Category Archives: Start-ups

As a new fashion designer do I need to know how to sketch my designs?

Posted on December 17, 2012 by jane

I got this question in my email InBox the other day and it’s not the first time I’ve heard it. I figure it may help some of you awesome fashion Brain Readers if I answer it here for all to …

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Bridal designer has a store that wants an exclusive — what to do?

Posted on October 8, 2012 by jane

I received a great question from a reader and I thought it would help other designers out there so here goes… Q: “I am a brand new bridal designer.  I am in talks with my first boutique.  She wants an …

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How many styles should be on your clothing line

Posted on September 2, 2012 by jane

“How many pieces should I have in my line?” I get this question a lot.  While there’s no perfect answer, here are a few guidelines: There’s a difference between the number of styles and the number of pieces you have …

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How to associate your fashion brand with charitable associations

Posted on March 19, 2012 by jane

This is a guest post from Maggie Keenan, founder of givingadvice, llc. Q: What should I consider if I am thinking about associating my product/brand with a particular charitable cause (similar to Toms shoes)? What are the legal, cost, marketing, …

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The Secret to Failure

Posted on January 31, 2012 by jane

Rather than giving you advice and strategies to succeed in business, today’s all about things we entrepreneurs do to sabotage our success. Let me just get honest about things I’ve done and things I see every week with the designers I work …

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How Kristen did it: Approaching a retailer with your jewelry line

Posted on January 26, 2012 by jane

Have you heard of Kristen Amato? Kristen is a Chicago jewelry designer who has definitely “made it”, and by that I mean: Vogue, Us Weekly, People, and Lucky have featured her designs Celebrity clients like Rachel Ray and Eva Longoria …

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A good excuse to NOT start a fashion business

Posted on January 6, 2012 by jane

Here’s a huge myth about running a fashion business… “What you need to succeed is a FANTASTIC creative idea”. It certainly HELPS to have a great creative idea.  But it only helps, it’s no guarantee.  Great ideas in and of …

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What’s the buying calendar for boutiques? -ASK JANE

Posted on January 2, 2012 by jane

From: STEPHANIE Question: “Hi Jane, I have worked in the garment industry for several years now on the design side. I was wondering if you knew what boutique buying schedules are opposed to Federated lines? Example.. When will buyer start …

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Passion is Overrated – Fashion Designers Listen Up

Posted on December 22, 2011 by jane

I know I’m going to get some heat for this, but here goes. Passion is Overrated Everybody starting out in business has enormous passion. It’s so exciting to start a new project – all the creative ideas are flowing. Everything …

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Is Sourcing at Magic a good trade show for a start-up?

Posted on November 23, 2011 by jane

Today’s “Ask Jane” emerging designer question comes from a member of my “How to Start a Fashion Business” program. We’ll call her April (I didn’t get clearance to use her name so better safe than sorry – might be bad …

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