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Milan Fashion Week Fall 09: Giorgio Armani

Posted by fashionentrepreneurreport On Saturday, February 28, 2009 0 comments

Giorgio Armani Sequined duoThe maestro Giorgio Armani produced a stunning collection.   Power dressing was back albeit on a softened way exquisite tailoring, 
wide belts, berets, and fiery red lipstick were derigeur. Colours shown are classic black and grey.
Personal Stylist choice is the sparkly evening wear, wide patent leather belts, and great bags. Black opaques were again on display and to offset the credit crunch hem lines were high above the knee.   
Providing a lesson in style are one button jackets, slim, fitted and gently flared at the waist, a look to flatter and softly drape that is more feminine than the big boyfriend jacket.   
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Milan Fashion Week Fall 09: Alessandro Dell-Aqua

Posted by fashionentrepreneurreport On Friday, February 27, 2009 0 comments

Alessandro Dell-Aqua Feathers Fall 2009Italian fashion designer Alessandro Dell-Acqua combined mink coats and warrior-inspired metallic chain-links yet still created a soft and elegant look. 
Deep shades of beige and sexy shear tops over black leather with a rock and roll vibe contrasted his beaded and metallic embellished dresses.  Lace and delicate feathers meets “Joan of Arc” in this cliché collection that stayed consistent with Dell-Acqua’s sexy and body-conscious designs.   
British make-up guru Charlotte Tilbury created a fabulous 80s album cover inspired look heavy in bronze and gold colors.  Deep browns mixed with a cream bronze palette, lots of shading on the sockets and cheekbones, complete with a shimmery metallic lip.
-Lauren Alfaro


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Interview | Karen Patch: Bride Wars

Posted by fashionentrepreneurreport On Friday, February 27, 2009 0 comments

Michele Orman, president of Lüp, had the privilege of talking with the renowned costume designer Karen Patchabout her work on the hit film Bride Wars, out in theaters now, starring Kate Hudson and Anne Hathaway. 
While her company, Lüp, has been doing product placement in film and television for years, and her online sourcebook, www.LupRocks.com connects designers directly with media, a one-on-one chat with a leading costumer is really the only way to know what exactly goes into the process of outfitting a cast for a big budget film. 
Michele Orman: What are some of your first considerations when you take on a new project? 
Karen Patch: I know some people think that all I do is go shopping, but it’s so not that, you have no idea!  First of all, I have to serve the story—it is character driven first.  Then I have to figure out the color palates, the lighting, the set—all of these things before I can pick out the pretty dresses.  I have to consider the lighting, the fabric of the couch, who is in the scene together and if they will look good together. So if Candace [Bergen] is wearing red and the two girls walk in, maybe they’ll look good in another color but do they look good together?  You’re always putting a palate together for every scene.  
MO:  How do you prepare for the inevitable last-minute changes? 
KP: We do a huge fitting in advance and I’ll build a closet that we can pull from instead of saying “Here, you’re wearing this in this scene.”  In this case, Anne wears more pieces while Kate wears more outfits.  Anne was a teacher and her wardrobe needed to reflect that so she was a little more “high-low” in the way she dressed. Like most of us, she would pair a piece from the Gap or Club Monaco with a cashmere sweater or a Theory dress.  Kate on the other hand was a professional lawyer so we dressed her in more suits; pencil skirts and more pulled together, tailored looks.  By having this big closet full of options, when something does change I have another outfit that the actress feels good in.   
MO: Do they get a say in if they feel good in something or do you just tell them what to wear? 
KP:  I would never make an actress wear something she didn’t feel good in, unless it fits the story, and then I would try to persuade them, I wouldn’t insist.  But when it’s contemporary clothing you have to have choices.  The good thing about working with actresses like Kate and Anne is that they look good in anything, you really can’t go wrong.  They are both beautiful and young and at the top of their games and everything is going to be seen and examined and copied.  They make my job easy in that way.     
MO:  If I were in your position, I would have no idea where to even start.  How do you source out the wardrobes for your casts?  Do you attend fashion shows, read lots of magazines, do lots of personal shopping? 
KP: (laughs) Yes, the answer is yes to all of those things.  Sometimes I’m in showrooms, and sometimes I go to retail stores, and I read tons of magazines and I just know what’s out there so I can narrow it down to, say, the Dolce looks good, the Hugo Boss looks good, the Chanel looks good, Philip Lim blouses look good this season, so you’re starting to build from labels you already know for yourself.  For a show like this, I’ll contact Chanel, I’ll call them and say this is what I’m looking for, do you have something like that in the archives or from next season, so I can find things that maybe the public can’t find.  If I can work with small places and emerging designers I definitely do.  If that company is excited about working with the particular actor, it makes life easier.  And everybody wants to work with Kate Hudson and Anne Hathaway so that’s kind of ideal. All of these things for an actor are character driven.  From the beginning they may be excited about something but it may never get used because during the course of the film, they get more into the character and less away from the fashion of things. 
MO: So at the end of the day, are you happy with how the film turned out? 
KP: Yes, I’m very happy with how it looks.  It looks like “my” film, and I don’t know what that is actually, but I know it looks good, it looks kind of rich in a way but at the same time, it looks believable.
(Photo Credit: Claire Folger)
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Interview | Southern Attics New Style

