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Fashion Design and Manufacturing Support for Growing Brands

Fashion Start Ups

I work with fashion brands that are ready to move beyond early concept stage and into structured product development, sampling and production. This includes start ups with a clear plan and budget, as well as established brands expanding into new categories such as activewear, sportswear, streetwear and technical apparel.

My role is to guide brands through design development, technical preparation and early manufacturing stages, ensuring products are commercially viable, technically resolved and ready for factory execution.

This is a design led, manufacturing aware service focused on building collections that can be produced consistently and scaled responsibly.

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⚬ Design to production support ⚬ Manufacturing options ⚬ Trusted globally

Sampling and Manufacturing Support

We support brands through the critical sampling stage, from first prototype to pre production approval. A bespoke crafted service for brands looking to work with established manufacturing partners, primarily in China or Turkey, alternative regions where appropriate.

What’s Included

• Creative and technical direction during sampling
• Fabric and trim sourcing guidance
• Sampling management from proto to pre production
• Lab dips, print and branding approvals
• Costing and production setup support
• Quality assurance notes and factory communication
• Packaging guidance and basic logistics coordination
• Ongoing project management throughout the sampling stage

Deliverables

• Factory introductions and tech pack handover
• Material and trim sourcing support
• Sample reviews with clear improvement notes
• Support across multiple sampling rounds

Who This Service Is Best For

• Brands ready to move from design into production
• Start ups with funding or clear production budgets
• Existing brands expanding into new apparel categories
• Teams that need experienced oversight during sampling

Hull City football shirt designed by Umbro, football kit designer Manchester, J Mitchell fashion design

Sampling and Manufacturing

It’s a minefield out there when it comes to making garments. It’s hard to know who to trust and where to turn. Over the years I have built up relationships with sourcing partners and factories and I have the knowledge and skills to help you get your ideas into work.

Puma SS2009 menswear CADs featuring striped polos, sweat jackets and branded hooded windbreakers designed by Jonathan Mitchell

Knowledge is Power

One of the reasons that people choose me to help them start their fashion business is because they get a fashion consultant that’s happy to share his knowledge and network of industry contacts. I can guide you from concept to sample development, ready for bulk production.

Puma SS09 design board with dark reds and digital textures

Be Prepared, Plan Ahead

Fashion start-ups often struggle with timelines. Even established companies, look at a minimum of six months to go from starting a collection to products landing in-store, and that’s with everything in place. Most fashion companies work on timelines of twelve months ahead.

GETTING STARTED

What's Needed to Begin the Design Process?

When you're ready to proceed, Get in touch and we can arrange a call to go through your ideas. I will need you to supply me with the following info;

- Logo, preferably in PDF or AI Format.

- Brand Guidelines, if you have them.

- USP and Target Consumer: What makes your brand unique?

- Line List/Range Plan: What products you want me to design?

- Brand Adjacency: Who are your competitors in the market?

- Clear Communication: Pics and links to support your ideas.

Caterham Cars motorsport gilet, technical fashion designer company UK, J Mitchell fashion design

FAQ: Fashion Start-Up Support

Do you work with start-up fashion brands outside Manchester?

Yes, I work with start-up fashion brands across the UK and internationally. While I’m based in Marsden near Manchester, I regularly work with clients in Leeds, London, Liverpool and beyond via video calls and remote collaboration.

What’s included in your fashion start-up service?

The service includes CAD design, colour-ups, technical packs, fabric recommendations, and support with sampling and manufacturing. It’s a full end-to-end design package tailored to new fashion brands.

How much does it cost to launch a fashion start-up with your help?

Most projects start from £5,000 depending on style count and complexity. This typically covers around 8–10 styles and includes everything from design to ready-for-production specs. Contact me to discuss your budget and timeline.

How long does it take to design a new fashion collection?

Most start-up projects take 6 to 12 weeks depending on the scope. This includes time for initial concepts, revisions, CADs, and tech packs—plus extra time if sampling is required.