Check out the latest from CENTRAL SAINT MARTIN MA students for Fall 2014. One of the top schools in the world it's always inspiring to see the techniques and silhouettes by the up and coming designers.
LE SMOKING ROBE- |
 Fashion Design Sketch: Fuzzy thick texture coat close-up. |  Fashion Design Sketch: Rough croquis sketch for silhouette & proportion. |
There were several examples of these easy, drop shoulder "Robe-style" coats, tell us you favorite in the comments below!
FALL 2014 READY-TO-WEAR 10 Crosby Derek Easy Wrap-Coat with thick texture See collection here: Lamhttp://www.style.com/fashionshows/review/F2014RTW-DLAMCROS
A recent sketch at the Society of Illustrators Sketch Night. Tonight's post is based on my experience in fashion, as a student in Parsons, then during my 15 year career in NYC, and now as creative director of my own company. I see many students who are embarrassed about their sketches or designs. Often even the most talented are afraid to show their work. If they only knew that their lack of confidence is an issue much more crucial to conquer than their sketching. This is something I see far too often, so I'm taking a moment to write this post for all of us who have ever doubted ourselves. Yes, it's been said many times over, "the only thing worth fearing is fear itself..." but today I want to inspire you with examples of how this has applied to my real life experience as a fashion designer. I want you to know that we have all been there, and with the right A&A, Attitude and Action you can and will move forward!
The importance of getting out of your own way to accomplish what you need is probably one of the most important skills to develop. You'll be amazed at how much further you get ahead once the main underlying issues are resolved. Here's what I've learned through the years, if you have your own tips please feel free to share in the comments below.
1-EVERYTHING I've achieved I've had to go out and earn, no opportunity has fallen in my lap. In fact, you could say that from day one all cards were stacked against me. I came to the US at the age of 5, not knowing a single word of English. My parents worked very hard to make sure I had the bare necessities, but not much more. If I had told anyone at that age that I wanted to be a designer they would have laughed. Somehow, I decided not to let anyone's opinion of me get in the way. I never looked very "fashion" short, a little overweight, and always insecure about my skin. In a superficial industry, I had to work harder to prove my talent and that I was worthy of the future I dreamed of. I could have come up with a million reasons why this little girl from Costa Rica was not going to make it, but I never let those thoughts of doubt enter my head. Certainly there are days when we doubt our path, but instead of spending my time doubting I just focused on improving my skills. Going to museums, art and costume history, looking at constructions details, collecting mood board images, and of course sketching, one of the hardest, but most important skills to be able to communicate my vision. I transformed my insecurity to push me further and further, until one day I looked up and realized that all my efforts were paying off. Next time you catch yourself in doubt, acknowledge that feeling and transform it into the energy you need to take you further. Mastering this one key ability to transform your emotions into positive actions will change your life. Everyone has challenges along the way, but your ability to mentally "bounce back" will prove to make you unstoppable.
2-GEEK OUT PROUD! What do Marc Jacobs, Miuccia Prada, Karl Lagerfeld, and the great Alexander McQueen have in common? Besides the obvious fact that they are among the leading fashion designers of this century, they totally geek out over fashion. And no I don't mean reading the latest mag or what was on the recent runway, they geek out over the respect of the craft and it's history. It is through this level of understanding that provides them with the confidence to embody a truly fearless approach in their design. As per this quote"Much of what set Prada apart from the rest of the fashion world is her seeming disregard for the fashion industry. Prada has always blazed her own trail and demonstrated a fearlessness in trying new styles." Marc Jacobs was notoriously fired from Perry Ellis for presenting his infamous "Grunge" collection. Besides walking to the beat of their own drum, they are each in their own right, walking fashion history databases. The subtle references in their collections can only be caught if you too have some understanding of fashion throughout the eras and it's impact on culture and vice versa. I urge you to discover an era whose aesthetic speaks to yours. Is it the elegance of the 20's or the rock and roll looks from the 70's. As designers we must understand what inspires us and use our points of reference with direction and clarity. Do we love nostalgia or oppose it? Like it or not these underlying messages are the communication and expression that your audience will specifically seek your brand out for. Wether or not you are a designer or hope to be one in the future. Know your point of reference, and also know that being fearless in fashion, just means being you. The truest version of you that the world is waiting to meet.
