by martwayne | Mar 26, 2021 | Business of Fashion, Fashion Business Ideas, Fashion Business Opportunity
Fashion Public Relations is an exciting, fast-paced fashion job. So you can either be in-house staff or a Public relations Agency.
However, it is suitable for those who have mastered the skills of promoting fashion brands. Fashion Marketing and Communication are key roles of a Fashion PR
Public Relations involves communicating the personality of a brand, new ideas and achievements. In return, helps the consumer to see reasons why they should patronize a particular business brand or use a particular product. The bottom line, PR builds a form of uniqueness around the Fashion Brand they work with, portraying them as an authority in their field.
Having said that, what exactly do Fashion PRs do?
They basically need to create a hype about the brands they work with so they build relationships and work with certain categories of people, such as:
– Editors and Media Houses
-Fashion Event Organizers
-Celebrities and Influencers
-Fashion Stylists
Dealing with the promotion of brands through earned media channels such as broadcast, print, and online media outlets is also a key role of a Fashion PR.⠀
As a Fashion PR, what skills do you need?
Generally, Fashion public relations roles have an alluring appeal and are very people-focused but it is not for the faint-hearted. It is a very hands-on job that will require a lot of extra time especially during Fashion Week and the new product launch.
More so, you need to be proactive, innovative, creative and multitask.
You have to leverage the relationships you build with people, hence a good interpersonal and communication skill is essential. 
Fashion PR targets editors, producers, reporters, and writers at influential mass media outlets. In recent times, an increasing amount of fashion PR work focuses on Fashion influencers. Fabulous Ideas to Market Your Clothing Brand Online suggests collaborating with influencers because they already have a large audience so you can leverage on that.
Anyone who wants to run a successful Fashion Business should not underrate or dis-regard the relevance of any form of marketing. The article, 5 Rookie Mistakes to avoid when starting a Fashion Business further emphasizes the essence of marketing and brand awareness
Fashion PRs acts as the representatives of a brand. Thereby creating a strong brand identity for your business. With their understanding of media trends and relationships with media outlets, celebrities, and influencers, sponsors, collaborators, afflation and Fashion Influencers, they can put out the right content for the right person at the right time.
Do you think you qualify for this role? Drop your thoughts in the comment session. You can also check our Online Fashion Courses on how to build and grow a successful Fashion Business.
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by Sophie | Jan 31, 2021 | Fashion Business Ideas, Fashion Business Opportunity
The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically affected our lives and businesses in many ways. The Fashion Industry was impacted on every level, starting with retailers to supply chains to vendors. We have seen a number of retailers close, production has ceased, and demand has plummeted.
Despite the pandemic bringing mostly bad news, it still opened up a channel for new fashion business opportunities. One of these is cloth facemask production.
The No mask, No entry rule is now making masks a compulsory accessory worldwide. While most people wear masks primarily for safety, cloth masks can also serve as fashion accessories for occasions. Some people now match their outfits and facemasks to make a style statement.
All of these are needs that you, as an entrepreneur, can solve and transform into an enterprise! If you already produce clothing, it will be easy for you to offer reusable facemask production services. With this addition, your business will be at an advantage over other sellers. Because people usually search around for new sellers when they need new masks.
You could produce the facemasks for schools, offices, or retail and even offer to customize the masks using their brand logo or inscription. And then, with proper presentations, where your team discusses the uniformity the aesthetics will bring to the workplace, you will soon find yourself handling mask orders in bulk.
With neatly tailored facemasks that comply with the CDC guidelines and a bit of marketing, you will start having sales and even referrals in no time. Do you think this business idea is great for you? Let us discuss!
If you would like to start a fashion business but have no idea where to start? We have online courses that cover all aspects of building and running a successful fashion business.
Recommended Resources
Fashion Business Ideas – Fashion Illustration
Fashion Business Ideas: Visual Merchandising
Fashion Business Opportunity: Fabric Shopping
by martwayne | Jan 3, 2020 | Fashion Beyond Stitches, Fashion Business Ideas, Fashion Business Opportunity
Visual merchandising is a truly unique business idea not being explored currently in Nigeria, business owners will be open to working with you if you can prove to them that you can utilize it to boost their sales. You’ll have very little competition and the startup costs are very low because it is a service not a product.
What is Visual Merchandising?
Victoria Secrets Window Display
Have you ever looked into a store window at a mannequin dressed up with the perfect set of clothes? Did it appeal to you so much you wanted to make a purchase? If so, this is known as visual merchandising.
