top of page


Fashion Startups' Guide To Apparel Manufacture
Fashion Startups' Guide To Apparel Manufacture

If you're a budding fashion entrepreneur trying to navigate your way through the minefield that is the fashion industry, you might be feeling a little lost as to what happens next.


You're probably feeling in the dark to the steps needed to launch your brand, such as design, sampling and manufacture. How do you start to take that raw idea and get it manufactured?


If this sounds like you and right now you're lacking a plan then you're not alone. Finding good, reliable information about the fashion industry can be really difficult for startups and those trying to break into it.


That's why I wrote The Fashion Startups Guide To Apparel Manufacture. and here are 5 reasons it could be well worth your investment.


1. You'll gain insider knowledge instantly


Working with start-up brands for over 5 years now I know exactly the things you're going to ask before you've asked them. With this in mind I've created an easy to understand e-book that takes you through each stage you'll find yourself at on your journey from idea to manufacture. You will start to understand the processes, the terminology, and the language of the fashion industry, as well as key expectations a designer, manufacturer and supplier will have of you.


2. Your confidence will triple


Armed with this new found knowledge, you will be much more at ease knowing what should happen next. You will be able to start formulating your plan of action and strategies for your brand in terms of design, sampling and manufacture.


Fashion Startups' Guide To Apparel Manufacture
Fashion Startups' Guide To Apparel Manufacture


3. It'll help you get ahead of your competition


Without a clear plan of action it's easy to make mistakes. It can be tempting to jump on into the dark and have a go, but unless you learn your craft you'll never get it right. Take some time to invest in this new venture, learn your stuff before you plunge in and get ahead of the competition with proper guidance and information.


4. You'll save money long term


I see a lot of disasters! Clients that come to me to mop up a previous mess where they have spent a lot of time, and worse still, hard earned cash! When you don't know the correct processes you should be following, it's easy to get duped by false promises. Sometimes it's not always the fault of the factory. They can only produce based on the information you give them. If it's light on professional content, and lacking in skilled detail, you're likely to get a sample that reflects the poor input. This guide will show you the protocol of design, techs and specs, as well as walk you through sampling and production. Getting things right first time round means a more cost effective outcome. Suddenly a small initial investment seems like a game changer!


5. You'll become a more desirable client to a manufacturer


Unfortunately fashion startup brands are not the most desirable clients for a clothing factory. They've seen the unprepared brands asking them to make a garment based on a photo, and realise a lot of these clients need to be guided or prompted which sounds like a lot of hard work for them. Unsurprisingly, a lot of initial enquiries are ignored. This e-book will teach you everything a factory needs from you to successfully manufacture your collection. If you follow the steps in the guide, you'll be a much more desirable client through your organised approach and professional attitude.


Fashion trade shows and expos can be a great way of gaining inspiration, knowledge, contacts and suppliers. Attending as a visitor to a show can be an overwhelming experience, especially if it's your first time so use these tips and tricks to help get the most of your trip.


ree


1. Pre-register

The five minutes it takes to register online are worth their weight in gold when you arrive and see the queues to register on the day.


2. Plan your route

Work out how to get to the show in advance so you're not wasting time on the day. Get clued up on public transport or book rides to and from to the venue prior, avoiding huge taxi queues at the end of the show.


3. Dress appropriately

Venues are generally hot, and filled with swarms of people. Layer up to allow for variances in winter. Most expos have a cloakroom so use it. After stand 30, you'll be ready to give away your Burberry Trench just so you don't have to carry it. Dress for comfort, including practical footwear as those feet are going to hurt!


4. Take some snacks

There are never enough places to eat or grab a drink, and there are certainly never enough seats, so taking some water and pocket size snacks like seeds or nuts will keep your energy levels up.


5. Do your homework

Most trade shows will publish an online show catalogue in advance. Locate your "must sees", note their stand number and if possible schedule an appointment.



ree


6. Have a plan

Pick up a show catalogue if you don't already have one. Use the bathrooms (they'll be scarce!) and drop off any items at the cloakroom. Head for your furthest away point and work your way backwards. Not only will these stands be quieter, your feet will thank you later.


7. Take what you need

Make sure to remember all items of stationary, contact info and literature about your brand. It's handy to keep this all in a separate folder which you can easily access or take out from your bag.


8. Manage your time

Allow yourself plenty of time. From experience most shows take longer to get round than you think. The larger shows need more than one day so factor this into your schedule. If the show has numerous halls, areas and pavilions then split these into chunks over the days.


9. Be respectful

Taking photos can be a sticking point. It's a good idea to ask permission about this from the stand staff.


10. Be selective

It's tempting to grab every piece of literature you see, but after a few hours you're going to regret having to carry this around. Don't pick up every brochure, only take what you'll truly use.



ree
Image - Copyright Premiere Vision


Hopefully these tips will help streamline your experience!


I'm attending a lot of shows in 2019, finding new suppliers, new inspiration and fabric innovations for my design clients www.michelleramsaydesign.com


Which trade shows are you attending this year or next?


Comment below and let me know...


Michelle Ramsay

The Fashion Expert ®

www.thefashionexpert.co.uk


bottom of page