Synopses & Reviews
Mary Gehlhar, author, industry authority, and consultant to hundreds of designers, includingand#160;Zac Posen, Twinkle by Wenlan, Rebecca Taylor, and Cloak, gives readers behind-the-scenes insights and essential business information on creating and sustaining a successful career as an independent designer. andlt;BRandgt;andlt;BRandgt; With advice from fashion luminaries including Donna Karan, Tommy Hilfiger, Cynthia Rowley, Diane von Furstenberg, Richard Tyler, and top executives from Saks Fifth Avenue and Barneys New York, this fully updated and revised edition of andlt;Iandgt;The Fashion Designer Survival Guideandlt;/Iandgt; addresses the latest trends in apparel and accessories, the newest designers, an updated introduction, and a new foreword byand#160;Diane von Furstenberg, Designer and President of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA).andlt;BRandgt;andlt;BRandgt; andlt;Iandgt;The Fashion Designer Survival Guideandlt;/Iandgt; provides the necessary tools to get a fashion line or label up and moving on the right track, including: andlt;BRandgt;andlt;ULandgt; andlt;LIandgt;How to create a viable business planandlt;/LIandgt; andlt;LIandgt;Figuring out how much money you need, where and how to get it, and how to make it last, including the latest on private equityandlt;/LIandgt; andlt;LIandgt;The best sources for fabric and materialsandlt;/LIandgt; andlt;LIandgt;Navigating the pitfalls of production both at home and abroadandlt;/LIandgt; andlt;LIandgt;Marketing, branding, and getting the product into the stores and into the customerand#8217;s closetsandlt;/LIandgt; andlt;LIandgt;Romancing the press, dressing celebrities, and creative publicity techniquesandlt;/LIandgt; andlt;LIandgt;Producing a runway show that will get resultsandlt;/LIandgt;andlt;/ULandgt;
Review
“For anyone interested in being a fashion designer or working in the fashion industry,
The Fashion Designer Survival Guide is the quintessential must-read.”
—Tim Gunn, Bravo's Project Runway “For anyone seeking to compete and succeed in our crowded and highly competitive industry, Mary’s comprehensive advice is required reading.” —Peter D. Arnold, President, Cynthia Rowley
“It takes more then just a creative idea to succeed as a fashion designer. The Fashion Designer Survival Guide will help bring ideas to the marketplace. It is a comprehensive overview of the business side of fashion that offers detailed practices and specific tools that are required to become a working designer.” —Steven Kolb, Executive Director, Council of Fashion Designers of America
Synopsis
The national retail apparel business has grown to a $172 billion per year industry, and the employment rate for designers is expected to outpace that of all other occupations through the year 2008.
The Fashion Designer Survival Guide is a must-have for the thousands of talented designers who want to see their dream of creating an independent fashion line become a reality.
Mary Gehlhar, author, industry authority, and consultant to hundreds of designers (including newcomers Alicia Bell, Keanan Duffty, and Milly), gives readers behind-the-scenes advice and essential business information on creating and sustaining a successful career as an independent designer. The Fashion Designer Survival Guide provides the necessary tools to get a fashion line or label up and moving on the right track, including: •Start-up costs and financing •Legal issues •Business plans •Public relations and sales •Marketing and manufacturing •Distribution-trade, trunk, and runway shows
This book also provides case studies from independent designers at different stages of their careers, including tough letdowns and exciting successes. Young designers weigh-in on topics important to them when they were starting out, while several top name designers offer personal perspectives on a single question, providing a window to their world and a variety of answers.
Designers are bursting with creativity but often fall flat going into business as an independent. The Fashion Designer Survival Guide provides designers with the one thing design school didnt-intelligent and successful business practices.
About the Author
As the Fashion Division Director of Gen Art, andlt;Bandgt;Mary Gehlharandlt;/Bandgt; has worked closely with up-and-coming designers to start, operate, and grow design businesses. She has lent her expertise to the Rising Star Award committee at Fashion Group International, the Pratt Institute Fashion Jury, and the Open Call panel for the Miramax/Bravo show Project Runway. Mary has been interviewed by the andlt;Iandgt;New York Times, British Vogue, Washington Post, Boston Globeandlt;/Iandgt;, and E! Style channel.