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Case Studies

How a Product Actually Gets Made.

Every Gondel project moves through the same stages: study the reference, sketch the concept, test the material, build a sample, refine it, produce it. These are real projects, stage by stage.

Product Progression · Bags

From a Reference Tote to a Signature Beach Bag.

JAIS Turks & Caicos brought us a tote they had bought locally. Seven stages later they had their own: larger, structured, with bottle pockets and the brand's own colors.

Canvas Tote Custom Pattern Embroidered Branding 7 Stages
  1. Cream canvas tote with red horizontal stripes and red webbing handles, the reference bag the client supplied
    01

    The Starting Point

    The client shared a tote purchased locally as a reference. We studied its shape, materials, and overall look to understand what they wanted to keep and what could be improved.

  2. Pencil sketch of the tote on paper, with the striped reference fabric folded beside it
    02

    First Concept

    Using that reference, we created the first sketch. The goal was to preserve the original character of the tote while adapting it into a custom product for JAÏS.

  3. Annotated sketch showing a larger tote with deep side pockets sized for a wine bottle, next to fabric swatches and a wine bottle
    03

    Designed for More

    After reviewing the concept, the client requested a larger size and spacious exterior pockets. The pockets were designed to comfortably hold wine bottles and other everyday items.

  4. First physical sample: cream canvas tote with orange pinstripes, orange trim and the JAIS Turks and Caicos logo
    04

    The First Sample

    We produced the first physical sample to review the proportions, construction, pocket capacity, colors, and branding before developing the final version.

  5. Side-by-side comparison: the orange striped sample plus a dark green boat tote, combined into the final direction, with close-ups of trims and stitching
    05

    A New Direction

    The client's team liked the structure of the sample but fell in love with the clean look and dark green details of another tote. We decided to combine the best parts of both.

  6. Refined sketch of the tote in dark green and natural canvas, surrounded by the final fabric swatches, webbing and trims
    06

    Final Design Development

    We refined the sketch and selected the final canvas, dark green fabric, trims, and construction details. Every element was reviewed before approving the product.

  7. Finished JAIS tote on the beach at golden hour, dark green base and handles, embroidered logo, wine bottle in the side pocket
    07

    The Final Product

    The result is a spacious JAÏS tote with functional bottle pockets, durable materials, dark green embroidered branding, and a look designed for the brand's coastal identity.

Product Progression · Apparel

From Basic Merch to a Premium Brand Product.

GhostCat needed merchandise that matched the quality of its e-bikes. We reviewed the existing product, tested the fabric, compared better materials, and rebuilt the shirt with a stronger construction and a more premium finish.

Cotton T-Shirt Fabric Weight Testing Screen Print 4 Stages
  1. The original black GhostCat t-shirt laid flat on concrete, front and back, with the chest mark and the back graphic
    01

    The Starting Point

    GhostCat was buying its merch locally at a high price, but the product did not reflect the quality and prestige of the brand. The shirt felt thin, fragile, and lacked structure.

  2. A swatch cut from the original shirt on a laboratory scale reading 110, next to the black shirt
    02

    Testing the Original Fabric

    The original shirt measured only 110 GSM. Its low fabric weight and basic construction explained why it felt fragile and lost its shape easily.

  3. Five black cotton jersey swatches labeled 150, 160, 220, 260 and 300 GSM, laid out on a desk
    03

    Comparing Better Materials

    We sent cotton jersey options ranging from 150 to 300 GSM. The team compared their weight, softness, structure, and durability before selecting the right fabric.

  4. The final 260 GSM GhostCat shirt on two mannequins, front and back, showing the chest mark and the full back graphic
    04

    The Final Product

    GhostCat selected a 260 GSM fabric. The final shirt delivered a firmer feel, reinforced stitching, a cleaner fit, and a finish aligned with the brand's standards.

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