tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46385561656807066672024-03-12T16:29:15.080-07:00CURIOUS DESIGNERSCURIOUS DESIGNERS by Lance Gordon; Insider news, tips and advice for success in the fashion industry.DESIGNER LANCE GORDONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15289740033814646942noreply@blogger.comBlogger15125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4638556165680706667.post-60722627482166635832011-01-29T11:54:00.000-08:002011-01-29T12:39:38.852-08:00How to Create a Handbag Collection<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">written by: <u><a href="http://www.thedesignprinciples.com/">Hollis Dominick</a></u> <br />
<br />
So you are a designer that feels the need to indulge women in their love of accessories, in particular handbags. Women love handbags and shoes, almost more than they love their boyfriends, husbands or children! The beauty of the handbag is you don’t have to be the perfect size, in other words, no dieting required!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1346931240"></a> <br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bolche.com/"><img border="0" height="200" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh92b3lv3oGH8MwtV38GlfofyXCdz20z2lMLUypqx-UhvpBvn0ap3jvBhaTlq6yPoYEggeuIlIaELdW6MnXZ8EwOPzZ8kqNSoUQoQ31cEFDlzQ48-1-VLsSax0rOEc76-TLddwp8_WrPW9E/s320/bolche+crown+jewel+hobo.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Crown Jewel Hobo</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <a href="http://www.bolche.com/"></a> <br />
<br />
<strong>Accessory collections provide some of the largest proportion of the fashion industries income. Hitting a home run with the perfect bag can mean creating a following with women all over the world.</strong><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
What are the principles one needs to know to start your own handbag collection? Like any other fashion category one needs to have a great idea. Research is key, what is out there currently? Ask yourself where would your handbags sit in your favorite department store. Would it be in the junior department or do you see them all done out in fine Italian leather and being a neighbor to Valentino, Chanel, and Gucci. When you determine where you will understand who and what your potential competitors are and what they are doing. You will also get a range of price. The price and the look are the keys to targeting who your customer will be. Will she be a very young with a more limited budget, or will your customer have a large discretionary income. The look is going to be your calling card, sleek, modern, vintage, bohemian, lady like……you decide and make sure your every piece you design fits your target look and target audience.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1346931204"></a> <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bolche.com/"><img border="0" height="193" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPUYQwEtD39CPvMpE-mvNHKc0Wjk0xolJzC1x3MYN3daF5WF3bGSavbnyEl3PcqpX_YkwVmAXRUOXidUomY17XerMeYphtdPY9ZFCmOKcAudoXwgCG-9B0hRtqSnUNqZLFjf5tK7lmni9u/s320/bolche+red+candy+clutch.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red Candy colored clutch w/ crystals</td></tr>
</tbody></table><a href="http://www.bolche.com/"></a> Once your concept is focused on a target audience. You could ask everyone you know who falls into that demographic what they need and like, talk to them and let them give you feedback on your design ideas. You could also ask the sales associates in the stores what they sell easily and what things that don’t work in general.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
At this point, if you haven’t done so already, you can start to sketch your ideas. An important thing to understand, the more details in your designs the more labor that is needed to make them. If you are in a moderate price point or you are gearing your accessories to a young market, competing with a major company will be a challenge. Remember large corporations have the funding necessary to make many handbags overseas before they go to market. Generally a new designer doesn’t have the history nor the budget to make 10,000 handbags out the gate! <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bolche.com/" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="192" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju7_FCwU-7y8kJ_zeggbSw7KupoE_CoZGpA_SuGH0umTpQqTwQ6fiTe8nulS7JrP7Zq7M5iZZLfmYw1KqbuwgByEL4CU0XVcTG6J3a41JAHUzVJk61RatZY1KpViPPJA6PWYY7QvfWapiV/s320/bolche+blk+3zipper+hobo.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Zip it UP with Attitude! Studded Hobo</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<br />
A good rule of thumb for a new handbag designer with a limited budget means small run production, keeping a close eye on material costs, and setting aside funds to do marketing and sales after the handbag samples are made. Even new designers wanting to produce a luxury product will have the same requirements.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
It is at this point that many people get lost. They have wonderful creative ideas, and have put together a cohesive collection. How in the world do you make a handbag? Granted making a complex fitted jacket has its problems, but everyone can visualize sewing clothing…….(trust me, it is a bit more complex as well, but it does seem easier!)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The first thing is to make sure your sketches have taken into account measurements. How long is the handle, how big is the large compartment, what kind of hardware would I like to use. How long are the zippers how many compartments are on the inside. Getting a bit more complicated and scary right?<br />
<br />
Don’t fret…….find a bag that is close and use it as a reference. Having dimensions figured out is a necessity. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Now you need to find a pattern maker. If comparing yourself to an architect as designer, the pattern maker is the engineer. A qualified pattern maker will know if your strap is strong enough and how to make it strong enough so it doesn’t rip off the base of the bag. He or she will make pattern pieces (much like a puzzle) that will be sewn together to create your sample. It is always a good idea to get a pattern maker that will work with your sample maker……..lack of communication will cause you to have many redo’s...leading to lots of blame making on both ends, resulting in a mess of a sample and a lot of wasted time and money on your part. <br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bolche.com/" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="192" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizpdjJX80YAkhE_X9nrlnqSFiGYXd7BuE29RC6FhQCCtH_KVsD6EHcf8lVKGRzZcSNxIxspWBfKqDQ2r9-Bg-EsWStckQFu4k2c3fMh2z8Jhc0rOaiSpLfNYflD9WKgkQ4Il8FpKmePXFi/s320/bolche+silver+boom+leaf+clutch.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Silvery Bloom clutche w/ Cltrine crystals</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<br />
