Things You'll Need:
- Sewing supplies
- Sewing machine
- Bolts of fabric
- Forms
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Step 1
Enroll in courses at a reputable design school to gain the grounding needed for a career in fashion design. Take elective courses in business, fashion marketing and specialized techniques to leave school with a diverse set of skills.
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Step 2
Apply for an internship with a clothier or fashion designer after graduation before pursuing your own business. This internship will show you the administrative and logistical tasks that need to be completed for clothing lines to reach retail outlets.
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Step 3
Collect bolts of cloth, sewing machines and thread for a home studio that will serve as the nerve center of your business. Consider taking part-time jobs at fabric and fashion supply shops to gain discounts on everything you need for this studio. Save materials from school, internships and collaborations for use in future projects.
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Step 4
Focus your attention on a fashion niche that is under-served by existing designers and clothiers. You should look at fabric types, colors and specialty apparel that would fit within current fashions without looking like competing lines. For example, you may want to look at creating bright-colored rain outfits if major designers fail to cover this area in the upcoming season.
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Step 5
Audition male and female models for upcoming fashion shows. Recruit more models than you will need for photo shoots and shows to account for no-shows and last-minute cancellations. Seek a range of heights and body profiles to attract interest from reporter and industry experts accustomed to seeing a stream of tall and thin models.
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Step 6
Cultivate a relationship with a local design school to find interns to help you with your fashion business. You should consider interns to be integral employees who can handle paperwork and small sewing work in equal measure. Reward successful interns with positions behind the scenes at fashion shows and shoots as your business begins to expand outward.
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Step 7
Explore the different suppliers in your area to find an affordable option for your growing design business. You should find a supplier with access to exotic materials, a full range of colors and a willingness to hunt down materials outside of regular inventory. Bring a list of the supplies you use in an average month to give potential suppliers an idea of how much thread and fabric you use.
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Step 8
Show caution when signing distribution deals with stores and retailers to maintain the integrity of your brand. Negotiate every element of distribution down to floor displays and prices to ensure that customers will find your collection accessible. Consider seasonal distribution deals with small boutiques to attract serious fashion designers while staying free to pursue better opportunities.
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Step 9
Keep an eye out for potential partners in your design business that share your aesthetic vision and business sense. Your partner can handle some of the handiwork while bringing new ideas into your growing label. Work out an extensive agreement covering profits and management responsibilities to avoid misunderstandings as your business grows beyond your home studio.
