Good Examples

So today I found out that a former collogue from work has started his own line of hats. This is the perfect example of how someone starts with just one idea and expands and grows. He as a Design director of a very cool brand partnered up with his former sales person and will now have the line in Bergdof Goodman. I'm very excited for him and I know for sure they will do great.

The Weekend

What a weekend! Wooh! Farrah, Micheal, and even Billy Mays. I'll just say I want to live long enough to see my daughters grow up and lead happy and successful lives. Hard to design with thoughts of Michael Jackson and all the media honoring him.

On a lighter note, I made a great business connection on Saturday. I was sitting in McDonalds waiting for my husband and I overhead the conversation of two ladies sitting behind me. I guess they were having a little business meeting there. Basically a sample maker with at least 32 years experience who is now retired but does still do some work from home. From listening to her conversation it seemed she was totally legit and knew what she was doing. I waited until they're meeting was finished and asked if the sample maker would take some time to sit with me and talk. I have her number and looks like I got myself a sample maker to start developing my line.

I'm excited

Scoop Neck Dress

I love the lines on this dress, just the right amount of sophisticated and sexy. Oversized side pockets and racer back. This is definitely for the woman who loves her curves.

Click on the picture to enlarge and view details.

Easy Tee

I don't think you can go wrong with a an easy tee. In a great mercerized cotton with just the right amount of sheen to it and feminine sleeves. Pair it with sexy flat front pants with a pin tuck down the center.

Accessorized with a skinny belt inspired by the little bow that you often found on Jackie Kennedy's dresses and outfits that brings just a hint of color.

To work, wear with a blazer or cropped jacket, evening remove the jacket and add great jewelry.

Till tomorrow

-Alex

Silk Blouse

Silk Blouse with contrast band on neckline, plunging v-back, wide sash.

Real Design

There are many things to consider when creating a collection. It's one thing when you work for a major company and another when you are trying to start your own with very limited sources. Having said that one of the things that I have to consider is that I have to limit my fabric choices and colors for my line and maximize it's use. There are several fabrics I have in mind, Cotton/Silk (Sateen Finish) for skirts and dresses, Mercerized Jersey for Knit Tops and 100% Silk for Blouses and Cotton-Linen for Outerwear.

Basic Design elements will consist of banded tops, you will see the V-shape making a presence through out the line in various forms, clean lines, and color! It's my way of merging the some elements of Japanese Design Influence with Jackie's Classic Style. I bet that sounds weird, lol but again I just love the beauty of clean lines and the simplicity that makes a woman's figure look that much better. It's not complicated and I love that. I'm gonna give it a shot!

When I visited the GIDC's showroom I noticed that the Designers had chosen l a lot of black. I know it's NYC and all but color was missing! I want to draw attention to my line through beautiful color and taking the advice of the GIDC I am focusing narrowly so I have chosen only four colors: Ivory, Yellow, Pink and Navy.

It's looking as though I would like to launch this for Spring '11. To me this is all very real, for real women with the purpose of actually making even a little bit of money so I can launch a second season. If I wouldn't wear it, it's not gonna be on the line.

This is a collection meant to be worn, not just admired! It's not a sculpture it's clothing for real women.

Check back soon for more design updates

-Alex

Design Development

Full Zip Dress banded neckline, with darts, converting to quarter top pockets, slim belt with bow. Thinking about Cotton/Silk or 100% Cotton Sateen.

Drawing Inspiration

I love the classic and impeccable style of Jackie Kennedy during her days as First Lady. Her style was so classic and beautiful it stands the test of time. And let's not forget Oleg Cassini who was the brilliant Designer behind her great style. This is my inspiration for the day.

Changes Made

Changed my mind about the top design...no longer a v-neck.

Which one should I keep? The one on the left or the one on the right?

Finding Inspiration

Just reviewed the Elie Saab collection for Spring/Summer 2009 and WOW!

I know, I know I'm late but so what...

Why in the world did I miss this before? It's masterfully designed with Japanese influence...

Love it!!!

Supplementing the line

I think I need to supplement the line the line with either cardigans or jackets?

