Would you like to start a fashion label?It takes more than enthusiasm to break into this highly competitive market, but if you do your research, plan smart, and work hard, you might be able to see your label launched into the stratosphere.There's nothing more rewarding than doing what you're passionate about, even though it will require a lot of hard work and sacrifice.
Step 1: Think about your education options.
Usually, fashion designers go to a design school.The New School for Design in New York City is one of the leaders in this industry, but they don't come cheap.It can cost thousands of dollars per year.Fashion merchandising majors include courses in design, marketing, and business practices.This could be a good option for you if you want to own your own label.If you're very confident in your business and design skills, you could try to train through apprenticeships with other fashion labels.
Step 2: Understand the world of fashion.
The life of a fashion designer is full of glamor and beautiful models and gorgeous silks and leathers.According to some experts, less than 10% of your time as a label owner will be spent actually designing your clothes: the rest is eaten up with small-business-owner responsibilities such as managing line production, packaging and sending off clothes to magazines.
Step 3: Take into account your personality.
Being your own boss and being solely responsible for the success of your company is an exhilarating sense of independence for some people.Are you a person who thrives on deadlines and competition?Is it possible that your dream of a label is everything to you?Even if you don't start your own line, you can still work in fashion.Some fashion designers go to work for large fashion houses and never start their own labels because they don't want all the extra responsibilities that come along with that.
Step 4: You have to decide if you have all the skills to establish your label.
Much of your success in fashion will be determined by who you know.It is possible to find a business partner with experience in running a small business.In addition to bringing expertise and a different set of skills to your label, they can also take care of the business side if you're less confident with it.If the words "overhead" or "production management" don't mean anything to you, you should take some business classes or read up on the details of running a business.You can have passion and determination in the world, but you have to make money to keep your dream alive.
Step 5: Can you fund your label?
It takes between $2 million and $3 million dollars to start a ready-to-wear clothing brand.It takes between $500 and $10,000 to start small.You need to know how you will pay for your expenses.If you haven't written a business plan before, small business loans can be hard to get.Crowdfunding can help you reach your funding goals.Credit cards can be an option, but they are not ideal as interest rates are high.
Step 6: Consider consulting with an attorney and an accountant.
Paying consulting fees may not seem like a good use of your limited money, but it's best to have an expert.
Step 7: Do your work.
It is possible to have a few labels that inspire you.If you want to sell women's clothing, check out what designers do.Where do they sell their labels?How do they promote themselves?How do they market their label to the public?Do research on hard numbers as well.How much money is in men's jeans?How much do you need to make a profit?Who are your biggest competitors in your niche?A good source of information on everything from startup costs to design copyright to marketing can be found on the website How to Start a Clothing Company.
Step 8: Define your brand identity.
Your label will find success if you have a strong sense of who your ideal customer is.Businesses that try to market something for everyone may end up without a strong, focused identity and lose customers to confusion over what their brand represents.A sense of who that really means may lead to the end of a business.Think about the fashion labels that are incredibly successful and how well they define their customer base, for example, Kate Spade New York markets to young professional women who rock a fun vintage vibe, while Versace targets glamorous, over-the-top trendsetters.Even though they're at opposite ends of the fashion spectrum, both of these labels were among the most popular in 2013).The patent and trademark office can register your name and logo.If others rip off your ideas, you have legal recourse.
Step 9: Write your brand story.
Almost every major fashion house has a brand story, or a short spiel that describes exactly what their design philosophy is, who their target customer is and why their label is exceptional at what they offer.Brand stories should show.To create an emotional connection between your label and your customers, they should use characters or scenes that people care about.They should tell you what your label stands for.The Business of Fashion website has an example of a brand equity statement that describes exactly what customers can expect from your label: "Brand X is a contemporary American work wear collection featuring traditional fits and luxury fabrics for professional women ages 40-50."Brand X has exceptional quality at affordable prices.
Step 10: If you can come up with a signature item, that would be great.
You're more likely to succeed if you can create an item that serves as the foundation for your label.The wrap dress from Diane von Furstenberg is almost synonymous with the brand, and the signature plaid from Burberry sells everything from coats to bags because it's instantly recognizable.
Step 11: Your collection should be plotted.
You should plan for this season's designs even before you sketch them.Do you have a theme in mind for the collection?Is it a source of artistic inspiration?Think of your collection as a group of designs, rather than separate designs that are sold at the same time.All collections should start with the signature item you created in the previous step.This will be the base of your collection, and probably won't change much from year to year.Some tried-and-true products should be included in the middle portion of your collection.You can change them with new colors or stylings, but they will stay the same because you know they'll sell.The top portion of your collection is where you experiment the most.The "edgy" or trendy parts of your label should be in this section.You could have an instant hit on your hands, or a dud that nobody buys, these are the most difficult to predict sales for.The portion is small but stylish.
Step 12: Make a sketch of your designs.
You can find inspiration in the art section of the library or the museums which have clothing and costumes on display.You should sketch what you think you can do.The cost of fabrics and construction should be considered when sketching.A dress with elements such as intricate beading is going to be labor-intensive to construct, which will result in a more expensive final product.Retail markup is around 6 times the cost of production, which is a good rule of thumb.The final sale price is roughly $6 for every dollar you spend on fabric or construction.Don't over design your customer base.
Step 13: You should purchase the materials you need.
It is possible to find discounts on fabrics at stores that cater to fashion designers.You should always order a swatch or sample before purchasing large quantities of fabric.
Step 14: Make your own merchandise!
It's important that these are perfect.The fit and finishing of a piece is what determines its success.If you don't know how to sew, you can send the production to others, but always ask for a sample of their work.If you hire someone to make your label and then discover that they've destroyed your fabric with ragged edges and inconsistent seaming, there's nothing worse than that.
Step 15: Start selling through the internet.
The cost of filling the rack is the biggest upfront cost for brick-and-mortar stores.You can afford to start small.Many established sites can often net you customers very quickly.
Step 16: Promote is the act of promoting or promoting.
Use every platform you can think of to promote a solid, coherent brand identity.Many PR reps in fashion think that the most important platform for designers is on social media.It's a must to use your own website.To create an exciting web presence.You should update your social media presence frequently.If you don't update your social media platforms, people will think you're not serious about your label, according to Emma Hart, a fashion PR rep who owns her own firm.
Step 17: You can network with others.
You can do this on the internet.Share designs that you love and find inspiring, as well as promote your own brand.Comment and compliment other designers' pages.Being generous may make others return the favor.
Step 18: Talk with your customers.
Ask your customers what they think.They don't listen to what they love.Ask your customers for their opinions if you notice something isn't selling.There is no substitute for listening to your customers.If it's directed toward a passion project, it can be hard to hear criticism.Remember that you are there to serve your customers, and that criticism of a product isn't necessarily against you.Do what you can to make your label better.Dramatic changes to your label should not be made based on a few customer opinions.
Step 19: Take the time to demonstrate your passion.
Customers will not buy your label if they can't connect emotionally with it.Customers want to see that the designer is passionate about their business and that they put that passion into their products.