Define the customer, occasion and silhouette
Begin with the destination market, customer profile, occasion and intended price direction. A knee-length cocktail sheath, midi occasion dress and floor-length column gown may use a related fitted line while requiring different coverage, ease and movement.
Provide front, side and back references and state the intended finished length. Identify which proportions are essential so the development team can distinguish fit requirements from decorative details.
- Destination market and customer
- Occasion and retail role
- Knee, midi or floor length
- Front, side and back references
Build fit through the body
Supply the body and finished-garment measurements that should control the sample. Review neckline stability, bust shaping, waist position, hip ease and the line from hip to hem on the intended fit model.
A clean fitted appearance should not rely on excessive tightness. Record corrections by measurement point and confirm the approved sample size before grading the remaining sizes.
- Body and garment measurements
- Bust, waist and hip shaping
- Finished ease and comfort
- Approved sample size and grading basis
Plan movement, vents and slits
Define the walking ease required for the occasion and how it will be created through stretch, hem width, a back vent or a side or front slit. State the slit position and finished opening measurement rather than relying on a photograph alone.
Review sitting, walking and turning during sample approval. Lining, seam allowances and reinforcement around openings should support movement without distorting the outer fabric.
- Walking and sitting ease
- Vent or slit placement
- Opening length and reinforcement
- Lining and seam allowance control
Match materials to the intended line
Crepe, satin, lace, jacquard, stretch mesh and sequined fabrics behave differently over a close silhouette. Approve shell, lining, interfacing and support as one material system and confirm stretch direction, recovery, opacity and seam stabilization.
Decoration weight and placement can change drape and flexibility. Use identified color references and clear artwork for embroidery, appliqué or sequins, especially where motifs cross shaping seams or slits.
- Shell, lining and support materials
- Stretch, recovery and opacity
- Seam stabilization
- Color and decoration placement
Plan quantities and four-size ratios
Harmony Gowns’ standard minimum is 30 pieces per color, distributed across four sizes. Build a whole-number size ratio for each style and color from previous sales, customer measurements or comparable product data when available.
Share the complete style, color and size matrix before quotation. Custom materials, dye lots or decoration may introduce separate supplier minimums, so the factory should review the actual order structure rather than an approximate total quantity.
- 30 pieces per color
- Four agreed sizes
- Whole-number size matrix
- Custom-material minimum review
Approve one production standard
Use the sample to approve fit, proportion, movement, length, materials, color, decoration and finishing. Consolidate corrections into one dated record and identify the final sample, measurement chart, material references and placement documents that will control production.
Before bulk cutting, confirm grading, tolerances, labels, packing and the required in-market date. Production inspections should compare measurements and appearance with the same approved references used during development.
- Final sample approval
- Measurements and tolerances
- Material and placement references
- Inspection and delivery plan