Don’t Panic About Shrinkage—Here’s What You Need to Know Shrinkage. Yep, it’s one of those words that sends a chill down the spine of every brand owner. But here’s the truth: shrinkage is normal, and if you know how to handle it, it doesn’t need to be a big deal. If you’ve ever had a…
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Starting your own fashion label is so exciting. You’ve got the designs, the ideas, the mood boards—and you’re finally ready to bring your garments to life. But before you dive headfirst into fabric shopping, there’s one big mistake you’ll want to avoid: bulk-buying your production fabric too early. Seriously, it’s one of the most common…
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Discover why defining your customer profile is a game-changer for brand success and how it helps you stand out in a crowded market.
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If you’ve ever tried baking a new recipe and swapped too many ingredients, you’ll know how wrong things can go. Flat cakes. Weird textures. Off flavours. Well, fashion development is exactly the same. When you’re creating a new garment, you’re basically running an experiment. There are variables everywhere—fabric, size, fit, trims, stitching—and changing too many…
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Master Your Year with Effective Planning How is it December already? Every year, this month seems to sneak up on us, doesn’t it? But it’s also the perfect time to start your planning for the year ahead. Taking a moment to pause, reflect, and organise can make all the difference in setting yourself up for…
Read MorePlanning Your Fashion Launch Date: How to Get Your Timing Right
Let’s start with the obvious—your launch date is everything. Whether you’re gearing up for a summer collection that needs to hit stores by October or a winter range that should launch by May, timing is key. Every season has a sweet spot, and launching too late could mean missed sales or, worse, leftover stock.
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Have you ever wondered how your clothing choices impact the people who make them? During Ethical Fashion Week, it’s the perfect time to dive deeper into what Ethical Fashion really means and why it’s so important. Ethical Fashion isn’t just about wearing cool clothes—it’s about making sure those clothes were made by people who are…
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When it comes to garment production, accuracy is everything. But if you’ve been using PDF patterns because your manufacturer has requested them, it’s time to pause and think. While PDF patterns have become quite popular for their convenience with home sewists, they come with a fair share of risks that can lead to major headaches.…
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When you’re in the world of fashion design, understanding the difference between a toile and a sample can be the key to creating stunning garments without wasting time or resources. Whether you’re a new designer or an experienced hand, choosing between a toile or sample can help you save money, improve quality, and speed up…
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Launching a fashion label is no easy feat, especially if you’re a startup designer. It’s easy to feel frustrated when the process doesn’t meet your expectations. But what if the key to avoiding disappointment lies in understanding how to work with your pattern maker more effectively? In this blog, I’ll share some tips to help…
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The fashion industry in Australia is facing a growing issue—the declining loss of skills in local manufacturing. From the last dye houses to the final wash houses and knitting workshops, these valuable skills are slowly disappearing. Why is this happening, and how can we change course before it’s too late? I recently had the chance…
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Starting a fashion label with a friend sounds like a dream come true, right? You get to work closely with someone who shares your vision and passion, and you get to make decisions together. But before you dive headfirst into a fashion partnership, there are some important things you need to consider. Here’s a guide…
Read MoreHow to Get Accurate Quotes from Manufacturers: A Guide to Effective Communication
Getting accurate quotes from manufacturers isn’t always as easy as sending an email. For many fashion designers, communicating with manufacturers can be one of the trickiest parts of the production process. If you’ve ever found yourself waiting for a response or struggling to get clear information, you’re not alone. In this blog, we’ll explore some…
Read MoreThe Art of Sample Making: Why It’s Essential in Fashion Production
When it comes to fashion production, sample making is one of the most important steps in the entire process. It’s the stage where your ideas and patterns come to life, transforming sketches and measurements into actual garments. But sample making is more than just sewing—it’s about understanding how every piece fits together, testing the design,…
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Starting your own fashion label can be an exciting journey, but it can also feel overwhelming. That’s where ease comes into play. By choosing to produce your fashion label locally, you can make the whole process much easier and smoother. Let’s dive into why local production might be the perfect fit for you, and how…
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Are you about to decide between offshore vs. local manufacturing for your product? This is a major decision, and getting the details right can save you time, money, and frustration. Let’s dive into the 3 Hidden Secrets to consider in making the right choice when evaluating offshore vs. local manufacturing. Hidden Secret 1- Price Isn’t…
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This week I received an email from a new designer who made a classic mistake that many people make that can have a huge impact on the results they get from their initial email to a manufacturer. They were asking about what fabrics we have in house and to look at our catalogue. This is…
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Ever wonder how you can save money and stay organized as a designer? It’s simpler than you think. Let’s dive into the concept of an organizational folder and how it can be your secret weapon for cost-saving development. Start a Folder Each Season Each design season brings new challenges. By starting a folder dedicated to…
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Fabric sourcing is a critical part of the fashion design process. It can make or break your final product. Understanding how to source fabrics efficiently and effectively is key to success. In this blog, we’ll dive into the ins and outs of professional fabric sourcing and how Fabric Sourcing makes it all easier for you.…
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Are you confident in managing the finances of your fashion business? Fashion finances are crucial for the success of any business. Without proper financial management, many businesses struggle and ultimately fail. Let’s dive into some key takeaways from my experience and a chat with my accountant. Understanding Fashion Finances: Costs and Revenue First, you need…
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