| Don't ask "What am I doing" while you're doing it, simply | | | | be smarter to move, follow your dream elsewhere or |
| ask that before your doing it. | | | | just adjust to the public with a twist. Just because |
| Quantity or Quality? | | | | you're selling a pant doesn't mean that it has to be |
| Quality | | | | boring, with your logo, print or cute button you can |
| Do you want to be a high and Fashion Label, offering | | | | achieve uniqueness without being "over-crazy". |
| Fancy Party dresses and worked on Party-Wear? | | | | A lot of designer desires to be different in such a big |
| This means selling the items in a smaller quantity and | | | | scale that being basic sometimes stands out. Huge |
| for a higher price, it also means that you have to have | | | | shoulder pads, pearls everywhere and hair dues that |
| more money to invest in actually making the clothes, | | | | would make any man run, maybe you're just a |
| because of the "naturally" higher production cost. You | | | | creative person that loves the small touches. It's |
| have to make sure to choose a Manufacturer that | | | | enough too, don't be scared that you are to plain or to |
| you'll know can make these items in high quality so that | | | | "ordinary", there will be a need for those clothes as |
| there is no unpleasant seems that starts to rip or that | | | | well, all you have to do is adjust how you want to be |
| the colors fade. In this case it's unwise to be too eager | | | | promoted, having a website for example is a great |
| to "bargain" too much on the Manufacturing price since | | | | thing to let other people find out about your brand, but |
| it's important to maintain high quality and have more | | | | with a basic Collection it might be harder, adjust both |
| expensive fabrics, greed in finding cheap fabrics | | | | colors and pictures and print so that it matches the |
| making a dress out of them will results in complaints | | | | look of the clothes, and most important start building an |
| about the quality later on. Remember, being a new | | | | Image! The image of your brand is going to be the |
| brand will still "in most cases" mean that you can sell | | | | answer to the question: why would people buy your |
| your items at a higher rate because of the small set of | | | | brand? Simply because of the image, whether it's |
| cloths your offering and for the tailored feel. | | | | ECO-Wear with a natural wibe, picture a suntanned |
| Once again, if the price is high you have to have high | | | | young woman, not wearing any make-up leaning |
| quality, so missing out on that will be devastating and | | | | against a palm tree wearing a Natural-fiber shirt and a |
| one bad collection can make you loose the few | | | | pair of leather sandals. Well there you go, that's the |
| valuable boutiques that signed up for your clothes. | | | | image. |
| Quality in fabrics is in this case also crucial and having, | | | | Get to know your Computer |
| for example a dress in to much "poly" would not agree | | | | If you are starting off with little means the computer |
| with the price, choose pure silk, pure satin and don't | | | | you have will help you in promoting your brand, and |
| compromise when getting that "luxurious" feel and | | | | having a Website or a Fashion Blog is a great way of |
| style. The name and the label makes a great deal in | | | | trying out your clothes and see what people think even |
| this case as well, you can't have a brand name saying: | | | | attract potential customers. Having a camera handy is |
| crazy girl's and then offer a fancy prom dress "fit for | | | | also a plus; this is great for communicating with your |
| a queen", make certain that the customers that buy | | | | chosen Manufacturer. Another tips is when receiving |
| the dress also get the label that states the high end | | | | samples for the first time, taking a photo and then |
| brand your actually selling, like your name, that is a | | | | attach comments on the pictures is a great way to |
| great one for clothes, just see Armani, or Donna | | | | communicate and make your ideas simply for the |
| Karen. | | | | Vendor making them, use the basic program paint and |
| Quantity | | | | don't forget to resize to photo before attaching them in |
| If you go for a cheap set of wear with fun details and | | | | the email, this is if you don't want anything |
| in a more basic fabric any Manufacturer will be willing | | | | time-consuming and just simply want to mark the |
| and able, finding a Manufacturer shouldn't be a big | | | | faults with rings and pieces of text. |
| problem unless you have specific demands that are | | | | Ask to get the samples in your size! This means that |
