Fashion Designers Wanted

[ericesquire]

Hello all!

I'm looking for fashion designers to collaborate with me in the developing phases of a new urban clothing line - no education necessary, just as long as you know the ins and outs of sketching clothes with enough specifications to have someone overseas manfuacture them - and some good ideas - that's all you need to bring with you.

Nothing serious yet - just preliminary discussions, but...this is a huge aspiration of mine and I'm sure that I share the same dream with others. The fashion world is so exciting! I hope to hear from some of you soon!

[BizGuy]

Hi there Eric,

Yes, the world of fashion is definately here to stay! A very exciting industry that is evolving at a rapid pace. As you've probably read in my past posts, I have had alot of experience with the fashion industry and still have many contacts in Korea, China and HongKong. Your next step is probably going to be finding a niche market that you want to penetrate. Whether it be the womens accessories, mens belts, skater/snowboarding clothes, designer wear etc. You will now need to find someone to assist you with the development of your dream. Do you have any ideas of what type of fashion sector you would like to enter? There are many fashon books out there that can get the creative juices flowing, here are some of my favourites:

9 Heads: A Guide to Drawing Fashion
by Nancy Riegelman

Illustration For Designers - Second Edition
by Kathryn Hagen

Fashion Sketchbook
by Bina Abling

Start with these and you'll see where these ideas can take you.

Good luck Eric and when you ready to connect on the overseas manufacturer level, let me know.

Adam T.

[ericesquire]

Adam,

Thank's for your feedback. In fact, I have done some minor apparel manufacturing overseas just to test the waters out. I designed a handbag, some hats, etc. - had them manufactured in China. Everything went really well. I have some close personal friends who are form China and they are big business heads both here and overseas so they can always pull some strings for me.

I always have my friends footmen that are actually on the ground in China go to the factories that I source out from here and check them out - just to make sure that they are legit. I'm pretty connected as far as overseas production goes - but I have no idea bout fashion sketching. I have many great ideas for apparel but just have no idea how to get it on paper. That's why I'm looking for someone who does. I have a lot of knowledge about the industry and production, etc. - just am missing that one component.

I want to get into the urban apparel market - but I know that's now quite "niche" enough. I need to find one thing about that market that I like and really go for it, like you said, belts or something of the like. I really like shoes - however - production costs on shoes is MUCH higher then on many other apparel items, and not only that - but stocking sizes 6-13 (including half sizes) requires a lot more inventory then sizes s-xxxl shirts.

I hope to hear more back on the boards about this topic. I'm surprised at how little response I've gotten from a post about fashion - especially with such a young crowd.

Ciao

[BizGuy]

Its great that you have your connecions in China, that is a major obstacle that many newbie fashion entrepreneurs have difficulty with. This enables you to have alot more peace of mind when getting your product manufactured.

Now, its time to begin thinking, researching and sourcing some 'niche' market product that intrigues you and there is a market for.

You can always start by going to your local fashion designer schools and posting up a 'sketchers needed' flyer. The response will most likely be huge. This is probably the way I would reccommend for you, based on your situation of being unsure of which product within the fashion industry you want to begin with.


Good luck.

Adam T.

[buki]

hi,

great idea, i have had a similar one over the years also. But i work as a custom cloth designer. I would like to know what is that you want, i sketch - fashion illustration.

[snickers250]

Hello, if you still need someone to sketch/etc for you, i am available. i am finishing up my degree this spring, and i'm ready to venture out into the world. i have studied, art, fashion illustration, line development, private line and labels, mass manufacturing, textiles, planning and buying, and all the rest that goes along with the yahaha.

if you are interested, you can contact me through my profile.....
thanks...
jeremy

[RickyPatrick10]

I think that the "urban" fashion scene is all a fad. Every rapper, and entertainer is coming out with an urban line of clothing. Most of the stuff out right now is garbage. There's really no creativity as far as I'm concerned. They are just selling their names because they are in the public eye. Basically it's short money. If any of you are in it for the long run, I would say stick with something customers will want for a long time. I'm not saying it's not an attainable goal, but you have to realize that your competing with major "urban" companies like Ecko, Adademiks, Sean John, Fubu, and all the rappers Jay-z, eminem, ice-t, and the list goes on and on. They can advertise for free because young people look up to them. That's just my two cents.

[ericesquire]

Urban fashion isn't a fad - if what you're saying is true then you're in turn saying that all of the urban culture (which is growing everyday - currently the nations largest demographic) are going to stop wearing the clothes they wear. Urban life is here to stay and so are the threads that accompany it.

As far as the large companies that can advertise for free...all I can say is that I'm sorry that you don't have aspirations and dreams of being able to compete with the big dogs. All it takes is a few endorsements from celebrities and publicity and you can in there like swimwear. Just as a tidbit of information - Ecko was started by 6 people - none of which were celebrities.