However it goes beyond just putting clothes on a mannequin. The entire customer experience in your store is vital to making a sale. This includes the store layout and the space, the hangers, the signage and even the music.
Lady Gaga, Barneys Window Display
I remember once going into a store and they were playing my favourite music. Of course I could not stand just in the middle on the store and start dancing. I had to go through their stock when all I wanted to do was just listen to the music till the end. Eventually my eyes fell on a pair of earrings which I bought and I still have that pair till this day as I write this. That is the power of visual merchandizing!
Think of all those sweets at the checkout points in supermarkets. They are not there by accident. It was all carefully planned. You stand at the till waiting for your turn, your eye falls on the chocolate bar, it is not too expensive, you pick one and either start eating immediately or put it in your basket, the job of a visual merchandiser is done!
Macy's Display
The purpose of visual merchandising is to attract, engage, and motivate the customer towards making a purchase.⠀Other purposes include to increase sales by showing and promoting merchandise. Make the display visually appealing to encourage customers to enter the store. Get the customer to pause and “shop”.
Macys 2014 window display
Elements of Visual Merchandising
Visual Merchandising is a skill that if properly harnessed can be extremely rewarding for both the visual merchandiser and the client. Think about it - why do event managers and wedding decorators invest so much in the decor of their engagements? To give the guests a memorable experience. For a retailer, however, it is much much more than just the decor. I have always believed this job would be perfect for someone who studied psychology or sociology because they truly have studied human behaviour. But the truth is - the skills can be learnt even if you studied other disciplines. The important thing is the ability to be creative.
Hubert in its article, 'Infographic, 5 Key Elements of Visual Merchandising', further expantiates on the key elements of visual merchandising:
- Colour: The Soul;
- Landscaping: The Ups & Downs;
- Texture: The Touch and Feel;
- Communication: The Storyteller; and
- Decor: The Finishing Touches.
The 5 elements come to play when creating a visual merchandising strategy. I remember workshops given by Truworths then when I was in fashion school. Visual merchandising was as precise as how many cms up the mannequin should be, how many cms back from the window, if the props were to be tilted, by how many cms, etc.
Then there was this technique (can't really remember the name) but the explanation was how products were arranged in such a way that though they seemed to be on a straight line, one is given more prominence over the other. That one is the focal point which they wanted to emphasize and which they needed the customer to buy. I found the subject of visual merchandising quite captivating and really wished I could delve into it as a career - but alas we really can't do everything can we?!
Techniques of Visual Merchandising
A SlidePower Presentation by Georgia Perkins
For a successful visual merchandising strategy, there are various techniques to consider to ensure the goals are achieved. We all know the main goal is to make sales - but there are different ways to achieve that goal.
Georgia Perkins in her Slide Power presentation clearly articulates these techniques so I will advise you to watch the slideshow.
Photo credit: Polly Redman.
Photo credit: Polly Redman.
Credit: Polly Redman.
Photo credit: Polly Redman.
For example, Barbara White in her article: 'Principle #3: Pyramid Power' talks about one of the techniques in detail.
Barbara Wright: Principle #3: Pyramid Power
The Pyramid technique
At the end of this post, I will put a glossary of recommended articles you need to read to establish a career in visual merchandising. There is so much content online that you can use to establish a career in visual merchandising or even adopt in your store.
Conclusion
Debenhams Store
In conclusion, in this environment, we are yet to scratch the surface on what visual merchandising can really do for us as retailers, merchandisers and as a business opportunity.
Use visual merchandising to enhance, establish and promote the store’s visual image. Also to improve customers’ shopping experience and entertain them.⠀Eventually, this will directly translate into increased customers, sales and revenue for your fashion business.
Do you think it’s something you’ll like to try?⠀Let us know in the comments section.
Recommended Resources
Fashion Business Growth Tip: Use Compelling Images
Visual Merchandising Definition, Importance, Elements & Overview
Inspired Collections Retailing: Merchandising
20 Essential Tips and Ideas for Visual Merchandising
INFOGRAPHIC: 5 Key Elements of Visual Merchandising
5 Most Important Elements of Visual Merchandising
Merchandising Your Content: Inspirations from the Retail World
Barbara Wright: Principle #3: Pyramid Power
Visual Merchandising in Fashion Retailing – an Introduction
Visual Merchandising Display Techniques: 4 Tips to Increase Sales
Quick Guide to Visual Merchandising
5 Most Important Elements of Visual Merchandising
The Five Elements of Visual Merchandising
About Me
A fashion entrepreneur passionate giving power through fashion
by sharing knowledge guaranteed to help fashion lovers
turn their love for fashion into a viable business.
