Break the Workplace Norm and Take an Excursion

While I was writing the blog for the post below on April 26th, I realized how valuable an experience I had at Jones Apparel Group. My boss who was the design director created an environment that was more than just work. He made fashion design a real life experience by letting his team know about events related to fashion that we should check out. He was big on taking time out of the office once every blue moon and expose us to cultural events related to fashion. We did little excursions to the museum like, going to the Metropolitan Museum of Art to see the Chanel exhibit and the Dangerous Liasons, Fashion and Furniture in the 18th Century exhibits. I also accompanied him to the Parson's School of Design fashion show. Of course we did the work related trade shows but, the events not directly related to work is what I loved because, it showed another aspect of our industry.

There's always going to be work to do, deadlines to meet and fires to put out but, once in a while it's good to Break the Norm and do a group event with your staff.

I think that if we have the opportunity to enrich someone else's lives then we should. It doesn't matter what industry you are in. There's bound to be some type of event that your staff can benefit from seeing together as a team. These little events around town are fun and of course educational. It gets you out of the office for a few hours to merge work with culture and history.

So go ahead, take the aftenoon off once and a while and treat your staff to a local cultural event that relates to your industry. You'll be looked at as someone who is a true leader, someone who is passionate about his industry while enriching yourself and your staff! If you're and employee, you take the lead and mention to your boss that you want do a group outing for a specific event. If he/or she is not interested, you and your fellow staff can still make arrangements. The whole idea is to grow oneself, to become more knowledgeable about your industry's past, present and future direction and to support this knowledge through engaging conversations. This is how you can become more valuable.

What's Old, Really is New Again!

Hey, I just wanted to share this book with you! While I was working at Jones Apparel Group, my boss gave this book to me as a gift. It's called "Ossie Clark 1965-1974" by Judith Watt. It's a book about the life of Ossie Clark a British fashion designer whose hay day was in the mid 1960's - 70's. What's interesting is that although this designer passed away back in 1996 his name is being revitalized. A new Ossie Clark collection was presented at the February '08 fashion week in London so we should see the collection in stores this fall.


Who was Ossie Clark? According to Judith Watt, "Ossie Clark 1965-1974", Clark was considered a rock star in the fashion design scene. His evening dresses were all the rage. He was very skilled in flattering the female body with ruffles, flounces, layers and intricate cutting techniques in sheer chiffon to heavy weight wool. "His brilliance lay in his ability to understand form and proportion and to achieve it through cut and fabric." He was married to Celia Britwell who was a textile designer. They collaborated with Celia providing the prints and Ossie the high fashion garments.


Ossie designed both for the high end elite and was able to appeal to the mass market customer by designing for the Radley label in London. He even designed leather jumpsuits for Mick Jagger.


I'm excited to see how the collection will be interpreted for today's customer. Ossie Clark seemed like a real master technician. According to an article in W magazine. His clothes has inspired contemporary designers such as "Marc Jacobs, Stella McCartney and Anna Sui, among others".

New Ossie Clark! Picture from W magazine. article



One of my favorite Ossie Clark Dresses from the 70's featured in the Ossie Clark book by Judith Watt.
Click on image to enlarge and read print!

The Yeahs and Woes of Website Personalities

Are you getting the sales results that you want online? If so, that's great! If not, then there could be a few things going wrong. Maybe your sight is not enticing enough, the products don't interest the prospect, your offer may not be strong enough, not enough new items or the classic, prospect is just not ready to buy.

If your're an artist/fashion designer and you've created your own web presence in any platform whether it's your own store or Myspace, Blogger, Facebook or even a classified ads, I want to share with you a cool tip that could help you bring in more dollars!

I want to discuss your website's personality in relation to sales. Is your site uplifting, energetic and happy or dull and drab? Sometimes we are so attached to the products that we've designed, marketing strategies, and just learning about the dynamics of selling online that we forget to take a breather. Step back and see if the work we are doing is shown in an exciting way that will entice prospects. I'm speaking from first hand experience if you can't already tell. A friend of mine who is a graphic artist gave me a list of things that I needed to change to make the mood of my site more happier and to reflect the company's name and my product. I listened, took notes and made the changes.

