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Advice for clothing brand founders - from idea to launch

Whether you're figuring out tech packs, looking for a manufacturer or trying to work out where to start, you'll find honest, experience-backed advice here. Every post is written by Michelle Ramsay, a freelance fashion designer and startup mentor with over 20 years of industry experience.

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The Ultimate Christmas Gift Guide: Unique Gifts from Inspiring Brands

Writer: Michelle Ramsay - The Fashion Expert®
Michelle Ramsay - The Fashion Expert®
Dec 2, 2024
4 min read

Updated: Dec 3, 2024

Christmas is the season of giving, and what better way to show your loved ones you care than with thoughtful gifts from independent brands? I’ve curated this gift guide featuring some of the incredible businesses I’ve had the pleasure of working with and feel houred to call them all clients. Each brand offers something special, making your gift-giving memorable while supporting small businesses.


Carter Clothing

The concept for Carter Clothing was born out of a desire to be able to dress really well with minimal hassle. We created a collection of easy to wear items that pretty much all work well together, meaning that you can look 'put together' without thinking about it.

Gift idea: The Retro Polo Cotton Shirt – A stylish and versatile wardrobe staple with a classic feel and retro edge, perfect for effortless everyday wear.



Nixi Body

Nixi Body creates sustainable and stylish period underwear designed to help women feel confident and comfortable during their cycle. Made with eco-friendly materials, their products are not only kind to the planet but also provide reliable protection for modern, active lifestyles.

Gift idea: The Eco Luxe Period Pants Bundle – A thoughtful and practical gift for someone embracing sustainability and self-care.




Tailored Athlete



Designed for athletes who demand style and performance, Tailored Athlete’s clothing is made for men with muscular builds. Their sleek fits and premium fabrics are ideal for active lifestyles.

Gift idea: The Ultimate Stretch Shirt – A wardrobe essential for gym-goers and professionals alike.


Lore Buta



Lore Buta is an independent, cosmopolitan resort-style brand created in London by designer Loredana Buta. Each item is made to order. Inspired by a love of the sun and a desire to elevate life’s sun-soaked key moments, the brand radiates optimistic beauty through its luxurious designs. Perfect for those who cherish effortless elegance and holiday-ready glamour.

Gift idea: Aria Silk Dress – A chic and versatile piece designed in Liberty floral silk.


Kocool



Kocool is a women-centric performance athletic brand created to empower and inspire women to achieve their best in sports and fitness. Co-founded by Alexandra González, Kocool celebrates multifaceted, resilient women who embrace their passions, whether it's boxing, training, or balancing busy lives. With stylish and functional designs, Kocool is perfect for those who see sport as more than a hobby—it’s a way of life.

Gift idea: The Godess Collection Leggings & Crop Top – Designed to move with you, these leggings combine style and comfort, making them an ideal gift for active women.


Sorsa Clothing



Sorsa combines classic style with contemporary design to create menswear that celebrates individuality and comfort. Their pieces are crafted using quality materials and expert manufacturing techniques, ensuring a balance of softness and durability. Sorsa’s clothing is as enduring as it is stylish, offering timeless designs that never go out of fashion. Perfect for anyone looking for understated, high-quality menswear at an affordable price.

Gift idea: The Nam Stretch Shirt – A sophisticated yet practical piece that combines style and comfort.


L’Atelier London



L’Atelier London blends modern femininity with a touch of bohemian style and timeless elegance. The brand’s beautifully crafted pieces are a statement of sophistication and individuality. Inspired by Parisian chic with a dash of gypsy flair, L’Atelier translates diverse aesthetics into carefully designed pieces that exude both glamour and authenticity. Signature prints are hand-designed by skilled artists in their small studio, bringing fresh and unique style to your wardrobe.

Gift idea: The Serafina Blue Dress – A versatile, eye-catching piece that combines elegance with free-spirited charm, perfect for any occasion.


Bibevie



Inspired by her own daughter’s struggle with poorly fitting bibs, Rhian created a line of eco-friendly, super soft baby clothes that feature matching bibs designed to stay in place and complement the outfit, rather than hide it. These adorable and practical pieces make life easier for parents while keeping babies cute and comfortable.

Gift idea: The Matching Bib & Baby Outfit Set – A practical and adorable gift set that solves the bib problem while keeping babies stylish and comfortable.


