chunky metallic infinity scarf, wide brim felt hat, Alexander McQueen double breasted coat, Bottega Vaneta Intrecciato leather gloves, Denis Colomb cashmere scarf, Burberry Rockyford boots, Valentino fringed ankle boots
Cristina Bijou Giveaway!
Advice from Behind the Brand.
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I've been sewing since I was 10 years old. I've been wanting to start a children's clothing line. I made a few samples one year ago but did not pursue any further and one year later I still have that " nudging" feeling inside that's saying " come on, what are you waiting for?" Do you have any advice for me?
Regina-
My advice is to first:
-Identify the vision for your brand and discover what is going to set your brand apart from other children's clothing lines. (ie. quality of materials you use, colors, prints etc.)
Doing this will not only help create brand awareness, but will also help you as the designer ensure that you are creating cohesive collections.
-Research the top children's brands out now and discover who your competitor will be. Find out their story, how did they get started? The chances are, they went through quite a few obstacles that you may be able to learn from.
This question is a great one because often we find ourselves wanting to pursue a dream, but not really knowing where to start. I have an earlier post where I discuss the first ten steps I took when I created my brand Cristina Bijou bags. I've decided to repost it below.
1. Research
I was glued to my computer. I researched the design houses to practically every handbag label there was. How did they become established? When did they become established? Who’s story inspired me the most?
(This step is much needed, researching those who have done what you aspire to do will push you to overcome a lot of the obstacles you will come across in the future.)
2. I found my inspiration
The research process became very intimidating at first. Most of the design houses were international, high end and extremely well known companies. To save my self of worry I began researching handbag labels in the US. I came across Kate Spade’s story and I was very inspired by how she got started.
3. Created my vision
I began brainstorming the aspects of my business. The brand name, sketches, logos, and figuring out what would make my brand different. These all came in to play in this step.
4. Created my first prototype
A fashion brand without a product is nothing more than a book of sketches. I decided that I was going to teach myself how to make handbags from start to finish. My very first bag was made with nothing but a leather needle, thread, and two different shades of leather. I made this bag by hand without a machine which took me 16 hours. It wasn’t easy but in order for me to continue to inspire myself I needed something that I could actually touch and feel. I knew that this was just the beginning but I had to start somewhere.
5. I invested in my business
When I started my business I had 5,000.00 saved. I began making my first investments in the brand. I bought books on making handbags, and tons of leather in many jewel tone shades. I convinced my first investor to buy me an industrial sewing machine. It was HUGE, very loud and took up most of my living room in my one bedroom apartment. I had no clue what I was doing but I jumped right in. I was determined to figure this thing out. (This step is extremely important. Find investors. Create a presentation with vision boards, any prototypes and a well written plan. You’ve got to let them see your vision in order to get them to invest.)
6. I asked plenty of questions
There came a point where the lady in the fabric section at Walmart and I were like best friends. She would answer any question I had about sewing and I was soooo grateful! Then I got creative, I figured that since upholstery shops were experienced in working with leather they too would be a great resource. In my mind I figured, if they can make a couch surely they can help me learn to make a handbag. I couldn’t have been more right. I went to a family owned upholstery shop just outside of Charlotte and they were more than happy to help me with any questions I had. They seemed excited and very intrigued that I had gone to such lengths to figure out such a challenging task. (Figure out who you know that can help in your area of fashion. If you have a graphic t-shirt line, seek out a local screen printer. If you’re looking to create a line of clothing look for a local seamstress who may be able to help with prototypes.)
7. I began creating an entire collection
This is where all the hard work came in. My apartment looked like a factory. I worked around the clock to produce a collection so that I could not only prove to myself that I could do it but to really allow others to see my vision. I didn’t just want to continuously talk about something that I wanted to happen “one day”. I knew that in order to get the ball rolling I had to have a complete collection. I produced about 20 different bags over a span of about 9 months. (Create a cohesive collection, keep in mind the time of year you plan on completing the project when choosing a color story to be sure that it falls in line with the time of year it will be, spring or fall.)
8. I came up with a plan to debut my collection
During the process of creating my collection I decided that I would have a fashion show to introduce the collection to my friends, family, professors, and really just anyone I came in contact with. I spread the word throughout The Art Institute as well as my community and had a lot of help from some friends I was attending school with. (This does not necessarily have to be a huge production. A small debut in a lounge type setting would work out perfectly. Be very conscious of your budget. You’ll need it in the next steps.)
