Fashion Designer’s Hack. Create A Lookbook for Your Collection for Under $100. And Get Samples Made For FREE. How I did it.

Fashion Designer’s Hack.

Create A Lookbook for Your Collection for Under $100.  And Get Samples Made For FREE.  How I did it.

This is a collection I did for my clothing line Brentwood last season.  (See more pics below.) I wanted to explain to you that it doesn’t take a “ish” load of money to market a collection granted you understand your customer and what they want.  This strategy will drastically cut down on your marketing costs to the point you can redo the lookbook if you don’t get it right the first time. All it takes is careful planning and finding out and expressing to everyone involved how it can be beneficial to them and you if they cooperate.

1.  The model was FREE. I got the model for free b/c modeling agencies need pictures for their new models. Agencies don’t have the money to buy clothes, pay a photographer, put together a portfolio, and pay for a location to shoot.  The model you see in the picture, Bryton Munn, had already walked for Marc Jacobs runway collection so I lucked out a little.

2.  The photographer was FREE. Just a small disclaimer – The photographer, Chris, didn’t need these pics for his portfolio b/c he is already an established and respected photographer and a good friend who did it as a favor b/c he liked the cloths and idea.  But photographers, especially new photographers, want to have nice pictures, with beautiful models in well designed clothes for their portfolio so usually if you approach them right they will agree to shoot for free granted you provide model and clothes.

3.  The stylist was FREE. Are you seeing a pattern?  The stylist needs to create their portfolio too.  If you provide a great model and clothes they are inspired to work with, they will jump on board. You might have to give in to some of their creative direction, but if you are a great designer sometimes you become too involved in what you like and forget about your audience/customer likes.  A stylist should be up on what and how people are wearing clothes and put a fresh spin and update on it.

4.  FREE samples. Because I approached the domestic factory (please note that I said DOMESTIC factory) in a professional manner with a tech pack, fabric swatches, clear and simple instructions, and a professional made marker/pattern they saw I could potentially be a good future customer.  B/c domestic factories are losing ground to overseas factories they work harder to get your business. But don’t overdo it.  I was only able to get a few pants out of the deal.  If you have no intention of bringing them business via a production order in the future don’t waste their time.  This industry is small and you will be exposed.

Expenses:

• Accessories for model  $40

• 3 Lookbooks on glossy photo paper  $30

• Lunch for 2 staff and myself.  Model not included.  $30

Tomorrow and Friday I will show you sketches, tech packs, and close ups pics of the garments below.

-Brandon

Special thanks to:

Chris G photographer

OJ stylist

Mike Garica assistant designer/colorist

John Rauch assistant designer/colorist

Red Model Management modeling agency

Tags: advice, Brandon Graham, How To, menswear

This entry was posted on Wednesday, February 17th, 2010 at 11:02 AM and is filed under How To, Vendors and Products. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.