<br />
Almost simultaneous with the pattern maker you should know what materials you want to use. The pattern maker needs to know this, again an engineer needs to know if you are using wood or concrete. Specifications of materials will make the patterns work without a hitch and they will also need to know about your intended hardware. Hardware is as important, maybe more important than the leather or fabric you are using. The quality will be the determining factor in what price your handbags will be sold. Hardware is a hard thing to source and generally is done overseas, but there are some places in the US that still make quality hardware and there are sources here where you can buy generic closures, zippers and the like. When sourcing fabric, ask if you can you get more should you get orders, the same with the hardware. While you may pay retail prices for your sample, this would make your handbags grossly non competitive in the market place. Also note that timelines require you to get fabrics and hardware ahead of time.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bolche.com/" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="195" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN6LRgNxfqTLox7QlnABWVMcsaPXRZQsl0DmYKxJOtSHtVPe3eeYkfgqntClZAzbnZbc7CbNF0-bu3FpBCQvqt69ESbyouc8doPWnLDMrwsynP-OnCTBO9P03cWYIsCzIlKvtHpJLII-i6/s320/bolche+gold+money+hobo.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Golden Treasure Hobo w/ multi-chains</td></tr>
</tbody></table> Next you find a sample maker………key here, do they have the equipment to get the job done as well as the skill to use that machinery. Leather sewing machines, dies, sometime molds are necessary. Ask to see examples of something they have in work…..anyone can show you a beautiful bag someone else put together. <br />
<br />
Once the materials are in the hands of your sample maker you start to find yourself extremely excited. Your sketches will finally take form. Your heart starts to beat very fast. Alas at this point be prepared to have to work out problems, find alternative solutions and possibly make minor design changes to accommodate machinery and material constraints. This is NORMAL……obstacles are a common factor in the design business. Be flexible and be CREATIVE. With good preparation, good materials, a sensible timeline that allows for mishaps and professional support in terms of labor you will have completed the first part of your handbag collection.<br />
<br />
You will have samples and something to show to sell…………..<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bolche.com/" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="192" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdQsmdknTDQmiNnY4M64TMtMs41wsyJS1QZ99BHPtHtzT4s4mu9U5dQULya218KLiuY1um-dHaADneaTZlSATpXcXSMkOuC2d7rHDOynxIQQANeoVsBAazSvEAZFnFhuEZK-YBojsVQU8S/s320/bolche+fall+bloom+leaf+hobo.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Fall" Garden leaf Hobo</td></tr>
</tbody></table> <br />
<br />
<br />
This is the first half……marketing and sales will be just as important. Make sure you leave yourself enough money to get your product in front of the appropriate buyers. You can choose to go direct, go online, or sell retail stores. This is just as complex and I will handle this at a later time.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
My company The Design Principles specializes in helping the new start up design company. We handle every category of the fashion business, and we also can take you from concept, to paper, to sample, and small run production in most cases. If I can help you in any way please go to <a href="http://www.thedesignprinciples.com/">http://www.thedesignprinciples.com/</a> and contact me.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_309517503"></a> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bolche.com/"><img border="0" height="196" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXJU17QSfYAUuPIA227Ula1QP_9jdwvVLS07pG4z78Gwcg-LaMFrnpG5cMBrrokB_-zkbt_Z3bv1PRXONaOd9PHm6XJ-brvCbNTs3r-H_yItVfCE0QynijpkRqX-axKAcFtzex5M_0ezud/s200/bolche+bags+logo.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful handbags available at:</td></tr>
</tbody></table> </div>DESIGNER LANCE GORDONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15289740033814646942noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4638556165680706667.post-61389716974970015522011-01-19T11:29:00.000-08:002011-01-19T12:02:27.242-08:00Financing your fashion dream...Crowdfunding OK, it's 2011, you have been promising yourself that this will be the year you start your clothing line. You have a ton of ideas maybe even have a few sketches, but no cash to bring your vision to life. Now what do you do? Don't panic...your situation is not at all uncommon among new designers and start up clothing companies. I have a creative solution that just might solve your problem dear fashionista! There is a new trend going on right now; where designers are thinking outside the box to find creative ways to finance their collections. It's called CrowdFunding...DO READ ON...<br />
<br />
According to; <a href="http://www.businessoffashion.com/"><span style="color: red;">http://www.businessoffashion.com</span></a>, "It’s traditionally been extremely challenging for emerging fashion brands to get the financial and marketing support they need. The crowdfunding approach — pooling together funds from fans via the Internet to finance young designer businesses and one-off collections — could very well help to address this market failure. There are a few choices oriented toward the fashion crowd." <br />
<br />
Lucky for you, I have the names of a couple of websites that might be able to help you out of this tricky little jam and enable you to raise the much needed cash to finance your fashion dream.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKfqoXJvAX-WcnRPMZnoIrhEMshAtv_dUwP2c2fWFW7gGBlYDX8MhNx238PLqcKhO8dtRk2d_LpvD2PTF8Fdk9f6xdElEzsKOt0rByHU8hqg7qHY8YgM3B0fAZIXTqKKMsfn601pc5d1B9/s1600/Fashion-Stake-Screenshot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKfqoXJvAX-WcnRPMZnoIrhEMshAtv_dUwP2c2fWFW7gGBlYDX8MhNx238PLqcKhO8dtRk2d_LpvD2PTF8Fdk9f6xdElEzsKOt0rByHU8hqg7qHY8YgM3B0fAZIXTqKKMsfn601pc5d1B9/s400/Fashion-Stake-Screenshot.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