| harder to meet. Make sure that they can start off in a | | | | you can try them out and then make comments |
| medium quantity and grow with you, sometimes a | | | | accordingly, no first sample is perfect. Programs can |
| Manufacturer that specialize in "cheaper" clothes have | | | | be added as you go depending how you like to work, |
| a Minimum, often around 100-300 pcs per design to | | | | but being "buddy" with your computer is the best thing. |
| reach that really great price. I have found some that | | | | Use it like the only office you'll need and this will not |
| can be willing to work on a smaller order if the "Total | | | | just save you time and ease work process, it will save |
| Amount" is 300 pieces, witch means that it's possible | | | | you the office space. So, get updated with the |
| to split it up, arranging to make on top in 50 pieces and | | | | program you might need, you can also always ask the |
| the other one on 50 and so on.. | | | | Manufacturer how they like to work, some work |
| Make sure you have places to sell the items since you | | | | receiving the pictures or sketches attached in Excel |
| have to be ready to compete with bigger companies | | | | Sheets and some just basic Emails. Labels must be |
| such as H&M and GANT and various chain | | | | done in a program with special measurements and |
| stores, of course depending on where you are based. | | | | effects, could also just send a sample and they'll |
| If the prices you're aiming at are really low, maybe you | | | | probably work from that. |
| can consider contacting Wholesalers. The profit your | | | | Size-Charts and Payment set-ups must be discussed |
| making will be lower per item but it doesn't mean that | | | | and planned, most things is from the Manufacturer and |
| you will make less money, selling heaps will probably | | | | will be given to you when you start working together, |
| be your goal. There is always a "middle" so painting up, | | | | also make sure that if you start cooperating that you |
| high end and really "low budget" clothing doesn't make | | | | have the Pantone Color Chart so you both can |
| any justice to the Industry but making a comment | | | | choose color and maybe even having a double set of |
| about it makes you decide on what scale and in witch | | | | cuttings, a good Manufacturer thinks of those things. |
| proportions you will and maybe want to work in. | | | | Being a computer Wiz is not always a birth right so |
| Learn your Fabrics | | | | there is great ways to go about setting up a Website |
| To be a great designer it's a necessity to get familiar | | | | and promoting your brand, even selling it through an |
| with the fabrics you want to work in, whether it's high | | | | online-store. Checking Fashion Blogs and getting |
| end clothes with a lot of different silks and georgettes, | | | | Contacts in the business is great before setting off. |
| or with beading and embroidery techniques. For a | | | | Learn how to Employ yourself and work as the Best |
| more basic line find fun materials like velour and | | | | One! |
| different weight of cotton. There are all sorts of | | | | Say that you're now sitting by the drawing board and |
| weaves and prints, block or Silk prints and for | | | | have both the idea and the desire to create a |
| ECO-get familiar with natural fibers and limitations in | | | | Collection of your own; you need to hire one right? |
| colors and dying. All this can be summed in a book or | | | | Someone who is the best you'll know, that's you. Yes it |
| just by surfing the net. When making a collection, it's | | | | might seem weird thinking that way but it's a great |
| important that next to every dress, pair of pants or | | | | way to treat your business, with respect and |
| just skirts you have a small cutting of fabric. This is will | | | | dedication. It's otherwise hard to be on time, work with |
| make a good reference for the Manufacturer that this | | | | the collection instead of following the day's soap |
| is the fabric you would like, but also if there is a special | | | | operas on TV and really getting some work done. I |
| wash you need or rough look to it. Attach written | | | | always get the most done when working under |
| fabric quality beside it as well. To know your fabrics | | | | pressure. If you don't have pressure yet, try yourself |
| will be the base for making great collections, you will | | | | out first. Book a simply Coffee date with a friend, say |
| now how it falls, if it would look to heavy when lined or | | | | a Saturday at 3 o clock, it's for example now |