I must say that having others show you problems is a stepping stone to success. My advice is to survey your customers, ask friends and family for their honest opinions. You can only get the answers you need if you make the first step and ask! There's no time to overlook your site's mood. It's very critical to sales.

So, my tip for today is to re-evaluate your website. When you look at it does it make you want to purchase something right away? You could have designed the cutest dress or handbag but, if the mood of your site is dull and drab then, sales will be as well. The good thing about the internet is that it's only one click away to making a change. If you need assistance with web copy and graphics, you might just have to hire a professional. The whole idea is to have a site that says


WOW!!!!!

Take a look at your favorite sites and take note of the things that make you want to keep revisiting them. Of course, each site has it's own character, it's own product but, look at a site that's similar to yours that is one of your favorites and see why it is so enticing for you to keep coming back!

Best of Luck!
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It's A Juggling Act with Many Rewards part 2

Here's part two of this article. It continues to describe the role of the designer. I based it off of my work experience with the various jobs that I held as associate designer and sourcing associate.

Being a designer, you have to coordinate your tasks with different in-house divisions. The ultimate goal is to have your production ship to stores on-time. Here is how the designer coordinates with the following teams.

•Coordination - Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions. As a designer one works with an entire team of people in order to coordinate the process of sample making and production approvals. This applies to interacting with in house departments such as the following:

sales: Design normally generates style sheets for the sales team to use during market week. This computer generated catalog normally includes a brief description of each product with fabric details. It also shows the many colorways a particular garment will be sold in.

Design also works with the sales team to get feedback on what the buyers want and any changes that the buyers require for a particular style, design has to act on the changes that the buyers want by putting into work a new sample reflecting the change.

production: Design’s role with production is to make sure that if any questions arise during a garments approval process that a representative from design is ready and available to answer these questions. There could be a need to confirm a print layout on a strike-off or if there are any concerns about fabric quality, design can reconfirm with their production counterpart.



technical design: Design normally works with technical design during the entire process of a garment’s life. Initial sketches are presented to the tech person to go over new styling details for each delivery. Design has to make sure that the technical designer is fully aware of all styling details because, tech creates the specs that will be sent to the manufacturer. Any prolonged delays in the process could result in a style not being in-house for market week. Design also has to attend fittings to make sure that the garment’s overall look and fit is what they conceived.

cad (computer aided design): Design works with this department when new artwork is needed for a style. For example, if a pair of cotton capri pants are designed to have a floral print, design is responsible for giving cad any purchased artwork that was used to conceive the idea plus any additional requests to be represented in the final work. Design tells the cad team what colorways to print the artwork in and approves the repeat or border or placed art pattern. Design has to make sure that artwork such as a print, embroidery, applique is affordable. They work with the cad team to stay within the allowed price for each art work.

product development: Product development sends out the packages of style development which includes fabric, artwork, and in some cases specs to the manufacturers. Design works with this team to make sure that the packages are correct as if the wrong fabric details go out to factories, this could delay the fabric sample yardage making process. Product development also raises any alarms in terms of fabric yardage availability and tracks samples for the design team.

Do you work Differnetly?

Smaller companies may work slightly different from larger companies. What are the rewards? Being able to juggle all of these tasks season after season successfully bringing in sales and repeat orders is definitely a major reward. Walking down the street and seeing someone wear one of the garments that you designed is rewarding as well.

Of course there are some seasons when sales are bad and tensions are high. That's the whole challenge of being a designer. It's being able to keep moving forward.

Quick Cash for Designers

Do you have a new online store? While you're testing out your online marketing strategies and promotions, you can make quick cash off-line. Here's what I did this past Sunday. I hosted an accessories sale in my apartment for my neighbors. It worked! Maybe you're doing this already which is great. It's good to establish an off-line presence especially in your neighborhood. People like to know that there's a designer in the area. Now, take caution. Of course only invite those who you trust to let in your home. Maybe you have a basement that you can set up as your showroom. I have a friend who used her basement to show her collection of African home decor items. It was like a museum. I always loved going to her space. It's private shopping at it's best. There's really no limitations on how creative you can be with creating opportunities to sell without spending tons of money and in this case. You don't spend anything.

The benefits of setting up your own off-line market are getting customers responses live, right away. That's the best. Also asking your customers or prospects what outlets they use to shop and how often they shop is pretty good information. And of course, you don't spend a dime! How's that?