One company,<a href="http://www.fashionstake.com/" jquery1295458447358="10" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">FashionStake</span></a> — a new online start-up, will focus, as the name suggests, on the new trend of Crowdfunding your start up clothing line. In my opinion, this website is set to answer the cries of starving designers everywhere. You can even earn CASH...that's right, cash for recommending your favorite designers resulting in the sale of merchandise. Can you imagine? Fabulous!<br />
<br />
Another one, <a href="http://www.styletrek.com/" jquery1295458447358="15" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">StyleTrek</span></a><a href="http://www.styletrek.com/" jquery1295458447358="16" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">.com</span></a> is set to become THE launching platform of choice for talented, serious designers who need the cash and exposure to break into the scene. Finally, last but certainly not least, there is <a href="http://www.kickstarter.com/" jquery1295458447358="13" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">Kickstarter</span></a> , one of the largest online crowdfunding websites where projects from every scale get funded; from raising funds to aid in disaster relief, financing that dream trip to see the pyramids or an alternative method to raising capital to finance your next business venture. <br />
<br />
These are just a few websites I found when I googled; <a href="http://www.google.com/search?q=crowdfunding&rls=com.microsoft:en-us:IE-SearchBox&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&sourceid=ie7"><span style="color: red;">crowdfunding</span></a>, so check it out and see what you can come up with. You can also read the full article on Fashion CrowdFunding websites on BOF here: An <a href="http://www.businessoffashion.com/2010/07/an-introduction-to-fashion-crowdfunding.html"><span style="color: red;">Introduction to Fashion Crowdfunding</span></a>. <br />
<br />
TIP: This concept also works for production. For more information on how to create your clothing line , get orders and use Crowdfunding to finance your production, visit my website- <a href="http://thedesignprinciples.com/"><span style="color: red;">TheDesignPrinciples.com</span></a> <br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;"></span>DESIGNER LANCE GORDONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15289740033814646942noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4638556165680706667.post-33537299252935553932010-12-30T20:43:00.000-08:002011-01-04T15:40:30.872-08:00The 2010 retail Holiday shopping season report....the numbers are good!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDdHdPaUg9ar0xQzeRJK09OCi_MXDrDx2BJM2KTxjFHGVWP0bsxdVC1vithe4Kdv14L0LOGrQNy7XjeNZ7irTz2PyRFpRIq0XF2zc5qzVjw8B0MwDlbAtMKHMqdlDfb4Ad9cHaDHdPOoe1/s1600/cash+register+success.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDdHdPaUg9ar0xQzeRJK09OCi_MXDrDx2BJM2KTxjFHGVWP0bsxdVC1vithe4Kdv14L0LOGrQNy7XjeNZ7irTz2PyRFpRIq0XF2zc5qzVjw8B0MwDlbAtMKHMqdlDfb4Ad9cHaDHdPOoe1/s320/cash+register+success.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;">As we come to the end of the 2010 Holiday shopping season, I am filled with excitement at the news of the latest posted numbers from this years Christmas blowout in sales. The retail figures are way up! Consumers turned out in record numbers this year and were ready to purchase everything from high end luxury items to bargain basement deals. </span><br />
<br />
<span nodeindex="1" sizcache="102" sizset="162"><span style="font-family: inherit;">According to the </span><a href="http://www.nrf.com/"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;">National Retail Federation</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">, November and December account for up to 40 percent of annual retail sales and an even greater percentage of annual profits. It is no wonder the fashion community was breathing a much needed sigh of relief this season as things began to finally return to normal. Now I know what some of you are thinking, " what improvement"? Well, for all you doubting Tomas out there, I just so happen to have a copy of the latest figures to back it up. Here is the complete comparison report for the 2010 retail Holiday shopping season. Read em and weep....for joy that is!</span></span><br />
<br />
<span nodeindex="1" sizcache="102" sizset="162"><strong>Pre-Christmas Sales Totals </strong></span><span nodeindex="1" sizcache="102" sizset="162"></span><br />
<br />
2010 pre-Christmas sales were $584.3 billion. Pre-recession 2007 pre-Christmas sales were $566.3 billion - MasterCard Advisors Spending Pulse <br />
<strong>Pre-Christmas Spending Increases </strong><br />
Retail spending rose 5.5% in the 50 days before Christmas - MasterCard Advisors Spending Pulse <br />
<strong>Pre-Christmas Sales Online</strong> <br />
Online sales during the holiday season through Christmas Eve rose 15.4% year-over-year to $36.4 billion, according to MasterCard Advisors' SpendingPulse report. <br />
<br />
<strong>Super Saturday Sales 2010 vs. Super Saturday Sales 2009 </strong><br />
Super Saturday itself accounted for $7.58 billion in sales, a 10.1% increase over the $6.58 billion collected in 2009 (a comparison affected by a Super Saturday blizzard on the East Coast in 2009) - Shopper Trak<br />
<br />
<strong>Super Saturday 2010 Weekend Sales </strong><br />
<br />
Retail sales over Super Saturday weekend (Dec. 17-19) rose 5.5% over the same weekend last year - ShopperTrak. <br />
<br />
<strong>Super Saturday Foor Traffic in 2010 </strong><br />
Foot traffic at the malls was up 3% on the Saturday before Christmas in 2010, compared to 2009 - Shopper Trak <br />
<br />
<strong>Super Saturday's Significance to Holiday Shoppers in 2010</strong> <br />
<br />
Nearly 75% of Americans completed their shopping by the end of Super Saturday in 2010 - ICSC <br />
Ten Days Before Christmas - Shopping Statistics <br />
<br />
31%-34% of shopping dollars generally change hands in the 10 days prior to Christmas - ShopperTrak <br />
<br />
<strong>Free Shipping Day Online Increase in 2010 </strong><br />
Free Shipping Day sales increased 61% in 2010, compared to the online sales on Free Shipping Day in 2009. - comScore <br />
<br />
<strong>Free Shipping Day Total Sales 2010</strong> <br />
$942 million was spent online on Free Shipping Day in 2010, compared to $586 million on Free Shipping Day 2010 - comScore <br />
<br />
Free Shipping Marketing Strategy 2010 52.7% of online purchases included free shipping in the five days prior to Free Shipping Day, which is 12% more than 2009. - ComScore <br />