| if it's to thin. This confidence that you portray being a | | | | Tuesday, that leaves you 4 days to finish drawing the |
| designer will make the Manufacturer feel confident | | | | corrections that you want to have made for the |
| when working with you and the results will come | | | | Manufacturer. Make sure you'll work to get it done, all |
| easier and the risk for misunderstandings lowered. The | | | | this might be "playing around in a big box of sand" but |
| Manufacturer can also easier count on the price per | | | | its great just being clear that you can handle it before |
| pieces and start looking for materials straight away. | | | | diving in. Please just take a few seconds and imagine |
| Decide the Size of Collection | | | | the brand throughout the seasons and years so that |
| A tricky part is deciding how big the collection is going | | | | your whole dream isn't based on just a few drawings, |
| to be. Since I've started the magic number has been | | | | it has to be more long-lasting then that and it's also |
| 12, something that exceeds. A good size to begin with | | | | important to feel that your ideas don't suddenly stop, |
| is about 10 garments, easier to focus on a few tops | | | | why make one collection when the second one is a |
| offered in different colors and sizes and then | | | | dry rerun? This is a great way of knowing the limits of |
| something to match, that will set a great foundation for | | | | your creativity. Try to see what makes you more |
| both photo-shoots, catalogue so that you can show | | | | inspired as well, music, a walk, flipping through the |
| what your brand is about. | | | | pages of a new issue of Vogue or just a quick walk in |
| This is not strict and you don't have to feel a need to | | | | a Shopping Mall. Everything that makes you more |
| produce more then around 5-10 different pieces but | | | | certain of "you" as your own employee will increase |
| many small designers work with that number 12 witch | | | | your own confidence when it comes to handling |
| can be good to have in mind. Once more, this is | | | | deadlines and working dedicated even if not on a fixed |
| depending on how many of each designs you intend | | | | payroll. Simply get to know yourself and imagine |
| to do and what quantity the Manufacturer can handle, | | | | setting up an office at what you would need to really |
| still keeping a reasonable price. It's up to you, but having | | | | work well, laptop, printer, pantone pencils, drawing |
| that in mind and to give it some thought before | | | | board, Mannequin, sewing machine and so on. |
| entering into a conversation with a Manufacturer you | | | | Set up a Financial Plan, Budget. |
| have to know. Also thinking ahead, how is the | | | | Just as a example, if you want to go to India to |
| collection being released, Summer/Spring, how many | | | | physically meet the Manufacturers and get a |
| collections/year? That is individual but you have to be | | | | knowledge in the country's specialties like the various |
| ready to quickly offer a second Collection to your | | | | local skills and quality. You'll sure need to calculate on |
| customers and grow from there. The worst thing that | | | | not just the actual goods but also flights, |
| could happen is to stop in production at a beginning | | | | accommodation, food, other expenses such as |
| state, to just put one collection out and then suddenly | | | | transport, guides and even smaller things like maybe |
| be delayed or not simply producing. This will scare | | | | buying a sample shirt, something that you could use for |
| potential clients since your being portrayed as a "loose | | | | either get inspiration or just great to show the |
| cannon", someone that simply won't follow up and be | | | | Manufacturer to get the idea of that certain wash you |
| easy to work with. Confidence and safety in always | | | | want and so on. So a rough budget for what you |
| deliver on time and show Stores that your here to | | | | want to do physically would be a great idea. |
| stay is a must. | | | | So, if you now have an idea let's just start making |
| Just because the first collection didn't sell, it doesn't | | | | some changes right now? Taking the step is always |
| mean that you have to stop, no rather the opposite, | | | | hard, a bit scary but I have some great tips to get |
| fight for it and keep on getting more stuff out, stopping | | | | your" toes wet before your whole body". |
| will just scare anyone away, that will just send out a | | | | Presume that you have a job, why don't you just cut |
| signal that your a "loose cannon" that might have | | | | down the hours? Half days and the rest of the day |
