Range Planning: From Ideas To Inspiration For A Men’s Casual Line

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blog, bold prints, brand consultant, colorboard, fashion blog, fashion blogger, fashion brand, Fashion Business, fashion consultant, fashion designer, fashion trends, growing demand for streetwear in 2019, inspiration, linear stripes, Men's fashion, mensstyle, mood board, printboard, range planning, street fashion, Street wear trend spotting, street wear trends, Streetwear, Streetwear trend spotting, stripes print

In the previous blog, we discussed range planning and how inspiration boards, color palettes, and sketches can be used in sequence to design a women’s clothing line. This week, we see how the same process can be used to come up with the men’s line.

Fashion designers have superpowers. One of those powers is creativity, while the other is the ability to break creativity down into a process. The most crucial superpower is the ability to find this inspiration and make something of it even before the trend actually hits the shelves.

Without further ado, it is time to exercise some of those powers!

Part 1: The mood board

This is perhaps the single most abstract element in the entire design process. While color and print boards represent those attributes respectively, mood boards reflect what the collection feels like. While designing the mood board, it is worth asking yourself some of these questions:

• What is the objective my mood board wants to achieve?
• What are some key inspiration points for my range?
• What unique ideas am I implementing with this mood board?

The last question is fundamental because we often generalize collections based on the season. For example, summer and men may always mean nautical stripes and pastels. However, adding in a unique element, such as the fact that many people also travel in summers can bring in a new feature to the range. For our casual athletics range, the mood is athleisure. This range is for those people who love being sporty and being outdoors but also don’t take themselves too seriously. A bomber jacket over tracks takes them from the gym to the streets in next to no time. The mood is casual, carefree, outdoorsy and charming.

Part 2: The color board

The color board, as the name suggests, is a collection of at least five colors you’d like to see represented in your range. Picking out colors is heavily dependent on the theme. For our casual athletics theme, we chose urban, outdoor colors like shades of brown, grey and green.

How do we come up with these colors? You can save images of clothes you like and use a digital color picker to identify the different shades. You can also use the Pantone color guide to spot the exact tone you’re looking for. Moreover, you can also use color mapping tools to help you pick colors that complement all others.

In any case, be sure to pick at least five base colors and two shades for each color that you’d like to work with.

Part 3: The print board

If there is one street trend that is taking over the world, it is the idea of prominent prints in menswear. Small, inconspicuous origami doves are giving way to large, placement prints and even outfits that are printed all over. Neon highlights are an excellent option for the colors we have chosen, as are geometric prints and stripes in a variety of sizes.

Part 4: The concept board

This is the stage at which all of your work comes together. A concept board is centered primarily around the main sketch it represents. The sketches themselves are inspired from all of the other boards and incorporate aspects from each of them.

 Around the sketch are images of what the style would look like in real life as well as the primary colors that make up that particular outfit. Long jackets are the staple in our range, keeping with the global trend and K-pop sensation. Our pants are loose, drawstring and aimed at people who want to move freely. It is both casual and athletic, perfect for today’s city dweller.

From here, the sketches are followed by choosing the fabric and picking the colors that closely match your original palette. This is followed by designing a few prototypes which then go into manufacture.

What is your menswear design inspiration this time around? How are you using the range planning process to come up with the collection?

Tell us in the comments. Need a hand? Book a 30 mins free session for an in-depth consultation and help with range planning.

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Supriya Ghurye is the founder and owner of Fuel4Fashion. She is a Freelance Fashion Designer and Brand Consultant helping fashion brands to create great products from idea to launch. Fuel4Fashion social links: Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram

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Range Planning: From Inspiration To Product For A Women’s Clothing Line

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#moodboard, blog, bold prints, brand consultant, colorboard, fashion blog, fashion blogger, fashion brand, Fashion Business, fashion consultant, fashion designer, fashion trends, growing demand for streetwear in 2019, inspiration, linear stripes, mood board, printboard, range planning, street fashion, Street wear trend spotting, street wear trends, Streetwear, Streetwear trend spotting, stripes print

Planning well is a job half done, the saying goes. For most professions needing creativity, it is hard to pin down a process. We don’t often know whether the inspiration comes first or the process. However, having a linear process in place is useful for those occasions when the time is short and it is imperative that you get results in a short period.

Under such circumstances, a process keeps you from losing track and helps you come up with styles that can actually work in stores.

In today’s article, we talk about range planning from start to finish- from the mood board to the final sketches. We will take you through each step and give you tips on making that step work for you, for a women’s clothing line.