<br />
<strong>Green Monday Sales 2010 </strong><br />
$954 million was spent on Green Monday (December 13), which was a 12% increase compared to Green Monday, 2009. - comScore <br />
<br />
<strong>Cyber Monday Sales Increases </strong><br />
Cyber Monday sales at online retail websites were 19.4% higher in 2010, compared to the online sales of Cybe Monday in 2009 - Coremetrics <br />
<br />
<strong>Cyber Monday Total Sales </strong><br />
$1.028 billion was spent online on Cyber Monday in 2010, the first day in U.S. retail history to surpass the billion-dollar sales level. - comScore <br />
<br />
<strong>Cyber Monday Mobile Sales </strong><br />
4% of all Cyber Monday shoppers used smartphones and mobile devices to make purchases. - Coremetrics <br />
<br />
<strong>Total Number of Shoppers on Cyber Monday </strong><br />
9 million people made purchases online on Cyber Monday in 2010. - Comcast <br />
<br />
<strong>Average Purchases Made Online on Cyber Monday 2010 </strong><br />
The average online order on Cyber Monday 2010 was $194.89, which was 8.3% higher than the $180.03 average in 2009. - Coremetrics <br />
<br />
<strong>Black Friday Sales Figures </strong><br />
$10.69 billion was spent on Black Friday in 2010 - ShopperTrak<br />
<br />
<strong>Black Friday Weekend Sales </strong><br />
Black Friday weekend sales were $45 billion, compared to $41.2 billion in 2009 - NRF <br />
<br />
<strong>Average Spent Per Consumer on Black Friday </strong><br />
The average amount spent per consumer on Black Friday, 2010 was $365.34, compared to $343.31 in 2009 - NRF <br />
<br />
<strong>Total Number of Black Friday Shoppers </strong><br />
212 million shoppers visited stores and online websites on Black Friday, 2010, which was a 9% increase - NRF<br />
<br />
<strong>Thanksgiving Day Retail Spending in 2010 </strong><br />
Consumers spent $407 million on Thanksgiving Day 2010, a 28% increase compared to Thanksgiving Day in 2009. - ComScore <br />
<br />
<strong>Mobile Commerce 2010 </strong><br />
52% of U.S. smartphone users planned to use their phone to compare prices during the holiday season and 40% planned to use their phones to read product reviews. - Google Blog <br />
<br />
<strong>Online Sales Records in 2010 </strong><br />
Six days during the Christmas holiday shopping season saw more than $1 billion in sales - MasterCard Advisors SpendingPulse <br />
<br />
<strong>Total Online Holiday Season Sales</strong> <br />
$36.4 billion was spent online by Thursday, the day before Christmas Eve, which was 15.4% more than 2009. - MasterCard Advisors SpendingPulseDESIGNER LANCE GORDONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15289740033814646942noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4638556165680706667.post-45386827042435618472010-12-27T18:45:00.000-08:002010-12-27T18:45:03.250-08:00Fabulous Fashion in " Tron Legacy " the movie<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://disney.go.com/tron/" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBTgw7WtBTn9C1RKiq-FPBfK1_9FGrvFvblkx8ZSE6pLEyZJaT1krhShoMTo1HzvHSKH1V1cR_y_tOzt_cKe8QAw3sVyvBSCjPkFDJsBrH8vU3iQwc0n8dnLqxSEmoErZXDu9E3LZK1Q58/s1600/Tron+Legacy+poster.jpg" /></a></div>Went to see the latest installment of <a href="http://disney.go.com/tron/">TRON "Legacy"</a> the movie. I was stirred to declare a number of scenes in the movie " fashion moments" and quite fabulous from a costume design perspective. This version soars above the original in special effects; dazzling the mind with a bombardment of high tech imagery. The fact that I got to see the whole thing in 3D was icing on this futuristic cake. <br />
<br />
The clothes remind me of the minimalistic, edgier costumes seen in movies like <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gattaca">Gattaca</a>, <a href="http://www.google.com/images?q=the+fifth+element+costumes&rls=com.microsoft:en-us:IE-SearchBox&oe=UTF-8&um=1&ie=UTF-8&source=univ&ei=QkoZTdTBCMqs8Aac6c3qDQ&sa=X&oi=image_result_group&ct=title&resnum=3&ved=0CDwQsAQwAg&biw=1419&bih=667">The Fifth Element</a>, <a href="http://bladerunnerthemovie.warnerbros.com/">Blade Runner</a> and <a href="http://www.warnerbros.com/#/page=home&asset=088871/Inception_-_Available_Now_on_Blu-ray&type=video/">The Matrix</a>. <br />
<br />
So make sure you go and see this movie; it is well worth it. I hope the costume designer wins the Academy award next year. I also wouldn't be surprised if designer inspired " TRON" looks started showing up next season on the fashion runways; WELCOME TO THE FUTURE.DESIGNER LANCE GORDONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15289740033814646942noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4638556165680706667.post-58540749555750839802010-12-06T18:50:00.000-08:002010-12-07T13:13:53.665-08:00Christmas shopping deals...get in on the action!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTutRiWPP7VF8iT5P5kwsVrtqmQ6rworNjw_Z4TK3WDb_N5b5k26XA-cY3ZOvVSZO6BdQ39F95xfsq_Rbh9nFpEmJU4gv9G7Rcj1hWi6ZlM_ziDwFUtbdsr7uka9nLzKJm1UE-92eojOMe/s1600/crowed+mall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTutRiWPP7VF8iT5P5kwsVrtqmQ6rworNjw_Z4TK3WDb_N5b5k26XA-cY3ZOvVSZO6BdQ39F95xfsq_Rbh9nFpEmJU4gv9G7Rcj1hWi6ZlM_ziDwFUtbdsr7uka9nLzKJm1UE-92eojOMe/s320/crowed+mall.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br />
sponsored by: <a href="http://www.thedesignprinciples.com/">http://www.thedesignprinciples.com/</a> <br />
<br />
<br />
Happy Holidays!!!! Well, it's that magical time of year again when mass crowds of people flood into the shopping centers, retail stores and online websites to play Santa Clause to all those they hold near and dear; much to the delight of retailers everywhere. Want in on the action my savvy designers? I don't blame you! Here are a few tips:<br />
<br />
The Holidays represent the largest selling season of the year for the fashion business. If you are thinking of launching your clothing line, go for a fall season premiere instead of spring; you will stand a greater chance of success with retailers expecting major traffic and posting their highest sales records of the year during the last quarter. They will need a lot of merchandise to sell and will be more willing to look at new lines to help fill their shelves. <br />
<br />
Headed to the crowded malls to shop? Why not print up your own Holiday deal cards to pass out...aka, brightly colored sizzle cards with your holiday deals, website, or special discounts you can offer to many shoppers who are looking for special, one of a kind gifts for their loved ones. Simply lay the colorful cards around as you go through the mall and watch people snatch them up right on the spot! Becareful of mall security though....some shopping centers consider that soliciting. Hey, if it works, you will get tons of eager shoppers going to your website looking for deals! Can you say ca-$hing!<br />
