Yes To "Made In China" and How

A Perspective from 23 Years in the Fashion Industry in New York and 8 Years of KetiVani, Small Batch Design and Manufacturing

Having worked in the fashion industry in New York for 23 years, I have extensive experience in product development and have collaborated closely with factories worldwide. Among them, China stands out for its ability to produce large quantities at an incredible speed. The workforce is dedicated and hardworking, yet my best results only came when I provided clear and precise direction.

Manufacturing in China is not just about sending over a design and expecting perfection. It requires technical expertise and hands-on involvement.

The key to success lies in controlling the process through:

Detailed Design and Technical Specifications: Providing a solid foundation with precise patterns, sewing instructions, and material specifications.

Thorough Sample Review: The initial sample from the factory often requires detailed feedback. Many times, I had to write seven-page construction comments, record videos, and meticulously guide them to achieve the final product I envisioned.

Continuous Communication and Oversight: Without this level of engagement, the results can be disappointing. In manufacturing, the principle of "garbage in, garbage out" applies—if your instructions are vague or incorrect, the output will reflect that.

When I worked for large corporations, I traveled to factories and conducted workshops and educational seminars, as shown in this picture. It was rewarding to see people so motivated to learn, and we achieved great results that were reflected in sales.

When I launched my own company, KetiVani, in2017, I faced a new challenge. Unlike brands like Tommy Hilfiger, I could not commit to massive orders, but I found factories willing to work with a minimum of 50 pieces per style per color. Some factories dropped me after seeing my detailed construction comments, citing my quality expectations as too high for such small production runs. However, others increased price  and  welcomed the feedback, as it helped improve their workers' skills and refine their craftsmanship. See some text communications via WeChat.

This experience taught me an invaluable lesson: never judge a product solely by its country of origin. A "Made in China" or "Made in Italy" label does not automatically signify good or bad quality. The true measure of excellence comes from craftsmanship, attention to detail, and the oversight provided by the brand. High-quality manufacturing can absolutely be achieved in China at a competitive cost, when the right direction is given.

For brands considering production in China, my advice is simple: know what you are doing. Understand the construction process, be prepared to guide the factory, and never assume that they will automatically meet your expectations. The success of your product depends on the clarity and precision of your input.

Manufacturing is a partnership, and when approached correctly, China offers remarkable opportunities for quality, large-scale production.