1. The Inspiration:

With a whole host of fashion weeks and their accompanying streetwear trends behind us, there is no shortage of inspiration to choose from. For this collection, our theme is Modern Fairytales. In the literal sense, this theme is all about making a strong, bold statement. Empowerment is the word, as stories like Moana and Brave have shown us in recent times. Moreover, tulle as a fabric is in vogue because it is so easy to pair with absolutely anything to create a look of your own.

Pinterest is a powerful tool for gathering all of your inspiration in one place. Create a separate board for each inspiration path that you want to follow, and start gathering material around it.

2. The Moodboard:

We’re feeling whimsical, but we’re also looking at functionality. Textured earrings are just a reference point for things that are both practical and statement-making. For flowing fabrics with a hint of sheer, it is only right that we use as many pastels as possible. Flowy silhouettes and interesting detailing add to the magical feeling. The overall mood of this collection is telling a story that is aspirational and good to have. We all want to be a Disney Princess, even if it is just a little bit!

Use adjectives to describe the mood of your collection. Print them out in big, bold letters. Find reference images for the ideas you’re trying to express. You can read more about designing a moodboard here. 

3. The Colorboard:

Pastels rule the collection, and we love all shades of nature, muted just a bit. Think clouds, the sky on a damp morning, powder pinks, blues, and yellows, off-white. These colors are just about there- not too jarring, not to mute. They have a subtle, graceful voice of their own, and boy do they get heard!

Make the most of the colors you want to incorporate-choose five- and adapt them into all of your ensembles.

4. The Printboard:

What’s life without a few prints? Everyday ensembles are brought to life with a dash of prints. We’ve seen everything from doodles to emojis and retro themes find their place in the sun. For our Modern Fairytales collection, we’ve chosen stripes and checks. These linear elements help us add every day, friendly vibe to clothing and give us a chance to bring in some versatility into the collection. In fact, plain outfits are very often paired with printed ones, so you need to think carefully about what your prints represent.

Choose a print based on how it blends with your colors and ideas. For example, a floral theme for this collection would have made it too feminine, which is not what we’re looking for in everyday wear and functional designs. Likewise, you need to decide what these prints represent to you and your audience.

5. The Ensembles:

Now, if we’ve done our job well, we should have clothes! We’ve created three ensemble sketches basis our inspiration, and we feel like these designs would be run(a)way hits.

Ensemble 1 :

In the first ensemble, the focus is on creating volume at the bottom and balancing it out at the top. The pastels stand out better because of darker shades, and the ruffles make this outfit perfect for Friday workwear, lunches, evening meet-ups and even for traveling long distances.

Ensemble 2 :

The second one is a personal favorite because an asymmetric hemline is not for the faint of heart. Add peplum to the mix, and we’re taking it one notch higher. We’re thinking of a warrior-princess who conquers the world with her attitude, and of course with her clothing.

Ensemble 3 : 

The third and last image is power dressing in all its essence- stylish, comfortable and full of utility. Culottes are in- in fact, we don’t know why they took so long to take off in the first place! A culotte jumpsuit with frills is the perfect urban dream. A hoodie adds to its streetwear appeal and is very, very suggestive of Red Riding Hood. For us, this is Once Upon A Time with a generous helping of happily ever after.

Which design inspiration are you going with for your women’s wear collection?

Need a hand? Book a 30 mins free session for an in-depth consultation and help with range planning.

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Supriya Ghurye is the founder and owner of Fuel4Fashion. She is a Freelance Fashion Designer and Brand Consultant helping fashion brands to create great products from idea to launch. Fuel4Fashion social links: Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram

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Adapting Streetwear Into Mainstream Fashion: The Men’s Casual Wear Edit

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bold floral prints, bold prints, brand consultant, Cropped pants, fashion blog, fashion blogger, fashion brand, Fashion Business, fashion consultant, fashion designer, fashion trends, growing demand for streetwear in 2019, Men's fashion, Men's style, men's wear, street fashion, Street wear trend spotting, street wear trends, Streetwear, Streetwear trend spotting

This time around on the streets, it is the men that did it better. Stepping away from conventions in a variety of self-expression, we spotted everything from kimono adaptations to safari jackets, stripes, and some amazing shoes at the fashion week streets this time around.

This feature is aimed at giving you ideas across apparel categories to adapt some of these styles into your upcoming men’s casual wear collection. What we’re really excited about is that some of these outfits can translate just as they are into collections with little to no changes. For the rest of them, these suggestions across categories can help.

So, what are we waiting for, really?

1.Shirts and Vests

Key takeaways: Dark,floral, understated

The first layer of clothing this time around was suitably dark and understated to let the rest of the elements stand out. Most of the styles that caught our eye either had a black or a white t-shirt as the basis of the look. Brands looking to go down this path can also experiment with colors such as grey, deepred, tan, etc. T-shirts in a variety of colors rarely go out of style.