<br />
That brings me to my last tip. Online sales during the Christmas and Holiday selling season have soared in recent years. If you are just starting out, don't have alot of inventory but still want to make money during the holidays, try using this FREE TIP; use freelance artist websites like <a href="http://www.etsy.com/">http://www.etsy.com/</a> to list your wares and sell them one at a time. Once your items are listed, now post comments and links everywhere online in chat rooms, bulletin boards, blogs and even offline (see the last tip above) to promote your items and direct shoppers to your item(s) for sale. In conclusion, you will have to think outside the box if you want to make it as a successful designer in the fashion business. Hope these tips help my fashionista devotees....ho, ho, ho...Merrry Christmas!DESIGNER LANCE GORDONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15289740033814646942noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4638556165680706667.post-74961497325075758272010-11-11T07:14:00.000-08:002010-11-11T07:14:55.667-08:00The current State of Fashion<span class="UIStory_Message"><img class="rg_hi" data-height="181" data-width="278" height="181" id="rg_hi" src="http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSWtpr1V-_AsPAnNz_44vcq16CjDa5ktX9G6HItjd9nF0wl1tA&t=1&usg=__aexNShVo0Rbb1vus3x8m_9dPP2E=" style="height: 181px; width: 278px;" width="278" />Business as usual has gone out the window...rather in today's business climate, we must adapt, compromise and negotiate to thrive in this current tough economy. Today's fashion consumer is looking for real value, maximum leverage and results for every dollar they commit.</span>DESIGNER LANCE GORDONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15289740033814646942noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4638556165680706667.post-48329023880769991232010-09-28T17:05:00.000-07:002010-09-28T17:05:42.595-07:00Financing your Fashion Dream…using a private investor<strong>Private Investors</strong><br />
<br />
<br />
When launching your fashion business, you will have many concerns, especially when it comes to financing the enterprise. A private investor may be a wonderful option if you haven’t established much credit yet in your life. Private investors are likely to work closer with you and give you a chance at establishing credit. A private investor may be the way to go if you have a very specific and unique idea that traditional banks may reject, as fashion ventures tend to be regarded as very risky investments. <br />
<br />
<br />
Private investors are more likely to be found among your family, friends or peers. Sometimes private investors are looking for talent and unique products to finance and can be found advertising online or in a business magazine. Some agencies provide listings of private investors and can help small businesses get hooked up with them. Private investors make excellent financial backers for fashion businesses.DESIGNER LANCE GORDONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15289740033814646942noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4638556165680706667.post-61888460180021478172010-09-22T02:47:00.000-07:002010-09-22T03:22:35.049-07:00This could be you!!! My Design Principles client, Bolche.com booth at Coterie show in New York<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEujHHIGRZjq4kigXy4Ckbj8Vo0gjYe0cWcsOCjRxi0ui-XUKop06h5hn33oSwQQ0SG5HB_-u0N71Rag2hlmpPMV4-AK5YxCdECg2EGPAxe-8brdoquXvuAicTvoI7JmN6MHxhYK65ijhv/s400/IMG_20100921_135500.jpg" /> <br />
Congratulations Phyllis and Laura, You launched your luxury handbag collection!!!!! Who's Next? Thinking about starting/expanding your own clothing, accessories or jewelry line, but not sure? Look at what we helped <a href="http://www.bolche.com/">http://www.bolche.com/</a> to accomplish. Find out more information, go to: <a href="http://www.thedesignprinciples.com/"><span style="color: red;">www.thedesignprinciples.com</span></a>DESIGNER LANCE GORDONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15289740033814646942noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4638556165680706667.post-81826964919434306102010-09-20T09:55:00.000-07:002010-09-20T09:55:51.791-07:00Design Principles clients' Bolche Bags and Something Rebellious by Ben Massing go to New York Fashion Week!<div class="mobile_status"><span id="profile_status"><span id="status_text">Design Principles does Fsahion week New York! We are proud to have two of our clients, <a href="http://www.bolche.com/" onmousedown="UntrustedLink.bootstrap($(this), "f3161", event);" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3b5998;">www.bolche.com</span></a> and <a href="http://www.somethingrebellious.com/" onmousedown="UntrustedLink.bootstrap($(this), "f3161", event);" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3b5998;">www.somethingrebellious.com</span></a> in the Fall 2010 market week showing in New York City!</span></span></div>DESIGNER LANCE GORDONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15289740033814646942noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4638556165680706667.post-59899854864031114602010-09-13T18:14:00.000-07:002010-09-13T18:14:11.162-07:00Financing your fashion dream Part 1OK, are you having fabulous visions of cat walking divas dressed head to toe in your clothes dancing in your head? Are you ready to build that fashion House, go national, make a fortune and live like royalty? All you need is the cash to get it started, right? Here is an option that might help.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgab45s688WgtEB5A7Y8OhPAlRWODIUBO-EQECLXxyYdz3m50OZzW-WQukgUebIUG9laUvo45rkA1MzncTdianNufAqdHmqxvuQ9c2QUNbfuWw0Gqtf4nheSn8uDfg1zUOosKYZHtMX7VRO/s1600/piggy-bank-on-money-md%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="153" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgab45s688WgtEB5A7Y8OhPAlRWODIUBO-EQECLXxyYdz3m50OZzW-WQukgUebIUG9laUvo45rkA1MzncTdianNufAqdHmqxvuQ9c2QUNbfuWw0Gqtf4nheSn8uDfg1zUOosKYZHtMX7VRO/s200/piggy-bank-on-money-md%5B1%5D.