3-Look at your life HONESTLY, take full responsibility for where you are today, and know that what you don't do today will result in your tomorrow. One of the most difficult moments in my life was when I truly saw myself and took responsibility for every major action AND inaction of my life. This is not about beating ourselves up, it's about acknowledging the truth the we are the creators of our life. Make a commitment to figure out your one next important step and take action. No matter how small that first step, it's better than inaction. And if its a "wrong" first step you're only closer to the right one. Successful people look for opportunities, not excuses, or who to blame. Focusing on the negative is only going to attract other negative people and while busy complaining together, both will be blind to the opportunities right in front of them. What does this have to do with fashion? Like in any competitive field, everything. It's simply too easy to make up stories in our mind of rejection, we won't make a follow-up call after an interview or to a buyer, or take part in a school design competition. Before we've even given ourselves an honest shot, we've already rejected ourselves. Entering competitions was crucial in my career, but you know he truth, far fewer people ever entered than you'd think. The "unspoken" first challenge in many competitions is just entering, 90% of the competition was eliminated by their simple choice not to enter! I learned this pretty early on, and since then always keep my eyes out for new ways to challenge myself. Next time you see an opportunity. remind yourself that most people will do nothing, so I truly encourage you to go for whatever direction your gut is trying to lead you in. Remember that human beings are wired to keep the status quo, and feel comfort in decisions that are "safe". Diving into the unknown is an uncomfortable feeling because our brains are wired for survival. We are fortunate enough to live in a time where that primitive "survival" instinct is not necessary and in fact, now that we don't have to fear being eaten alive by a wild animal, we are free to pursue those passions that we know in our hearts will elevate our lives. What's your next step? What's holding you back. I don' t have illusions like my blog post will change your life, but I can tell you I was right where you are now, and that eventually I did make it through. I encourage everyone to give their dream a shot. You never know until you try, no one knows what is next, the one thing we can be sure of is that we're not the ones standing in our way.
If you enjoyed the piece, please leave your comments below. To be first in the know of our next post make sure you are signed up for our free tips.
The importance of getting out of your own way to accomplish what you need is probably one of the most important skills to develop. You'll be amazed at how much further you get ahead once the main underlying issues are resolved. Here's what I've learned through the years, if you have your own tips please feel free to share in the comments below.
1-EVERYTHING I've achieved I've had to go out and earn, no opportunity has fallen in my lap. In fact, you could say that from day one all cards were stacked against me. I came to the US at the age of 5, not knowing a single word of English. My parents worked very hard to make sure I had the bare necessities, but not much more. If I had told anyone at that age that I wanted to be a designer they would have laughed. Somehow, I decided not to let anyone's opinion of me get in the way. I never looked very "fashion" short, a little overweight, and always insecure about my skin. In a superficial industry, I had to work harder to prove my talent and that I was worthy of the future I dreamed of. I could have come up with a million reasons why this little girl from Costa Rica was not going to make it, but I never let those thoughts of doubt enter my head. Certainly there are days when we doubt our path, but instead of spending my time doubting I just focused on improving my skills. Going to museums, art and costume history, looking at constructions details, collecting mood board images, and of course sketching, one of the hardest, but most important skills to be able to communicate my vision. I transformed my insecurity to push me further and further, until one day I looked up and realized that all my efforts were paying off. Next time you catch yourself in doubt, acknowledge that feeling and transform it into the energy you need to take you further. Mastering this one key ability to transform your emotions into positive actions will change your life. Everyone has challenges along the way, but your ability to mentally "bounce back" will prove to make you unstoppable.
2-GEEK OUT PROUD! What do Marc Jacobs, Miuccia Prada, Karl Lagerfeld, and the great Alexander McQueen have in common? Besides the obvious fact that they are among the leading fashion designers of this century, they totally geek out over fashion. And no I don't mean reading the latest mag or what was on the recent runway, they geek out over the respect of the craft and it's history. It is through this level of understanding that provides them with the confidence to embody a truly fearless approach in their design. As per this quote"Much of what set Prada apart from the rest of the fashion world is her seeming disregard for the fashion industry. Prada has always blazed her own trail and demonstrated a fearlessness in trying new styles." Marc Jacobs was notoriously fired from Perry Ellis for presenting his infamous "Grunge" collection. Besides walking to the beat of their own drum, they are each in their own right, walking fashion history databases. The subtle references in their collections can only be caught if you too have some understanding of fashion throughout the eras and it's impact on culture and vice versa. I urge you to discover an era whose aesthetic speaks to yours. Is it the elegance of the 20's or the rock and roll looks from the 70's. As designers we must understand what inspires us and use our points of reference with direction and clarity. Do we love nostalgia or oppose it? Like it or not these underlying messages are the communication and expression that your audience will specifically seek your brand out for. Wether or not you are a designer or hope to be one in the future. Know your point of reference, and also know that being fearless in fashion, just means being you. The truest version of you that the world is waiting to meet.