Another standout trend is the growing interest in men’s florals. Such patterns have often been limited to tropical shirts, but not anymore! One outfit we particularly like has a long floral shirt in black and grey. The colors themselves are very masculine, and the flowers are toned down a bit with the use of black pants and an overcoat.

2. Bottom Wear

Key takeaways: Bold, cropped, prints

We need to give it up to the men this time for starting what is definitely going to be a significant trend in trousers for years to come, and that is the cropped pant. Be it the bold, metallic fisherman’s pants in blue, or regular pants folder up well above the ankles, the men are asking for it. When it comes to trousers, it is best to keep with the trends. No one ever imagined that slim cuts and ankle pants would take off for men, but they did anyway.

For the bolder male, the idea of printed pants in graphic colors is not alien. Brands that are so inclined can experiment with comic book prints and the color of aged paper. We also saw the men’s palazzo make a comeback with an athleisure twist, so go bold with the bottom wear! 

3. Outerwear

Key takeaways: Blends, Statement, Denim

It isn’t just the women digging denim this time around. Sporty jackets for men are a big trend, and how! For a change, these jackets are being paired with lighter colors and a look that accentuates the jacket itself. So go for those embellishments with confidence.

Speakingof accentuating the outerwear, we love how men around the world used their jackets to express their style truly. Be it toning down the flamboyance with a blazer, using a bomber jacket to brighten up the outfit, or even a statement jacket so reminiscent of 8-bit gaming, the coats are here to take the world by storm. Design them in all lengths, cuts, and material, because they’re going to be selling like hotcakes very soon.

4. Accessories

Key Takeaways: Sneakers, outdoor, black

Well, the converse isn’t going out of business anytime soon. If you’re designing shoes to go with your collection, it is worth exploring at least one option that resembles a sneaker. We also saw quite a few black boots going around, in a throwback to the blue-collar workers of the industrial era.

One common theme is hard to miss- everyone is looking for comfort. With cities in expansion mode, the distances people cover by foot on any given day is a few miles, at least. It makes sense, then, to wear closed toe boots that are made for hitting the footpath. Function over form is the new norm in footwear design. We’d go so far as to offer unisex options that are much more functionaland can attract a broader audience base.

Don’t you just love the men’s streetwear styles? We know we do! Which other trends did you notice on the streets? Tell us in the comments.

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Supriya Ghurye is the founder and owner of Fuel4Fashion. She is a Freelance Fashion Designer and Brand Consultant helping fashion brands to create great products from idea to launch. Fuel4Fashion social links: Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram

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Adapting Streetwear Into Mainstream Fashion: The Women’s Casual Wear Edit

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bold prints, brand consultant, fashion blog, fashion blogger, fashion brand, Fashion Business, fashion consultant, fashion designer, fashion trends, growing demand for streetwear in 2019, street fashion, Street wear trend spotting, street wear trends, Streetwear, Streetwear trend spotting, womensfashion, womenswear

Streetwear is taking the world by storm, and there may just come a time when it is impossible to find casual clothing without at least one street motif. In keeping with this newfound preference for all things street, designers are finding new and exciting ways to incorporate elements from streetwear into casual wear all around the world.

As a designer, is this what you’re trying to do as well? If so, this article is for you. We show you how different streetwear trends can be adapted into clothing items to design a collection.

The basic form and flow will give priority to casual wear, in keeping with the theme of this article and the fact that casual wear is one of the most highly sold collections anywhere in the world. The adapted elements will focus on streetwear trends as seen at the recently concluded fashion weeks.

1.    Top wear:

Key takeaways: Bold prints, ruffles, utility

Casual wear is supposed to be comfortable first. In keeping with this need, loose silhouettes are still here to stay especially when it comes to tops. On the streets this year, we saw some improvements made to the top as we know it. Interesting necklines and ruffles dominated the scene, but heavy prints were not far behind either.

For the first layer, both bralettes and mesh tops are an option. For those wanting sheer but not in the form of a mesh, translucent tops with organza and silk, done up with ruffles, add a feminine touch to the outfit.

For those layering up for the streets, chequered shirts, boyfriend jackets and bomber jackets in bright colors are all options. A chequered short can be used for covering up without feeling too warm, while a bright bomber jacket can brighten up a casual evening outfit to the mall.

2.    Dresses and Jumpsuits

Key takeaways: Gingham, form over length, loose and boxy

Dresses in gingham prints and sport style cuts are in this season. The length of the dress itself has taken a back seat, and more priority is given to the flow of the outfit. If a longer dress looks better, then so be it!