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><u><strong>PERSONAL SAVINGS</strong></u>: This is perhaps the most reliable, yet overlooked source for funding your fashion dream. Why? most people think that they cannot afford to start their clothing line on a modest income or savings account. Truth is, nothing could be further from the truth. We have helped more housewives and student designers to start their clothing line by setting a budget and a monthly pay plan that allowed them to develop their line over time. By developing one or two styles at a time, you spread your start up costs over time, allowing you to come up with the money as your line is being created. So, what have we learned? You dont need tens of thousands of dollars in the bank to launch your fashion dream. Will it help, sure and we have those clients too. However, our average clients come to us with less than $5k to work with and pay deposits over time as their samples lines are created. In fashion, it's not how you start, but how you finish that counts.DESIGNER LANCE GORDONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15289740033814646942noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4638556165680706667.post-68352213189902119112010-09-13T16:58:00.000-07:002010-09-13T17:01:48.550-07:00Financing your fashion dream...The pre-postHave you ever wanted to launch or expand a clothing line in the fashion business but lacked signifigant capital to get it off the ground? Dont give up hope! There are several options to help you dear fashionista. This topic is perhaps the number one requested item for advice that people write me about. I have decided to devote the next several articles to this topic. I will go over a variety of finance options that could aid you in your pursuit to starting your clothing, accessories or Jewelry line.<br />
<br />
So stay tuned, don't forget to click on the "SUBSCRIBE" button on right hand side so you dont miss any of these great tips I will be dishing out,all for you!DESIGNER LANCE GORDONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15289740033814646942noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4638556165680706667.post-58269904831076285042010-09-08T19:39:00.000-07:002010-09-08T19:42:35.224-07:00Designer Lance Gordon films short promo infomercial for The Design Principle's client, www.bolche.comBoy am I tired! I have a new respect for Hollywood. But what an Amazing day! I just got back from a full day of filming at an exclusive production studio for a soon to be huge online shopping venture....shhhhh, mums the word! While I can't reveal all the details yet, what I can tell you is that yours truely was asked to promote <a href="http://www.thedesignprinciples.com">www.thedesignpriciples.com</a> and our newly launched client <a href="http://www.bolche.com">www.bolche.com</a> , a luxury line of highend handbags that is attracting the attention of some of the biggest names in fashion in it's first season. I could not be more proud!DESIGNER LANCE GORDONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15289740033814646942noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4638556165680706667.post-74714299943921642922010-08-31T01:11:00.000-07:002010-08-31T01:18:58.151-07:00FASHION JOKE OF THE DAY...THE DRESS...warning, very funny!!!!!!!!sponsored by: <a href="http://thedesignprinciples.com">www.thedesignprinciples.com</a><br /><br />A woman stopped by, unannounced, at her son's house.<br />...She knocked on the door and then immediately walked in. She was shocked to see her daughter-in-law lying on the couch, totally naked.<br />Soft music was playing, and the aroma of perfume filled the room.<br />"What are you doing?!" she asked.<br />"I'm waiting for John to come home from work," the daughter-in-law answered.<br />"But you're naked!" the mother-in-law exclaimed.<br />"This is my love dress," the daughter-in-law explained.<br />"Love dress? But you're naked!"<br />"John loves me and wants me to wear this dress," she explained.<br />"It excites him to no end. Every time he sees me in this dress,<br />he instantly becomes romantic and ravages me for hours on end. He can't get enough of me"<br /><br />The mother-in-law left.<br />When she got home, she undressed, showered, put on her best perfume, dimmed the lights, put on a romantic CD, and laid on the couch, waiting for her husband to arrive.Finally, her husband came home.<br />He walked in and saw her laying there ever so provocatively.<br />"What are you doing?" he asked.<br />"This is my love dress." she whispered sensually.<br />"Needs ironing," he said. "What's for dinner?<br /><br />He never heard the gunshotDESIGNER LANCE GORDONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15289740033814646942noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4638556165680706667.post-61115758028822410452009-10-15T02:34:00.000-07:002009-10-15T02:47:23.445-07:00How to start a clothing line...the complete outlineSTEP 1. Market Research<br /><br />Conducting market research is crucial to the success of your Apparel line. You need to determine what trends are popular, what styles are selling, what category does your concept fit into, what demographic age group does the line appeal to, what price point(s) are similar lines being sold at, etc. The best way to answer these questions is to go...shopping! Shop the local malls, online and specialty stores for where you think your clothes might be sold. Look at what’s on the rack, the prices and what items are selling. Talk to sales reps, managers, store owners and ask customers to get a feel for what’s out there, selling and what customers are asking for. The answers will be priceless! THIS PROCESS IS ONGOING AND CONTINUES THROUGHOUT THE YEAR EVERY SELLING SEASON.<br /><br /><br />STEP 2. Branding your line<br /><br />Decide what type of clothing you want to make. What is the appeal of your clothes? Is your new line conservative or fashion forward? In other words, when people think of your clothing line, what do you want them to think? Define your style and set a theme for the line you plan to create. You will refine and continue to develop your Brand as much as possible as your business grows.<br /><br />STEP 3. Name, Trademark & domain registration<br /><br /> Choose a name for your clothing line and trademark it. You should do a trademark search for the name you have chosen to make sure there are no other businesses or companies already using that name. If the name is available, register it with the United States Patent office. <br />You should buy the Web domain name for your clothing line as well. Domain names on the Internet are being sold quickly, so make sure you buy one with the name of your clothing line right away. You should develop a website to show perspective buyers your line as it will be the first place they will look to familiarize themselves with your clothing and wholesale price points. <br /> Furthermore, register your business as a D.B.A. or LLC with your city clerk, and then get a bank account under your new business's name. These are all important steps to take before you begin to actually design and produce clothes.