3-Look at your life HONESTLY, take full responsibility for where you are today, and know that what you don't do today will result in your tomorrow. One of the most difficult moments in my life was when I truly saw myself and took responsibility for every major action AND inaction of my life. This is not about beating ourselves up, it's about acknowledging the truth the we are the creators of our life. Make a commitment to figure out your one next important step and take action. No matter how small that first step, it's better than inaction. And if its a "wrong" first step you're only closer to the right one. Successful people look for opportunities, not excuses, or who to blame. Focusing on the negative is only going to attract other negative people and while busy complaining together, both will be blind to the opportunities right in front of them. What does this have to do with fashion? Like in any competitive field, everything. It's simply too easy to make up stories in our mind of rejection, we won't make a follow-up call after an interview or to a buyer, or take part in a school design competition. Before we've even given ourselves an honest shot, we've already rejected ourselves. Entering competitions was crucial in my career, but you know he truth, far fewer people ever entered than you'd think. The "unspoken" first challenge in many competitions is just entering, 90% of the competition was eliminated by their simple choice not to enter! I learned this pretty early on, and since then always keep my eyes out for new ways to challenge myself. Next time you see an opportunity. remind yourself that most people will do nothing, so I truly encourage you to go for whatever direction your gut is trying to lead you in. Remember that human beings are wired to keep the status quo, and feel comfort in decisions that are "safe". Diving into the unknown is an uncomfortable feeling because our brains are wired for survival. We are fortunate enough to live in a time where that primitive "survival" instinct is not necessary and in fact, now that we don't have to fear being eaten alive by a wild animal, we are free to pursue those passions that we know in our hearts will elevate our lives. What's your next step? What's holding you back. I don' t have illusions like my blog post will change your life, but I can tell you I was right where you are now, and that eventually I did make it through. I encourage everyone to give their dream a shot. You never know until you try, no one knows what is next, the one thing we can be sure of is that we're not the ones standing in our way.
If you enjoyed the piece, please leave your comments below. To be first in the know of our next post make sure you are signed up for our free tips.
This post is inspired by a client of our newly launched "Launch Your Brand" offering. We were discussing techniques and surface treatments so I took a few photos of some surface treatments that are as beautiful as they are conceptual. Scroll through the gallery below and get inspired. What would you do? Add color, more or less texture? Taken from an exhibit at the Museum of Modern Art years ago about Japanese Textiles "Structure and Surface" . How can you manipulate a surface: structure, paint, stitching, pulling, pleating, shirring, the opportunities are vast. To those that say "it has all been done before" at the Fashion Portfolio Academy, we beg to differ :)
Read more about the artists here. Find out more about our exclusive course offerings here. Comment below on your favorites!
Read more about the artists here. Find out more about our exclusive course offerings here. Comment below on your favorites!
Designers listen up!
Online card and wrapping paper retailer Dom and Geri are thrilled to announce the Design a Garment Competition 2013.
Unlike other design competitions this is one with a twist; Dom and Geri are looking for garments to be designed purely out of wrapping paper.
They are looking for the most creative individuals to submit a one of a kind design, creatives of all backgrounds are encouraged to submit their proposed garment.
This is a fantastic opportunity for an aspiring designer to gain exposure and credit for their unique eye for detail.
The Winner will get custom printed wrapping paper (of their choice) to manufacture the winning design, a photo-shoot with guidance from a London Fashion influencer and a guest post on the Dom and Geri blog about their experience in taking part in the competition.
To enter the competition, click here.
Online card and wrapping paper retailer Dom and Geri are thrilled to announce the Design a Garment Competition 2013.
Unlike other design competitions this is one with a twist; Dom and Geri are looking for garments to be designed purely out of wrapping paper.
They are looking for the most creative individuals to submit a one of a kind design, creatives of all backgrounds are encouraged to submit their proposed garment.
This is a fantastic opportunity for an aspiring designer to gain exposure and credit for their unique eye for detail.
The Winner will get custom printed wrapping paper (of their choice) to manufacture the winning design, a photo-shoot with guidance from a London Fashion influencer and a guest post on the Dom and Geri blog about their experience in taking part in the competition.