Drawing inspiration from the street scene are ruffles and boxy dresses. We saw a lot of boxy clothing on the runways this year, and what happened off of them is also reflective of people’s need for not being smothered by their clothes. Moreover, a boxy silhouette is much more forgiving, thus setting the stage for changing ideas about the ‘ideal body type.’

Those adding dresses to the collection can also think of exploring coordinates as an option. Coord clothing is stylish, offers scope for mixing and matching and can be bought together or as separates, making your collection that much richer. When in doubt, always include a jumpsuit.

3.    Bottom Wear

Key Takeaways: Flowy, denim, key detailing

The Levi’s X Justin Timberlake collection is proof that denim is the one thing that can forever keep coming back onto the fashion scene. The versatile fabric holds form exceptionally well, which is perhaps why one with a boxy top may choose a skinny pair of jeans to accentuate the outfit a bit more. The flower-power era trend of denim-on-denim is back as well, so it is time to bring out some jackets and shirts in denim as well.

Speaking of versatility, a flowing skirt is in demand too. Catching the subway train in a pencil skirt has finally frustrated people to the point where they want nothing more than to let it go. A skirt like this works as well with a cropped top as it does with a full shirt.

Those opting for outfits with form are choosing key detailing to go on the bottom wear that adds an extra element of both oomph and comfort to the outfit. Thigh high slits are not about sass anymore, and instead, have everything to do about striding through the footpaths of busy cities. Interestingly, we saw very few shorts on the streets this time around, perhaps in a bit to explore bottom wear options beyond the most ubiquitous.

If you’re designing your collections right now, which of these elements have you already managed to include? Which ones do you see scope for implementing even mid-design?

If you haven’t started yet, which trends would you like to pick up? Tell us in the comments below.

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Supriya Ghurye is the founder and owner of Fuel4Fashion. She is a Freelance Fashion Designer and Brand Consultant helping fashion brands to create great products from idea to launch. Fuel4Fashion social links: Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram

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The Growing Market For Streetwear Trends in 2019

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blogging, bold branding, brand consultant, Cropped out, fashion biz, fashion blog, fashion brand, Fashion Business, fashion consultant, fashion designer, Gingham Gone Wild, Going Military, growing demand for streetwear in 2019, Neutrals, street fashion, street wear trends, Streetwear, Streetwear trend spotting, The hoodies

Now that we’ve put major fashion events behind us, it is time to get back to business as usual!

One common theme that stood out at Fashion Weeks this year is the adaptation of streetwear trends and motifs into what is typically high-end or luxury fashion. For example, Miu Miu experimented with colors that are usually considered outdoor. Around the globe, streetwear is translating into more than just athleisure, and in keeping with that, our November blogs explore how streetwear can be adapted into clothing lines.

Why? Because, from Louis Vuitton to H&M, everyone is going to the streets. Streetwear is highly adaptable, which is what makes its appeal so universal. And, streetwear is a way to make a powerful statement.

Remember, when it comes to influence as strong as streetwear, it is best to choose one or two elements and incorporate them into clothes than to go all out and design something that can only be worn to a Zumba class.

Photos: Phil Oh – Vogue

Without further ado, here are five streetwear trends that we are absolutely digging, both for their aesthetic value and for the business value they bring to the table.

1. Neutrals: Let’s start with some color or the lack of it in this case. Traditionally, streetwear has usually been dark, with bright accents in the form of a pocket patch or a bright shoe. However, in a nod to the high-flying millennials who are always on the go, streetwear is manifesting in colors such as whites, off-white, beige and tan. These colors are not just inconspicuous, they’re also easy to carry straight from a walk to a meeting.

In keeping with this trend, explore bomber jackets and loose pants in muted colors. We also recommend giving sweaters in these colors a try for those cities that need protection from all year long.

2. Bold Branding: This is the year of prints, and not just any prints. Brands that have a reasonable standing are making the most of fully printed outfits. The essence of streetwear is bold, loud expression which stems from a need for acceptance and a sense of community.

How can new brands leverage this trend? For one, out your logo front and center. Another aspect to explore in design is using your brand’s standard colors in your clothing as well. Be very careful while adapting this trend, as no one likes to be a walking billboard for someone else. However, if the end product looks stylish, people will lap them up this season.

3. Going Military: Some prints and styles just keep making a comeback every few years. In a way, these trends and pieces are timeless and add value to everyone’s collection. In streetwear, military prints and colors take the cake. Camouflage is not everyone’s cup of it, but it definitely makes a very bold statement.

A general rule of thumb when adapting trends like these is to remember that such prints usually attract a very niche audience who like, or have experimented with, these trends before. If you want to sell to a larger group, think in terms of fragmenting the trend a bit. Explore tank tops with camo detailing on the side, or a semi-formal shirt with camouflage prints at the collar and cuffs. Likewise, diversify the colors in the collection a bit with olives, muted blues, and even flat whites.