<br /><br /><br />STEP 4. Create concept sketches<br /><br />Based on the findings from your market research and Brand identity, you are now ready to come up with clothing styles and graphic artwork to bring that concept to life. Be fun, creative and original. This is fashion! Your design sketches should reflect the images of your target consumer, age group, price points and current trends in styles. You should create an inspiration board of images, fabrics, anything that inspires you. Once you have the designs, fabrics and trims, organize everything onto large art boards so you can see the entire line at once.<br /><br />A. Design 4 color concept sketches<br />B. Choose fabrics and trims to match w/ each style<br />C. Create Apparel line story boards – organized presentation of all styles, F.A.T. choices<br /><br /><br />STEP 5. Source Materials<br /><br />After you have created sketches of the clothing line, you should begin thinking about the materials you will use to make your product come to life. You'll have to find everything from fabric to buttons to zippers and linings. Everything you choose must be available in mass quantities and in the right colors.<br /><br /><br />STEP 6. Edit styles for sample development<br /><br />The next step is to edit your concept line. Not every style you create will make it to sample development. Edit the sketches to the best styles, potential hot sellers, and looks that capture what you are trying to say with your clothing brand. Ask yourself,” Do the chosen styles reflect your original concept? “<br /><br /><strong>Note:</strong><br />Keep in mind budget constraints, time, and availability of raw materials. Part of your decision of what styles to send to sample development will be what the selected styles cost to develop garment samples and send to production. You only have so much money.<br /><br />You must also consider the time available. How long will it take to get the garment samples done in time to go to market for the upcoming season? In general, apparel markets open 6 months ahead. For Fall delivery in September - markets open in early February. For Spring delivery in March – markets open in early September. What season are you working on? Do you have enough time?<br /><br />In addition, any raw materials needed to make your clothing line must be available in mass quantities to fulfill the production orders at the time of production. Unless you have the money to pre order your raw materials and the warehouse space to store it, try to avoid limited quantity fabrics and trims.<br /> <br />Add, subtract and continue editing your concept sketches until you have selected the appropriate number of designs to enter sample development.<br /><br />Warning: DON’T CREATE A SKELETON LINE! Put enough samples into development to be able to merchandise your line (I’ll get into this in more detail later). For now, know that Buyers want to see options when they look at your line.<br /><br />STEP 7. Sample Garment Development<br /><br />After you determine what styles best represent the concept of your clothing line according to theme, budget, time and available raw materials, the next step is to create “Sample” garments of each style to test the look, fit and wear ability in real life.<br /> Developing “prototype” sample garments of your clothing line is a process involving corrections, changes and alterations. Here is an outline of that process:<br /><br />1. Translate concept sketches into flat technical design drawings w/ specs.<br />a. Tech drawings are blueprints of each garment in the line<br />b. More factories now require a tec. drawing instead of a sketch<br />c. You can eliminate many design mistakes in this stage<br /><br />2. Create 1st patterns - generic pattern only, usually fitting issues will cause corrections.<br />a. Based on corrected technical design drawing<br />b. Based on supplied fit sample – base size garment<br /><br />3. Sew sample garments in mock fabric - conduct a sample garment fitting test, indicate corrections in fit, style and send back samples with corrections marked<br />a. First round testing of clothing line for fit, pattern accurately<br />b. Test garments on a real person, not a mannequin<br />c. Cheap mock fabrics used that behaves like final fabrics<br />d. Upon observation, style changes to garment may be made<br /><br /><br /><br />4. Make corrections to 1st pattern, sew another sample or cut final sample garment, and send back to evaluate proper fit – make any final corrections to pattern.<br /><br />OPTION: CUT TO FINAL GARMENT OR CUT ANOTHER SAMPLE? The first round of pattern corrections from the first garment fit test will take care of most, if not all the problems during sample development. Depending upon the number of corrections needed from the first fit test, you may decide to make another fit sample or go ahead and cut the “final” sample garments. Keep in mind that fit is everything in this business. If a garment does not fit correctly, would you buy it?<br /><br /><br />5. Get approval to “Cut to final” sample garments. Prep Tech. Pac. for factory <br /><br />6. Cut final Master patterns, grade sizes and deliver full design tech. package w/ sample garments to factory ready for sewing pre-production stage. <br /><br />7. Factory sends back “proto” samples based on tech. Pac. and samples sent over.<br /><br />8. Factory sews “final” showroom samples of the line for sales, marketing and catalog<br /><br />STEP 8. Merchandise your Clothing line<br />Buyers want to see options when they look at your line. Coordinate items in the line so that they go together. Merchandising is all about increasing sales through a well coordinated line so that it has maximum appeal to buyers. Ideally, think of yourself when you go shopping. Find a shirt to go with a pair of pants, sweater, etc. Coordinate with fabrics, colors, trims, finishes or other styles in the line to give several looks that might appeal to buyers. The goal is to have the buyer place an order for as many items in the line as possible.<br /><br /><br /><br />STEP 9. Pricing your line and preparing for market<br />a. Pricing --Now that you have narrowed your selection of samples you'll have to assign prices to each piece. You want to make sure you gain at least a 50% profit to make your efforts worthwhile. You also want to make sure your product "looks," like the price you are asking for it.