To enter the competition, click here.
MY TOP TIPS TO CONSIDER WHEN APPROACHING A BOUTIQUE TO GET AN ORDER:
Most of you may know that besides running the Fashion Portfolio Academy, and creating our bestselling e-course and live workshop events, I am the creative director for an accessory brand BHAVA. I have worked in the industry for over 15 years, but always for someone else's brand. I've been able to travel all around the world discovering materials, details, and developing techniques, and I would not change a thing! Big or small I've had experience at several companies and eventually worked my way up to overseeing all categories of accessories for a very large NYC based brand.
Long story short, within the last 2 years, I met the right production partner at the right time and last year decided I was ready to run my own brand. It has been going so well, that I feel I just can't contain everything I've learned, especially seeing that so many of the students taking our courses are also looking to one day start their own brand.
So here it is, I'm ready to spill the beans on what I've learned so far.
Within a few months of launching my collection I'm in 4 of the top retail boutiques for my brand, here's my story...
Click here if you're serious about launching your brand.
My top 3 tips to get orders at retail are:
1-Know the customer of the store you are approaching inside and out. Put yourself in her shoes, where does she shop and how much does she spend, really spend. If you have no idea one of my top tips is to befriend the sales person at the shop, they can tell you instantly at what price point the customer walks away from. If your price is too high for that boutique they aren't going to make money, so you better find yourself another boutique, or re-work your costing.
2-Know the owner of the boutique. No I don't mean you have to really know her, I mean do your research, try to find her on Linked-In you hopefully have something in common or you wouldn't be approaching her store. If you do have any connections to a boutique owner TRY THEM FIRST! If nothing else, they'll give you advice and you won't be as nervous about that first appointment. In small boutiques the owner decides what to buy, a little larger shops have a buyer, call ahead and ask for the buyer's name and e-mail, then send her your catalog and embed an image of the style that best fits their customer. Remember its about them and their bottom line, until they're lining outside your doorstep it's up to you to provide an incentive for them to carry you.
3-Offer the store a healthy margin, based on the boutiques I've talked to it has been a 2.2-2.5 mark -up. Have it all figured out, the shipping to the store, duty, and any other costs so you are organized. In order to incentivize stores to place their first order with us we offered half off shipping for the first order. They loved this, and as long as we had bestsellers for them, they had no problem paying the full shipping costs on the follow up order. Money does talk, no matter how unique or beautiful your product is, stores have many expenses to cover and the last thing they need is to take a risk on a new designer that is not offering them a healthy margin.
BONUS TIP-
Until they tell you outright that your product does not fit what they are trying to do, keep trying. I recently met a buyer at a trade show, I knew she liked the product, and told me to contact her. It took FOUR e-mails for her to reply. She asked to see samples and then finally after weeks of following up she placed an order. Sounds crazy but true! Keep a log of everyone you contact with dates and response, and don't give up, they are the buyer, NO ONE is sitting around with money burning a hole in their pocket, you need to give them a reason to like you, your product and do business with you.
Click here if you're serious about launching your brand.
More tips to follow soon...
In the meantime, make sure you'e on our list so you can be sure to find out about our latest events and happenings in the world of the Fashion Portfolio Academy
Most of you may know that besides running the Fashion Portfolio Academy, and creating our bestselling e-course and live workshop events, I am the creative director for an accessory brand BHAVA. I have worked in the industry for over 15 years, but always for someone else's brand. I've been able to travel all around the world discovering materials, details, and developing techniques, and I would not change a thing! Big or small I've had experience at several companies and eventually worked my way up to overseeing all categories of accessories for a very large NYC based brand.
Long story short, within the last 2 years, I met the right production partner at the right time and last year decided I was ready to run my own brand. It has been going so well, that I feel I just can't contain everything I've learned, especially seeing that so many of the students taking our courses are also looking to one day start their own brand.
So here it is, I'm ready to spill the beans on what I've learned so far.
Within a few months of launching my collection I'm in 4 of the top retail boutiques for my brand, here's my story...
Click here if you're serious about launching your brand.
My top 3 tips to get orders at retail are:
1-Know the customer of the store you are approaching inside and out. Put yourself in her shoes, where does she shop and how much does she spend, really spend. If you have no idea one of my top tips is to befriend the sales person at the shop, they can tell you instantly at what price point the customer walks away from. If your price is too high for that boutique they aren't going to make money, so you better find yourself another boutique, or re-work your costing.