4. Gingham Gone Wild: Gingham, in its broadest interpretation, is checks. No one would look at the classic red and white prints and think of them as streetwear, but think of a checked shirt, and you know you’re on the right track.

Checks from the street are getting a fresh new upgrade with full outfits being designed in these patters. Think a formal peplum skirt, but with green and white checks. A dinner jacket with bigger checks ticks all the right boxes for a semi-formal event. In fact, we’re just waiting for the big entertainment events of the year to see some of these trends in action on celebs. After that, becoming mainstream is just a matter of time.

5. The Hoodies Are Back: Love them or hate them, there’s just something so comfortable about a hoodie! Summers scream for sleeveless ones thrown over, while winters could definitely use some detailing and bulk. A hoodie is the quintessential hip-hop costume, along with ankle boots. This year, the hoodies are in fashion again. Go bright with the colors, or do even bolder ones in varying lengths and cuts.

Everyone is buying a hoodie, so do you have enough options and colors to please all of them?

6. Cropped Out: When ankle pants made a splash a year ago, we knew that cropped ones were just a matter of time. Cropped pants were a huge hit on men at all fashion week street edits, and nude and earthy tones are here to stay. You can design cropped pants that don’t make people look like a hobbit- think clean seams and a slightly relaxed fit.

These are some of the streetwear trends we see being adapted into casual and formalwear for all genders this coming season. How many of these did you anticipate? Which of these surprised you? Tell us in the comments below.

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Supriya Ghurye is the founder and owner of Fuel4Fashion. She is a Freelance Fashion Designer and Brand Consultant helping fashion brands to create great products from idea to launch. Fuel4Fashion social links: Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram

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The Fashion Business Epiphanies We Garnered From New York Fashion Week Spring Summer 2019

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brand consultant, fashion brand, fashion consultant, fashion designer, fashion labels, fashion startup, Fuel4Fashion, Mara Hoffman, Marc Jacobs, Naeem Khan, New York fashion week, NYFW, Prabal Gurung, Ready to wear, Rebecca Minkoff, RTW, Tadashi Shoji

The recently concluded edition of the New York Fashion Week held not so many design surprises as it did business lessons. It is only natural, then, that we wanted to do a feature right away!

Fashion is a form of expression- there’s a reason why people buy so loyally from the brands they love. This applies to all strata of the fashion society. People love their labels as much as they enjoy the ease and comfort of label-less, brand-less clothing. And that’s what NYFW was all about- shunning the label in favor of the individual.

Here, we deconstruct eight ideas from NYFW SS’19 that are worth exploring in your own fashion business.

1. The Return Of The Self: Colors to make you feel better, shapes and silhouettes to help you feel safe- clothing is now about your mood. You may remember from one of our earlier features that color is a huge determinant of how we feel and how we express this to the world outside. A similar idea was extensively visible in the designs of Prada and Givenchy.

2. Landmark Collections: Ralph Lauren turns fifty. Fifty years of bringing enhanced sports fashion to mainstream shows. Emotions ran high at NYFW, but what we took away is the message that sportswear is becoming the new casual wear. Looks that respect this notion will go very far.

3. Tailoring Done Differently: Was it only yesterday that form and fit were the fashion buzzwords to look out for? Well, both form and fit are on holiday at NYFW, and the focus is instead on comfort and function. Not surprising, considering the urban commuter who moves around so much, and people’s general lack of interest in buying pieces that only ever sit in the wardrobe.

4. Feminine Goes Fierce: This year, even the more conventionally minded designers shifted their focus to clothing that made a stronger statement. Case in point- Brock Collection. Their collection is so much more refined and represents strength, inside and out.

5. Subtlety Over Statement: While everyone is busy making a statement, The Row toned it down. This is a potent message for fashion houses designing their collections right about now. Sometimes, in a world that is screaming statements, not making any statement at all may just be the most powerful way to go about anything.

6. Nostalgia: Perhaps the harshness of the world we live in today, with its myriad issues and its elected leaders, is making us fond of the services, army, and even the eighties! Junya Watanabe and Isabel Marant both took this nostalgia and channeled it into something beautiful.

7. Beyond Visual: The tink-tink of Paco Rabanne’s dress collection proved, yet again, that there’s no end to innovation in fashion. Auditory stimuli aren’t the first thing you’d associate with a dress, but they need not be the last either. We’re not rooting for squeaky shoes and hopefully, haven’t descended to dresses that play songs, but as long as the sound is pleasant to hear, why not!

