UK’s Industry Forum and [TC]are joining together to present a Fashion Fashion workshop May 28th at Fashion Business Inc. in the California Market Center, Los Angeles, CA.

*Understand in more depth the principles behind the Zara and fast fashion business models and improved efficiency reduces costs.

*Explore how to achieve a fast supply chain and deliver better products with low risk, reducing the cash to cash cycle.

*Learn how to improve the critical path, re-engineer the supply chain, and manage the process more effectively.

*Learn what processes enable the Fast Fashion cycle from design to point of sale to be achieved in 4 to 6 weeks and the company culture required to support the processes.

*Understand how financial performance can be improved through Fast Fashion.

The presentations will include Fast Fashion examples of tools and techniques which have been successfully applied. [TC] will show how Fast Fashion meets the sustainability agenda and how advances in digital technology will make processes even faster.

For information or to register, contact Debra Gill at 919.653.3501, or email dgill@tc2.com.

This special workshop has been endorsed by the American Apparel and Footwear Association (AAFA) and IAF (International Apparel Federation)

Although some retailers love the excitement of new lines… many pause when it comes to actually buying them.  Why?  Because investing too much into a new line can make buyers feel a little bit like test dummies as manufacturers try to work out the common kinks associated with a new business.

If you’re trying to sell your line for the first time it’s up to you to alleviate their fears– and land some of those high-profile stores that can help you build your emerging brand.

Retailer Fear #1:  You Won’t Deliver On Time…

On time delivery is a big deal to retailers.  You may think what’s a few days late?  I mean things happen… Your patternmaker got the flu…The fabric got delayed in customs….retailers are human…they should understand right?

Unfortunately most times retailers don’t understand.  If you don’t deliver on time as far as retailers are concerned they’ve lost out on days of sale, especially in a highly seasonal business like swim or outerwear.  Besides, having a trump tight infrastructure to make sure you have everything in place to be within your promised delivery window, also do whatever you can to rectify the situation if it becomes inevitable.  Volunteer a discount, Pay for Express Shipping or Offer to subsidize any necessary markdowns for the season.  Keep in mind you don’t really want to do any of these things…So just be on time!

Retailer Fear #2:  Your Product Won’t Sell…

Retailers need to know what you’re doing to promote your line…after you’ve sold it to them.  Do you have a full website with pics of your in-store collection?  A online store locator?  How about a publicist?  A dedicated marketing person?  Any press out there already?  Do you have ideas for an in-store event? Make it clear to potential customers that you will be there to help ensure your product sells.  They’ll appreciate your insight into their challenges and your partnership in the sales process.

Retailer Fear #3:  You Don’t Know What You’re Doing…

Serious retailers want to feel secure they’re dealing with another serious business owner.  Are you going to deliver crappy product?  Will it look like the samples?  If there’s an issue will you be fair about resolving it?  Will you be around next season?  In the process of selling your goods…make sure you sell yourself too.  Do you have a design or production background with a more notable company?  Graduate from a prominent design program? Do you have company values or a mission statement?  Do your part to make your customer comfortable with your brand and the people behind it.

By being pro-active and understanding buyers common fears ahead of time, you’ll not only be able to get in the door, but build a foundation for a long-term professional relationship.

FBI is announcing the launch of a brand new free program for unemployed patternmakers launching at the end of April.

Courtesy of a grant provided by Microsoft Corporation, this special program provides free training to unemployed patternmakers who need to improve or enhance their computer skills to obtain full time employment.

Participants will rotate through the following courses for the duration of the 8 week program:

Microsoft Excel 2007 Overview Class

Learn the basics of Excel 2007 that will prepare you for the remainder of the program

Pattern 101 Using Excel

A full professional introduction to computerized pattern-making, using the Pattern Assisted Design (PAD) system and Microsoft Excel.

Knockoff Class Using Excel:

Learn to replicating designs quickly and accurately - using the Pattern Assisted Design (PAD) system and the Microsoft Excel system.

Made to Measure—Using Excel

Using PAD and Microsoft Excel to automate your fitting, grading, and spec process.

Participant Qualifications:

1. Must Be Currently Unemployed

2. Must Have Minimum 1 Year of Full Time Patternmaking Experience

3. Must Have Basic Computer Knowledge

Spaces are limited.  Please submit your resume to info@fashionbizinc.org, or attend the open house for immediate consideration.

**Open House**

Wednesday, April 22nd

12-1 pm

The New Fashion Business Inc. Resource Center

California Market Center   C789

There are a lot of trade shows out there…From Magic to Pool to Project to Curve to WSA to ENK to Designers and Agents to Thread…and the list goes on and on and on….

So how in the world would you know what show is right for you?

Take the season before to shop around. Here are a few tips to get you started…..

1.  Research Trade Shows on the Web–To get started finding the show that is right for you visit an industry specific site like infomat.com, which lists most of the fashion related trade shows.  You can also do a simple google search for your specific category (i.e. shoes, lingerie, kids).  Then logon to the shows website to see screen shots of past shows.  Some sites also show lists of past attendees–so check for your competitors.  If they are there… it could be a clue you should be too.

2.  Call the Corporate Office–The office of the show is there to sell booths.  And if you have the money to do a trade show you are their target market.  Give them a call to get more details about the past and upcoming markets.  Ask about past traffic?  Marketing and PR Opportunities?  as well as Participation and booth building fees (if required).

3.  Go Visit–Once you’ve identified some shows that may be right for you go for a visit a season ahead.  Although the traffic may be different depending on the season you can still get a feel of whether the vibe of the show suits your style.  Again take advantage of the show’s sales offices…ask them to give you a tour as well as provide you with a pass to wander around by yourself.

As with anything else make sure you seek out some objective sources whether in person, old newspaper reports or blogs that give you an inside look at the shows you’re considering.  Shows can be very expensive…doing your research in advance will help you feel confident you’re making the right decision for your finances and your brand.

Happy Show Hunting!

It’s no secret…being “Green” has become the new way of life for many Americans.

More and more you’ll see people trotting into the grocery store with their reusable bags…..

Brands touting their affection for the environment….And even trade and fashion shows totally focused on eco-friendly products.

According to a recent article:

46% of customers say they would shop at a retailer more if it were environmentally friendly.

47% say they would pay more for environmentally friendly products, services or brands.

So if you’re not already…it may be time for you to get with the program.

Paying attention to the environment has proven to be much more than a trendy notion.  Whatever your customers care about…you should care about even more.

Check out this website for links to more information about “Green,” design.

A common worry from many designers is the thought of being knocked off.  Another company taking your designs, stealing elements of your brand and selling them for less in a lower priced market.  Once you grow large enough you can only expect in some way or another, it will happen.

So how do you fight back?

Knock off yourself…..

We all know of Marc Jacobs– Marc, Armani’s–Armani Exchange, Roberto Cavalli’s– Just Cavalli and not to mention the countless designer names that have popped up in Targets across the nation.

In the fashion industry we make our money with either high volume (lower priced stuff) or high markup’s (higher priced stuff).  In the midst of a global recession its no secret the high end market is definately taking a hit.

The good news is that if you’ve built a high end brand you can leverage your brand name and infrastructure to insert a lower-cost volume driving brand. That could possibly step in at this pocketbook conscious and save the day.  All while preserving your reputation.

Give it some some thought…No one can knock you off better than you.