Nevontaii



Nevontai is a dynamic fashion brand from BMX pro Kris Kyle that effortlessly blends casual streetwear with chic night-out looks. Inspired by the strength and determination of the ancient Novantae tribe, Nevontaii embodies ambition, creativity, and vision. With versatile pieces that transition seamlessly from day to night, Nevontaii™ is for those who aren’t afraid to make a statement.

Gift idea: The Nevontaii Signature Hoodie – A bold and versatile piece, perfect for laid-back street style.


Adaptive Clothing UK



Adaptive Clothing UK is on a mission to combine function with fashion, making it easier for parents and carers to dress children with physical limitations. Their range of adaptive and sensory clothing is designed to provide comfort, ease, and independence while maintaining vibrant and contemporary styles. With no itchy seams, irritating labels, or uncomfortable fabrics, Adaptive Clothing UK ensures children with autism or sensory issues can wear clothing that suits their needs. From school uniforms to fun swimwear, every piece is thoughtfully crafted for both practicality and style.

Gift idea: The Adaptive Swimsuit – Comfortable, practical, fun, but with added sensory-friendly features for a stress-free dressing experience.


This festive season, why not gift something truly special? Whether you're looking for stylish apparel, thoughtful designs, or brands that give back, these fashion-forward businesses offer the perfect present for everyone. Celebrate the creativity, passion, and hard work of these talented entrepreneurs by supporting them and gifting their amazing products this Christmas.

And if you're thinking of starting your own fashion brand, I’m here to help! Whether you're just getting started or need guidance to bring your vision to life, I offer tailored 1:1 mentoring, expert design support, and resources to help you launch with confidence. Let’s work together to make your fashion dreams a reality! You can book a free no obligation chat here or message me on info@thefashionexpert.com


See you in the front row!

Michelle.



How To Get back On Track With Your Fashion Brand.

Writer: Michelle Ramsay - The Fashion Expert®
Michelle Ramsay - The Fashion Expert®
Nov 11, 2021
3 min read

Updated: Aug 17

We've all been there...that feeling when we lack the motivation to drive forward with something that's important to us. When we have taken a break from something like our business it can be hard to get back into the swing of things. We often feel a whole mix of emotions like guilt, doubt and laziness which leads us to ask ourselves are we really cut out for this?


The good news is this is completely normal and to be expected. The even better news is you can turn these thoughts around to get past this roadblock and here I share my top tips to move you forward.





Accept Perfect Doesn't Exist


So many fashion startups are waiting for that "perfect time" when things will be quieter, you'll be richer, the kids will be older, your 9-5 is less hectic and you've lost that extra stone (OK maybe that one is just me!). But guess what? That perfect time just doesn't exist because there will always be something new to come along and fill that time gap, to spend your money on, eat your attention etc. The best fashion startups I have seen flourish are the ones run by parents with full-time jobs because they get shit done. They accept it's full-on and hectic but they do it anyway and make it work. So if you're sitting there waiting ask yourself this - how will you feel in 6 months time if someone else launches your idea? Gutted right? Accept this won't be easy but it will be worth it.


Remember Your "Why"


It can be hard to stay motivated 24/7 so in times you're feeling a bit "meh" remember why you started this. Imagine it's a year from now and you've launched, how will you feel? What will life look like to have brought that amazing idea to market? How will you feel seeing people wearing your collection? How many lives will you improve by bringing your innovative idea to life? How will building a legacy for your future make you and your family feel?

Remembering the bigger picture really helps put the day to day tribulations in perspective and refocus your attention on the reasons you are pursuing this. If you need some further help thinking bout your why then I recommend you read "Start With Why" by Simon Sinek https://simonsinek.com/product/start-with-why/





Go Easy On Yourself


It's so easy to forget that life happens and can often get in the way of our best-laid plans. Acknowledge that sometimes you need to take some time out from your business. That may be due to illness, perhaps your family needs you, maybe your job is super busy or maybe you're just exhausted and need to take some time off. This is OK and it's important to give yourself permission. The main thing is to put a time limit on it and understand you'll get back on it by a specific date.


Make A Commitment


Have you heard the saying "what get's measured gets done"? If you make a commitment to yourself and write down goals which you then regularly review, you're far more likely to achieve them than if you're really vague about your plans. Think about your week and decide if there is any regular time slot where you can carve out some time to work on your business. Be vocal about this activity with friends or family so they know you have something important to do during that time slot and try to stick to it.

