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Social Media Planning for Emerging Fashion Designers

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This past fall I taught Social Media Applications for Fashion Marketing at George Brown College in Toronto, Canada. I made sure each of my classes had an application to the fashion industry, but truth be told, the basics of how to use social media for your business are the same, it doesn’t matter what industry you are in.

Yes, of course whether you are a B2B or a B2C company, if you are small or large, or your industry matter when you consider your tools and platforms, and even your execution, but the strategy stays the same:

Plan, execute, measure and repeat. – Click to TWEET it!

I find planning puts people off. It takes time and you don’t see immediate results. But good planing can be efficient, and it saves you more time and money later on.

I am going to tell you the 4 main stages for building a social media plan, whether you are a tech startup, a fashion brand or a biotech company.

1. Social Media Plan – Target Audience

Don’t start using social media channels for your brand before knowing your target audience.

  • Where are they online?
  • Where are they offline?

Create a user persona for your product/services:

  • Demographic profile (age, physical attributes, family and friends)
  • Psychographic profile (attitudes, beliefs and opinions)
  • Professional profile (education, work experience)
  • Environment profile ( physical)

2. Social Media Plan – Goals

List 3 goals for your social media strategy that are:

  • Specific
  • Realistic
  • Measurable

Set a specific timeline for achieving your goals.

3. Social Media Plan – Track & Measure

Remember that “likes are not buys” ( I have to give credit for this to one of my clients, clever and true!). Your goals shouldn’t necessarily mean you have to reach a certain number of followers or likes. Rather, you should strive for high engagement rates and for receiving positive feedback from your customers.

Use analytics tools:

  • Google Analytics
  • Twitter Analytics
  • Facebook Insights
  • Hootsuite

Always measure against your goals. What worked and what didn’t?

4. Social Media Plan – Adjust & Repeat

This is the end of one learning cycle. Eliminate the tactics that didn’t work for you and focus and improve on those that did.

Keep it lean! – Click to TWEET it!

If you are an emerging fashion designers use these 4 key elements to social media planning to help you build an efficient and solid strategy. If you need any help setting up your social media profiles or you have any questions about social media tools, platforms and practices, contact us and we will love to chat with you!

This article was first published on LinkedIn by our co-founder Ana Caracaleanu.

 

Finding manufacturers for your clothing line (part 2)

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In the first part of this article we looked at a fashion designer’s first steps towards choosing the right manufacturer for a clothing line.  Let’s continue by diving in even deeper and pin-point what you must consider when you go through your production process.

First, consider where the manufacturer is located. Are they close to you? Perfect! Set up an appointment and meet with them! Start the quotation process and get a tour of the facilities.  Enquire about the technologies they use, the lead times and the delivery terms. The goal is to get an idea of the services they will provide you, from customer service to when and how will you receive your goods. Enter these discussions with several manufacturers, and once you get quotes, compare them.

When you are talking to overseas manufacturers, getting into contact and building a trustworthy relationship with them is of course a bit more tricky. Nowadays you have the ability to order online, send in your sketches with very precise details and get samples in return. But nothing compares to an actual visit. If you get the possibility to travel and meet your potential partners, don’t hesitate. Go. You might find better deals for when you’ll produce in bigger quantities. Be aware of: delivery terms, FOB, Ex Works, even currency exchange rates. Because the product is not the only important part of your contract. But the payment and the delivery terms of your goods are also critical to the success of your line. Let’s look at the 4 main points you have to consider when you evaluate a manufacturer: product quality, money, time, terms and conditions.

Product Quality.

Asses product quality by visiting your manufacturer. Moreover, your manufacturer might not have all of the components you will require for producing (trims, rivets, etc.). You might need to source them yourself. This will cost you more money and time.

Money.

Remember that it is not the producer who will dictate your retailing price. Your customer is. Your business plan should be ready by this stage and you should know the cost you are able to absorb for production in order to preserve your profit margins. Consider this: When do you have to pay? Do you have to place a deposit? How much of the order is the deposit?

Time.

Make sure you get confirmed lead times.You need to know when your product will be ready from the manufacturer for you to sell it to the end customer.

Terms and Conditions.