Posted by fashionentrepreneurreport On Friday, February 27, 2009 0 comments



On a grey day in London Gina Conway Aveda Salon hosted the finale of the Dress the Band Competition. 
All five members of Southern Attic got to see the winning designs live and in person for the first time as well as meet Lars Böttcher, Debbie Peel and the creative team behind the project. The photo shoot was styled by personal stylist Gabrielle Teare. 
“For a band that is looking for exposure, fashion is a natural link, says lead singer Rory O’Neill.  “The idea of creating a synergy between young designers and a young band is a great idea, we were absolutely happy to be dressed by creative people. Dress The Band has been the perfect launch platform for our move into the US music market.” 
The designers were chosen based on creativity as well as their ability to listen to Southern Attic’s likes and dislikes. 
Lars Böttcher of Disarm, the winning designer in the apparel category was the perfect fit for the Brit Rock Style Southern Attic will carry with them across the pond for their US Debut. 
“The clothes in the rock and Brit pop scene have changed during the last years very much.  Suits and jackets may be worn on stage, and short haircut is in style. The people on the stage look more and more cultivated. The dirty image from 10 years ago has been over for a long time. Accents in garments have been put into importance and have become models of the fashion scene. The combination between music and fashion is always important and getting bigger every season, therefore, it was amazing to collaborate with Nolcha and Southern Attic on such a big production,” stated Böttcher  
“I am so glad that the entire project came together the way it did,” gushed Nolcha Creative Director Lynn Furge. “Hearing Rory tell me there was not one guy who said ‘there’s no way I’m wearing that mate’ is further proof that Nolcha has the ability to find the next cutting edge fashion stars.”  
“If rockstars can sing about the effects we as humans have on the world, we can hold the same standards and find talent that puts an effort in using sustainable fabrics, hand-crafted materials and global awareness when we dress them,” added Furge.    
Having to create realistic accessories for both rockers and real men, Debbie Peel was put to the challenge of balancing fashion and function. 
“British men more and more often are having the need to carry their lives around with them, as life is so hectic!   British men are also taking more and more care of their appearance and their sense of style.  Living in Britain has allowed me to see and appreciate these things.  The band members are a prime example of British men leading a busy lifestyle, whilst at the same time recognizing the need to be fashionable, and so I created a collection with these factors in mind.  I think the bags fit into the rock n roll lifestyle as they are roomy enough to fit everything that a rock star needs, and because of the luxurious calf leather used the bags will wear better and better with age, just as every good rock star does!” Peel explained.
And of course the entire look doesn’t come together without the jewelry to finish it off.  Taking examples from rockstars men are starting to add rings, cuffs and necklaces into their everyday wardrobe to separate themselves from the pack.  No better example of refined cool is winner Tracey Mayer.  When asked why she thinks jewelry is essential to complete a rock star aesthetic she simply smiled knowingly and said“
Jewelry is synonymous with music, and the rock stars who wear my jewelry use it as an accessory to their attitude toward life rather than an accessory to their clothing.  This gives each rocker a very distinct sense of style.”

