As the fashion industry continues to evolve, it’s time to rethink the advantages of collaborating with local pattern makers instead of overseas manufacturers. While overseas production has its merits, there are unique challenges that arise when it comes to effective communication with remote partners and a decentralized workforce. In this blog post, we’ll explore why…
Read More
Today, let’s talk about timing in the fashion industry. It’s that time of year when many people start dreaming of summer and want to design a summer range for their labels. However, often they realize it’s too late to move their production back from offshore and have it ready for the season. So, today, I…
Read MoreThe Benefits of Local Manufacturing in the Fashion Industry
Are you thinking of starting a fashion label or considering switching to local production? Well, you’re in luck! The fashion industry is experiencing some new shifts towards local manufacturing, and for good reason. In this blog post, we’ll break down the benefits of manufacturing locally in the fashion industry. From a more accurate and faster…
Read More
I have recently returned from a trade show in Europe called ITMA which was quite the experience. The biggest takeaway is that manufacturing in Australia is vastly different from the overseas market, with one of the most significant differences being quantity. The large machines and factories overseas can handle much larger quantities, often creating a…
Read More
Starting a fashion business can be overwhelming, even when you have a clear vision and passion for the industry. That’s why finding a mentor is essential for success. A mentor can provide guidance, support, and expertise to help navigate the challenges of launching a business. In this blog post, we’ll explore the importance of finding…
Read More
Trunk Show – Starting Your Fashion Business Starting a fashion business can be overwhelming, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the industry. But what if we told you there’s a unique business model that allows you to showcase your designs, reduce risks, and build a loyal customer base? In today’s blog post, we will explore the…
Read More
The Five Fashion Superpowers Needed to Start a Fashion Label Starting a fashion label is a challenging task, but it can be incredibly rewarding for those who possess the right skills. In this blog post, we explore the five fashion superpowers that are crucial for anyone looking to successfully break into the fashion industry. From…
Read More
Tips for Requesting a Garment Quote: Providing the Right Information Are you planning on requesting a garment quote? It’s important to know that it’s not as simple as just asking for a price. Manufacturers and pattern makers need specific information in order to provide an accurate quote or estimate. In this blog post, we’ll provide…
Read More
If you work in the fashion industry, then you’ve probably heard of a tech pack or a spec document. These technical documents are essential in the garment production process as they contain all the necessary information required to create garments accurately. However, if not done accurately, they can cause the production process to go wrong,…
Read More
When developing a product, one of the most important things to consider is the timeline, knowing how to manage your time can be the difference between success and failure. There are many factors that can impact your timeline, from payment to fabric selection to the information you provide to your pattern makers and manufacturers.…
Read More
We are proud to introduce our latest mentee launch! ELLEE THE LABEL is an Australian womenswear label proudly designed and made in Australia, crafted in natural and cellulose fabrics. The label is 100% female founded and owned by sisters Abbey and Jessica Smythe who desired to create an Australian designed and made, conscious womenswear label.…
Read More
Have you ever found yourself stuck in the development process and not launching your product? It can be frustrating, especially after investing so much time, effort and money into it. In this blog post, we will discuss the three biggest reasons why people don’t launch their product. Let’s dive in and see how we…
Read More
If you’re looking to start your fashion business, you already know how important it is to have a vision and bring it to life. However, one of the most crucial aspects of starting a fashion business is having a correct pattern and sample to take to a manufacturer. In this blog post, we’ll discuss…
Read More
As a mentor, one of the many things I hear from new designers is how we truly understand their ideas and vision. This is a valid concern since it can make or break the development process and the budget. In this video, I will be answering a question from a new mentee who asked, “How…
Read More
Did you know that there are many factors that can affect your final profit margin? What goes into the cost of garments? As a designer, there are a number of things you do to reduce your garment costs, but something that can have a big impact with this, is fabric width. I recently had a…
Read More
Today I want to share some valuable insights on how to make informed decisions to move forward in the future with your patterns and make the most of what you have spent in the past. While this is more aimed at established businesses that have gone through the development process before, it is also critical…
Read More
Where do you find inspiration for your fashion range? Well, before diving in, the first thing to think about is: Are you doing a high fashion/ high-trend range or a range that reflects your personal style and market needs? Your sources of inspiration will significantly depend on your answer to this question. So, this is…
Read More
Who owns my patterns? Is it the pattern maker? Is it the designer? Or is it shared? This is quite a common question often asked by start-up fashion designers. I think this is a really critical topic for you to get clarity on as your patterns are your investment. You need to know where you…
Read More
Starting a fashion business in Australia can come with its own set of challenges, especially when it comes to finding the right fabric suppliers. During my recent trip to the US for a trade show called Impressions, I was struck by the simplicity of finding fabric agents and suppliers in the fashion industry, thanks to…
Read More
Just this last week I have been over at the Impressions Trade Show in the US where I talked to over 350 people in 3 days and I am so excited to share with you what I learned from it, and what I can bring back to help you. Wondering what the Impressions Trade Show…
Read More