9. I began to market my brand
I began using social media to market my brand. I shouted it from the roof tops. Anyone I came in contact with knew about Cristina Bijou bags. Through social media I was discovered and invited to participate in a fashion show in Beverly Hills CA. I leaped at the opportunity! This step required a lot of confidence in myself and my brand. If I didn’t believe in my product no one else would so that’s exactly what I did.
(Don’t be afraid to market your brand, even before your collection is complete. Give people something to look forward to by marketing the brand itself. Logo, vision board, technical sketches etc.)
10. Research
Once my collection was complete and my first two fashion shows had come and gone I began seeking a manufacturer. I knew that in order to take my brand to the next level I would need to have my designs professionally manufactured. Quality control is key in the production process. I knew without a doubt that this was the direction I needed to go in to live up to the other brands on the market that I intended on competing with.
Do you have questions about building your own fashion brand? Get them answered here on Behind the Brand by emailing them to me at reginacwhite@gmail.com
Creating a line sheet
A line sheet is a must have when pitching your brand to stores and boutiques. Without a line sheet essentially you have nothing. This will serve as a guide that gives buyers everything they need to know about your brand and product.
Here is everything that your line sheet must include:
- Product overview
This is where you describe your brand in the absolute best way possible. What makes your brand different? Explain that here.
- A technical illustration
A technical illustration will show the buyer exactly what your product looks like. It displays where every stitch, pleat, zipper or pocket is placed.
- High quality images of your samples.
Include pictures that truly show off the quality of your product. Your line sheet will become the only thing the buyer has to refer to when you are no longer in front of them.
-Suggested retail cost
What is the price point in which you would like your product to be in? Include that here so that the buyer has an idea of where in their store you would need to be and who your competitors are.
-Available Color options
If an item is available in multiple color ways include a swatch of each color option.
(I also choose to also include swatches of leather in this area, the quality of leather that I use in my designs is what I want to leave a lasting impression on the buyer.)
-Dimensions
Include the length, height and width of your product.
-Product description
Describe everything about the product. What the material is made of, the color, etc. You could even include where your customer would wear the product ie. professional setting, sportswear etc.
Line sheet example:
Styled by CBijou
Get the look
Emilio Pucci draped bow blouse, Delpozo high waisted cropped pants, Gianvito Rossi suede pumps, Auden Ronin earrings, 50's vintage velvet clutch
Transformation Tuesday!
TransformstionTuesday!
Spring 2014 Collection.... I love watching my visions come to life. The process...❤️
Pitching your brand to stores and boutiques
Once you've created a complete collection and have your samples, it's time to begin pitching your collection to boutique owners and buyers at stores. Only if this is the direction you'd like to take, I'll touch on the plus and minuses of selling your product in stores versus
direct sales in a later post. There are many different ways of going about getting your brand picked up by stores and boutiques.
direct sales in a later post. There are many different ways of going about getting your brand picked up by stores and boutiques.
Here are a couple different strategies for pitching your brand & collection.
-Hiring a sales representative.
The right sales rep can be a great asset when pitching to stores and boutiques. Sales reps are well seasoned in speaking to buyers and often have established relationships with individuals in the industry that can give you exposure and get your product into the right hands. (Sales reps normally work on commission)
-Attending trade shows.
Setting up a booth at the right trade show can give you a lot of the exposure that you need all under one roof. This is normally a two to three day event. Trade shows can be very expensive for a business that is still in the beginning stages but can turnout to be a very lucrative investment.
-Pounding the pavement.
Often for a new business this may be all you can really afford but you have to start somewhere. Call prospective boutiques and store buyers and arrange to have a meeting with either the boutique owner or buyer.
-Setting up a meeting to present at vendor day.
Major retail stores often have what they call vendor day. You can call prospective department store buying offices and set up a meeting to present, there are normally preliminary requests to be considered like linesheets, images etc. This is one day where many different vendors have the opportunity to pitch their product to a store. (Think Shark Tank) There are plus and minuses to attending vendor day. On the plus side this is an easy way to get your product in front of buyers. The minus is that buyers can often meet with anywhere from 30-40 vendors in one day. This means that more than likely the time you have to pitch your brand is cut very short in comparison to a traditional meeting. You may not have a chance to leave a lasting impression.
