How do I build a successful brand and become a renowned fashion designer?

The fashion industry is constantly evolving, and it is a billion-dollar industry worldwide. At the core of it is to build a successful brand which is so much more than a logo or its visual elements. We often get asked by many aspiring fashion designers – What does it take to start and more importantly sustain a new clothing brand? 

Fashion legend Kenneth Cole offers the following tips for anyone looking to launch a label:

1. Say yes to everything

I took every job I could get my hands on, whether it was ripping up cotton poplin to make hair things on a Vogue shoot, or it sitting in a closet and organizing sticky boobs. Take any position that you can to learn, because all of the steps along the way are crucial

 2. Make your own luck

 A little trick I learned with finding manufacturers: Don’t ever email or tell people you are coming – just show up. If you show up, they can’t turn you away

 3. Find your cheerleaders

You cannot make it (in this business) if you do not have emotional support from your friends and family because you will need to sacrifice so much of your free time

4. Connect with your clients

You learn who your woman is by meeting your retail partners because when they hear the passion behind your work – from sourcing the materials to how it was made, it becomes more to them than clothes hanging on the rack

5. You do you

Yes we create a product, but nobody I waiting for another product, so the process of making it is a lot of choices based on gut feelings. Some things that might seem or feel wrong (logically), but if you believe in them, you have to do them. In the end, you are the person who’s going to create. That’s why we love what we do

6. Carve out a niche

Take a look at the current market and make sure you are not selling something that is there already. Distinguish yourself by creating a DNA of manipulating shirts in new ways. 

 7. The best style has substance.

Making it in this business requires significant personal compromises: it takes more than 40 hours a week, and whole lot of yourself. So I believe there needs to be a greater purpose, something bigger than just how much revenue you can generate. What you stand for is even more important than what you stand in. And being aware is even more important than what you wear

8. Study a relevant bachelor degree

 Often we get people who have either good skill in technical design or brand management but they hardly have both! It is important to complete a qualification that offers a blend in design and brand management. In summary, you need to know how to produce the work but also learn how to get it out there in a market!

Where should I study in order to be a successful fashion label designer?

There are various ways to attain this qualification depending if you are seeking an undergraduate or postgraduate degree. If you have recently completed high school or other relevant foundation qualification (Diplomas, A-Levels, IB Programs, etc.) and seeking for an undergraduate program, we highly recommend checking out the Bachelor of Business Management (Fashion and Global Brand Management) at The International College of Management, Sydney (ICMS)

At a glance:

What other careers can I venture after completing the Bachelor of Business in Fashion and Global Brand Management?

This qualification provides you with a plethora of opportunities in fashion related management jobs – it can gravitate from your day-to-day casual brand towards luxury labels. It takes more than just innovative design to build a successful brand or label. Skills in marketing, merchandising, logistics management and sales technique contributes to bringing your product from the Victoria Secrets Runway show to the racks of consumers’ favourite retail outlet. 

Other career includes becoming a purchase manager in luxury retailer, visual presenters or even taking advantage of the enormous opportunities in social media marketing and becoming a fashion blogger or influencer. 

If you would like to find out how to apply for this program, please simply connect with Excel Education and we would love to assist you!