2-Know the owner of the boutique. No I don't mean you have to really know her, I mean do your research, try to find her on Linked-In you hopefully have something in common or you wouldn't be approaching her store. If you do have any connections to a boutique owner TRY THEM FIRST! If nothing else, they'll give you advice and you won't be as nervous about that first appointment. In small boutiques the owner decides what to buy, a little larger shops have a buyer, call ahead and ask for the buyer's name and e-mail, then send her your catalog and embed an image of the style that best fits their customer. Remember its about them and their bottom line, until they're lining outside your doorstep it's up to you to provide an incentive for them to carry you.
3-Offer the store a healthy margin, based on the boutiques I've talked to it has been a 2.2-2.5 mark -up. Have it all figured out, the shipping to the store, duty, and any other costs so you are organized. In order to incentivize stores to place their first order with us we offered half off shipping for the first order. They loved this, and as long as we had bestsellers for them, they had no problem paying the full shipping costs on the follow up order. Money does talk, no matter how unique or beautiful your product is, stores have many expenses to cover and the last thing they need is to take a risk on a new designer that is not offering them a healthy margin.
BONUS TIP-
Until they tell you outright that your product does not fit what they are trying to do, keep trying. I recently met a buyer at a trade show, I knew she liked the product, and told me to contact her. It took FOUR e-mails for her to reply. She asked to see samples and then finally after weeks of following up she placed an order. Sounds crazy but true! Keep a log of everyone you contact with dates and response, and don't give up, they are the buyer, NO ONE is sitting around with money burning a hole in their pocket, you need to give them a reason to like you, your product and do business with you.
Click here if you're serious about launching your brand.
More tips to follow soon...
In the meantime, make sure you'e on our list so you can be sure to find out about our latest events and happenings in the world of the Fashion Portfolio Academy
What a wonderful evening getting to know all of you in person
Don't miss our next event! Join the list!
Last week I had the wonderful opportunity to attend a Fashion Drawing Session by Would You Rock This. Organized by Brandon Graham, and sponsored by the The Fashion Center, I treasure these opportunities to draw from a live fashion model. As a bonus the garments worn by the model were from the latest SP'2013 collection by the one and only DVF!
You've probably heard me mention more than once how important it is to practice drawing as much as possible. Developing this skill is MORE important than checking the latest trend on style.com. Yes, I said it! Focusing on developing your unique talent and skill through drawing is cumulative and no one can ever take this away from you. As a student in Parsons by the same teachers that taught Marc Jacobs I was constantly reminded that Marc was never ever seen without a sketch book in hand. He was constantly drawing and developing his talent, and I don't need to tell you where he ended up! Developing your hand/eye coordination will help you not just drawing, but in your draping and patternmaking skill. It's all about taking the time to stop, focus, and look. What is your vision? Developing your ability to communicate your skills with clarity and focus will be the determining factor in your ability to stand out. What drives you? How do you like to develop your Hand/Eye coordination? Share in the comments below!
You've probably heard me mention more than once how important it is to practice drawing as much as possible. Developing this skill is MORE important than checking the latest trend on style.com. Yes, I said it! Focusing on developing your unique talent and skill through drawing is cumulative and no one can ever take this away from you. As a student in Parsons by the same teachers that taught Marc Jacobs I was constantly reminded that Marc was never ever seen without a sketch book in hand. He was constantly drawing and developing his talent, and I don't need to tell you where he ended up! Developing your hand/eye coordination will help you not just drawing, but in your draping and patternmaking skill. It's all about taking the time to stop, focus, and look. What is your vision? Developing your ability to communicate your skills with clarity and focus will be the determining factor in your ability to stand out. What drives you? How do you like to develop your Hand/Eye coordination? Share in the comments below!
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Galo Delgado and Liam Alexander, proudly present two distinct visions of fashion in New York City. This exhibit, on view till March 1, 2013 at Wix Lounge juxtaposes the runways of New York Fashion Week with the New York streets. The result is a compelling series of work that encompasses New York fashion from the catwalk to the sidewalk. "Which is street and which is runway? How and why are they similar? As viewers, we are invited to examine not only how the two cultures merge, but more importantly, how they influence each other." Curator, Ashley GallmanWilliams explores these questions in her notes. While the exhibit is only up a few more days, you have the opportunity to view and even purchase any of the breathtaking prints here.
Liam Alexander
Galo Delgado
Liam Alexander
Liam Alexander
Galo Delgado
Liam Alexander
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