And with a couple of brooding looks for the camera Southern Attic’s foray into the world of fashion has just begun. 
Images can be seen on dphoto.com/dress the band and the Fashion TV video will air in mid March.
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London Fashion Week 09: FAD Design Competition

Posted by fashionentrepreneurreport On Wednesday, February 25, 2009 0 comments

Ana Belen Meroño beat hopefuls from universities and colleagues across the UK to become this year’s winner of the prestigious FAD Competition, which took place at Vauxhall Fashion Scout on Tuesday Feb 24th.  
"I was so excited when my name was read out, I really didn’t expect it to win first prize. The competition was extremely tough, and seems to get more so every year, so I’m absolutely delighted to have won.” Said Ana Belen Meroño, Winner of the 2009 FAD Competition. 
A bevy of fashion experts made up the judging panel, all who were impressed with the entire round of applicants, but it was Meroño who dazzled. 
The young designer, originally from Madrid, impressed the jury with her sophisticated and highly polished designs. Her first garment was a structured jacket featuring a digital Op-Art print, while the second outfit paired a cosmic cloud print dress with ‘armour’ inspired layering. Ana’s design received a unanimous vote from this year’s jury panel, winning her £2,000 and a work placement with designer and FAD Frontline member, Paul Costelloe, who was there on the evening to present the winning prize. 
“Ana’s outfit wasn’t alienating in its flamboyance, it was actually rather a beautiful thing to wear as well.  You could see it translating into real life which I think is essential because when you are trying to reach people who aren’t in fashion, you want them to be inspired and make them feel they want to wear those clothes. The other amazing thing for me was the quality of the finish. It had been really, really well put together and the print was absolutely gorgeous.” – Dolly Jones, Editor of Vogue.com. 
Paul Costelloe looked at the competition not only as a showcase for new talent, but as a gauge for the business side as well, knowing what it takes to not only create garments but cultivate an original style in the marketplace as well. 
"We’ve been involved with FAD for a couple of years now and we’ve really enjoyed working with their students and winners. A lot of students go through our company but I think anyone who comes through FAD is a professional, as near as professional as can be without having the experience of working in the industry. I think they are number one very grateful and very enthusiastic, and you can’t ask for more than that.”  – Paul Costelloe, Designer and FAD Frontline member 
“I think it is the most amazing opportunity I have ever had. Because of this competition, I will probably have the opportunity to find a good job, to have contacts with the industry. It was such a good experience. I’m never ever going to forget this moment.” gushed Meroño.
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London Fashion Week Fall 09: Make Piece

Posted by fashionentrepreneurreport On Wednesday, February 25, 2009 0 comments

Make Piece Red Knit dressAt London Fashion Week Emerging Designer Exhibition, I met Beate Kubitz wearing this superb Cerise pink creation.  
I was looking for outstanding and truly creative new talents. Her Autumn/Winter 09 Collection designed with colleague Nicola Sherlock was wonderful. Made from Penine wool, alpaca and mohair these dresses are in rich jewel colors, soft, sensual and wonderfully feminine. Roses, ruching with filmy sleeves; all unexpected and highly creative as far as knitwear. Mini Dresses with full skirts and an off the shoulder neck line was another winning ensemble worn by Beate. They are fun, elegant, and importantly wearable. This is a name to remember, check out the full collection at http://www.makepiece.co.uk. Well done! 
- Gabrielle Teare is the World Alexa ranked No1 Personal Stylist
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Milan Fashion Week Spring 2010: Just Cavalli

Posted by fashionentrepreneurreport On Wednesday, February 25, 2009 0 comments



Just-Cavalli-Spring-2010Sexy boudoir pieces layered on top of each other, the Just Cavalli Spring 2010 show had a more vintage explosion than previous seasons. 
A trend now breaching over to Milan Fashion Week, the choices in texture and luminosity were refreshing… long ruffled shirts, fringe, sequins, bra tops over a sheath.  When the mini dresses did come, they were accompanied by slashed up denim and snagged knits.  The menswear was similar and basically just looked like the partner to the women’s.  I could have done without the text printed into the garments.  Sexy clothes… always a turn-on.  Too much ego… not one.
-Lynn Furge

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London Fashion Week Fall 09: Mary Katrantzou

Posted by fashionentrepreneurreport On Tuesday, February 24, 2009 0 comments
Mary Katrantzou Fall 09 London Fashion Week Greek- born designer Mary Katrantzou is one of the new names in the LFW show schedule but not in the fashion industry: since her collection A/W 2008 following the MA at Central Saint Martins, she has already got a lot of attention on her and after this first amazing show we can see why.

Trompe l’oeil digital effect prints inspired by perfume bottles: the choice already invokes the sinuosity of the woman’s body…the dress is the print…the print is the dress. The colours are bright and sharp, the graphics oversized and enlarged, but because the dresses themselves are simple in shape, nothing goes overboard. And as Coco Chanel said “A Woman that does not wear perfume has no future”, we think Mary will have a great one.www.marykatrantzou.com

 - Gabrielle Teare
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London Fashion Week Fall 09: twenty8twelve

Posted by fashionentrepreneurreport On Monday, February 23, 2009 0 comments
twenty8twelve catwalk debutSienna and Savannah Miller made their catwalk debut for their fashion line twenty8 twelve at London Fashion week to wild applause.  
The collection features skin tight sparkly party dresses, soft leather biker rock chic jackets, leggings, backless numbers and a gorgeous swinging highwayman coat. Savannah has previously worked for Matthew Williamson, Alexander McQueen and Betty Jackson  who all turned up to support them.  The collection launched in Dec 2007 and  named  after Sienna's  birthday is a  runaway success story.
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London Fashion Week Fall 2009: Roksanda

Posted by fashionentrepreneurreport On Monday, February 23, 2009 0 comments

Roksanda Ilincic presented a wonderful, elegant, polished collection of flawless cocktail dresses in ice cream colours raspberry, coffee and burnt chocolate.
Roksander says “I have concentrated mainly on cocktail dresses to conjure up the romantic and feminine feel of the past using bows and finishes to create a sharper modern twist.

Sponsored by Barbie at London Fashion Week and reciprocating by designing 50 Barbie outfits to celebrate Barbie’s 50th Birthday the influential London designer said, “ I could not wait to design for Barbie she is such a perfect front row guest!”

gabrielle="" teare<="" a>"="" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-decoration: none; ">Gabrielle Teare
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The Denim Country: Vol 1

Posted by fashionentrepreneurreport On Saturday, February 21, 2009 0 comments

With economies the world over taking a beating, the manufacturing sector is going through an overhaul. What does this overhaul mean and what will it deliver in the coming years? The answer is simple, the over exaggerated, over priced and speculative markets and trends are over. The joyride and the conspicuous consumptions are over. It is back to basics with a twist. The world has come too far in technology and modernization therefore it will be very hard for anyone to settle for just an ordinary. This is the toughest challenge for the manufacturing sector whether its autos or apparel. 
 
When it comes to blue jeans, there is calm after the storm now. All the premium denim brands that sprouted out in last 10 years slashed their prices up to 70% last holiday season. In past 10 years, denim that appeared to be intoxicated denim started a revolution from urban to haute couture denim wear. With Levi’s $20,000 for a painted pair of jeans or Swarovski’s ultimate crystal embedded styles designers did everything they could with this all-natural fabric in blue, and consumers fell for it like a fallen star. This year this journey of exploration and experimentation is slowing down to a halt.  

Producing outclass outstanding denim jeans is much more costly today, when sourced from Europe or well known plants around the world. Even for such producers, keeping their factories running today is a big challenge let alone creating or developing a new wash or style for next runway walk. So much so that Wal-Mart is in a fight to reduce the price of their denim lines with their suppliers in Bangladesh. It is like tightening the belt the day you are born and the day you graduate or make your first million.  

Textile industry is a low-tech industry and every under developed or developing country relies heavily on this industry for the overall growth of their nation. In today’s world most of this industry is in Asia notably in Pakistan, China, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, India etc…one can source from cheap to premium quality clothing articles from all of these countries. The twist is that from now onwards only the fittest producer or manufacturer will survive in the future. There is no more room left for extra costs or overheads while running a mill setup or apparel manufacturing setups.  

Technology, innovation, efficiency and the right product at the right time with a suitable price will end up at the retail space. Others will lag behind as we are starting to see major shifts in textile and cloth sourcing points. One will have to gear up with the latest technologies, full automation and workers welfare to develop a non-compromising, efficient team with highest standards. 

-Asad Ullah Ahmed
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NY Fashion Week Fall 09: Voodoo

Posted by fashionentrepreneurreport On Friday, February 20, 2009 0 comments

Voodoo by Clark SabbatIn an intimate room of the Gansevort Hotel, was the Voudoo Collection by Clark Sabbat. 
Clark has an extensive background in tailoring and it is displayed in the craftsmanship of his collection.  The clothing is fitted but it just skims the body.  For fall, wool crepe, bi wool stretch, modal and bamboo were used to make a lovely collection of blouses, jackets, skirts and dresses.  His pallet covered blacks and grays with a hint of light blue and light pink placed throughout.  The personal viewing of the Voudoo Collection was great.  It was refreshing to have one on one time with the designer to hear about the inspiration and birth of the collection. 
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London Fashion Week Fall 09: Paul Costelloe

Posted by fashionentrepreneurreport On Friday, February 20, 2009 0 comments

Paul Costelloe collection featured  beautiful  tailoring, jewel colours  and  fabulous fabrics  such as  alpaca  wools, rich plum and black satin brocades.

Look for sassy city suits in brown, plum and black with cowl necks, above the knee skirts worn with opaques. Dresses are so elegant with the 80's shoulders softened and feminised by wide A-line skirts. For evening this silhouette appears in silver and bronze.  Minis were everywhere paired with sexy black ankle boots. The boyfriend jacket grows up and appears as a coat dress mini length over black opaque’s and is comfortable stylish and supremely wearable. 

- gabrielle="" teare<="" a>"="" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-decoration: none; ">Gabrielle Teare
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NY Fashion Week Fall 09: amNY Reality Runway

Posted by fashionentrepreneurreport On Friday, February 20, 2009 0 comments

am New YorkAn abundance of reality stars all came together to put on a fashion show to support the 2nd Annual amNewYork Reality Runway.
It was a star-studded night put on by amNewYork and Reality Cares.  It included Sean Poolman of 8th and Ocean, Scoot Herman of the Real World: Brooklyn, Nick Brown of the Real World: Hollywood, Collie Edison of the Real World: Denver, Paula Meronek of the Real World: Key West, Devyn Simone of the Real World: Brooklyn, Nikki Cascone of Top Chef, Natasha Komis of Paris Hilton’s My New BFF and Baya Voce of the Real World: Brooklyn.  Jovani, Old Navy, Kitchen Orange and JR Yates generously provided the clothing for the show.  After the runway show, there was a celebrity date auction.  The lucky winners were able to hang out with their favorite stars while the proceeds went to charity.  Clothing off the celebrities’ backs was also auctioned off during a live and silent auction.  Proceeds from the event went to Reality Cares and Dress for Success. 
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NY Fashion Week Fall 09: Tommy Hilfiger

Posted by fashionentrepreneurreport On Thursday, February 19, 2009 0 comments



Tommy Hilfiger Fall 09Back in the tents, Tommy Hilfiger was a more refined and less Americana sportswear infused collection this season. 


Citing the influence of his soon to open massive flagship store on Fifth Ave the collection   Opening with classic camels and well fitting conservative washed denim (not super low, not super tight, something that even modest upper easters could appreciate) and distressed boots, Hilfiger proved that he knows his market.  There was a hint of the fuchsia pink that has popped brightly into many of the shows this season, but added with a smart trouser it will still be “safe” enough for the mainstream retail set.
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NY Fashion Week Fall 09: Brian Reyes

Posted by fashionentrepreneurreport On Thursday, February 19, 2009 0 comments

Brian Reyes Fall 09 Fashion WeekClassic shapes, graphic elements, stony grays, pops of bright blue and a plethora of mix and match pieces that are suitable for the American woman. 
Reyes has perfected that young hip designer who believes that women need separates to build a wardrobe so she cultivates her own style.  His Fall 09 collection was no collection, and although more of a seasonless dressing effect, if following his mantra, a quick cashmere coat and some thicker tights and the Reyes girl would be ready for winter, no matter what city she lives in.
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NY Fashion Week Fall 09: Ports 1961

Posted by fashionentrepreneurreport On Thursday, February 19, 2009 0 comments

Ports 1961 RunwayGold gilding, Sari inspired drapes and sensual Choli forms were just a few of the items seen at the Persian inspired Malika Nur Jahan titled show for Ports 1961 today. 
 Tia Cibani put every emphasis in the detail this collection from the Red Baraat Festival!dhol’n’ brass band that plaid throughout the entire catwalk session to the filigree-like Jaali laces, printed chiffons, crisp organdy and hardy twills.  Each piece had texture and movement.  The unfortunate fit of some of the opening garments caused a distraction from the handi-work and the original message that “Luxury today can be defined in the process of creation, and in the discovery of beauty in the simplest gesture and the grandest spirit.
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NY Fashion Week Fall 09: Leifsdottir

Posted by fashionentrepreneurreport On Thursday, February 19, 2009 0 comments

Leifsdottir Models at Fashion Week 09Home is Where the Heart a point proven with Johanna Uurasjarvi’s Leifsdottir line.  
So much so that even a celebrity like Felicity Huffman (arriving with the new stunning bob that much of the fashion community is sporting this week) could stand amongst the crowd comfortably and chat with friends.  For Fall 09 Uurasjarvi, Anthropologie’s design director and creator of Leifsdottir as a spin off to the successful clothing/lifestyle boutique, journeyed to the ancient monastery Mont St. Michel for inspiration.  With an ambience of glowing chandeliers, vintage tapestry rugs, walls laden in gilded frames and tables stocked with perfect tarts and tasties, the setting at the Leifsdottir headquarters was a step back into a fairytale of centuries ago.  Models casually sauntered about the party carrying vintage books with quill pens.  Rosy cheeked beauties were styled in structured coats, peplum pencil skirts, soft silks, light wools and gold hardware.  Colors were rich and in the oil paining variety like navy’s, coppers, violet and even some crimson.  Guests were treated to special rings by Dana Ettinger, a give away that made all involved fancying their fingers like proper French ladies of the manor.
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Temperley London Video Installation

Posted by fashionentrepreneurreport On Wednesday, February 18, 2009 0 comments

Video installation is an evolving way for international labels to get their merchandise to a mass audience.Until now, the genre has always had its critics for various reasons
(no chance to see the detail, no pure movement of the clothes, and only one city houses the actual live collection etc.). Temperley London changed all that today with an unveiling that covered all their bases from retail buyers, to editors, to fans and fashion junkies alike.
Titled Empress of the Orient Feb 17th 2009 marked the opening of the Fall 09 collection which showed regal shoulders, corset belts, origami lots of headgear (tower and pom-pom hats with everything) and Alice Temperley’s quintessential leopard and English lace.
Viewers had access to this collection in a multitude of ways from the Soho loft that Temperley calls it’s American home to Style.com.
“We unveiled it today on Style.com to over 1.4 million viewers,” said Melissa Lun of STARWORKS NY. “The exhibition will travel to London and Paris as well. It will be a permanent fixture on the website as well.”
Using campaign images, videos, mannequins, garment racks, accessories shelves, and runway shots overall thought was put into the presentation. All bases were covered which really gave viewers the chance to appreciate the intricate details that went into each piece instead of squinting at a computer screen, trying to zoom in… aka there was an option for everyone.
And as far as details, the collection put forth studded leather, orient sphere evening bags, cloisonné inspired gold gilded heels and sexy corset belts in a variety of shapes and patterns that better solidified the regal Asian theme.
“Alice really wanted people to be able to see the movement of the clothes. She took a lot of time crafting the shoulder detail as well as the pulled fabric with the beading on the yolks of some of these dresses which were done by hand so the mannequins are here too,” added Lun while giving us the grand tour of the space.
Mannequins sporting the entire runway look that was just seen in the video circled the room surrounded with mix and match accessories were not prevalent in the video.
Upon leaving the exhibit, Lun turned to me with a final thought…
“You cover the business side of the industry, we are also doing a separate sale in an alternate location for Spring and Summer, just to continue to keep retail sales in mind throughout Fashion Week as well, check it out,” and handed me the flyer, where I will promptly trot to find a frock for our Nolcha party tomorrow evening.
Temperley… no stone unturned.
Please see the embed code for the Temperley London Empress of the Orient virtual catwalk video for the Autumn/Winter 2009 collection - you can also find the direct URL link on Vimeo.com. Click here to view

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Profiting from your Collection

Posted by fashionentrepreneurreport On Wednesday, February 18, 2009 0 comments

Now that the economy is at its worst, can designers make a profit?  Fashion design has become the hottest trend ever with all these new designers emerging.  What is the financial profit? What does it really take to make a that profit?  
 
Creativity is only 3% of the skills needed to survive the fashion industry. You must have 97% business skills to have staying power. The first step to profiting from your collection is to create a budget and stay within it. Over spending on the materials used for your collection can reduce your incoming profit. Choose your marketing strategy early to eliminate last minute spending which will result in lack of funding for your collection. 

Don’t spend your entire budget on trunk shows, overpriced fabric and pieces that may not sell. I am surprised to find that most of the designers I have consulted with do not know what a cost sheet is. It is crucial to know how much it cost to put together any garment or accessory.  Instead of ordering fabric out of state, try to find local resources to cut shipping cost. Be sure that the buyers you take orders from have credibility. Set up an account with Dun & Bradstreet (www.dnb.com) in order to run a credit check on retailers before you do business with them. 

Profiting from a fashion collection is like any other business. You still need to know the basic skills of running a business. Once you learn how to manage your funding you will then notice a profit. And for first year fashion companies that may mean just breaking even.  

-Antauen Dennis, Fashion Brand Manager for the Designer's Loft 

Resources Dun & Bradstreet 
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FREE workshops with International Fashion Guru Thierry Boyle

Posted by fashionentrepreneurreport On Wednesday, February 18, 2009 0 comments
IEAction’s Hybridlab Spaces is offering FREE workshops with International Fashion Guru Thierry Boyle

These workshops – ordinarily worth £400 to £500 – are being offered as a special opportunity for fashion sector businesses only until the end of March 2009.


Limited spaces left; if you are interested please email us at creative@ieaction.com This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it now for your booking form!
Thierry Boyle has unique experience in the implementation of key operational aspects for fashion houses and has handled those aspects for such brands as Calvin Klein, DVF, Iceberg, Kenzo, Moschino, Parah, Tehnen and many others.

The Workshops with Thierry Boyle are:

Talking to Buyers
This workshop will help you to:
Find ways to open those all important conversations - how do you sell yourself and your product? 
How to find out what a buyer is looking for; how to show your products in the best possible light.
This session will also cover key points such as: closing a deal; following up and basic sales techniques.

2 Sessions:
17th March 2009 – Evening
18th March 2009 -- Lunchtime

Preparing for a Trade Show
This workshop will help you to:

Ensure you have all the tools that you need to be fully prepared for a trade show; do you know the difference between shows in UK and Europe?  Find out ways to prepare for overseas orders; developing tailored terms and conditions forms.

This session also covers key points such as: preparing check lists, currency conversions and order times.
1 session only
31/3/09 -- Evening

Please visit www.hybridlab.org/hybridlabspaceslaunch/workshops.html for more information about other free workshops available only until the end of March. (Note: Not all workshops may still be available; places are taken on a first come, first served basis.)
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NY Fashion Week Fall 09: Elisa Mia Vibe

Posted by fashionentrepreneurreport On Tuesday, February 17, 2009 0 comments

A ballet studio transformed into as runway for the Elise MiaVibe fashion show.
African inspired print dresses in sheer waltzed down the runway. These sheer dresses were matched with lace, satin, plaid and argyle. The pallet consisted of black, navy, silver, cooper, purple and pink. The show was a mash up of personality and pizzazz.

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NY Fashion Week Fall 09: Joanna Mastroianni

Posted by fashionentrepreneurreport On Tuesday, February 17, 2009 0 comments

Exquisite but not flashy was the vibe of the red carpet worthy dresses at Joanna Mastroianni.
Attention to detail was an understatement when talking about the hand embroidered silk and hand beading done on the premises of Joanna Mastronianni. Asian influences abounded in the color pallet with red, black, cooper, white and magenta. A reoccurring theme was the caplets.There was a black patent leather embroidered, Mongolian fur and an absolutely fabulous embroidered pewter silk rosette hooded caplet. I need all of the above in my closet for the fall.

-Oriana DiNella
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NY Fashionweek Fall 09: Tibi

Posted by fashionentrepreneurreport On Monday, February 16, 2009 0 comments

Shoulders (which seem to be a growing trend for fall) that are sharp, wide and rounded took over the catwalk at Tibi. 
Explaining the inspiration of the Tale of the Firebird, designer Amy Smilovic went all out for her collection.  Known for her kicky prints and city girl femininity, Smilovic upped the ante with fur wraps, velvet and flowing silk.  Whoever said that boring basics were going to carry us through the economy has not been attending New York Fashion Week.  Stand-outs were the color palette (a sky blue and yellow heavy display that allowed the viewer to really see the craftsman ship and was a bolder choice than Fall’s typical muted tones.) and the velvet detailed pieces.

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NY Fashionweek Fall 09: Cho Cheng

Posted by fashionentrepreneurreport On Monday, February 16, 2009 0 comments



For a label that is known for tailoring, Cho Cheng produced his staple. 
The jackets were of the riding variety with contrasting white piping which was a little bit more Barbie does the hunt than The Little Prince fairytale of which the designer cited his inspiration.  Instead of looking at the candy colored confections for fall (or the super distracting blonde wigs) which seems to divert from the rest of the industries love of mustard, red and layered gorgeousness, our eyes were taken by the metallic dripping column evening gown.  Suitable for a Bond Girl (or a Real Housewife, the Countess LuAnn de Lesseps was there hiding by the press corps) the dress was pure luxury.  Also admired were the cute kicky culottes which made obvious sense with the Little Prince theme.
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NY Fashionweek Fall 09: GIDC 25th Anniversary

Posted by fashionentrepreneurreport On Monday, February 16, 2009 0 comments



Garment Industry Development Corporation turned 25 and all were out to celebrate. 
With a show at the historic Hudson Theater, theatrics were in huge play, which was a bit of a shame, because that overshadowed the beautiful clothes.  Here is the thing… for emerging designers, originality is key but when each talent is only allowed to show 5 pieces and in between the names are switched by some feather-laden pin-up the clothing is overshadowed.  We liked the idea of the backstage access by way of the scrim separating the stage from the runway and some of the garments were quite pretty.  The problem is that not one name was remembered, there were no programs and therefore what started as a “wow, that dress is draped very beautifully across the body” turned into, which designer did I like enough to write about again.  I hope there post-event opportunities for the audience to actually learn more about the designers, like even a follow-up e-mail because although the pieces were easily retailable, we have no idea how to get in touch with any of the designers who created them.
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NY Fashion Week Fall 09: Luca Luca

Posted by fashionentrepreneurreport On Sunday, February 15, 2009 0 comments

One of my favorite places in the city is The Plaza. I was overjoyed when I received the invitation to the Fall 09 Luca Luca Fashion Show.

Set at the Plaza, socialites and editors ate chocolate strawberries while waiting for the presentation to begin. The glass doors opened and the models flooded out. Old Hollywood glamour was the look of the show. Red lips and generous curls rounded out the sleek fashions. Asymmetrical hemlines, tweeds with hints of sheer, crushed velvet, silk and a feather dress fit for a queen abounded. Luca Luca is not one to disappoint and this was no exception.


- Oriana DiNella
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NY Fashion Week Fall 09: Rebecca Turbow

Posted by fashionentrepreneurreport On Sunday, February 15, 2009 0 comments

Moelller Snow Gallery in Soho housed the Rebecca Turbow presentation for Fall 09. Coats and dresses were the main focus.
Feminine tops and bottoms were housed underneath most coats, while some had nothing underneath them at all! Black, charcoal, gray and purple comprised the free spirited fashions. Flowey and feminine, these pieces are sure to be a hit with any fashionista.

- Oriana DiNella

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