Someone you know needs this article. Help them out by sharing this article on social media.
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by martwayne | Dec 21, 2019 | Fashion Business Ideas
Do you watch haute couture fashion shows, and see breathtaking embroidery designs that combine thread, sequins and beads to create fantastic elaborate designs that decorate evening dresses, necklines, sleeves, etc? Those intricated patterns are created by hand. When you question how those are made, the answer is often Tambour Beading.
What is Tambour Beading or Tambour Embroidery?
Tambour bead embroidery is an amazingly creative and absorbing style of embroidery. With a mesmerizing array of beads, sequins, embroidery threads and metallic threads available, the design possibilities for tambour beading and tambour embroidery are limitless.⠀ ⠀
Chanel FW2014 Haute Couture
“Tambour beading evolved from tambour thread embroidery and is named from the drum shaped frame originally used – ‘tambour’ is the French word for drum. It was considered an exotic and exciting craft, and became a very popular pass time amongst women.”
According to the Textile Research Center,
"Tambour embroidery or tambour work is a technique whereby a chain stitch is worked with a fine hook (a tambour hook) on a fine, slightly open-weave cloth that is stretched over a frame. This type of work may have originated in India, where it is known as ari work or ari embroidery. For tensioning, sometimes a circular frame is used.”
Close up: The Wish Gown from the Catherine Deane AW14 collection
Guo Pei Spring 2016 Couture - EE
It is high fashion and couture technique widely used in ateliers and couture houses and is a highly sought after skill. It takes the concept of beading and embellishment to a different level.
Recommended Resources
Tips for Starting Your Fashion Business on a Lean Budget
Specialization in the Fashion Industry
Finding Your Fashion Brand Niche
Fashion Growth Tip: Develop Your Unique Selling Proposition
Getting your fashion business ready for 2020
Sneak Peak at our Upcoming Online Course
About Me
A fashion entrepreneur passionate giving power through fashion
by sharing knowledge guaranteed to help fashion lovers
turn their love for fashion into a viable business.
Someone you know needs this article.
Help them out by sharing this article on social media.
To get notified about our articles, please sign up below:
You too could learn to produce stunningly glamorous tambour bead embroidery with our Tambour Beading and Embroidery Online Course. Simply call 08097876075 or click the link for more information.
Do you watch haute couture fashion shows, and see breathtaking embroidery designs that combine thread, sequins and beads to create fantastic elaborate designs that decorate evening dresses, necklines, sleeves, etc? Those intricated patterns are created by hand. When you question how those are made, the answer is often Tambour Beading.
What is Tambour Beading or Tambour Embroidery?
Tambour bead embroidery is an amazingly creative and absorbing style of embroidery. With a mesmerizing array of beads, sequins, embroidery threads and metallic threads available, the design possibilities for tambour beading and tambour embroidery are limitless.⠀ ⠀
According to the Textile Research Center,
“Tambour embroidery or tambour work is a technique whereby a chain stitch is worked with a fine hook (a tambour hook) on a fine, slightly open-weave cloth that is stretched over a frame. This type of work may have originated in India, where it is known as ari work or ari embroidery. For tensioning, sometimes a circular frame is used.”
According to the London Embroidery School,
“Tambour beading evolved from tambour thread embroidery and is named from the drum shaped frame originally used – ‘tambour’ is the French word for drum. It was considered an exotic and exciting craft, and became a very popular pass time amongst women.”
It is high fashion and couture technique widely used in ateliers and couture houses and is a highly sought after skill. It takes the concept of beading and embellishment to a different level.
You too could learn to produce stunningly glamorous tambour bead embroidery with our Tambour Beading and Embroidery Online Course. Simply call 08097876075 or click the link for more information.⠀⠀
by martwayne | Dec 8, 2019 | Fashion Business Ideas
Thinking of turning your love-affair for fashion into a successful business? You can take the plunge by starting your own ready-to-wear clothing line. There is a huge market for ready-to-wear Clothing and you can tap into it by starting yours. And the best part is, you don’t have to break the bank! You can get started on a lean budget.
What You Need to Know to Start a Clothing Line
I found this article by Marie Claire magazine very insightful because it focused more on the business of fashion than the fashion design itself. The 9 tips you can actually use if you want to start your clothing line stated one of the most important things I believe – you don’t need to be rich to start a clothing line.
