About Samples Some people have asked us what samples are. We hope this helps! Samples are simply the collection pieces a fashion designer produces, to show to the buyers, inorder for them to purchase their stock. Collections are usually bought at least a season ahead. They have to be best quality as obviously the designers will want to show the best they can produce, and you may even get an item that becomes a one off, as sometimes fabric or colour changes are made before the items go into mass production.