So, go ahead! introduce your product and your company to your neighbors, family and friends you never know what word of mouth affect this could have. It's also a great way to test new products!

Happy Selling,

It's A Juggling Act with Many Rewards part 1

Being a fashion designer may sound glamours but, there's a ton of work that goes on behind the scenes. I've picked up the following skills while working as an assistant and associate designer. The bosses that I worked for had to display these skills in order to run their division effectively. I currently have to use these skills in my business as an accessories designer. It's a juggling act with many challenges and rewards. Here is part 1 of "Important Skills" that a designer must have.

• Design - Knowledge of current trends in styles, colors, prints and other decorative trimming. Knowledge of design techniques that are cost efficient. Able to sketch collections fully and come up with new ideas constantly.

• Sell- Ability to “sell”/present seasonal collections to design directors department heads, and sales team for approval to start sample process. All parties have to be convinced that the collection will sell therefore, concept presentations are not for the shy. Designer has to have confidence in his ideas and be able to present them during concept presentations.

• Active Learning - Being aware of price points of fabrics and trims. Attending fabric and print trade shows for new concepts and materials to adopt. Reading fashion publications and keeping abreast of sourcing trends. For example if the price of metal has been on the rise then, a collection may not have much decorative metal trimmings. Knowledge of your competitors and their price points.



• Communication- Able to direct the design team that assists in building the collection. This includes interns, assistant and associate designers. Some companies have specific woven and knit designers. Head designer has to communicate with the entire team on the direction of the collection.

• Problem Solver- Able to settle any misunderstandings in regards to style development and can quickly come up with new ideas to solve a problem. If a sample does not come out looking the way design expected, designer has the skill to communicate adjustments to spec technician or must be able to decide to drop the style and replace with new idea immediately.

You can click here to download the ebook "6 Quick Steps to Get the Job, Move to NYC and Live Your Dreams, From a fashion designer's perspective" to get more insights.

Question: Are you a designer? Add to this list. What are some of the skills that you use?

Be sure to check back on Tuesday for part 2 of this article!

Will this Acquisition Mean Better Service for Clients?

24 Seven a major power house fashion job placement agency has acquired the Gromwell Group another large fashion job placement agency in New York City. The deal supposedly closed late last week and was announced yesterday Monday April 7. Apparently, Gromwell was in financial trouble and had filed for bankruptcy. 24 Seven was in the position when the opportunity came and had the resources to acquire Gromwell. Read more about this acquisition on 24 Seven's web site.


So, how does this relate to me?


I first heard about this last week from a friend who's listed as a candidate at Gromwell as a graphic designer. This person was excited because, now, he has the opportunity to be a candidate for fashion jobs in graphic design. At Gromwell he was not listed in their fashion department. He mainly worked at financial institutions as a graphic designer. So to answer this question, how does this relate to me? This new combined pool of resources should mean more job placement opportunities. It should mean better and more efficient ways to assist job seekers and also employers looking for talent. Let's see what happens over the next few months.


The CEO at 24 Seven and Gromwell both have a combined total of over 30 years of working in the staffing industry according to the press release by 24 Seven. I'm expecting this merger to have a huge impact on those who use it's services in a positive way. I can imagine that, this will help to fill more fashion related jobs in locations outside of New York as well. I know that 24 Seven has several locations in California, an office in Seattle and in London.


Even though this is a power acquisition, all is not lost for the smaller job placement staffing companies or the headhunters. I would think that this is their opportunity to provide it's clients with more specialized services with more of a personal touch than that of a larger organization. Maybe better follow-up communication with clients. That would be nice!

This Just In: Free Exposure in Fashion Show!

Hey There!

Just got this information about an upcoming fashion show. The Laboratory Institute of Merchandising in NYC has a fashion club that sponsors this annual event. LIM is a fashion business school that has four locations in midtown Manhattan.


Show details:

Show Title- 80's Glam Rock!

*The fashion club is putting this show together. Tickets are $25. You can fax in your order or purchase at the door.

*Show starts at 7pm, doors open 6:15pm Friday April 11th

*Location at the Altman Building - 135 West 18th St

*After party benefits LIM's Fashion Education Foundation


Here's the Deal:

They are looking for designers to submit items for the show. Just spoke with Mrs. Ionia Dunn Lee, Faculty Advisor and Fashion Show Production Teacher...very nice lady. Right now they just need hats and handbags. Must act quickly though, show is next Friday!