Do you have questions about building your own fashion brand? Get them answered here on Behind the Brand by emailing them to me at reginacwhite@gmail.com
For more about my company Cristina Bijou bags go to www.cristinabijou.com
"The Talia" Cristina Bijou Spring 2015 Collection
"The Talia" Cristina Bijou Spring 2015 Collection Subscribe to our newsletter for preorder updates at www.cristinabijou.com
Designing a New Collection
When preparing for the upcoming season there is a lot of research that comes into play. You've got to go back to the drawing board and figure out what you'd like to create next. You've also got to ask yourself some very important questions. What worked and in some cases what didn't work in your current collection? What did exceptionally well? There's always room for improvement. What are your plans to make your next collection even better than the last?
Here are a couple of things to consider when creating a new collection:
-What styles/colors are the most popular in your current collection?
(If your brand is sold in a major retailer you can easily refer to your weekly sales reports provided by your merchandise team to asses this.)
-What pantone colors are predicted for the upcoming season?
-Begin sourcing materials and notions (zippers, buttons, hardware, lining etc.)
-Create a vision board that will help guide you in the direction you'd like to take your next collection.
-Begin creating rough sketches to give yourself ideas of where you'd like to take your next collection.
-The sample process can be very expensive, consider gathering a small focus group of your target customer to see if the ideas you have in mind gravitate towards them.
-Give yourself six months at the very least to go through the sample and production process to assure that you can meet deadlines and have your product sent out to stores & boutiques on time.
Leather samples
Hardware samples
Do you have a question about starting your fashion business? Get it answered here on Behind the Brand. Email me at reginacwhite@gmail.com
For more go to www.cristinabijou.com
"Throw back Thursday"
The very first Cristina Bijou bag to win everyone's heart! The Vacay, from our Spring 2006 Collection!! Eight years later and STILL a must have!
A Sneak Peek at Cristina Bijou bags Spring 2015
"The Talia"
"The Brooke"
"The Addison"
For more info about go to www.cristinabijou.com
Choosing the right manufacturer for your brand.
Finding the right manufacturer to produce your line is key when creating your brand. It's very important to find a production team that can reproduce the asthetic of your vision.
There are so many different factors that come into play in production to ensure that you get exactly what you are looking for. I've learned this the hard way. Over the years I've worked with different companies. Some produced quality, and some didn't. The smallest details can make all the difference when it comes to producing quality in the fashion industry. Fabrics, hardware, and notions all need to be carefully chosen during the sampling process to ensure you get the outcome you're looking for. For me it's been much easier working with a company that I can call or visit whenever need be to ensure that things are being done when I need it, exactly how I need it. This led me to work with a production team domestically based. This can be a little more expensive but it's what works for me.
Here are the top five tips for choosing the right manufacturer when starting a fashion brand.
1- Make sure the company is easily accessible. Can you pick up the phone or send an email and have your questions answered the same day? When your company is still growing, outsourcing internationally can be very difficult. Time differences cause delays in getting quick things done in a timely manner. Try to find a company that is either domestically based or has an office that you can contact or visit stateside.
2- In the beginning stages you'll want a lot of your final decisions to be made in person. Having the ability to touch and feel the fabrics, leathers, & hardware you decide on is extremely important. This ensures that you get exactly what you are looking for and your samples are produced correctly. Try to find a company that you can easily travel to so that you can have oversight of your production process. This helps ensure that you're leaving the least amount of room for error as possible. (And also helps me sleep at night. Haha!)
3- Before you begin the sample process make sure the manufacturer can produce the specific aesthetic you envision for your brand. Manufacturing companies normally specialize in certain skills or can offer a certain level of quality. Review samples of previous work they've done before deciding to work with them.
4- Find a manufacturer that can produce your products at a price point where you can successfully grow as a company. Getting an estimated cost amount to produce is a must. You never want to begin working with a company only to realize that you can't afford to give yourself a decent profit margin. All companies have different setup fees and costs, find one that best suits your company.
5- Make sure that your manufacturer is a company that you can grow with. As your business grows you want a manufacturing company that has the ability to produce the demand you need.
Do you have a question about starting your fashion business? Get it answered here on Behind the Brand. Email me at reginacwhite@gmail.com
Headed to a meeting with our production team. Manhattan NY
Manhattan NY
For more info about Cristina Bijou bags go to www.cristinabijou.com
The first ten steps I took when I created my brand.
Over the years the number one question I get asked is "How did you start your brand?" Here are the first ten steps I took that got me to this point in my career.
The research process became very intimidating at first. Most of the
design houses were international, high end and extremely well known
companies. To save my self of worry I began researching handbag labels
in the US. I came across Kate Spade’s story and I was very inspired by how she got started.
1. Research, Research, Research…
I was glued to my computer. I researched the
design houses to practically every handbag label there was. How did
they become established? When did they become established? Who’s story
inspired me the most?