Check all the little details, like where will the merchandise be delivered? It could be delivered directly to you or to a warehouse for pick-up. When do you transfer the ownership of the merchandise? It could be outside of the producing facility or at the delivery. Find out which currency will be used for the transaction. And finally find out if you have any kind of liability insurance from the manufacturer, in case something is wrong with the quality of your products.

Once you go through these 4 points with your pre-selected manufacturer, use your negotiation skills to place your order.

This article was written by Alexandra, fashion consultant. Follow her on Twitter @Stylindublin

Luevo caught up with Kristine Rodriguez of Responsive Textiles

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Designer, Kristine Rodriguez, moved to San Diego, California in the summer of 2012. She started her career as a freelance Graphic Designer but had a passion for knitwear fashion. Although Kristine did not have “connections” to break in to this tough fashion industry, she made her way onto such a huge platform, called San Diego Fashion Week where she was able to debut her line called Responsive Textiles.

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When designing a collection, Kristine usually thinks of a way to answer the question “How do I visually express this idea and keep it functional and beautiful?” Although it’s a lot of trial and error to get the result that she wants, it’s definitely worth it.

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I believe a knit machine was the best thing that was ever discovered because now we get to enjoy all of this amazing fashion from Responsive Textiles.

“We believe clothes are our second skin, and they should be as unique and human as we are.” –Kristine Rodriguez

This article was written by Darcel. Follow her on Twitter @DarcelWorld

Are you looking for a new writing opportunity? Perhaps you have style tips that you would like to share with the world? We value new fashion trends and are always looking for talented guest bloggers. If you’re a blogger or writer, this is the place for you to get noticed. Can you see yourself as a part of our blogging team? Apply here!

A journey to Fashion Week San Diego

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It all started on September 29th, 2014; Fashion Week San Diego was about to commence. It kicked off with a private event for the Designers and Sponsors at Rappongi in La Jolla. Loads of delicious Hors d’oeuvres and cocktails, and of course tons of fashionable people. Of the hosts of people, I was able to meet the FWSD founder, Allison Andrews. She’s got to be one of the sweetest individuals I’ve ever met. I see why fashion week in San Diego has grown so much, she’s a powerhouse!

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The first official night of FW, the focal point of the show was hair, makeup, and nails. We were able to see what trends would come about for the Spring/Summer 2015 season. My favorite part of the show was the <em>Ah Couture</em> segment of the Bellis Academy show. I love to see art come alive and it was amazing to see how it was portrayed through hair. Another really cool part was when the able jus professional team came out and did the models’ hair, live! It was sort of like Hunger Games: Fashion Week Style. I got a little hairspray shower, but I didn’t mind, it was a good show. 

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On the second day, there was an overload of cuteness on the runway. First, Jessica Lynn showed her tot collection and had kid’s with larger-than-life personalities walking in her designs. Soon after, the annual <em>Haute Dog</em> show took place. So many cute dogs up for adoption strutting their stuff. It was a nice show for a good cause. My favorite show was Responsive Textiles. I loved the knit bottoms; they had sort of a resort feel.  There was this floor length skirt that was floor length with a high slit. I literally wanted to take it off of the model at that very moment and wear it home. I knew I wasn’t alone with that notion because everyone around me gushed at how cute it was. 

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*sings* On the third day of fashion week my true love gave to me… swimwear from Laced with B! Southern California designers were in the spotlight as this entire night was dedicated to them. Laced with an showed up and showed out with her sexy swimwear line. She featured one print and played around with the placement of the bikini straps. Sure we’d all have killer tan lines, but who cares because the bikinis were HOT! S. Mckeller, the luggage designer, had everyone in awe of his creations. The quality oozed luxury and style. There were no huge logos all over the bags which is great for a subtle, and classy luxe look. 

The 4th night of FWSD was all about elegance and sophistication. Everyone dressed up and wore their sparkling gems and it was divine! The collection that really caught my eye was Alpaca couture. The pieces were so well made. The dresses flowed beautifully and some of the pieces has some avant garde aspects to them which incorporated the artsy factor of fashion into their show.

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On the final day of the runway shows, everyone seemed to have made their fashion week friends and we all had a marvelous time. We closed the week with 9 designer shows and partied on the runway while over looking the harbor. It was quite a sight.

I had so much fun the entire week. I can’t wait to make my designer purchases, because between you and I, I’m a shopaholic and I need my fashion fix! Well, until next time!