8. The Return Of The Unisex: There’s no way to know how much of it is because of a movement, and how much merely a factor of comfort, but clothing collections are no longer split along gender lines. Case in point- all of the designers who exhibited their collections for men and women at the same time, on the same stage. Come to think of it, why doesn’t love a multipurpose piece?

The looks we loved from New York Fashion Week SS’19: 

1. Mara Hoffman: We love a designer with a voice, and what a statement voice she has! We love her easy whites, stand-out silhouettes and statement florals.

2. Marc Jacobs: elegance never goes out to style, and neither do high collars and breezy cuts suggestive of the elite. Culottes can be statement pieces too, if you know how to stitch them.

3. Naeem Khan: contemporary has never been this classic. Spaghetti dresses and high collars meet more modern ideas of prints and embellishments in this highly versatile collection.

4. Prabal Gurung: did we say pops of colour? Prada is not left alone on that count, what with Prabal Gurung joining in. We love the bright shades sure to make any day better.

5. Rebecca Minkoff’s collection is perfect for a statement workwear.

6. Tadashi Shoji: a master of the feminine, if there was one. Also one of the few collections we spotted this season with animal prints. They’re not going out of style anytime soon.

Which of these ideas will you use as inspiration for your next collection? Tell us in the comments.

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Supriya Ghurye is the founder and owner of Fuel4Fashion. She is a Freelance Fashion Designer and Brand Consultant helping fashion brands to create great products from idea to launch. Fuel4Fashion social links: Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram

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Why You Need A Business Plan For Your Fashion Business

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brand consultant, Business goals, business plan, cashflow management, emerging fashion brands, fashion biz, Fashion Business, fashion consultant, fashion designer, fashion entrepreneur, fashion startup, inventory management

 Many people falsely assume that a business plan is only for those businesses that want to raise funding or make an investor pitch. There’s no easy way to say this- the first person who needs a business plan, and will most likely use it extensively, is you!

As the adage goes, ‘failing to plan is planning to fail.’ So, a business plan is not just a spruced-up, fancy document that you rarely take out. It helps you determine exactly how you run your business, right from using your cash well to managing inventory.

Mind mapping ideas before creating a business plan

Here are some goals, apart from being an investor document, that a business plan serves.

1. A Communication Tool For Your Team: A business plan is a great way to show your team precisely what each person needs to do to achieve a very defined set of goals. Without a plan, most people don’t know where they’re heading. Worse, you’ll end up paying all of your resources without grasping why you aren’t getting any results. So, use a business plan to communicate your ideas to your team.  

2. A Ready-reckoner Of Goals: Having a business plan means putting down goals and objectives in as granular a manner as possible. You can always go back to your plan and review if you’re meeting goals. If not, the plan serves as a guide to see what went wrong- was it your strategy, or was it execution?  

3. A Flexible Calendar: One thing that all businesses, and young business, in particular, should remember is that no plan is set in stone. A business plan serves as a guide and allows you enough leeway to make adjustments based on the market from time to time. This is one key reason why a structure is essential. It is always good to make changes to a base template than to throw ideas around and let them stay amorphous.

4. A Guide To Inventory: In the first year of your business, when you have no past sales data to fall back on, a business plan serves as a projection tool to decide how much inventory you need. As you know, holding too much stock can block up your working capital, and having too little can cost you a sale. Projections obtained from a business plan are an excellent way to assess just how much inventory you need.

5. Cash Flow Management: Retail businesses need cash to procure inventory, to sell and to keep up sales channels, as well as to pay employees. In fact, a continuous supply of liquid money can decide how far you go into retail. Having a sound business plan helps you decide which months/years involve more spending so you can cut down on other costs proportionately. Likewise, a plan also enables you to determine how much of your profits should go back into the business, and under which head.

What does a good business plan involve? Broadly, it contains your executive summary, your vision and objectives, market potential and implementation plan over both the short and long runs.

As you can see, the headings in themselves are simple enough. However, filling them up with workable solutions is the real challenge. Most of the new fashion brands either turn to mentors or consultants to help give a proper shape to the plan. If you already have experience working in the fashion industry, consider seeking help in those areas that you are not yet entirely comfortable with.

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Supriya Ghurye is the founder and owner of Fuel4Fashion. She is a Freelance Fashion Designer and Brand Consultant helping fashion brands to create great products from idea to launch. Fuel4Fashion social links: Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram

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Beyond Digital: Offline And Inbound Marketing For Your Fashion Business

Tags

brand consultant, digital marketing, fashion, fashion brand, Fashion Business, fashion consultant, fashion designer, fashion marketing, inbound marketing

Digital marketing may sure be the only way to get the attention of an online audience. However, does this mean that merely by betting on it, you’ll be able to get your brand visibility and sales? The truthful answer is, no.

