In The Making Phase 1, Episode 4: What Manufacturers Look for in Your Fashion Mood Board & Sketches
What Manufacturers Look for in Your Fashion Mood Board – The Best Secrets Exposed
Behind every fashion collection is a story. But what brings that story to life? In Episode 4 of In the Making, we take you behind the seams at Riche Stitch to reveal how fashion manufacturers interpret a designer’s vision using their fashion mood board, sketches, and written concept.
This episode features the early stages of the Spring/Summer 2026 collection by Nouveau Riche Apparel and walks you through how we begin the production process with no mood board, just sketches and a written theme.
Why Your Fashion Mood Board Matters
A fashion mood board is more than a collage of pretty images. It’s a blueprint that sets the tone for everything that follows. At Riche Stitch, we evaluate each image and texture on a mood board to understand:
- The intended aesthetic
- The emotional tone behind the collection
- The fabrics and construction details
- The designer’s vision for the customer experience
Even when a mood board is not submitted, like in this episode, we rely on written themes, sketches, and sometimes even videos to gather every detail we need.
Interpreting Sketches Without a Fashion Mood Board
When Nouveau Riche submitted their 2026 collection, we received sketches and a written description instead of a traditional fashion mood board. Each sketch included unique elements for multiple mini-collections, ranging from playful spring looks to elevated basics and foundation pieces.
We reviewed them all with a technical eye:
- What fabric was likely used based on stretch and drape?
- Which seams might require adjustments for functionality?
- What construction choices might impact fit and comfort?
These early evaluations help us avoid costly sampling mistakes and ensure the designs can be executed just as the designer envisioned.
A Manufacturer’s Approach to Fashion Mood Boards
We analyze mood boards like a strategy guide. Strong mood boards offer:
- Clarity in vision
- Cohesion in color and texture
- Space for creativity and evolution
Even Pinterest-style digital boards offer valuable insights. We show examples of mood boards from different aesthetics, feminine luxury, fashion-forward denim, and fall collections with mixed textures, to illustrate how we read between the lines and build from your inspiration.
Mood Board or Not, Communication Is Key
If you don’t have a formal fashion mood board, that’s okay. A detailed written description, sketches, or even videos can guide your manufacturer.
But the most important part is clear communication. We never assume anything. From material selection to seam placements and strap adjustments, we ask the right questions early to prevent issues later.
Turning Your Fashion Mood Board Into a Collection
Once we’ve reviewed the mood board, sketches, and theme, our team moves into fabric sourcing and pattern development. In Episode 4, you’ll see exactly how we start bringing the Nouveau Riche vision to life, making sure every detail is in place before sampling begins.
This is where strategy meets storytelling, and where ideas become garments.
Watch Episode 4 of In the Making on the Riche Stitch YouTube channel:
What Manufacturers Look for in Your Fashion Mood Board
And don’t forget to subscribe to both Riche Stitch and Iconic Fashion Figure to see both perspectives of this docuseries.
FAQs
1. What should be included in a fashion mood board?
A strong mood board includes color palettes, textures, fabric inspiration, runway references, and brand identity visuals that help communicate the collection’s emotion and style.
2. Can I work with a manufacturer if I don’t have a mood board?
Yes. While a mood board is helpful, manufacturers like Riche Stitch can work with written descriptions, sketches, and direct consultation to understand your vision.
3. What if my sketches aren’t technical?
That’s perfectly fine. Your manufacturer can help fill in the technical gaps and may recommend adjustments during the pre-production process.
4. Why is fabric selection tied to the mood board?
The mood board sets the tone for the materials used. Whether you’re choosing silks, cottons, or denim, the mood board influences texture, color, and function.
Watch the Full Episode
Watch In the Making: Episode 4 now on the Riche Stitch YouTube channel. You’ll see exactly how we analyze a fashion designer’s mood board and fashion sketches to bring their vision to life. Want to view the designer’s perspective? Visit Iconic Fashion Figure for the full two-sided journey.
Be sure to like and subscribe!
Key Timestamps in this video:
00:00 – Episode intro: Interpreting a Designer’s Vision
00:26 – Reviewing what we received from the designer
00:47 – Starting the step-by-step interpretation process
01:05 – Understanding the message behind the fabrics
01:27 – Exploring different customer-focused collections
02:31 – First reactions to the volume of designs
02:55 – Why mood boards are blueprints
03:14 – Using videos and descriptions as alternatives to mood boards
03:36 – Example of a general mood board
04:08 – How to interpret mood boards with intention
04:29 – Visualizing a collection based on mood board elements
04:44 – Additional mood board examples
05:02 – Mood board with denim and silk textures
05:21 – Sketch-based mood board with actual designs
05:55 – Reviewing the sketch details
06:11 – Why technical calls with designers are essential
07:31 – Adjustments for function and construction
08:05 – Deep dive into strap, clasp, and seam modifications
08:45 – Sketch adjustments for real-life fit
09:05 – Ensuring proper sizing and wearability
09:20 – Interpreting fit from sketches
09:42 – Importance of the first fit sample
09:56 – Catching design issues before sampling
10:20 – Communication and partnership with the designer
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