| something to offer or not. Be confident even if the | | | | start sketching on your collection. This means that your |
| success doesn't happen over night. How many fairy | | | | not in an 'non financial spot yet and will go about it |
| tails have we heard in our lives and how many comes | | | | pretty safe and smooth. If you don't have enough |
| true? | | | | money to get started you can have that unpleasant |
| Well, if you start off by setting your goals low it will | | | | talk to the bank, set up a loan (there is heaps of |
| mean that a fairy tail easier comes true just by selling | | | | scholarships to be added if dedicated) or just plan |
| one item (perhaps to your mum), it doesn't matter, | | | | ahead. Nothing is worth rushing into, just take a step at |
| small goals will keep you more motivated and happier | | | | the time and make changes that doesn't mean make it |
| here and now. But saying that, getting stuck in some "la | | | | or break it, take care of your finances and play it safe. |
| la land" accepting small things like big things will at a | | | | If you have the attitude of 'no or never' then waiting will |
| longer perspective stop you from growing; someday | | | | probably be to painful and will only cause panic that |
| you want to be bowing on that catwalk? Being in that | | | | everyone else is making it and your just sitting there, |
| interview or earning the big dollars, seeing and picturing | | | | watching your life pass you by. So, well just jump in |
| that is all good, "carrot on a stick" and progress will | | | | there and learn as you go. Mistakes are bound to be |
| naturally happen. | | | | made either way or what better lesson then been |
| So maybe you want to do 12 items? How many of | | | | there and actually have done that. |
| each then? If the Manufacturer offers a great deal if | | | | Contacts, Contacts and then Contacts |
| you produce 100 pieces of each it might be worth | | | | Well, I guess we all heard that before, but getting a |
| grabbing, but then again, uniqueness, and where are | | | | "stable" of good useful contacts are more time |
| you going to sell the items? Giving a tip I would | | | | consuming and much harder than it seems. If you're |
| recommend you to ONLY produce a Sample | | | | "thinking" of putting up a Brand, start sourcing and |
| Collection first. It's a great way of testing how well you | | | | talking today. This will ease things up for you, blog |
| and the Manufacturer work together and also how | | | | around, ask around and get to know some names. |
| your designs look in reality. It might actually come as a | | | | Locally, such as Fashion Stores near you, friends you |
| shock the first time, seeing a shirt that you been | | | | might have in the business and don't seclude anyone. |
| drawing on in 3 D, it could result in a good reaction but | | | | A musician could be great knowing if your planning to |
| could also be a negative one, such as "it looks boring", | | | | have a small release party for your brand, a |
| the print was plain and so on. Then having the samples | | | | Photographer could help out photographing the clothes |
| ready you can roll up your sleeves and start searching | | | | or a Tailor that are willing to make some physical |
| for an Agent, and that seemed to be at least my | | | | samples for you. |
| biggest challenge. | | | | The best or should I say the most important contact |
| What's unique with your Design and the brand you're | | | | will of course be the Manufacturer, don't forget that it |
| putting up? | | | | could be wise to use several, send out your collection |
| Ask yourself what kind of customers you want to | | | | sketches and ask at least 3 Manufacturers to do |
| attract and also checking out the competition. | | | | samples for you, and then it's easy to choose witch |
| "An example: You have a great idea for a Young Kids | | | | one that meets your idea and price the best. One |
| Collection". What you need to think about it's always | | | | could be good for a high-end party line; the other could |
| been there and done that when it comes to most | | | | be great using for a Basic one. Everyone has a |
| fashion, it's like a big circle repeating itself but that | | | | preference and it would speed the production process |
| doesn't make your stuff less interesting it's just that | | | | up, using 2-3 Manufacturers working on your different |
| you have to focus on bringing something with a "ump" | | | | lines. Well, if your are unsure just experiment getting |
| when you start. A signature "green line" that marks the | | | | some samples from a few and then later on just use |