For one, online shopping is just about catching up, and before buying clothing and accessories (beyond the t-shirts and tunics), most people would want to experience the product, especially if they’re new to the brand. It is thus safe to say that just as brands and retail are present both offline and online, marketing efforts should be directed in both channels. In an earlier article, we have spoken about digital marketing for fashion brands.

In this one, let’s discuss offline and inbound marketing.

Today, most marketers understand inbound as a subset of online marketing, specifically, emails. However, anything that actively brings customers and their buying intent into your store is inbound, and this can be anything from a store level event to a pop-up. Without further ado, let’s look at some offline methods you can use to market your brand.

1. Go Beyond The Billboards. Today’s customers are bombarded with static and dynamic billboards wherever they go. This influx of information does nothing for brand recall. Instead, focus on value. What can you offer through your advertising that is useful to a potential customer? This can be anything from a lookbook to a consultation. “But how do we get them to come to us first?”, you may ask. Online advertising is an excellent place to begin.

2. Level Up Your Ideas. For brands that are beginning to sell in multi-store settings like malls, it is essential to direct the attention to yourself actively. Remember a decade ago, when mascots would be standing around to guide you to a place? You need to do something similar, but make it much more sophisticated. What if you could organize a treasure-hunt around the mall, with simple cues in the elevator or stairs? Marketing has long moved past flyers and bills.

3. Make Packaging Awesome. Many lingerie brands do this, as do perfumeries. Make the packaging so attractive that people feel like they’re giving themselves a present. Chances are, they’ll share it online and tell more people about it. In any case, it doesn’t hurt to add a small CTA (call to action) on the box asking people to share their experience online.

4. Look At Pop-Ups and Collaborations. Pop-up stores are insanely famous today because they offer an element of the unexpected. Make your pop-ups interesting, but not intimidating. Depending on your brand’s core audience, loud music may or may not work. Likewise, look at collaborating with other stores to conduct events on grooming and makeup, or to educate people on the different kinds of handbags. You’ll be surprised by how many people look for such advice.

As you can see, offline and online marketing today do not exist in two separate vacuum containers. They go hand-in-hand to help you gain more out of your efforts. For example, an event could be offline, but its promotion takes place online.

What is the most exciting marketing campaign you’ve ever encountered? Tell us in the comments.

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Supriya Ghurye is the founder and owner of Fuel4Fashion. She is a Freelance Fashion Designer and Brand Consultant helping fashion brands to create great products from idea to launch. Fuel4Fashion social links: Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram

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Beyond The Fancy Mirror On the Wall: Why AI Is Set to Change Fashion, And Not How You Thought

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#fashiondesigner, artificial intelligence, artificial intelligence in design, artificial intelligence in sales and services, brand consultant, fashion, fashion brands, fashion consultant, fashion retail, machine learning, machine learning and supply chain, technology

Artificial Intelligence is the latest buzzword today. After the industrial revolution and the invention of the World Wide Web, Machine Learning and AI are indeed the next big thing.

Why?

Because a machine with enough data can predict events before they happen, can skim through more data than a million humans in one lifetime, and can help businesses implement these learnings into their strategy!

Some experts are quick to disregard AI in fashion as nothing but a fancy tool to bring more customers into a store. We say, this in itself is not bad. However, the real potential of AI lies well beyond the stores- indeed, it quite literally lies behind the scenes. Because fashion as a business is simply retail, after all.

EDITED, a retail technology company | Source: Courtesy

Here are a few ways in which we think AI in fashion can help make the world, and the business, a better place:

1. Machine Learning and Supply Chains: From the garment manufacturer to the accessory-supplier, every stakeholder in the chain influences when a collection will be ready. Using past delivery trends, a machine can predict where bottlenecks are most likely to arise and help you solve the problem even before it begins. Think Just In Time Inventory Management, adapted to suit manufacturing needs.

2. Artificial Intelligence and Automation: If you’ve heard the new Google Assistant making a hairdresser’s appointment, you already know that machines are poised to perform repetitive tasks with a small degree of variance. Imagine if they could track inventory levels globally, and raise purchase orders when stock levels run too low. Some applications already do this, but by leveraging AI, human intervention in inventory and subsequent errors can almost be nullified.

3. Artificial Intelligence in Design: The actual designing process is a creative endeavor, and from where we currently stand, it is highly unlikely that machines will do it better than humans anytime soon. However, tools can work in tandem with human teams to gather trend data from around the globe to predict what would sell well in the coming seasons- the future climate, economy and social norms taken into account.