I do agree that most of the clothing out there right now is produced without creativity and based solely on names. The new Shady line of clothing is horrible - and I wouldn't wear it for anything - but there are a few brands that have some good things going for them - namely Akademiks and Sean John. In fact Sean John is going to be coming out with a new line called "blue" and it will not have one single name or label on it except for on the back inside of the shirt or jeans that simply says "blue" and the size. It's going back to fashion now - it just takes time. Fashion cycles don't come and go overnight.

I apologize for assuming - but I feel that you're feelings about the industry come from a prejudice that you have against this specific demographic - which is fine - everyone is entitled to their beliefs and/or stereotypes. My knowledge comes from research, books, and real life experience. The urban culture is huge and grows everyday - it's more widely accepted in Music, on TV, and in Magazines than ever before...it's entertainment, it's fun, it's exciting - and there are a lot of people migrating to it. I'm in this for the money and the business aspect - I don't let my personal emotions get involved with the roads I take in business. I know that just because I like something doesn't mean someone else will and vice versa.

Thank you for your feedback - all is appreciated.

[RickyPatrick10]

Sir, my post said that the current urban fashion scene is a fad, not the culture. I respect the culture completely. I'm saying that there are a lot of people exploiting the urban fashion markets just because they can. (mostly celebrities) We both agree that there's a lot of opportunities for clothing companies to make an impact. Like you sir, I do have aspirations of competing with the "big dog's" someday. I respect your goals and aspirations on wanting to develop an urban line with creativity. I also agree that sean john and akademiks are doing a great job with their companies and I like the direction their going in. They will be around for a long time. I also agree that you do need celebrity endorsements and a little publicity doesn't hurt. I don't have a prejudice against any specific demographic. I wear some of these brands. My knowledge too comes from research, books, and experience. My point was that the real creative entrepreneur's who do it for the culture such as yourself, will have a harder time breaking into that industry because of the larger companies control. The bigger companies don't care if they put out a garbage line, as long as it has the celebrities name on it, they know it will sell. I don't blame them, but I do think it takes away from the real entrepreneurs who work very hard to get their names out there.

[MissBiz]

Hello Eric,

My name is Jacqueline Howatt, 2nd year Commerce Student at St.Mary's University in Halifax, Nova Scotia Canada. I saw your thread in YE.com about fashion designers that you needed and I am not sure if you have allocated those positions yet but I am very interested in hearing more about what you were looking for. I am very into fashion and I do have experience in designing (drawing, sketching) clothing, jewellry and accessories. I also found your website interesting seeing as I am majoring in marketing and also entrepreneurship. I have worked with a marketing firm for the past summer and do freelancing for them, I have many connections with distributors and companies in which I can allocate products to retail stores. I also know manufacturers overseas in Thailand, and China. I just wanted to let you know this in case you would like more information or ever needed me to work with you if you needed to. I like having my roll-a-dex nice and fat.
Thank you and please let me know about the positions.

Jacqueline Howatt
howattjackie@hotmail.com

[SLA]

I want to be a "Big Dog" as well....lol.

I wonder how Ecko got so popular...they just got a name...and logo...and started to become cool...

Yeah. Eminem's clothes is pretty crappy.

And lol...yeah...like almost all of the rappers are getting their own clothing lines. Pretty expensive clothes...and very cheap to manufacture.

It's not just rappers...

I want to start a clothing line!

[BizGuy]

Hi everyone...

SLA, keep in mind its a "BIG DOG" eat "BIG DOG" world out there.
There is ALOT of competition and the fashion biz usually requires a good following or branding before you become a BIG DOG!

To all of you who would like to begin a fashion venture, I recommend a very worthwhile trip to the orient. This is where I got ALOT of my ideas and made a large amount of contacts. It doesn't matter what your looking for, socks, underwear, ties, belts, pants, dresses, you will find it over in Asia. If you cannot find it, I guarentee they will make it for you!

Take the trip over...Invaluable!

Adam T.

[RickyPatrick10]

BizGuy, What part of Asia would your recommend visiting? Is there one city that you would prefer someone to go and to create their own contacts? I would like to plan a trip and get some clothing and accessories made there. I know a lot of military personnel get custom clothes (basketball sets, hats, shoes, etc.)made over there when they go TDY. Thanks for the information.

[ericesquire]

Hong Kong has become a more "quality" based production area - you will spend at least double on your production in Hong Kong vs. outlying provinces. Let me make some phone calls and I can tell you exactly where you need to go.

[Xoze553]

I am a young and ambitious college student. I do not have a background in fashion and design but i do know what kind of clothes sell. I am innovative thinker and like to do things a little different. If you are still looking for assistance please let me know.