The lululemon lab is a combined retail and design space located in Vancouver, British Columbia.
No big surprise- it was Chip’s. The lab is based off lululemon’s original store where designers, seamstresses and educators all worked in the same space. This open concept creates an environment where guests can feel free to give feedback on everything lululemon creates. We track all of this feedback so that the designers have a clear idea regarding what guests, athletes and fashionistas want in their wardrobe.
In a way we do, all of the clothing in the lab is exclusive to our location and cannot be found anywhere else, however the creations are a collaboration between the lab Designers, Product Coordinator and lab Director.
Where do the designs come from?
The designs come from a combination of different places. Just to name a few; our guest feedback book, online guest suggestions, local fashion shows, local and international architecture, our walk-in guests, recent and past collections from some of the most famous designers in the world, art, music and nature. Needless to say our designers are constantly on the prowl inspiration.
Do you have your own designers?
Indeed we do, the lab hire’s designers for 6-month contracts (with the possibility of extension). Since opening one year ago three designers have moved into roles at lululemon athletica in Product Development, Fit Specialization and as an Assistant Designer.
What does the design process look like?
The Product Coordinator works with the designers to create a theme and line plan for the season (example the theme for Winter 2010 is Classic Independence), from that point our designers create a vision board which includes pictures, sketches and words around their interpretation of that theme. Next up: they hit their workspace creating patterns for yoga, running and apres. From there a pattern a sample (size 8 for women and size large for men) is built by a sample sewer, the entire team gathers around for the unveiling of a new sample (like Christmas). One of us will try it on and the rest of us will give feedback on the garment. After all the sample changes are made and it is approved for production, the sample goes into grading. This is where it gets fancy; the original sample pattern is graded to create all of the sizes the style will come in (usually 2-12 for women and S-XXL for men). Last (but definitely not least) the design hits the retail floor! The entire process takes between 1-2 months and all takes place in our location.
How do you decide what design’s make it to the big league (i.e. the stores)?
The lab design team meets with the designers and merchants at lululemon athletica to discuss items that we (and they) think are suitable for the stores. Some of the designs that have been adopted by the store’s are: the Insight pant, the PoloCrosse pant and the Yoga Harem Pant.
We share fabrics with lululemon athletica (http://lululemon.com/education/info/care).
How do we decide which products are remade?
We generally make between 30-50 of each product that is designed. We are always changing the look of the store by creating new fresh and current styles. We pride ourselves on being an exclusive/ limited-edition brand for lululemon.
Why do we only make a limited supply/Why don’t we ship or offer phone/online shopping?
We currently do not offer shipping because part of the foundation of the lab is building all clothing in the same space it is created. Our clothing is designed and constructed in-store and made in limited quantities to keep rooted within our boutique-style vision. We kindly request that all guests limit their purchase to 3 per style. At the lab we design and create every piece on-site and would love to ensure that each guest who visits has the opportunity to purchase a one-of-a-kind lululemon creation. Thank you for your continued support.
Collaborating to create components that innovate functional design.
Sure can! We kindly request that all guests limit their purchase to 3 per style. At the lab we design and create every piece on-site and would love to ensure that each guest who visits has the opportunity to purchase a one-of-a-kind lululemon creation. Thank you for your continued support.
Like every lululemon location we offer 5-day complimentary hemming on all lululemon clothing, because of the nature of our location and our garments we do offer hemming 1-hour hemming on all lab creations.
Are there more labs on the way?
Wait and see! You never know…
