At our studio, Sustainable Fashion is at the core of our values. We take pride in the sustainability and transparency that we can guarantee within our operations. With a 100% Canadian-based staff, we ensure that all development items are created within our studio embody the principles of fair labour, from design through development (however, please understand that fabrics and other raw materials used in our processes may not apply, depending on the clients choices).

It's important to acknowledge that we cannot extend this assurance to the decisions our clients make independently, or guarantee the complete sustainability and transparency of other providers they choose. We are more than happy to recommend suppliers who align with our commitment to Sustainable Fashion. Still, it remains the client's responsibility to ask the right questions, conduct their due diligence, and perform thorough research regarding the components used in their sustainable fashion products.

Yes — we specialize in developing a wide range of garments across multiple fabrications, with particular expertise in niche product categories. This is where we excel.

Currently, we only work with companies seeking a full development experience — from concept through to prototype. We do not offer à la carte services unless the brand has successfully completed at least two full production seasons.

We do not produce one-off garments unless they are for celebrity appearances or high-profile events.

We exclusively develop for companies with the intent to commercially produce and sell their products.

While we receive a high volume of requests for basics like hoodies and t-shirts, for full development projects, we only take on basics when the client is seeking a custom fit within a niche category.

Remote Collaboration: Bringing Your Fashion Brand Vision to Life from Anywhere

Launching a clothing line is an exciting journey, but you may wonder if working with a fashion development partner is possible when you’re not in the same city. Whether you’re based in Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Calgary, or anywhere else in Canada, you can confidently start a fashion brand with expert support—no matter your location. In today’s connected world, remote collaboration with Canadian manufacturers and fashion consultants is not only possible; it’s the new industry standard. Let’s explore how you can seamlessly launch your clothing line, even if you’re miles away from your chosen partners.

Start ups who choose to work with Colour Alchemist Canada are taken through the full process.

This process is meant to ensure that you come out at the other end with a ready to go project, and that you are empowered and clear on the steps that you need to move forward on your own.  We not only help you get your product complete and ready to produce, but we teach you the pathway as we do this. 

To custom develop a single design with a full pre-production package (until production ready) for your fashion brand will range between $5,000- and often over $15,000 (if a very high end product such as lined tailored clothing or highly technical pieces) excluding manufacturing costs.  

A full package like this includes:

• Sketches/simple tech packs
• Initial patterns with updates
• Fit samples (mock-up, prototype/sew-by etc.)
• Fabric selections and testing (consultation on fabrics and some minor sourcing is included in our package)
• Grading (we always include more sizes than you need so that you don't have to go back)
• Graded sewn samples (3 to 5 depending on your required size range)
• Grading review and updates
• Preparation of size charts
• Consulting through these required steps 
• All of the necessary steps you need prior to cutting your first production order. 
  • Fabrics and supplies are always extra, as this will depend on the client's choices.

What is NOT included:

• Raw materials, relevant shipping costs, for your prototypes
• Production and Introduction to production facilities (Unless we have one that can accomodate your product).
• Marketing
• Product research and additional sourcing (this is an additional cost)

When comparing prices with other Designers/Developers, always make certain you know who owns the important assets (specifically the patterns).

There are many other pathways to starting a clothing business that are less expensive and less extensive in time.

We cover this in our APPAREL DISCOVERY PROGRAM (limited to 4 individuals per cohort - one to one options are availalbe to suit yoiur timeline, this is at a higher cost).

Click the BRIGHT PINK TITLES for more information!

Apparel Discovery Program: This program is designed to help you gain clarity on your brand vision, target audience, and initial product offerings. It's a perfect starting point if you're still in the brainstorming and concept development phase.

Consulting Packages: We offer a variety of consulting packages tailored to address specific needs, such as brand identity development, market research, or sourcing guidance. These packages can be valuable resources as you refine your idea and prepare for launch.

We do not offer branding or marketing services.  This is a very specific skill that requires marketing specialists, just like we are specialists in product development and understanding how to build your product to meet yoiur clients needs.  Before starting your product process, it is imperative that you have done thorough market research.

While we're not marketing specialists we can certainly be your partner in this crucial stage!  Here's how:

Guiding You Through Self-Discovery: We provide insightful questions and exercises to help you understand your brand vision, target audience preferences, and ideal product line.
Ensuring Product-Market Fit: Through this process, you'll gain clarity on how to design products that resonate with your chosen market in terms of style, fabric, and most importantly, fit.

A mismatch here can be frustrating, especilaly for your customer.  This is why we prioritize this aspect.

We recommend collaborating with a marketing professional for in-depth target audience analysis and a market study. 

What a marketing professional can provide, is understanding how to position y our product for sales.

Colour Alchemist Canada Inc. works with a limited number of fashion startups, defined as brands that have produced fewer than two full seasons or are just getting started. Startups require dedicated support, which is why we only onboard them through our full 7-step development process. 
 

This focused approach ensures every startup gets the guidance they need, without compromising the high level of service we provide to our existing client community. Kindly know that if you are looking for one off services, and have never started a clothing line, we may not be the provider for you. 

When selecting which companies, we wish to work with, we choose carefully.  Being a good match for each other benefits both parties in the end.

We hope that you take this diligence to do the same.