You can give her a call or email at (917) 406.7462 or ilee@limcollege.edu.


You get to advertise your accessories in the fashion show. Your logo will be flashed on the screen during the show. The
fashion show will be broken up into 3 categories all with an 80's theme:

* Career Dressing

*Casual -"Flash Dance" inspired

*Evening- Metallics and club scene inspired


Here's the link to their site.

LIM fashion show


You can arrange to have your items mailed back to you. Just call Mrs. Ionia Dunn Lee and you can work out an arrangement.

Enjoy!

Internships that Stand the Test of Time

Has anyone had an internship that has developed into an ongoing relationship with one of the staff or owners of the establishment where you worked? There's something to be said for being true to yourself....read on! Or, scroll down to the bottom to read today's hot tip.


My internship was at Toast and Strawberries. It was the type of internship that I did on my own without it being attached to school credit. I wanted to work in the fashion industry while I attended school for business to help nurture and satisfy this developing craving that I had for fashion design. During the summer's I came home to Washington, D.C. from Saint Augustine's college in Raleigh, NC and worked in my dream industry, fashion. I had heard about Toast and Strawberries, they were a very popular fine and unique women's apparel and accessories boutique in Washington, DC. I called them up one day and they accepted my offer to work for FREE. I had no prior retail experience so I was in for an overwhelming surprise.


What did I do on a daily basis?
Let's see, where do I start? I did the regular customer service type of work like greeting customers as they came into the store and suggesting items for them to try on, learned how to ring up sales. I called customers to tell them about upcoming events or sales. The boutique was located a few blocks away from the Hilton hotel. The hotel would hold large conventions during the summers so, I would have to trek up the hill to the hotel if there was a convention and pass out flyers. This was not my idea of fun but, I had to do it. I knew that it would attract customers. What else did I do? I worked on in store visual displays, I was able to sell some of my hand painted t-shirts there and I helped with in-store events such as modeling in fashion shows and networking events.



I had so much fun at this boutique. It was like my little dream world. My escape. It was easy to get to from my home, I just had to catch a bus and the train and there I was, in a different world. I had no idea whatsoever that more than ten years later I would still have a working relationship with the owner of the store. It's funny, you never know how things are going to turn out.


Let's fast forward a few years later, I've graduated from both Saint Augustine's College and Marymount University. I've moved to NYC and Mrs. Miller, (owner of Toast) and I had been keeping in touch sporadically. In some cases we would only communicate maybe once or twice per year. Little did I know that our relationship was about to come Alive again. Her book "The Threads of Time, The Fabric of History" was published and she started promoting the book outside of DC to include NYC and other states. Last year, she came to NY to do a presentation and book signing at The City Museum of New York. This was no ordinary book signing. I didn't expect it to be with Mrs. Reed-Miller. There was a slide presentation and a panel discussion with featured designers from her book. There was also a fashion show and this is where my role came in. It was great working with Mrs. Rosemary again. I would help out a few more times and most recently this past February at the Midtown Library.


I really got a "big break" back in February '08. This time, there was only the slide presentation, panel discussion and book signing. No fashion show because, of unlikely timing with the other designers, this meant that I had the opportunity to step up. I was given the opportunity to be a part of the panel discussion. This was great! It lead me to do a speaking engagement a few weeks later at Berkley College in NYC and it led me to start this blog site. To be honest. I had always wanted to do a blog and thought that it would be about my product, you know reviews and tips about my fashion accessories but, I was so influenced by the students to blog about fashion design career tips and suggestions. This really made more sense to me.


Hot Tip There's no need to wait for an internship to be required for school credit. You never know what type of opportunities you will have and how these opportunities will shape your career. Another hot tip is to be true to yourself. Had Mrs. Miller never started Toast and Strawberries I would have never had that experience and we would not be associates today. Had I not followed my passion I would have never called her store.

I always look forward to working with Mrs. Miller. She has this way of attracting an eclectic mix of people who have dynamic lives. You see, there is something to be said for being true to yourself.


Post back to share your internship experiences!

PS: Yes. I did have the nerve to post a picture of me from the 90's. Hey, It's fashion what else can I say!