<br /><br />b. PR -- Now that you have a beautiful assortment of appropriately priced product you are ready to begin the marketing and sales process.You may want to have a photo shoot and create a catalog which can be very expensive. You may also want to prepare a press kit outlining the vision of your line and enclosing actual photographs. Whatever you decide to prepare at the very least you must have a line sheet...that has pictures, pricing and color information for each style.<br />STEP 10. Go to market to sell your clothing line<br />a. Attend trade shows, apparel market weeks or hire sales agents to rep your line.<br />1. you can begin selling your product at trade shows or search for a sales rep that is willing to sell your goods on your behalf...for a commission of course!<br /><br />STEP 11. Generate purchase orders<br />a. negotiate with buyers, store owners. Set delivery dates.<br /><br />STEP 12. Order raw materials based on orders collected. <br />a. Forward to clothing factory<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />STEP 13. Send production. Order to factory, get start date and shipping date<br />Supervise the manufacturing of your clothing line to make sure that the manufacturer/contractor will have your apparel ready and delivered on time. The best way to do this is to stay in touch with your contractor during the entire process and make sure that things are going smoothly.<br /><br />STEP 14. Inventory received from sewing factory<br />warehouse for quality control and repackage to send out to retail accounts. DELIVER TO STORES ON TIME!<br /><br />STEP 15. Send out invoices:<br />Net 30 – 120 days due, hopefully collect all<br /><br />STEP 16. Get ready for next delivery date/season<br />Fall 2, Fall 3 or Spring 2, 3 OR next season.<br /><br /><br />LAST NOTE:Having your own clothing business is not an easy task. You need to have the management know-how of running a business and a thorough understanding of the industry. You must be able to juggle well three basic functions: design, production and sales. To top it all, you must keep abreast with the introduction of new fabrics, trends and emerging styles. You need to be savvy in a lot of things to be successful in the garment industry, from finding salespeople to sourcing fabric, hiring contractors, and managing your receivables. Congratulations on your new clothing line and Good luck!DESIGNER LANCE GORDONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15289740033814646942noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4638556165680706667.post-5279108254803406602009-10-15T01:03:00.000-07:002009-10-15T03:05:38.389-07:00Fashion designer Lance Gordon launches his fashion blog<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfEFNs_oCiIGpeGk6wUiN2uT8VEB7FUWMb8tOCaHqLcP8ftUCBK8h0VCKkMyBwsr_3DThSNUgOFm2Z3EaxhTLs68KLYmzgonLCnRvHumDR6Dajbrn8RouqQTn5mYq_WGyDnUrKcM7ofEc5/s1600-h/2009-05-+Professional+profile+shot.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 277px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392748885920164738" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfEFNs_oCiIGpeGk6wUiN2uT8VEB7FUWMb8tOCaHqLcP8ftUCBK8h0VCKkMyBwsr_3DThSNUgOFm2Z3EaxhTLs68KLYmzgonLCnRvHumDR6Dajbrn8RouqQTn5mYq_WGyDnUrKcM7ofEc5/s320/2009-05-+Professional+profile+shot.jpg" /></a> I would like to first introduce myself to my future readers and speak briefly about my background. I am fashion designer Lance Gordon, I own a private label design firm founded back in early 2008. I started my business to address a huge demand that exists in helping the emerging designer entrepreneurs to get started in the fashion business. Since then, I have worked with a wide variety of clients, from emerging fashion designers looking to break into the high fashion world, to start up clothing companies looking to build a new brand, to established manufacturers looking to revamp their existing lines. visit portfolio page: <a href="http://darkknight35.hi5.com/">http://darkknight35.hi5.com</a><br /><div></div><br /><div>My team and I consist of; a top notch pattern maker, with 20 years of knowledge under her belt, an expert tailor, who headed up her own 600 station factory in Vietnam and a team of very skilled Asian sample makers. Together, we offer a variety of services and custom packages that suit most every need and budget. Our START UP PACKAGES essentially combines all the needed steps from CONCEPT THROUGH PRODUCTION needed to professionally launch an apparel line into the marketplace. If our clients needs are more specific, they can also choose from our menu of services: concept sketches, illustration, technical drawings, pattern making, creating sample garments, grading, sourcing fabric and trims, locating and selecting mass production(domestic and international) and sales representation. For more information, email <a href="mailto:lancegdesigns@yahoo.com">lancegdesigns@yahoo.com</a></div><br /><div></div>WHY I DECIDED TO START THIS BLOG...<br /><div></div><br /><div>I recently became aware of a deep need in the fashion community. I have heard just about every rumor out there, crazy myth and bad advice on how to get started in the fashion industry. I realized after taking countless phone calls from emerging designers and upstart clothing labels asking for advice on " HOW TO, WHAT DO I DO, WHERE DO I GO, DO YOU KNOW WHO I CAN TALK TO" kind of questions, that there are a lot of people who need practical advice on how to break into the fashion industry. </div><br /><div>Well, I decided to start this blog, affectionately titled "HOW TO START A CLOTHING LINE AND LAUNCH YOUR FASHION EMPIRE". In it I will discuss and present smart shortcuts that will not only save you precious time and money, but educate you on how the fashion business works, what to look for, how to avoid pitfalls, how to market yourself, find financing(YES, it is out there), how to prepare and get buyers to look at your line and finally, how to grow your fashion business. I will be sharing my contacts and resources for sourcing fabrics, sewing production and other domestic and international resources. I have acquired many contacts over the past 15 years in the fashion business AND now I will share it all FOR FREE, YES FREE. </div><br /><div>If you ever wanted to know the HOW TO, GO SEE, WHERE IS, WHO DOES and NOW WHAT DO I DO, join my FREE NEWSLETTER and I and my team will share all our fashion advice and answer your questions. I will have a forum where you can post topics, ask questions and start discussions on any desired topic. I believe you will find this blog invaluable, plus find the answers you need to launch, expand and succeed in the fashion design industry.</div>DESIGNER LANCE GORDONhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15289740033814646942noreply@blogger.com0