10 BEING A DESIGNER

1. 10. You need more than looks to make it. A lot of people believe that all fashion people do is wear fancy clothes. What nobody knows is, before the parties come months of hard work, sleepless nights and tears (a lot of tears). You need to know how to network An awesome design is of no use if you can’t create it or worse sell it. To make it possible you need access to the right people – suppliers, manufacturers, sales agents, retailers, stylists and magazines. Your finishing is very key How do you set yourself apart ? Take time to become an expert at it. Go to a fashion school and learn everything about the makings of a garment. Own your style Figure out your identity and the best way to send your message creatively. Find investors Starting a label is the easy part – Sustaining it is what kills you. A fashion house needs to be constantly pumped with money in order to survive – especially in the first five years of business. The more you succeed the more money you need. If you truly want your own label either start saving, work for an established house, learn the ropes of the industry and once you have enough experience and capital, start your business! Live beyond your last collection Keep reinventing yourself and pushing your boundaries. True Business goes beyond fashion shows Putting up a runway show with a dramatic ‘showstopper’ doesn’t automatically guarantee fame and success. The actual sales depend on pre and post show planning. You have to start small, work steady, build a strong clientele and take your line to the runway only when your company is ready to grow. Preparation for future success Don’t ditch your projects but don’t miss out on creating something exceptional while you’re at it. Lifestyle change in order to keep up Project overload, tight deadlines, stiff competition, empty wallets and last minute disasters all come hand in hand with a career in fashion design. Your work will take over your life (mostly in the beginning of your career).”The only way you can prevent yourself from going crazy is to live a healthy and disciplined life. Honesty is the only way up Work hard and be true to yourself. If you’re honest in your work, it shows and people appreciate you for it. The fashion industry is a brutally difficult place to be but nothing beats the feeling of seeing your ideas come to life and be appreciated. Treat your staff well and build their trust. That way, they will give you their best service.