Fashion Product Development Process

Julie Hodson is a Senior Lecturer and Programme Leader at Manchester Fashion Institute, part of Manchester Metropolitan University, UK.Jackie Rayner is a Senior Lecturer in Fashion Business & Technologies with extensive industry experience in product development, and a research focus on the digital transformation of the global fashion industry.Rosina Mott is a Slow Fashion and Sustainability Communications Professional. After graduating in Fashion Communications at Manchester Metropolitan University, she studied Business Sustainability Management and Marketing at the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership.Karen Lea-Swain is a Senior Lecturer in Fashion Business with extensive experience in higher education teaching and inclusive learning design, with specialism in the field of Buying and Merchandising.Hilde Heim is a Senior Lecturer in Fashion Communication, researching supply chain transparency, digitalisation, and the role of regulations, standards, and certifications in advancing sustainability within the fashion industry.April Kalu is a Fashion Lecturer at Manchester Fashion Institute, Manchester Metropolitan University, UK. She is also the EDI Graduate Enhancements Lead for the Employability Team, reflecting on her 15 years’ experience in the global Fashion industry, in both luxury and high street.

“With over three decades working across major global fashion businesses, I’ve built my career leading buying, design, sourcing, and brand development teams across fast‑paced, international environments. I know how essential it is to have resources that demystify the product development process. This book offers exactly that. It provides a clear, comprehensive, and forward-thinking guide to how fashion product development really works—today and in the future.Its blend of industry insight, practical steps, and emerging innovations makes it an invaluable tool not only for those already embedded in the sector, but also for students, and early-career individuals who want to understand the full journey from concept to consumer. The inclusion of regulatory context, and sustainability considerations makes the content especially relevant for anyone preparing to enter a rapidly evolving retail landscape.”Kerrie Owen, Global Business Consultant Li & Fung

• 1. Introduction to Fashion Product Development 2. Fashion Market Research 3. Creativity, Design and Technology 4. Sourcing 5. Technical Communications 6. Manufacturing 7. On-Demand Manufacturing and Reshoring 8. Fashion Retail Strategy 9. Regulations and Compliance 10. Sustainability 11. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion