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Challenges Involved in Starting a High Fashion Brand and How to Overcome Them
Challenges Involved in Starting a High Fashion Brand and How to Overcome Them
Did you know that Phillip Lim, one of the most successful American fashion designers in the world and the co-founder of 3.1 Phillip Lim, started his life in the US as an immigrant? His parents immigrated to the US during the Cambodian genocide when Phillip was still a baby, and he grew up watching his mother toil for more than 16 hours a day as a seamstress in a garment factory.
Since then, Phillip Lim has been determined to make it big in the fashion industry, and now he is the founder of one of the most popular high fashion brands in the world.
Fashion designers are bound to face challenges and hardships on their journey to success. It is important to face those challenges with a smiling face and a determined mindset in order to be successful.
Here are three main challenges that you're likely to face when starting out, along with tips to overcome them:
Fabric Sourcing:
As a high-end designer brand, your focus should be on finding the highest quality fabrics specifically made for haute couture. Look for embellished fabrics with haute couture-level durability, quality, and sustainability, rather than regular fabrics available abundantly with suppliers. Distinguished experts in the fabric industry can help you create the best garments. In addition to sourcing for uniqueness, which is crucial to distinguishing your brand from others, ensure you work with suppliers that can accommodate your needs, such as recreating designs that are out of stock and offering shipping directly to your door. Building a good business relationship with them is essential for the success of your business.
Inventory:
Until your brand is properly established, it wouldn't be sensible to produce too many of your designs. The raw materials for one evening gown can be very expensive in the couture business. Start by producing a mini collection with one outfit of each design. You can purchase the necessary fabric, and once you have your first two or three outfits ready, consider renting them out initially. This strategy will help spread your brand's name and build a reputation without spending too much on production. Avoid giving in to the temptation to buy raw materials in bulk just to get a discount; it is better to pay more initially and ensure you do not spend a lot of money on unsold garments.
Finding the Right Manufacturer:
While it's easy to find any garment manufacturer in the industry, as a high-fashion brand owner, you need to distinguish your outfits from others. Find someone who understands the importance of measurements, knows how to use darts and tucks to create the perfect fit, and, most importantly, knows how to handle expensive haute couture fabrics. When working with delicate fabrics, it is better to collaborate with a freelance seamstress rather than an industrial sewing operation for the best results.
Stay tuned to learn more about the financial aspects of starting your brand.
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