The Sampling Unit is a British Manufacturing House started in 2002 to service the client from fabric sourcing, pattern cutting, sample making, grading and eventually the finished product. Working with many couture houses where the industry experienced has been gained, Andres Theodosiou’s commitment to the full service manufacturing option puts a designer’s mind at ease, no matter the size of the run.
Nolcha: Your slogan on your web page is no job too big or too small. What is the average number of pieces a new designer usually brings to you?Andres Theodosiou: We may get orders for only one sample garment or as many as fifty sample garments at once. Our new slogan is “one stop shop”, which means that a designer need not go to any other manufacturer to satisfy their needs. So the customer can be assured that the quality of the product will be the best that they can source.
N: With the ability and experience in cutting both urban ready-to-wear to couture, how do you prepare for the work that will go into such a variety of contracts? AT: The process of taking an order will usually involve a meeting with the designer or an assistant where their requirements would be discussed. We would talk about the finishing, the construction and the final look that they are trying to achieve. NM: If a client presents you with only a sketch, how does the Sampling Unit evolve this into a reliable piece of clothing?
AT: Most of our clients tend to come to us with only a sketch, so, as above we ensure that we keep close contact with them to discuss every detail as the piece evolves.
N: With many contracts going out to China for a larger production, how do you stay competitive in pricing?
AT: We do not compete with China, as the production cost is too high here to match their pricing, so we specialize more in detail and quality. We are usually in constant contact with our customers; this gives them more control over the final product. However, we do produce samples that one can send to be produced in China for our clients. We also produce press and catwalk samples where time is of the essence, we can produce quickly and this is one of our strengths as a company.
N: If the Sampling Unit has created the samples for a line and then the line is picked up for production, what kinds of steps need to be taken to produce the entire project?
AT: At the time of producing a sample we can determine production costs then.Then the designer will have to book in their production with me, at this time, we will discuss delivery dates and any other specific requirement that they should have. Fabric delivery and any interlining etc.
N: What advice can you give a designer when searching for the perfect clothing producer? What types of questions should they ask? How do they make an appointment to speak to someone on staff?
N: What advice can you give a designer when searching for the perfect clothing producer? What types of questions should they ask? How do they make an appointment to speak to someone on staff?
AT: They should ask who their customers are, what the lead times are and what the costs are. They should also see the quality of work previously produced. We see people by appointment only.
N: What do you feel make the Sampling Unit unique to the garment industry and where do you see yourselves growing in the business in the future?
N: What do you feel make the Sampling Unit unique to the garment industry and where do you see yourselves growing in the business in the future?
AT: The Sampling Unit is unique for many reasons: Firstly, our experience in working at the top end of the fashion industry, with a résumé that includes making couture garments for famous celebrities, such as Sarah Ferguson’s wedding dress and Princess Diana’s famous white off the shoulder honeymoon silk dress. Moreover, we have a hard working professional and dedicated team who have vast knowledge and experience on both delicate and complex fabrics and who always meet production targets and deadlines.
