Designers from Africa, Europe, Caribbean and the Us connect to showcase, Sell, Inspire and celebrate their African Heritage while taking on New Media and Technology
Designers from Africa, Europe, Caribbean and the Us connect to showcase, Sell, Inspire and celebrate their African Heritage while taking on New Media and Technology
I AM A DESIGNER
I AM A DESIGNER on technology… I am a designer of African descent!
Since we launched I have been in-undated with questions and request …mainly for help. If You are a designer and would like to participate please
I have had many interesting emails and inquiries many asking
“what benefit is your program” for designers and what can you do for me?
… Frankly I am not “Doing” for you! I am a designer who stepped back to work on solutions and in the process collaborate with, share and help many designers like myself!
If you want to know what benefit my programs are asked these designer, Michi Designer Knitwear, SoHe Design, Elements of Earth, Sue rock Originals, TBA Clothing, Bohemian Soul, Bweela Steptoe, Guerilla Soul, Natacha Jospitre and Afric-Elance Those are the ones online, or watch this with some of the young artist from one of the workshops I conducted!
I know that my sharing knowledge and skill-sets and collaborating on events helps but in the end it is up to the designer to make the changes that decide how they faire! I can organize events and have 1 or 1000 individuals if you have nothing to sell, the wrong color or price YOU won’t sell! If you product is not well put together it will be returned!
What we do is cut cost by collaborating
Create solutions by working together
And teach artist to master technology and use it
We make “Moms and Pops” Geeks!!!
WILL YOU DO SHOWS
Yes but this time we’ll have the support that extends the effort they take to put on! The goal of a show is to sell. Yes we will do entertainment style shows, but then fashion is talent and we encourage designers who serve as talent to expect to be treated and paid like talent! I have seen too many “FASHION” shows where everyone but the designer is paid. We applaud promoters who treat designers with respect and strive to ensure they sell!
Two to watch
Queens Fashion Week;- New but the creator is a designer and has worked hard to ensure it meets the needs of the Queens designers
Full Figure Fashion Week- I have not attended this one every designer who did this show raved about it!
AT THE END
Invite them to subscribe for at the end of the runway article
… OF THE RUNWAY, TRADE FAIR OR ONLINE EVENT
I have worked every part of the runway.. Yes I am a designer, I am also the fashion Editor of the Calabar magazine. I have organized fashion events and acted as a buyer for boutiques! Too many designers forget the runway is a stage to “SHOW TO SELL” at the end of the runway … you need to sell! You should be available to press and buyers, have a press kit available and info to follow through. Be able to answer questions on the BUSINESS OF YOUR DESIGN!
TRADE SHOWS & PRESS
When I sit in front of you as a fashion editor I will ask you about your designs you hav presented… when will they be available, how closely will the floor samples relate to the runway models; who is your customer, what is your inspiration your direction, your aesthetic!
AS A BUYER
As Buyer I want to know, size, garment specs, production details1 I want to know it has been tested, for wear and wash. That it meets the standards in my neck of the woods! Delivery dates, and the wholesale prices and terms. Larger retailers will ask for EDI’s and even expect you to accept garments not sold! Color consistencies etc are simply expected! I will look at the quality of your sewing and enquire about your brand! I will ask you what happens when the item is washed and I can spot an avoidance tactic so if your knit swimwear stretches… make the design adjustments before you hit the stage!
I may even ask how adaptable is you line and require exclusivity … be prepared
AS A CONSUMER
Will it fit when I wear it , will it be comfortable, how expensive is it to maintain1 Would the item delivered actually look like what was advertised! What’s the best price! Some even ask.. why do I have to pay for shipping?
The Shortest Distance between two points is a straight line
When a designer comes to us they are expecting “buyers” and “press”. If You are going to large retailers who hire buyers you need to be ready to deliver volume! Buyers at smaller establishments are usually boutique owners! Trust me they seldom have time for the tents or shows held at 9pm! The easier you make it for them to review your product the better! Yet when asked which boutique they want to sell in few can answer… do your homework! I do not know a boutique owner (buyer) who will refuse a well and politely put request to review a potential hot seller!
But don’t I need press. Yes and no press gets you attention but at the end of the day products that sell are what buyers want! Take my advise help your PR team by creating a great product that they can sell! Lead with a great product and trust me they will find you! I have had young women wearing my clothing call me to speak to buyers who stopped them! Oh yeah BTW … I am a designer!
