effectively once it has been set up. It is far better to be conservative with your planning at first and build things up over a period of time.
And finally always remember that you only have one chance so ensure that what you offer has a signature and point of view. Try to ensure that this becomes consistent. Buyers see hundreds of collections a year and you have to make an impact on them from the start, once they have placed that first order then make sure that it is delivered on time and your next collection is just as good as the last.”
JOSEPH VELOSA - MATTHEW WILLIAMSON
“Controlling you growth in the early stages is key. Contradictory as it sounds, saying no to an order can be the best way to keep your business healthy. Committing to an order that you can’t afford to produce is much more damaging than keeping that customer waiting for a season whilst you grow.”
SUSANNE TIDE-FRATER – CREATIVE DIRECTOR & FASHION CONSULTANT
“Simple and yet unimaginably hard work: Be brave in your designs, relentless in your search for fit and quality and faultless in your deliveries. The first will create a hype, the latter a vocation for life! Recognition in the media is a fabulous opening, but relationships with your manufacturers and customers are the foundation on which any sustainable fashion business is built!”
TAMARA MELLON – JIMMY CHOO
“When embarking on your own business, your number one objective is finding truly supportive production which understands your creative vision and can translate your design ethic, as well as business partners who will support this vision and offer help and backing to propel your brand development.
Starting out in business and securing private investment, a grant or a bank loan is very different from going down the private equity and venture capitalist routes who require the business to have more of a substantial track record. The key is to find an ‘angel investor’ – a private individual, often family and friends, who believe in your vision and talent. Always retain your individual spirit and brand identity; take advice from successful entrepreneurs and business models; invest in good quality materials and production while trying to keep your costs competitive and maintaining good value for money.”
www.davenportlyons.com
THE KNOWLEDGE
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