Article written by Kat Blanca, a guest blogger that blogs about fashion on her personal blog Katblanca be sure to follow her Twitter at @Katblanca.  Designer pieces from Fashion Week San Diego are available now for pre-order at Luevo.

L-L-B talks ecofashion at Fashion Week Brooklyn

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Upon first glance at the L-L-B Spring/Summer 15 collection, one can see that there is a great depth to the ideas that have produced the pieces that models wore down the runway at Fashion Week Brooklyn. Lisbeth Løvbak Berg is the designer behind L-L-B whose creations are making waves in the fashion industry, and there is little stopping her goal of taking over the international market.

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As an individual, Berg was drawn to many interests ranging from medicine to languages and finally rested on the fashion world. Other career options diminished as her passion steered her towards design. Berg states that her favorite moments are when she sees her pieces come to life on the runway; numerous ideas go into the conception of a piece and to see those ideas come into reality is what makes this design process satisfying for her. It is good that Berg focused on what she really loves and excels at as her creativity and passion drive her towards producing her beautiful lines.

The Spring/Summer 15 collection by Berg called, “Construction” is based on this theme of constructing appearances through clothes. Clothing create an image of who individuals are, but is only a small piece of the larger puzzle of one’s identity. The clothes in the Construction colletion are themselves like pieces in a puzzle, with the option of being able to be attached and detached to outfits. Berg draws inspiration from many places such as an image of cranework against the blue sky. Architecture, industry, and her travels are feed into the ideas she ultimately uses for her designs.

Berg’s design journey is a continuous experimentation with new things. As a child she created ‘little things’ and her studies in art have prepared her to view the world with artistic eyes. The designer is exploring ecofashion as she considers the ways humans and clothing interact. Textiles are not just fabrics, but represent concepts of function and design, making it evident that Berg is not running out of ideas anytime soon.

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Pieces from the Construction collection are now available at Luevo.

 

Shop Isabelle Donola Straight Off the NYFW Runway!

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When does the love of fashion begin? For Brazil-born designer Isabelle Donola, that love started when she learned to stitch at the age of three, making Barbie clothes by the time she was six. This early passion sparked a career in fashion for Donola who has been a participant on Project Runway and is showing at this year’s New York Fashion Week.

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Growing up, Donola’s creative and imaginative eye allowed her to draw inspiration from many different art forms, ranging form cloths and textiles to metals and recycled materials. For her most recent collection, Donola was inspired by abstract shapes, well-fitted garments and oversized structural pieces.

Even after exploring various other hobbies and career opportunities, including journalism and ballet, Donola knew from a young age she was destined for the world of fashion design. With such a deep passion for every step in the design process, fashion design is more than just a job or interest, for Donola it is a necessity.

Donola was featured as a designer on popular T.V. show Project Runway on the “Under the Gunn” season and has shown at various New York and Los Angeles Fashion Week events. Donola currently has a successful fashion line “ Isabelle Donola NYC”.

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Isabelle will be showing her new collection this Monday at New York Fashion Week. She describes the collection as:

“Nude. That was the first word that came to mind when I thought about this collection. The reflection of human nature and how people so often wear a mask. So I created a collection to evoke the naked beauty of the human being, raw in its essence and beautiful just as it is. I want people to embrace their inner beauty and extend that to their second skin. Allowing the garments to fearlessly speak to the world about who they are.”

We are very excited to have Isabelle Donola as our debut designer at New York Fashion Week. You can take a look and shop her collection live from the runway starting Monday September 8th at 4:00 p.m. EST here.

The Road to DC Fashion Week: LaEsha Barnes

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When you think about fashion what is the first thing that comes to mind? For many people the answer is individuality and signature style. This is the case with LaEsha Barnes the woman behind LaDeChe DCB. Her collection consists of a colorful palette, eclectic tones and daring prints. This collection accommodates the woman who does not mind standing out while still possessing a level of style and class. Barnes draws inspiration from abstract art or children, color and paint.

LaEsha Barnes got a head start in her design journey. At a young age Barnes played dress up in her mom’s closet. From there she got her true start by sketching in her mom’s kitchen on her work papers and bill envelopes. Her new collection has an overall eclectic and expression theme. It also has a very vibrant and classy feel. What is interesting is how all these elements interlock together.

