designer resources
More Troubling Financial News- or is it?
Ken Wengrod of FTC, an L.A.-based factor for fashion design, has joined us again to brief us on new news and his perspective as it relates to retail, manufacturing and new designs. At first glance, I have to say the news didn’t look good for new designers. Even though your line may not belong in Wal-Mart, they could be setting a precedent for other retailers. However, down the road Ken sees real opportunity for new labels that can show quality and a fresh perspective.
Click here to read the London Financial Times article.
Now here’s what Ken had to say,
After reading the [...]
New Opportunity in Fashion: Madison Buyer
I am a social networking junkie. I love nothing better than sites that connect audiences together…especially fashion designers with fashion boutiques. Events like MAGIC are a fashion wonderland, but with so many brands to see, how do you set yourself apart from retailers shopping for the best lines? I’ve always felt that somehow the two worlds must be used together…but how?
So, when I came across Madison Buyer, I had to find out more. If you’re a designer or a retailer, you’ll want to read this! We caught up with Shawn and Elizabeth, the founders of this new online platform. Here’s [...]
Financial Unrest in Fashion & What it Means for You!
Recently, LDB invited Ken Wengrod of FTC to talk with us about financing in the fashion industry. Just days after we published our interview with him, a press release was issued acknowledging the possibility of CIT (the main factor behind the fashion industry) approaching bankruptcy. This not only affects designers needing financing, but it also could have severe ramifications for boutiques and even photographers, stylists and consumers.
Ken followed the news by contributing to this article, originally published in Apparel News. So before you throw in the towel on your fashion aspirations, read this. Here Ken discusses the possible positive side [...]
Win Your Spot on the Runway!
I was just informed about a great contest sponsored by Fashion Business Inc. I know that many of you have collections that deserve a spot. So here are all the details! And GOOD LUCK!
Enter to win YOUR spot on the Runway at:
The FBI Designer Launch Pad Fashion Show
October 16, 2009 (1st Friday of L.A. Market Week)
You provide the clothes and FBI will provide the rest: runway, models, hair and makeup, DJ and cocktails. The timing couldn’t be better and will give you maximum exposure to buyers. The last show they had was in mid-June. I was there with 200 other [...]
Financing your line…From the Experts
At a recent fashion event in L.A., I met Ken Wengrod the President and Owner of FTC Commercial Corp., a financier of leading contemporary fashion designers. Some of the brands who have chosen to work with FTC include William Rast/Justin Timberlake, 291 from Venice, Society For Rational Dress, Black Orchid, J. Lindeberg and Sally Hershberger (hair care products).
To break it down for us, I asked Ken some pretty direct questions about the services he provides and more importantly…is there financing available for designers today? Here is a little bit of my interview with him. (Note: This is just the first [...]
Get Noticed!
I have a great friend whom I met when we discovered our kids were the same age with similar temperaments. And although our “jobs” then didn’t require many emails, conference calls and website designs, we bonded over crying babies and sleepless nights.
Now, we’ve both started our own professional ventures and I’ve learned so much from her tenacity and innate business sense. Recently, she agreed to sit down for an interview with me to put on paper the tricks to her recent success.
Carrie Robertson, the founder of L.A.’s Mommy Adventure Club might not have a fashion-inspired company, but she is great [...]
Apparel Entrepreneurial Business Workshop
Come meet some of the best in the business and learn strategies to get your line off the ground. Experts from FBI will discuss details that influence buying patterns and will give you tips to help introduce your line to the market.
Workshops are coming to the following locations: Scottsdale, AZ; Atlanta, GA; New York City, NY; Dallas, TX and Los Angeles, CA.
Cost to Register:
Before July 17th- $250- non-members; $200- members
After July 17th- $295- non-members; $225- members and students
Click here for more information, and to receive information about other upcoming events.
New Online Boutique Highlights Emerging Designers
A couple of weeks ago, we introduced you to Aspiring Couture, a fun, new site, that draws your attention to new and talented designers (much like LDB does). Well, Aspiring Couture has just (today) launched their online boutique in the same vain. Get amazing looks from Jesica Milton, Nikera Clothing, Sofie Olgaard (my favorite!) and more.
And if you’re a designer with a new collection and would like to inquire about featuring your designs on Aspiring Couture, click here for more information.
Be the some of the first to check it out and tell them LDB sent you!
Congrats, Allison!
Introducing Fashion for Profit!
A huge misconception is that if you’re creative and have a product that is unique and well-made, then you have a successful business in fashion design. I speak with so many designers who have a great product. Their friends love their idea and they get nothing but great feedback. So why is their fantastic new collection not making any money? Because the process just begins with the product. It’s by no means the end.
I want this blog to be a place where designers can get resources to help them get their designs in the hands of as many “decision-makers” as [...]