In our Online Fashion Entrepreneurship Course, we state the importance of doing research before you go ahead to produce. The truth is, the minute you choose to start a fashion business, you are no longer a fashion designer but an entrepreneur so it is important to think like one. Leans means, spend the least to get the highest value. It is also important to find a product market fit rather than assume the market will like what you have created.
Be practical not emotional
Many people produce simply because they get and act on positive feedback which is good but can be a big mistake. Experience, however, has taught me that there is a huge difference between liking your product, the willingness to spend money on it and the actual purchase. This is why pre-orders and pre-launches where you get people to pay for the products upfront actually validates the business idea.
There is so much to learn. If you want to know more about starting your ready-to-wear clothing line or have tips to share? Let me know in the comments and share this post with anyone who is interested or you know who needs the knowledge.
If I have enough interested people, I just might run a webinar, write an e-book or create a series of blogposts on the process. Also let us know in the comment section if you prefer a webinar, an ebook or a blog posts.
Turn on notifications and follow our posts to know when we make a decision.
Recommended Resources
Specialization in the Fashion Industry
The Difference Between a Fashion Designer & a Tailor
How to Start a Fashion Business with no money
Debunking the Various Myths about Fashion Design and the Fashion Industry
Fashion Business Growth Tip: Develop Your Unique Selling Proposition
Finding Your Fashion Brand Niche
Become a Fashion Designer or Grow Your Fashion Business
About Me
Tope Williams- Adewunmi
A fashion entrepreneur passionate giving power through fashion
by sharing knowledge guaranteed to help fashion lovers
turn their love for fashion into a viable business.
Someone you know needs this article.
Help them out by sharing this article on social media.
To get notified about our articles, please sign up below:
by martwayne | Dec 6, 2019 | Fashion Business Ideas, Fashion Business Opportunity
There are so many opportunities to explore in the Fashion industry and Fashion Illustration is one of them.
It basically entails communicating fashion ideas in a visual form with illustration, drawing and painting .
Reposted from Martwayne Student, @__tersaa (click on illustration to see more):
"So I did this illustration of Mercy LAMBO's outfit to the #13thHeadies2019.
Took me a while, But I'm here now! ?"
Fashion illustration as a career option is growing in popularity thanks in part to the images we see being shared on social media. With popular fashion illustrators like @leankid carving a niche for himself and earning his income solely as a Fashion Illustrator with illustrating gigs for GTBank for the GTBank Fashion Weekend, product launches and wedding invitation cards.
Beyonce Illustration by @leankid at Coachella
Naomi Campbell Illustration by @leankid
@leankid collaboration with @ GTBank for the @GTBank Fashion Weekend
You should also consider carving a niche for yourself in the fashion industry as a fashion illustrator. f you are wondering about how to get started and what it takes to become a successful fashion illustrator here are four steps:
1. Have no Self-Doubt
Believing in yourself is everything, as is keeping a positive mindset towards your everyday life. ⠀
2. Do your research
You’ve decided to pursue becoming a fashion illustrator as a career…congratulations!!! This is where you start to put in work by starting with ‘research’. Take all the time you need to study the fashion industry, the top illustrators in the field.
3. Take a Course and Learn
Creative and Fashion Illustration Course at Martwayne
Improve on your artistic skills and take our Creative and Fashion Illustration Course to expand your knowledge. It is perfect for complete beginners and those who can also draw. We will also guide you on how to start a career as a Fashion Illustrator.
3. Practice, Practice, Practice
Sleepless nights will become your best friend. You must have heard the saying ‘’constant practice makes one a professional’’. It is especially true of all skills and Fashion Illustration is not an exception. Even if you can sketch right from the womb, you still need to turn that raw talent into a refined and sellable skill.
4. Create a unique Style
Develop a unique style and stick to it. In carving a niche for yourself in the Creative & Fashion Industry it will benefit you greatly to have your own unique style of illustration.
It’s important to always remember that your journey to becoming a fashion illustrator won’t be smooth sailing, but stay positive and believe in yourself no matter what.
Recommended Resources
Specialization in the Fashion Industry
Fashion Illustrator Leankid on Fashion Insider by GTBank Ndani TV
Fashion Business Growth Tip: Develop a Unique Selling Proposition
Getting Your Business Ready for 2020
Bring Your Designs to Life
About Me
A fashion entrepreneur passionate giving power through fashion
by sharing knowledge guaranteed to help fashion lovers
turn their love for fashion into a viable business.
Someone you know needs this article.
If this helped you, help them out by sharing this article on social media.
To get notified about our posts, please sign up below:
Fashion Public Relations is an exciting, fast-paced fashion job. So you can either be in-house staff or a Public relations Agency.