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One major accomplishment in LaEsha’s career is participating in the upcoming DC Fashion Week. Although, Barnes is still an up and coming designer this career achievement is a step in the right direction. Despite battling through self-doubt and facing obstacles, LaEsha remains determined. Possessing this type of work ethic has allowed Barnes to achieve her career goals of presenting in fashion shows as well as selling pieces to the general public.

LaEsha Barnes designs with a certain woman in mind. She is distinctive, not afraid of color, diverse and classy. In her latest collection she has provided women an assortment of pieces that are sure to appease even the most demanding of style. As a designer Barnes enjoys the process of thoughts in her head becoming a reality. She believes what makes the hard work and creative process all worth it is seeing the final product before your eyes. Be sure to check out LaDeChe DCB by LaEsha Barnes when she shows at the upcoming DC Fashion Week.

Written by freelance fashion blogger Tamarah. You can read her blog here!

Are you looking for a new writing opportunity? Perhaps you have style tips that you would like to share with the world? We value new fashion trends and are always looking for talented guest bloggers. If you’re a blogger or writer, this is the place for you to get noticed. Can you see yourself as a part of our blogging team? Apply here!

Introducing Leighel Desiree

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Leighel Desiree is a woman with many gifts and talents. Not only is she a fabulous fashion designer, she is the author of a great book called “A Closet Full of Clothes & Nothing to Wear”, and the CEO and Head Designer of Leighel Desiree House of Fashion. Clearly this woman is a queen when it comes to multi-tasking.

It seems like Leighel was hard wired for the fashion industry from a young age as her design journey began at the age of 8. She would make her favourite Barbie dolls their very own unique dresses, unable to stand the thought of her Barbie’s looking like everyone else’s. From there she continued to grow as a young designer, designing her own graduation dress at the age of 12 on a mere toy sewing machine! Leighel amazed herself and those around her by her natural ability to design and create.  Leighel’s story is characterized by someone who knew exactly what they loved to do and attending the High School of Fashion Industries and the Fashion Institute of Technology further enabled her to enhance her passion and skills.

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Leighel’s favourite thing about being a designer is watching the expression on a woman’s face when she is wearing one of her designs. The excited, empowering feelings they get feed Desiree’s need to create more. There was never a question as to what she wanted to become and she says she owes that to her mother. She saw the talent and desire at an early age and kept her focused on the path to achieving her goals. When you have found something you love to do, it doesn’t feel like work and therefore you stay hungry for it.

In her new collection, Leighel was inspired by the beautiful colour combinations in fabrics. The oranges and purples reminded her of the evening sky on an exotic island which inspired the name “Exotica” for the collection. Imagine yourself walking on the beach of a beautiful tropical island, sharing kisses in the moonlight and dancing the night away, and you have Desiree’s collection. She uses fabrics, colours and textures as sources of inspiration, rather than simple resources for her designs. All of the meaning and depth in her designs are in the fabric themselves. The special ones that calls out to her saying “Make me into something beautiful” are the ones that make the cut.

This Article was written by Angie.  Follow her on twitter @Unngie.

For more on Leighel Desiree @leigheldesiree.

Are you looking for a new writing opportunity? Perhaps you have style tips that you would like to share with the world? We value new fashion trends and are always looking for talented guest bloggers. If you’re a blogger or writer, this is the place for you to get noticed. Can you see yourself as a part of our blogging team? Apply here!

You Are Never Too Young To Love Fashion

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The fashion industry is not an easy place to succeed; it’s fast-paced, competitive and takes a lot of passion. It is my pleasure to introduce to you an amazing designer who is making her mark in this tough business and she goes by the name of Elda Doamekpo.

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Elda’s work has been seen in Omaha and Kansas City Fashion week. Her work is inspired by her West African roots. What Elda enjoys most about being a designer is, “the look that customers give me when I put a figure flattering garment on them, it’s priceless.”

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At only age 17, Elda is taking the fashion industry by storm; from jumpsuits to elegant gowns, Elda does it all! She stated that before she starts sketching a look, she does some research on what exactly she is trying to achieve. Like many designers, Elda goes through many designs until she comes up with her desired product. How many 17 year olds do you know that are doing this much homework, willingly? Kudos to Elda being an inspiration for so many at such an early age!