(This step is much needed, researching those who have done what you aspire to do will push you to overcome a lot of the obstacles you will come across in the future.)
2. I found my inspiration
The research process became very intimidating at first. Most of the
design houses were international, high end and extremely well known
companies. To save my self of worry I began researching handbag labels
in the US. I came across Kate Spade’s story and I was very inspired by how she got started.
3. Created my vision
I began brainstorming the aspects of my business. The brand name, sketches, logos, and figuring out what would make my brand different. These all came in to play in this step.
4. Created my first prototype
A fashion brand
without a product is nothing more than a book of sketches. I decided
that I was going to teach myself how to make handbags from start to
finish. My very first bag was made with nothing but a
leather needle, thread, and two different shades of leather. I made
this bag by hand without a machine which took me 16 hours. It wasn’t
easy but in order for me to continue to inspire myself I needed
something that I could actually touch and feel. I knew that this was
just the beginning but I had to start somewhere.
5. I invested in my business
When I started my business I had 5,000.00 saved. I began making my first investments in the brand.
I bought books on making handbags, and tons of leather in many jewel
tone shades. I convinced my first investor to buy me an industrial
sewing machine. It was HUGE, very
loud and took up most of my living room in my one bedroom apartment. I had no clue what I was doing but I jumped right in. I was determined to figure this thing out. (This step is extremely important. Find investors. Create a presentation with vision boards, any prototypes and a well written plan. You’ve got to let them see your vision in order to get them to invest.)
loud and took up most of my living room in my one bedroom apartment. I had no clue what I was doing but I jumped right in. I was determined to figure this thing out. (This step is extremely important. Find investors. Create a presentation with vision boards, any prototypes and a well written plan. You’ve got to let them see your vision in order to get them to invest.)
6. I asked plenty of questions
There came a point where the lady in the fabric section at Walmart and I were like best friends. She
would answer any question I had about sewing and I was soooo grateful!
Then I got creative, I figured that since upholstery shops were
experienced in working with leather they too would be a great resource.
In my mind I figured, if they can make a couch surely they can help me
learn to make a handbag. I couldn’t have been more right. I
went to a family owned upholstery shop just outside of Charlotte and
they were more than happy to help me with any questions I had. They
seemed excited and very intrigued that I had gone to such lengths to
figure out such a challenging task. (Figure out who you know that can
help in your area of fashion. If you have a graphic t-shirt line, seek
out a local screen printer. If you’re looking to create a line of
clothing look for a local seamstress who may be able to help with
prototypes.)
7. I began creating an entire collection
This is where all the hard work came in. My apartment looked like a factory. I
worked around the
clock to produce a collection so that I could not only prove to
myself that I could do it but to really allow others to see my vision. I didn’t just want to continuously talk about something that I wanted to happen “one day”. I knew that in order to get the
ball rolling I had to have a complete collection. I produced about 20
different bags over a span of about 9 months. (Create a cohesive
collection, keep in mind the time of year you plan on completing the project when choosing a color story to be sure that it falls in line with the time of year it will be, spring or fall.)
8. I came up with a plan to debut my collection
During the process of creating my collection I decided that I would have a fashion show to introduce the collection to my friends, family, professors, and really just anyone I came in contact with. I spread the word throughout The Art Institute as well as my community and had a lot of help from some friends I was attending school with. (This
does not necessarily have to be a huge production. A small debut in a
lounge type setting would work out perfectly. Be very conscious of your
budget. You’ll need it in the next steps.)
9. I began to market my brand
I began using social media to market my brand. I shouted it from the roof tops. Anyone
I came in contact with knew about Cristina Bijou bags. Through social
media I was discovered and invited to participate in a fashion show in
Beverly Hills CA. I leaped at the opportunity! This step required a lot of confidence in myself and my brand. If I didn’t believe in my product no one else would so that’s exactly what I did.
(Don’t be afraid to market your brand, even before your collection is complete. Give people something to look forward to by marketing the brand itself. Logo, vision board, technical sketches etc.)
10. Research, Research, Research
Once my collection was complete and my first two fashion shows had come and gone I began seeking a manufacturer. I knew that in order to take my brand to the next level I would need to have my designs professionally manufactured. Quality control is key in the production process. I knew without a doubt that this was the direction I needed to go in to live up to the other brands on the market that I intended on competing with.
These are the first ten things I did in creating my brand, it seems like a lot and at the time I felt as if I had come very far. Only to soon realize this was just the beginning. Stay tuned…
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