How to Become a Fashion Designer: 25 Things You NEED to Learn | AEP092

Do you need to go to fashion school to become a fashion designer? Or can you skip it and learn everything yourself?After 25 years in the fashion industry, from Parsons Paris & New York, to working as an employee, freelancing, launching two of my own clothing brands, and running a design agency for 18 years, here's every single thing I wish someone had told me when I was starting out.This isn't theory. These are the 25 real skills that separate designers who make it from designers who stay stuck sketching pretty dresses nobody buys.In this episode:✓ Whether to go to fashion school or learn on your own✓ Why business skills matter more than talent✓ The technical skills factories actually expect you to know✓ How to build a personal brand before you launch✓ The mindset shifts that make designers unstoppable📎 RESOURCES MENTIONEDFree Fabric Guide → https://www.apparelentrepreneurship.c...Tech Pack Tutorial →    • How To Make The Perfect Tech Pack For Your...  Tech Pack Templates → https://www.apparelentrepreneurship.c...700+ Manufacturer & Supplier List → https://www.apparelentrepreneurship.c...Want expert eyes on your brand, not just AI-generated advice? We tell you how to make yours work. Learn more about tour services → https://www.apparelentrepreneurship.com/Get weekly fashion business breakdowns straight to your inbox → https://www.apparelentrepreneurship.c...

The smart strategies of naming your products for brand building and brand growth.Learn techniques to create unique, memorable, and effective product names that capture your brand's essence and resonate with your target audience.Whether you're a startup or an established business, finding the perfect product name can be daunting, but with the right approach, you can increase brand recognition, improve marketing efforts, and drive sales.Get expert tips and insights on how to name your products for success, and take your business to the next level. Watch now and learn how to create product names that stand out from the competition and leave a lasting impression on your customers.#ProductNaming #BrandStrategy #BrandBuilding #EntrepreneurTips #MarketingStrategy #StartupBranding #CreativeBranding #businessgrowth

In this episode of the Apparel Entrepreneurship Podcast, we discuss the pressing issues of sustainability within the fashion industry. Together with Samantha Taylor, founder of The Good Factory, we discover how brands can navigate the challenges of ethical practices, traceability, and circularity. Learn about the importance of transparency and the steps needed to create a more sustainable future. Don't miss out on this essential conversation for anyone passionate about fashion and the environment.Key Takeaways:✅ Understand the role of traceability in sustainable fashion. ✅ Explore the impact of ethical practices on brand reputation. ✅ Learn how circularity can transform the industry. ✅ Discover the challenges and solutions in implementing sustainable practices. ✅ Gain insights into the future of fashion and sustainability.The proven step-by-step system that has helped 1,000+ entrepreneurs build successful clothing brands from scratch - even with no prior experience: https://academy.apparelentrepreneursh...#Sustainability #FashionIndustry #ethicalfashion Apparel Entrepreneurship: https://www.apparelentrepreneurship.com/

In today’s fashion world, having a clear creative vision isn’t optional - it’s survival.In this episode, I’m breaking down why creative vision is the ultimate competitive edge for any modern fashion brand - and why most brands fail without one.You’ll learn:👁️ What a creative vision actually is (and why it matters more than marketing)🧭 How to define your Core Idea / North Star - the one sentence that captures your brand’s essence🎨 How to build your aesthetic language through color, silhouette, typography, and photography🌍 How to express your cultural point of view - sustainability, performance, activism, inclusivity, or nostalgia🧵 How to define your Product DNA so your designs are instantly recognizable🌐 How to create a brand world where everything feels like it belongs - from stores to socialsPlus, I’ll show you real examples of brands and how they use creative vision to dominate their categories.We’ll also talk about the 5 pillars every successful brand needs for deep customer connection:1️⃣ The Product (your hero pieces)2️⃣ Recognisability (your signature codes)3️⃣ The Enemy (what you stand against)4️⃣ Characters (the humans behind the story)5️⃣ Purpose (the “why” that builds movements)If you’re building a fashion business, clothing brand or lifestyle business, this episode will help you: • Stand out in a saturated market • Build emotional connection with customers • Future-proof your brand against fast fashion and AI copycats💡 Because anyone can copy your design - but no one can copy your vision.The proven step-by-step system that has helped 1,000+ entrepreneurs build successful clothing brands from scratch — even with no prior experience: https://academy.apparelentrepreneursh...#fashionbusiness #creative #creativity

