development process is the conscious craft of bringing ideas to life through careful planning and just the right amount of experimentation. We work hand-in-hand with our clients to meld their creativity and passions with our experience and methodology.
Our process is evolving
Since our start, we have specialized in design and development. Today as a full-service studio, we aid brands of all shapes and sizes from initial ideas to complete collections, by providing comprehensive guidance throughout the Design, Development, Pre-Production, and Production processes. With the release of our latest Client Roadmap, we aim to lead our clients even more seamlessly from start to finish, and back again.
Design: The Who (4-8 Weeks)
We work exclusively with mission-based brands, so it's important to us that each of our clients have a strong foundation and clear understanding of their values and goals from the start.
In the Design phase, we begin by onboarding your logo and other supporting brand assets to ensure that we understand how you intend to visually communicate your brand’s message and aesthetic, in addition to reviewing the mission statement and core values of each designer. This can come from their root of inspiration, driving personal passions, or what matters most to their audience. Each designer is as unique as their designs, and by establishing a main brand priority we are able to re-visit their foundation and refine their direction as needed, ensuring that their products are aligned with their beliefs from conception and through delivery.
At Rule DD, sustainability is one of our foundational pillars. We believe in meeting each brand where they are by following a “good, better, best” approach to sustainability. We guide and coach our clients through actionable goals for immediate implementation and measurable improvements over time. This coaching process is directly aligned with our materials sourcing and onboarding process. There is no right way to seek sustainability; while for some designers, a low carbon footprint might be a priority, and for others it may be using only organically-grown materials. Whatever it is, we are here to explore and connect our clients with the best fabrics, trims, labels and packaging to completely meet their individually identified needs.
The Design stage closes out with reviewing the specifications of each style, in addition to completing sample size measurements and size charts customized for your brand. Once we have laid this strong foundation, we are ready to move on to our next step - Development.
Development: The What (8-12 Weeks)
In the Development phase, the abstract becomes tangible. Here we begin to execute on and experiment with the ideas initially originally outlined in Design.
With materials sourced and styles reviewed, we initiate 1st patterns and individually sample each style. Our Development Manager leads the way - producing the relative drawings and patterns, and working directly with our sample makers to create each piece. Here we guide our clients through testing and improving their designs. Often we will recommend field trials for the garment, to ensure it performs as desired when out in the world. Garments undergo fittings and changes where necessary. We repeat this stage until the sample is fully revised and approved by the designer.
Final Approved Sample: A sample representing all final design details across fit, function, and aesthetic, including all materials.
Once we have a Final Approved Sample for each style on hand, and we are ready to advance to our penultimate stage - Pre-Production.
Pre-Production: The When (4-8 Weeks)
In the Pre-Production phase, we finalize all essential planning - reviewing all details relative to the style as represented in the Final Approved Sample and imperative to the production.
Now that the style, or collection, is tried and tested, we double-check all of our hard work to ensure the garment is production ready. This process includes grading per the size chart and marking per the materials specs, as well as completing tech packs specific to each style.
These steps provide the foundation for a smooth production run, and are essential to securing final product perfection. All that said, we understand that this is where things get technical, and possibly a little confusing. Check-out the definitions below if you find yourself unfamiliar with any of the terms featured above!
Grading: This term refers to the process of scaling patterns to create different sizes; we can grade up or down from a sample size. With our experience in size-inclusive collections, we work with brands to enable the exact ratios and specifications they want to offer to their audience.
Marking: This term refers to the process of plotting pattern placement relative to the final fabric, while taking into account fabric width and shrinkage (verified by vendors, or through shrink tests) to ensure the least amount of waste. A finished production marker is a long and seamless piece of paper that the cutter will use as a template when cutting production.
Tech Pack: This term refers to the comprehensive document containing all information relative for a production-ready style. These files include technical sketches, bill of materials, pricing, color-ways, construction call-outs, cutter’s musts, graded specs, and placement for labels, etc.
Once we have completed these important Pre-Production elements for each style, we are ready for the final stage - Production!
Production: The Why (8-12 Weeks)
And at long last, we enter Production - the reason why we began this creative journey! It takes a lot of work to get here, but this is where it all pays off. Our established relationships with our production partners are fueled by trust and constant communication. This final stage may vary in length, with factors like dyeing or printing, playing a role in the ultimate timeline. The nitty-gritty of production includes onboarding all production materials, cutting and sewing, inspection for quality control and repairs, finishing and packing, all before fulfilling your order - shipping to you, or directly to your customers.
When you are ready to begin work on your next style or collection, we start again at Design! We recommend completing the Development phase for each collection, before beginning on any consecutive collections. Our Full-Service process is meant to evolve with your brand to best support the goals and growth of your company.
Rule DD: A boutique Apparel Studio
From start to finish, we are here for you! We are always excited by new projects, especially with like-minded brands looking to learn more about apparel production in Los Angeles.
If you’re looking to connect with us to learn more about any of the phases mentioned above, get in touch with us for more information!