10 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Launching Your Fashion Brand (And How to Fix Them… So You Can Launch with Confidence)

If you're gearing up to launch your next collection or debut your brand you're probably obsessing over every detail:
“Are the buttons the right shade?”
“Should the thread be a tone darker… lighter?”
“Do the straps look better 2 mm wider… narrower?” 

But here’s what no one talks about.
It’s not just about the clothes.

A strong collection matters, but it’s your launch that gets it seen.

Because quietly existing won’t cover your fabric costs or pay your manufacturer.  A strategically planned  launch puts you in front of buyers, press and paying customers.

Without a clear plan, even your best work can go unnoticed.
The good news?  Launching successfully is a skill you can learn.
And once you know what to look for, you can plan with more strategy, without losing the soul of your creativity. 

Over the past three decades supporting designers at every stage, I’ve s...

Investing in samples or prototypes can be a huge financial commitment for a small fashion company, sometimes reaching upwards of $5,000. 

Before diving in, it’s crucial to validate your designs and ensure they resonate with your target audience. 

Here are 6 effective strategies to test and validate your designs without breaking the bank.

1.Social Media Feed: Share images of your designs on Instagram, Facebook or Pinterest to showcase your products in various contexts.   

2.   Instagram Stories:  Use polls and questions in your stories to gather direct feedback, gauge interest and build anticipation among your audience.

3. Engage Your Audience: Ask open-ended questions to encourage your followers to share their thoughts on your designs and spark conversation so you can gauge what what might need tweaking.

4. Pre-Sell Limited Pieces: Once you’ve gathered feedback from your images the next step is to start pre-selling a limited number of pieces. This approach a...

SHOWCASE YOUR COLLECTION DURING FASHION WEEK
Even if you are just starting out!

Have you always dreamt of showing your fashion collection at fashion week….

Well…. Some of the designers in Fashion Entrepreneurs Academy experienced the esteemed opportunity of showcasing their collections during Fashion Week in February after just a few months in the programme.

Most were starting from scratch and some hadn’t even gone to fashion school but this is what they achieved.

Lotte said she loved being part of the showrooom and that it was an “amazing unreal experience”…..

Natasha said she "felt lucky to be mentored by [yours truly] in Fashion Entrepreneurs Academy" …

Tiffany said "it was a great experience". She "loved talking to press and buyers", who all loved her collection, and she finally "felt like a fashion designer" and entrepreneur!

Our spotlight designer even received celebrity treatment from a barrage of fashion press.

In less than 6 months you too could experience this when you become a mem...