4. Artificial Intelligence in Sales and Service: Amazon has just debuted a store where billing is automatic. What if audio-enabled trial rooms became a thing? What if they could offer consumer opinions on the right size and fitting by ‘looking’ at them in a piece of attire? Not just that, even for online brands, more sophisticated chatbots are the need of the hour. Not only do they serve as efficiently, but they also reduce the cost of after-sales service.

5. Machine Learning in Collaborative Fashion: Brand collaborations are not new, but what if they could collaborate with a purpose? For example, a grassroots level linen brand and a global house of fashion could work to create a collection that adds value to everyone involved. Machines can observe trends from around the world and recommend these value-based collaborations.

As the saying goes, give a machine enough data, and it will show you the truth. Scary as it may seem, any repetitive task repeated a million times can approximate what a human being can do. Time to put the machines to task alongside the people then, wouldn’t you say?

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Supriya Ghurye is the founder and owner of Fuel4Fashion. She is a Freelance Fashion Designer and Brand Consultant helping fashion brands to create great products from idea to launch. Fuel4Fashion social links: Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram

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Women’s Workwear Trends in India: The Demand For Better Formals Is Here!

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Allen Solly, apparel, brand consultant, design collection, fashion, fashion brands, Fashion Business, fashion consultant, fashion designer, fashion entrepreneur, fashion startup, formal jackets, formal shirts, formal wear, Fuel4Fashion, Indianfashion, Park Avenue, Van Heusen, womensfashion, workwear

Until very recently, a few niche brands in the Indian market such as Allen Solly, Van Heusen, and Park Avenue have been the go-to options for picking western formalwear. Collections usually range from formal pants and skirts to jackets and shirts.

However, for the more discerning Indian woman, the choices in western formalwear were limited, to say the least. Even though aggregators like Shoppers Stop and Lifestyle began offering their in-house western formal collections, they have rarely been adventurous with their choice of clothing.

Today, the work culture around the world has changed, and India is no exception. Depending on the role they play, the local weather, the degree of comfort required and even how much they travel, women are choosing to dress in a variety of different clothes. Let’s look at the evolution of formal western wear for women here and save the discussion on Indian Ethnic Workwear for a separate article.

Here are some styles that have caught our eye.

1. The Shirt with A Twist: Gone are the days of boring formal shirts, whose best feature was often a ruffle or two around the button line. Today, shirts with lace trims, flowy sleeves and a relaxed vibe are in. Brands building a woman’s formal collection must now keep in mind the fact that many women prefer a relaxed fit, and limit a snug fit blouse to suits only. (Philip Lim, Image Source: Vogue)

The Shirt with A Twist

 

2. Statement Pants: Including that quintessential black trouser in your collection? Well, redesign it, or drop it, because no one is doing quintessentially with pants anymore. Wide-leg trousers are making a comeback and culottes are completely acceptable as formalwear. Think in-prints like floral and gingham. Today’s Indian woman knows how to blend comfort with a statement. (Chloe, Image Source: Vogue)

Statement Pants

 

3. A Midi Skirt: And we’re not talking about the pencil skirts with a slit anymore. Very few women, if any, prefer sitting through endless hours of meetings and calls in skirts that ride up and down on a whim. Instead, an A-line skirt that falls just around the knees is the preferred piece. As always, embellish. (Chicwish, Image Source: Chicwish)

A Midi Skirt

 

4. The New Formal Dress: Black isn’t the only formal tone anymore. In Indian summers, it would be anyone’s worst nightmare to have to step out in something black. Instead, keeping our tropical sensibilities in mind, the formal dress has evolved to be a flowy garment with one fitted element to bring it all together. (AND by Anita Dongre, Image Source: AND)

The New Formal Dress

 

5. Blazer 2.0: What does it take to brighten up the existing wardrobe? A new jacket, of course! Most cities in India barely inspire suiting up. However, some cities like Delhi are known to have harsh winters while Bangalore is known for its year-round need for jackets. Brands like H&M are beginning to evolve to meet this very need, and you’d do well to rethink what a jacket should be. (H&M, Image Source: Vogue)

Blazer 2.0

 

6. The Indian-Western Piece: This could be anything from Ikat culottes to a long line Kalamkari formal dress. India has a rich heritage of looms and fusion brands such as Bombay Paisley are tapping into the growing demand for clothes that let you breathe, and also look stylish and elegant at work. Incorporate a few of these elements into your designs, giving first priority to comfort. (Bombay Paisley, Image Source: Tatacliq)

The Indian-Western Piece

What other pieces do you think would make a splash on the western formalwear scene? Tell us in the comments below.

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Supriya Ghurye is the founder and owner of Fuel4Fashion. She is a Freelance Fashion Designer and Brand Consultant helping fashion brands to create great products from idea to launch. Fuel4Fashion social links: Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram

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