Using a planner can be a great way to do this and keep track of goals. I personally love the planner from Carrie & Co. https://carrie.co/product/perfectly-planned-2022/




Be Realistic


We only have 24 hours in the day so work out when you can realistically work on your business. Setting goals is great but if we constantly strive for perfection then this can feel really demotivating. Instead, look at your time and plan what you can realistically achieve in the day or week. Be the tortoise, not the hare and chip away at things one task at a time. Break larger tasks into smaller bite-sized chunks that you can work on when you have a spare hour. In a few weeks, you will have achieved far more than trying to tackle impossible large tasks.


Hopefully you can use these tips to stay motivated with your fashion brand. If you ned any further help then why not book in for a power hour to discuss your fashion brand and get help with anything you may be struggling with. You can see more about this here https://www.thefashionexpert.com/product-page/tailored-consultation-1-hour


Michelle Ramsay - The Fashion Expert®





The Best Fashion Films To Inspire You And Your Brand.

Writer: Michelle Ramsay - The Fashion Expert®
Michelle Ramsay - The Fashion Expert®
Mar 29, 2020
3 min read

One of my most favourite ways to relax is to watch films, whether that's at the cinema or at home. As most of us are staying at home just now, I thought I'd share with you my top 10 fashion films to help inspire you and your fashion brand or help channel your inner fashionista.


I have to admit my real love lies in the real-life footage of couture ateliers and so 9 of the 10 recommendations are documentaries, but I really think you'll love these, whether you're into fashion or not.



It's worth noting that these are listed in no particular order (OK number one is my actual favourite!), and all have their own merits and unique points. I've tried not to give too much away but revealed the reason I've chosen each film.


1. Valentino - The Last Emperor.


This documentary follows the last season of Valentino Garavani and tells the story of his life and career in fashion. I adore everything about this documentary from the work at the atelier to his relationship with his pugs and (former) partner Giancarlo Giammetti. It also shows the changing environment of the industry for a fashion house, and the respect Valentino holds from some of the other fashion industry legends. Expect emotion by the bucket-full!



2. Bill Cunningham - New York.


The story of The New York Times photographer who for decades documented street and society style. You'll wish you had sat with Bill at a dinner party by the end of this film, who was renowned for travelling around on his bike with his camera, always on the lookout for his next shot. "We all get dressed for Bill", Vogue editor Anna Wintour.



3. Lagerfeld Confidential


I love the whole insight into Karl Lagerfeld as a person in this film. His life, his dress, his aloof personality are absolutely fascinating to me, not mention his love and talent as an artist and photographer. And then we see him at work with the house of Chanel! It's got it all.




4. The September Issue.

This documentary chronicles the effort that goes into producing Vogue, and not least of all the September issue, which in the industry is the most important of the year. We get to see the symbiotic relationship of Anna Wintour and Grace Coddington, and how both their talents are needed to make this work.



5. Diana Vreeland - The Eye Needs To Travel.


Diana's life is a journey through the fabulous, from Paris during The Belle Epoque, New York in the 1920's, her pre-war time in London and back to New York. There isn't a dull moment in this documentary which charters her career at Harper's Bazaar, Vogue and The Costume Institute at The Met.




6. Marc Jacobs & Louis Vuitton.


If there's one thing that shines through in this film is the tendency for the fashion industry to attract workaholics. It's a chicken and egg scenario. Marc Jacobs tirelessly creates and works throughout, but the results are stunning and you won't be disappointed.



7. Dior & I.


Raf Simons' debut season at Dior is captured on camera in this film, in an intense pressure-driven timeline of 8 weeks. Star-studded with celebrity cameos we see behind the scenes in both the atelier world and awards circuit.




8. McQueen.


The genius of Alexander McQueen is a great loss to the fashion industry but this documentary shows a genuine biographical insight into why his legacy lives on through his incredible art today. It's filled with passion, emotion and tragedy and I can't watch this without shedding a tear every time.




9. Coco Before Chanel.


Sometimes to understand something we must first look at the past, and this film is the perfect example. Audrey Tatou portrays the early years of Gabrielle Chanel, and the somewhat sad circumstances of her life that ultimately shaped her future and who she became.



10. Iris.




Iris Apfel is one of those people who it truly individual and to understand this you need to watch this documentary. I love everything about her maximalist style and to see her clothing and jewellery collection is insane. High points are witnessing her shopping trips and her love for Carl her husband.


I'd love to know how many of these you've already seen and which ones are new to you. Did you love them? Let me know.


If you have any questions, comments or feel you need help launching your fashion brand then get in touch and we can discuss your requirements - info@thefashionexpert.com


Michelle Ramsay - The Fashion Expert®




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