With two Fashion weeks already under her belt, Elda continues to follow her dreams as a designer no matter the hurdles she may face. She believes there is always room to grow and get better. Elda is just beginning to scratch the surface; I know we can continue to expect nothing but great things from her. Our fellow fashion lovers must keep a look out for Elda Doamekpo designs.

Written by fashion writer and beauty consultant Darcel Laurie. You can follow her on twitter @DarcelWorld!

Are you looking for a new writing opportunity? Perhaps you have style tips that you would like to share with the world? We value new fashion trends and are always looking for talented guest bloggers. If you’re a blogger or writer, this is the place for you to get noticed. Can you see yourself as a part of our blogging team? Apply here!

Getting to Know Portland Designer Nelli Millard

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Being a great fashion designer takes a certain type of person and unique inspiration. Not only do you have to be confident in your designs but you have to be confident in yourself. For Portland, Oregon’s 2013 Designer of the Year, all of this comes naturally to her. 

Her name is Nelli Millard, a Russian born designer that lets her inspiration and love lead her to places many wish they could be. Her love of designing started in Russia as she learned how to sew and design from her mother. 

She brought those valuable lessons and her passion for designing to the U.S and has become one of the best designers you may not have heard of yet. Expect to see and hear more from Millard as her clothing line, Nelli Millard, is becoming one of the hottest in the Northwest. 

Millard’s inspirations for her designs are truly unique and powerful. Whether she is getting her inspirations from a Chinese horoscope or a world famous violinist’s “Euphoria” performance, Millard delivers the perfection that people want to wear.  

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We were fortunate enough to speak with Millard and get inside of that great mind of hers. We thought our readers would love to hear what she has to say almost as much as they’ll love wearing her clothes. 

Luevo: What goals have you accomplished that you are most proud of thus far, when it comes to your label?

Millard: Honestly, I don’t know yet…. Being fashion designer is a hobby for me. I don’t make a goals, I just enjoy what I do.

Luevo:  What is your favorite thing about being a designer? What path would you have followed, had you not become a designer?

Millard:  Being a designer for me is a way to express myself as an artist. It is my favorite hobby of life, which brings me joy and inspiration. My other path in life is very much related with a clothing design. I’m a specialist in the custom garment industry.

Luevo: What do you think has helped you most with your designing to date?

Millard:  I work every day to improve my professional and artistic skills, by self learning new trends and technologies.

Luevo: What obstacles have you had to face and overcome to get where you are today?

Millard:  My biggest obstacle is the market. It’s not easy to be in the competition with big garment corporations with cheap prices.

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Luevo: What inspirations did you draw on to create this collection?

Millard: To create this collection, I draw my inspiration from violin music “Euphoria” performed by World famous violinist Vanessa May.

Luevo: What is the thing that makes all this hard work and effort worth it for you?

Millard: The biggest thing to work for are results: when I see a person wearing my garment, and she looks beautiful, stunning and empowering – that’s the thing worth working for.

Luevo: What was the turning point in your career that made you say “Yes I’ve finally made it”? 

Millard: My career turning point was the day I was recognized as a designer of the year of 2013 in Portland OR, but I think the sky is the limit.

Luevo: How would you describe your process of inspiration? What do you do to keep your ideas fresh and interesting? 

Millard: The process of the creating of new collection is a combination of many things: my vision, prospect, mood, and environment. I can say it’s a sort of meditation form for me.


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Luevo: If you could describe your new collection with one word, what would it be and why? What would you say the overall theme of this collection would be?

Millard:  My new collection “Euphoria” shows my emotional felling combined with happiness and overwhelming sense of contentment.

Luevo: How did you start your design journey?

Millard: Since I was a child I had a pretty good idea of who I wanted to be, because I grew up in a fashion sewing atmosphere. My mom was a professional tailor and I got it from her.

As you can see Millard is not only an inspiration to many future designers, but she in an inspiration to anyone wanting to reach their dreams. She is proof that if you love something enough and are willing to chase your dreams you can achieve them. It also doesn’t hurt to be really good at your craft like Millard. 

Written by Elias Trejo; writer for AskMen, BleacherReport & owner of The Raider Nation Times. 

Are you looking for a new writing opportunity? Perhaps you have style tips that you would like to share with the world? We value new fashion trends and are always looking for talented guest bloggers. If you’re a blogger or writer, this is the place for you to get noticed. Can you see yourself as a part of our blogging team? Apply here!