In this episode of the Apparel Entrepreneurship Podcast, we dive into a big one - Digital Product Passports (DPPs). They’re going to be mandatory for all fashion brands selling in the EU starting in 2027, so it’s time to get familiar.Ana and Klas break down what DPPs actually are, why they matter for sustainability and transparency, and how they can help build real trust with customers. We also get into the practical side - the data you’ll need, the risks of not being ready, and the major opportunities DPPs open up for both operations and marketing.We wrap up with some hands-on advice on how to start implementing DPPs now, and how doing it right can actually boost your brand and make your processes way more efficient.Takeaways✅ Digital Product Passports (DPPs) will be required for selling in the EU by 2027 - no way around it.✅ DPPs are all about making fashion more sustainable and transparent.✅ To make it work, brands need solid, accurate data from their entire supply chain.✅ Being open about where and how products are made helps build real trust with customers.✅ DPPs aren’t just for compliance - they’re a powerful marketing tool too.✅ Skip the DPP rules and you risk facing fines and other penalties.✅ Moving toward a circular economy isn’t optional anymore - it’s key to real sustainability.✅ DPPs help brands stay on top of their products’ full lifecycle, from design to end-of-life.✅ They also open up new ways to connect directly with your customers.✅ Done right, DPPs can actually improve how your business runs behind the scenes.DPP solutions - Portia.cloud - https://www.portia.cloud/

🎙️ The Ultimate Guide to Fashion Retail Success – Featuring Flying Solo’s Co-FounderIn this powerhouse episode of the Apparel Entrepreneurship Podcast, we sit down with Elizabeth Solomeina, co-founder of Flying Solo—one of the most influential retail platforms for independent designers.Whether you're just starting out or looking to level up your fashion brand, this episode is your step-by-step guide to thriving in fashion retail. Elizabeth shares real-world insights and hard-earned wisdom on what it truly takes to succeed — from debunking retail myths and mastering the art of networking, to aligning creativity with market demand and landing valuable press.You’ll also learn:What most designers get wrong about retail (and how to avoid it)How to seamlessly transition from D2C to retailWhy your online presence could make or break your brandThe secrets to getting noticed — and stocked — by top retailersThis isn’t just a conversation — it’s a blueprint. Tune in and unlock the strategies that are shaping the future of fashion retail.Flying Solo: https://flyingsolo.nyc/Portia: https://portia.cloud/#retail #fashion #sales

Claudia Glass, the founder of a female-specific sportswear brand, shares her journey from being a high school teacher to creating a unique sports bra designed for swim runners, now worn by some of the world's best professional athletes.She discusses the challenges of entering the apparel industry, the importance of understanding customer needs, and the innovative design and manufacturing processes involved in creating her product. Claudia emphasizes the significance of sustainability and circularity in fashion, as well as the value of mentorship and community feedback in developing successful products. In this conversation, Claudia Glass discusses the intricate journey of developing a sportswear brand focused on women's needs, particularly sports bras. She shares insights on the challenges of manufacturing, the importance of on-site collaboration with manufacturers, and the strategies behind pricing and marketing. Claudia emphasizes the significance of customer engagement and feedback in refining products, as well as the personal challenges faced as an entrepreneur in the competitive apparel industry. In this conversation, Claudia Glass shares her journey as an entrepreneur, the challenges of product development, and the importance of resilience. She emphasizes the need for collaboration and support within the industry, particularly for women entrepreneurs. She ends with her vision for the future of her brand and the legacy she hopes to leave behind.Swijin: https://swijin.com🔥 RESOURCES WE CREATED FOR YOU!⚡️💻 Sustainable Fashion Business Softwarehttps://www.portia.cloud/⚡️💻  6-Step Clothing Brand Startup Course - To 6 Figures And Beyondhttps://academy.apparelentrepreneurship.com/step/clothing-brand-startup-course/⚡️💻 How To Write A Business Plan Workshophttps://academy.apparelentrepreneurship.com/step/business-plan-workshop/⚡️💻 Find Your Brand Niche & Unique Value Propositionhttps://academy.apparelentrepreneurship.com/step/find-your-brand-niche/⚡️💻 Apparel Entrepreneurship Tools & Templateshttps://www.apparelentrepreneurship.com/shop/◽️◽️◽️◽️◽️◽️⬇️ More stuff you should check out ⬇️** JOIN THE APPAREL ENTREPRENEURSHIP NEWSLETTER GIVING YOU INDUSTRY UPDATES, CONTENT, TOOLS, INSPIRATION, GUIDES, AND SPECIAL OFFERS! **https://www.apparelentrepreneurship.com/newsletter/◽️◽️◽️◽️◽️◽️SAY HI ON SOCIAL:APPAREL ENTREPRENEURSHIPWebsite: https://www.apparelentrepreneurship.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/apparelentrepreneurship/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/apparel-entrepreneurship/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@apparelentrepreneurshipFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/apparelentrepreneurshipPORTIA - Sustainable Fashion Business SoftwareWebsite: https://www.portia.cloud/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/portiasaas/DESINDER - Strategy, Branding & Design AgencyWebsite: https://www.desinder.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/desinder/