I AM A DESIGNER
I AM A DESIGNER on technology… I am a designer of African descent!
Since we launched I have been in-undated with questions and request …mainly for help. If You are a designer and would like to participate please
Fill out this form
I have had many interesting emails and inquiries many asking
“what benefit is your program” for designers and what can you do for me?
… Frankly I am not “Doing” for you! I am a designer who stepped back to work on solutions and in the process collaborate with, share and help many designers like myself!
If you want to know what benefit my programs are asked these designer, Michi Designer Knitwear, SoHe Design, Elements of Earth, Sue rock Originals, TBA Clothing, Bohemian Soul, Bweela Steptoe, Guerilla Soul, Natacha Jospitre and Afric-Elance Those are the ones online, or watch this with some of the young artist from one of the workshops I conducted!
I know that my sharing knowledge and skill-sets and collaborating on events helps but in the end it is up to the designer to make the changes that decide how they faire! I can organize events and have 1 or 1000 individuals if you have nothing to sell, the wrong color or price YOU won’t sell! If you product is not well put together it will be returned!
What we do is cut cost by collaborating
Create solutions by working together
And teach artist to master technology and use it
We make “Moms and Pops” Geeks!!!
WILL YOU DO SHOWS
Yes but this time we’ll have the support that extends the effort they take to put on! The goal of a show is to sell. Yes we will do entertainment style shows, but then fashion is talent and we encourage designers who serve as talent to expect to be treated and paid like talent! I have seen too many “FASHION” shows where everyone but the designer is paid. We applaud promoters who treat designers with respect and strive to ensure they sell!
Two to watch
Queens Fashion Week;
- New but the creator is a designer and has worked hard to ensure it meets the needs of the Queens designers
Full Figure Fashion Week
- I have not attended this one every designer who did this show raved about it!
AT THE END
Invite them to subscribe for at the end of the runway article
… OF THE RUNWAY, TRADE FAIR OR ONLINE EVENT
I have worked every part of the runway.. Yes I am a designer, I am also the fashion Editor of the Calabar magazine. I have organized fashion events and acted as a buyer for boutiques! Too many designers forget the runway is a stage to “SHOW TO SELL” at the end of the runway … you need to sell! You should be available to press and buyers, have a press kit available and info to follow through. Be able to answer questions on the BUSINESS OF YOUR DESIGN!
TRADE SHOWS & PRESS
When I sit in front of you as a fashion editor I will ask you about your designs you hav presented… when will they be available, how closely will the floor samples relate to the runway models; who is your customer, what is your inspiration your direction, your aesthetic!
AS A BUYER
As Buyer I want to know, size, garment specs, production details1 I want to know it has been tested, for wear and wash. That it meets the standards in my neck of the woods! Delivery dates, and the wholesale prices and terms. Larger retailers will ask for EDI’s and even expect you to accept garments not sold! Color consistencies etc are simply expected! I will look at the quality of your sewing and enquire about your brand! I will ask you what happens when the item is washed and I can spot an avoidance tactic so if your knit swimwear stretches… make the design adjustments before you hit the stage!
I may even ask how adaptable is you line and require exclusivity … be prepared
AS A CONSUMER
Will it fit when I wear it , will it be comfortable, how expensive is it to maintain1 Would the item delivered actually look like what was advertised! What’s the best price! Some even ask.. why do I have to pay for shipping?
The Shortest Distance between two points is a straight line
When a designer comes to us they are expecting “buyers” and “press”. If You are going to large retailers who hire buyers you need to be ready to deliver volume! Buyers at smaller establishments are usually boutique owners! Trust me they seldom have time for the tents or shows held at 9pm! The easier you make it for them to review your product the better! Yet when asked which boutique they want to sell in few can answer… do your homework! I do not know a boutique owner (buyer) who will refuse a well and politely put request to review a potential hot seller!
But don’t I need press. Yes and no press gets you attention but at the end of the day products that sell are what buyers want! Take my advise help your PR team by creating a great product that they can sell! Lead with a great product and trust me they will find you! I have had young women wearing my clothing call me to speak to buyers who stopped them! Oh yeah BTW … I am a designer!
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