| jackets collars or a cool LOGO that goes on all chests, | | | | one, since having several could also mean pretty |
| maybe even a garment that has something extra. | | | | intense work emailing and explaining your exact ideas |
| To get back to the example of the Kids Cloths, ask | | | | to them all at the same time. Some people use an |
| yourself is anyone feeling a need for more Kids | | | | Agent that handles all the business between you and |
| Clothes or can you offer them something unique? | | | | the Manufacturer, I personally don't recommend using |
| Maybe Kids Cloths that are simply for rough plays, | | | | an Agent simply because it increases the production |
| maybe extra easy to wash and have rougher | | | | price but also risk of misunderstandings having a middle |
| materials. | | | | man, the charge 7-10% on the whole order and then |
| Designing and producing Kids Clothes means that you | | | | you have to work emailing them both, it's just as easy |
| have to start producing in a small quantity first, it's hard | | | | to find the Manufacturer yourself and then make the |
| gambling with amounts over 50 pieces per design. This | | | | deal through them. Then again, there are always |
| means that your clothes are going to be more | | | | people that are really happy with having an Agent and |
| expensive since there's a small quantity order, if you | | | | it would ease things up at a certain extent like |
| don't have an Agent that will sell a Sample Order of | | | | approving the order before shipment. After choosing |
| yours and then take orders, anyways; the fact is that | | | | your Manufacturer you will need someone who can |
| you still are fresh and the cost is going to be a little bit | | | | get your clothes out on the market, it could be a |
| higher. | | | | Distribution Manager, or a clothing Agent. These |
| How do you go about selling a product similar to | | | | Agents are gold to have and hard to find since its not |
| others for a higher price? The answer is to offer | | | | popular being new and it often equals missed deadlines |
| Design, you can either stand out by putting a print in a | | | | and unorganized as a beginner. They have to really |
| "handmade" look on the chest or just go for that | | | | believe in you and the ability for the brand to grow, and |
| designed seem or cut. It's about building a reason for | | | | then build it up from scratch, so finding one will be a bit |
| you brand, a reason and need to buy it, but before | | | | though. It's like a moment 22, you have to have a |
| deciding that you have to be in terms with your style, | | | | sample-collection to show before they can decide if |
| represent it, believe in it and with that later on help | | | | they want to represent you and they all dream about |
| selling it.. | | | | someone with a few years in the business. The |
| What are you really offering, important creating your | | | | Agents have different deals, the best is if they work |
| Image? | | | | commission based witch will make it better for you |
| This is linked to "Learning Your Style" and goes hand in | | | | economically when starting up, it would be though |
| hand with developing the brand in mind, get goals for it | | | | paying all expenses up front. The Agent often have a |
| and treat your visions and creations like your baby, a | | | | stable with a few other designers and they all are |
| baby that you want to see growing and finally get | | | | represented on the Agents website, if your one of |
| successful with. | | | | them it will mean free advertising and promotion |
| Is your product unique enough or different enough? | | | | through them, they book the Fashion Shows for you |
| The answer is; it doesn't have to be. It could be a | | | | and will handle all the press contacts, so that end of it |
| great basic Cotton Basic Line, t-shirts and comfy | | | | will be optimal. Some new designers are choosing to |
| pants; the important thing isn't the uniqueness of the | | | | 'do it' themselves and will act as an Agent by there |
| Designs but the uniqueness of the availability of it. | | | | own witch is possible to. |
| Maybe you're based in a small town where nothing | | | | So whether you prefer staying by the drawing table or |
| really is on offer, just because there is a lack on a | | | | heading out to the stores it's all about spreading the |
| certain item it doesn't mean that it has to be filled, it | | | | word, a new dreamer is on the stage and a new |
| might just not be on demand. Don't put up a "Fancy | | | | brand is being showed... |
| Dress" Store in such a place when it might in that case | | | | |