In this episode of the Apparel Entrepreneurship Podcast, Pamela Morris James, founder of Paloma St. James, discusses her journey in building a modular fashion business and sustainability. She shares insights on her entrepreneurial path, the concept of modular clothing, and the importance of consumer engagement. Pamela emphasizes the need for quality materials and the challenges of educating consumers about her innovative approach. The conversation also touches on the intersection of art and fashion, the role of mentorship, and the significance of her book, 'The Guide to Luxury Modular Fashion.#Fashion #Sustainability #Entrepreneurship #FashionIndustry #FashionEducationPaloma St James: https://palomastjames.comThe Guide To Luxury Modular Fashion: https://palomastjames.com/pages/books-the-guide-to-luxury-modular-fashion🔥 RESOURCES WE CREATED FOR YOU!⚡️💻 Sustainable Fashion Business Softwarehttps://www.portia.cloud/⚡️💻 6-Step Clothing Brand Startup Course - To 6 Figures And Beyondhttps://academy.apparelentrepreneurship.com/step/clothing-brand-startup-course/⚡️💻 How To Write A Business Plan Workshophttps://academy.apparelentrepreneurship.com/step/business-plan-workshop/⚡️💻 Find Your Brand Niche & Unique Value Propositionhttps://academy.apparelentrepreneurship.com/step/find-your-brand-niche/⚡️💻 Apparel Entrepreneurship Tools & Templateshttps://www.apparelentrepreneurship.com/shop/◽️◽️◽️◽️◽️◽️⬇️ More stuff you should check out ⬇️** JOIN THE APPAREL ENTREPRENEURSHIP NEWSLETTER GIVING YOU INDUSTRY UPDATES, CONTENT, TOOLS, INSPIRATION, GUIDES, AND SPECIAL OFFERS! **https://www.apparelentrepreneurship.com/newsletter/◽️◽️◽️◽️◽️◽️SAY HI ON SOCIAL:APPAREL ENTREPRENEURSHIPWebsite: https://www.apparelentrepreneurship.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/apparelentrepreneurship/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/apparel-entrepreneurship/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@apparelentrepreneurshipFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/apparelentrepreneurshipPORTIA - Sustainable Fashion Business SoftwareWebsite: https://www.portia.cloud/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/portiasaas/DESINDER - Strategy, Branding & Design AgencyWebsite: https://www.desinder.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/desinder/

