There have been many talented fashion designers who got passed up in the industry by the leading houses of fashion. After all, when you stop to think about it, there are thousands of designers graduating from some of the world’s leading colleges of design and then there are those who served apprenticeships under leading designers.
Sometimes it’s simply too difficult even to get your portfolio of designs viewed and as that’s the first step in getting picked up by the major labels, there doesn’t seem to be any hope. Fortunately, there are options open to you and sometimes these can give you better success much earlier than when working your way up the ladder at those houses of fashion. Here are some tips to get you started.
Contract with a Clothing Manufacturer
If you check out companies like BOMME STUDIO, you will find that many of today’s designers were up against the same obstacles that you are now in the very beginning. They began manufacturing their own line of clothing under a private label they created and from there realized that they could help other designers by sharing their success stories to those looking to get a foothold in the industry. Look for clothing manufacturers that can work with you to get your designs produced and market ready.
Decide on an Outlet
While your private label designs are being manufactured, you will want to decide how you want to launch your label. Do you want to try to put your clothing lines in stores or are you going to start an eCommerce website where you can sell your clothing line without the encumbrances of contracting with chain stores? This is something you can do as well.
Begin Marketing Prior to Launch
If you are going to sell your own fashions, then you will need to hit hard and heavy with a marketing campaign announcing your private label to the world. Sometimes if you can place your fashions in a chain store they will market for you, but usually marketing will be up to you. Here again, look for tips from other designers who went the private label route like you are about to do. You will need to start advertising your clothing line even before it hits the market. Build excitement and anticipation about this new line of trendy fashions that will soon launch. A marketing firm will be able to help you do the market research so that you reach a targeted audience.
Keep on Designing – Be a Trendsetter!
It can get discouraging in the beginning because it feels like every step of the process up to launch is taking forever. The best advice you can be given at this point is to keep on designing. Don’t think that you need to follow the fashions that are trending now. You know your designs are good and you know that they will sell. So, why not be a trendsetter yourself right out of the gate? Keep on designing because you will then always be one step ahead of the game.
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