Any thoughts?

My first design in 8 years

Well it’s not finished but looks pretty good...at least I think so.

I haven't sewn anything since I graduated college in 2001 so I'm pretty happy with how this is turning out. I think I'll aim to make a new design each week.

100% Linen - Lilac

And what about the skirt?

Well the back is definately low

High neckline or low?

Blank Canvas

What shall I do?

Identifying the mission statement for my business

It was pretty obvious yesterday I need to re-design my line and make it true to who I am. The designs I have done for the Spring 2010 so far are great I think but they don’t personify who I really am. My new designs will be more true to who I am and will reflect my core design values.

Ok so what are my values?

I believe that design doesn’t have to be complicated. The designs don’t have to be tricked up with all types of trims and unusual shapes that don’t flatter my figure. I can appreciate a dress that has basic deign elements in a really beautiful fabric or color. I can appreciate a dress that is more form fitting to flatter my curvy figure, and I can appreciate a dress that makes me look sexy without being trashy, hey what woman doesn’t right? I see beauty in modern simplicity and clean lines.

So there you have it...that will be the starting point and the focus of my line.

Uncomplicated, beautiful and flattering.

-Alex

My First Business Consultation

Ok so today I decided not to wait for someone to return my call at the GIDC. I went to the GIDC offices after I buying fabric. When I first got there, I didn’t know what to think. There was no door bell, just a printed sign outside the door labeled GIDC. I was so tempted to just walk away but I decided to go through with it and I knocked. A girl answered the door and I didn’t even know what to say but I asked if there was someone available for me to talk to regarding starting up my business. She mentioned that they normally require an appointment and gave me her card so I could email her my ideas and she could set-up an appointment to meet with me. I left very discouraged and disappointed.

As I started heading toward the train, I received a call from the person I had previously left a voice mail on at the GIDC (I had forgotten his name earlier when I was in the office). I told him I was just around the corner and I went right back to their office. He was very helpful. He sat down with me and listened to all my ideas, challenged me a bit and gave me all his attention, It was a good start.

Ok so here’s the deal:

First step is to get a job. I’m gonna need to save some money to build a sample line and maintain my self of course. He said I can’t quit my day job until I’m making at least $500K in profit and I’ll need about $20K for a sample line and look books.

Second step is to do market research on demographics and who is my target customer. I felt so unprepared, naive and so stereotypical entrepreneur when he asked me about what my price point would be, and who the customer was.

Third step is redesign my line. The current line I have is inspired by my desire to go on vacation, styles I would like to wear but probably wouldn’t on a regular basis. I think I’m going to focus on styles that I would wear for my lifestyle. Styles that reflect my personality and can go from day to evening. More tailored yet beautiful and flattering to almost any figure.

This morning I was on a high, when I left the GIDC the first time I was somewhat disappointed but after going back and talking to the director of sourcing I feel that this is completely something that I can do. I’m back on a high!

Check back soon for new developments and pics...

-Alex

Getting Started

How does one get started creating their own line and building a smart successful, profit making business with quality and integrity? This actually might be a silly question because I graduated in 2001 with a BS in Fashion Design and have been working in the Fashion Industry every since.

The thing is that when you go to school to study design very little time is spent on the business aspect of it and there is so much focus on sewing. Why is that? And not having the financial resources and funding that an established company has, makes it all the more difficult to launch a business like this on your own. What I do have, is strong supportive family and group of friends. Beginning with my husband, he along with my family and friends believe in me 100%. It’s very flattering! Thank You :-)

Now that I have been spending more time at home I put together my design illustrations for women and men of constant ideas and inspirations that come to mind. I want to produce it and I do believe that I can market and sell my designs.

I took my first step today and contacted the GIDC a non-profit organization for the fashion industry in NYC. They help Designers and Manufactures build and maintain a business here in NYC and they have many resources. I hope they get back to me soon.

I need to get started and create a sample line of all my designs, source low minimum fabric and a factory with low cost and low cutting minimum for production out of NYC, lol.

I don’t even know if that is realistic but hey, I might as well find out.

That’s it for now.

-Alex