My book’s title, The Fashion Switch, derives from the fundamental change that digital has had on the fashion business. For the last quarter-century, it’s been firmly set on “transmit”, stuck in a predictable cycle, dictating what we should wear, how we should wear it, and when. In this extraordinary age of connectivity, it’s had no …
Read MoreALIGN PART 3 – REDEFINING INNOVATION
The biggest headache for the fashion business today is staying relevant, and relevance comes from investing in research, development, and fashion innovation. When I talk with clients about innovation and test them to see if they are ready to think outside their comfort zone, many become quite anxious. They always seem to link the word …
Read MoreALIGN PART 2 – A DISTINCT VISUAL LANGUAGE
As more of our lives shift to digital, and with our attention span getting ever shorter, it’s become even more important for customers to understand a brand’s visual touchpoints in a few seconds. With an authentic story already in place, brands that are successful need a distinct visual handwriting that is easily recognized. If you …
Read MoreALIGN PART 1 – AUTHENTIC BRAND MESSAGE – IN CONVERSATION WITH CAROLINE ISSA
Authentic 1. of undisputed origin and not a copy; genuine. “Since 2008 the number of articles that mention the word authenticity in the headline has risen dramatically overall.” – Harvard Review 2016 To be heard and seen in today’s competitive market, you need to have a succinct and authentic brand message which customers can connect …
Read MoreTHE TALENT DRAIN – WHAT WILL HAPPEN AFTER BREXIT?
As Brexit looms, London runs the risk of losing creative talent. The key to this capital’s success is precisely that incredible mix of cultures, talent from Europe as well as from much further afield. If it becomes more complex for those who train here, to return and settle, can the UK retain its global outlook? …
Read More14 MISTAKEN NOTIONS TO AVOID AS A FASHION ENTREPRENEUR
You’re a driven fashion entrepreneur and you’re itching to get your ideas to market. Before you make plans to retire on your inevitable profits, writes Joanne Yulan Jong, check these 14 mistaken notions. Forewarned is forearmed… 1. Having a good eye and sense of fashion style means you can be a great fashion designer Great …
Read MoreFASHION, IT’S A NUMBERS GAME
The first eighteen months of setting up a fashion brand are the most crucial. If you make it past that post, making sure you’ve got the finance to stay in the game is what counts. Don’t take your collection to market until you are sure you can make money in fashion and afford to – …
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