WE ONLY TAKE THOSE WHO ARE REGISTERED AND READY TO START WORKING. TO QUALIFY:

• Start-ups must be registered companies (this includes sole proprietors, incorporation not required).  
• Start-ups must have completed their full target market research and know what they are wanting to achieve.  We require that this process be completed on your end PRIOR to working with us.  We do not provide market research, or company branding services.
• Should you be a START-UP that needs further clarification, and do not have a business yet, we are happy to set up a paid consultation to help you become prepared to start a clothing line.  You may also inquire about our APPAREL DISCOVERY PROGRAM that is made specifically to prepare you to begin the development process with us.  

We understand that many fashion startup founders have incredible ideas but aren’t quite ready to commit to starting a business just yet.

If you're exploring how to start a fashion business, have questions, or want to avoid costly mistakes—we’re here to guide you. BEFORE YOU DECIDE TO START. 

As a trusted Canadian clothing developer, we help you plan, research, and understand your product before you invest. Learning the process early means fewer surprises and smarter decisions later. A clear path now can save thousands—and get you closer to creating a product that truly works.

Here are two ways we can support you on your journey before you make any serious decisions:

Apparel Discovery Program: This program is designed to help you gain clarity on your brand vision, target audience, and initial product offerings. It's a perfect starting point if you're still in the brainstorming and concept development phase. We currently have a waitlist for groups.  A one to one option is possible, 

Consulting Packages: We offer a variety of consulting packages tailored to address specific needs, such as brand identity development, market research, or sourcing guidance.

These packages can be valuable resources as you refine your idea and prepare for launch.  

We are now exclusively a development studio, working directly with clients through development and supporting clients through the production process rather than producing in-house.

While we previously offered low MOQ production, we’ve shifted to focus solely on development.

In most cases, low MOQ now refers to 200+ units per style, per colour. Some factories may offer flexibility if multiple styles are produced in the same fabric.

We can help facilitate outsourced production.  Development and production are two different services. 

Please note: we no longer offer in-studio production services, only sample making.

Product development for emerging fashion brands creating new collections is a distinctive process.

The timeline for fashion brand creation and product development can range from as quickly as 6 and easily up to 2 years, depending on the product and time a client has to invest in their project.

Most of the timing is contingent upon the extent of preliminary research and groundwork performed by the client beforehand.

We have a limited number of meet-and-greet appointments each month, and our primary focus is on ensuring a good match before moving forward.

Ensuring the confidentiality of our fashion brand clients is paramount to us, and we adhere to the highest standards of professionalism and business ethics.

You won't find any client disclosure on our website, and we never randomly share this information. Our commitment to safeguarding the privacy of our clients is a priority.

It's worth noting that within our industry, divulging client names or showcasing them on a public platform can potentially compromise the essential trade secrets and unique aspects of our clients' fashion businesses.

However, we do have clients who are willing to serve as references, and once we've conducted a meet-and-greet and presented you with a proposal, we can provide you with references. Your trust and confidentiality are of utmost importance to us in the fashion brand development process.

We understand the appeal of private label clothing lines, and we do have a program for this! However, our core focus lies in providing exceptional full-service development for our valued clients.

Here's how we prioritize:

Full-Service Development:  This remains our core strength. We excel at taking your vision from concept to a fully realized clothing line, ensuring perfect fit, style, and brand alignment. This comprehensive approach is ideal for clients seeking a complete solution.

Customizable Blanks (For Current Development Clients):  We offer a customizable blanks program featuring a line of basic garments we've designed and own.  This service is currently exclusive to our full-service development clients.  Why? Because these clients have already partnered with us to develop their brand identity and target audience. This allows us to ensure the customizable blanks perfectly complement their existing vision and fit their target market flawlessly.

What if I'm Not Ready for Full-Service Development?

While we can't currently offer customizable blanks to non-development clients, we recommend exploring our Apparel Discovery Program or Consulting Packages. These services can help you solidify your brand identity and target audience, making you well-positioned for future full-service development with us (including access to customizable blanks).

Ultimately, our goal is to ensure your success.  By focusing on full-service development and extending customizable blanks as an exclusive benefit to those clients, we deliver the best possible experience for everyone.

Sourcing fabric and notions takes a lot of time and effort.  When working with clients on full development projects,  we are always happy to recommend suppliers that we believe will be helpful to them. 

Requests for custom sourcing and selections/consulting is now billed as a separate package ranging from $250 and upwards of $5000+ depending on the items required.

We quote product development as a package. We do this by breaking down each step into known steps and combine them to provide clients with a preferred rate. 

NEW START-UPS:  WE HAVE MOVED AWAY FROM INDIVIDUALIZED SERVICES AND ONLY PROVIDE FULL DEVELOPMENT PACKAGES FOR START-UPS.  

PLEASE KNOW THAT FULL DEVELOPMENT BEGINS AT $5000 AND AVERAGES UP TO $15 000+ PER STYLE.

INDIVIDUALIZED SERVICES (EX: ONLY PATTERN MAKING, ONLY TECH PACKS) ARE AVAILABLE FOR BUSINESSES WHO HAVE SUCCESSFULLY MANUFACTURED A MINIMUM OF 2 FULL SEASONS.