In this episode of the Apparel Entrepreneurship Podcast, Ed Bartlett, founder of Kostüme, shares his journey from a diverse background in gaming and art to creating a successful cycling apparel brand. He discusses the challenges and triumphs of building a brand without paid advertising, focusing on community engagement, innovative design, and sustainability. Ed emphasizes the importance of solving real problems for cyclists and creating high-quality products that resonate with consumers. The conversation also touches on the future of Kostüme and the brand's commitment to making a positive impact in the cycling apparel industry. In this conversation, Ed Bartlett discusses his innovative approach to launching a cycling apparel brand, focusing on storytelling, emotional connections with products, and the importance of community engagement. He shares insights on crowdfunding as a growth strategy, the challenges of fundraising, and the significance of customer involvement in product development. Ed emphasizes the need for transparency and authenticity in business, aiming to leave a positive legacy by changing the industry for the better.Kostüme: https://kostume.cc/Kostüme on Crowdcube: https://www.crowdcube.com/companies/kostume/pitches/lRvpGl🔥 RESOURCES WE CREATED FOR YOU!⚡️💻 Sustainable Fashion Business Softwarehttps://www.portia.cloud/⚡️💻 6-Step Clothing Brand Startup Course - To 6 Figures And Beyondhttps://academy.apparelentrepreneurship.com/step/clothing-brand-startup-course/⚡️💻 How To Write A Business Plan Workshophttps://academy.apparelentrepreneurship.com/step/business-plan-workshop/⚡️💻 Find Your Brand Niche & Unique Value Propositionhttps://academy.apparelentrepreneurship.com/step/find-your-brand-niche/⚡️💻 Apparel Entrepreneurship Tools & Templateshttps://www.apparelentrepreneurship.com/shop/◽️◽️◽️◽️◽️◽️⬇️ More stuff you should check out ⬇️** JOIN THE APPAREL ENTREPRENEURSHIP NEWSLETTER GIVING YOU INDUSTRY UPDATES, CONTENT, TOOLS, INSPIRATION, GUIDES, AND SPECIAL OFFERS! **https://www.apparelentrepreneurship.com/newsletter/◽️◽️◽️◽️◽️◽️SAY HI ON SOCIAL:APPAREL ENTREPRENEURSHIPWebsite: https://www.apparelentrepreneurship.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/apparelentrepreneurship/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/apparel-entrepreneurship/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@apparelentrepreneurshipFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/apparelentrepreneurshipPORTIA - Sustainable Fashion Business SoftwareWebsite: https://www.portia.cloud/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/portiasaas/DESINDER - Strategy, Branding & Design AgencyWebsite: https://www.desinder.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/desinder/

In the 83rd episode of the Apparel Entrepreneurship Podcast, we interview Sam Matanle, the founder of Batch London. He shares his journey of starting a made-to-order fashion brand focused on redefining the suit. The brand aims to provide a comfortable and versatile alternative to traditional suits while addressing the sustainability issues in the fashion industry. Sam discusses the challenges of starting a clothing brand without a background in fashion and how they approached the design and manufacturing process. He also talks about their unique business model of made-to-order production and the benefits it offers to both the brand and the customers. The conversation highlights the importance of collaboration, constant improvement, and intention in building a successful and sustainable fashion brand. Sam also emphasizes the importance of branding and building a strong community around the brand. He shares their strategies for attracting customers, including hosting events and leveraging LinkedIn. Sam highlights the need for work-life balance and the acceptance that failure is a possibility. He envisions leaving a legacy of changing consumer habits and promoting a more sustainable approach to fashion. Takeaways ✅ Batch London is a made-to-order fashion brand that offers comfortable and versatile suits as an alternative to traditional formal wear. ✅ The brand focuses on sustainability and aims to address the wasteful practices in the fashion industry. ✅ Sam Matanle, the founder, emphasizes the importance of collaboration and constant improvement in the design and manufacturing process. ✅ The made-to-order business model allows Batch London to offer high-quality products at a fair prices by eliminating the need for stock and reducing waste. ✅ The brand's retail store provides customers with the opportunity to touch, try, and feel the products, enhancing the overall shopping experience. Made-to-order is a sustainable business model that reduces waste and inventory costs. ✅ Investing in branding from the beginning can unlock doors and attract customers. ✅Building a strong community around the brand is crucial for growth and customer loyalty. ✅ Balancing workload and managing time and energy are ongoing challenges for founders. ✅ Accepting the possibility of failure allows for a more level-headed approach to problem-solving. ✅ The goal is to change consumer habits and promote a more sustainable approach to fashion. Batch Ldn: https://batchldn.com/ 🔥 RESOURCES WE CREATED FOR YOU! ⚡️💻 Sustainable Fashion Business Software https://www.portia.cloud/ ⚡️💻 6-Step Clothing Brand Startup Course - To 6 Figures And Beyond https://academy.apparelentrepreneurship.com/step/clothing-brand-startup-course/