Pantone Fashion Color Trend NYFW Autumn/Winter 2020/2021
Pantone just released its trend forecasting guide for the fall/winter 20/21 season’s colors. The release consists of 14 colors, 10 vibrant and 4 classic ones.
AEP038 – Grow Your Brand With Fashion Trade Shows
Listen to The Apparel Entrepreneurship Podcast AEP038 In this episode of the Apparel Entrepreneurship Podcast, we talk about fashion trade shows and more specifically how to grow your brand by exhibiting at a trade show. So in this episode, we are dissecting the whole thing. What exactly are trade shows in case you haven’t been to one? Why you should or shouldn’t be at
How To Design Without Knowing How To Draw
We have received some questions about this topic and we feel the need to address it. The question is: Do I need to know how to draw to start a clothing brand? The short direct answer is No, you can start and run a successful brand without knowing how to draw. Here are our thoughts on this and a couple
AEP037 – How To Maximize Your Sourcing Fair Visit
Listen to The Apparel Entrepreneurship Podcast AEP037 In this episode of the Apparel Entrepreneurship Podcast, we talk about sourcing or more specifically How to maximize your sourcing fair visit. We explain what they are, what you can expect from the sourcing fairs, and some dos and don'ts. We further discuss why it is a good idea to visit a sourcing fair,
Fashion Trade Shows And Sourcing Fairs (2020-) 2021
A list of international trade shows divided into 2 segments: Material sourcing - fabrics and trims & Exhibiting fairs - where you can exhibit and sell your brand
AEP036 – How To Know When You Are Ready To Launch
In this fairly short episode of the Apparel Entrepreneurship Podcast we address a question that we receive all the time; How Do You Know When You Are Ready To Launch?
How To Pick A Brand Name
Early on in your business you need to work on your brand identity. You need to think about the meaning of your brand to your customers. Encapsulate that meaning in your brand name. In this article we take a closer look at picking your brand name.
AEP035 – How To Best Work With A Manufacturer
Listen to The Apparel Entrepreneurship Podcast AEP035 This is the episode many of you have been waiting for. It’s the first interview ever here on the Apparel Entrepreneurship Podcast, and it’s about how to best work with a manufacturer. We are talking to Kevin Van Lancker, founder and CEO of Sportwear of Tomorrow, a manufacturer of sublimated sportswear. They are the
AEP034 – Planning A Productive 2020
Listen to The Apparel Entrepreneurship Podcast AEP034 In this episode of the Apparel Entrepreneurship podcast, we talk about planning a productive 2020. You'll get tangible advice and tips on how to plan your work and manage your time. First, we talk about how to plan your year on a high level. We will continue to discuss how you can plan your
AEP033 – 7 Apparel Business Trends For 2020
Listen to The Apparel Entrepreneurship Podcast AEP033 <span data-mce-type="bookmark" style="display: inline-block; width: 0px; overflow: hidden; line-height: 0;" class="mce_SELRES_start"></span> In this episode of the Apparel Entrepreneurship podcast, we talk about 7 predictions and apparel business trends for 2020. We have worked with hundreds of brands through the Apparel Entrepreneurship Membership Program, one-on-one coaching, the Ana Kristiansson Design Agency, helping entrepreneurs start, run, and scale
AEP032 – Design Inspiration 101
In this episode of the Apparel Entrepreneurship podcast, we talk about how and where to find inspiration for your designs and collection.
AEP031 – 5 Reasons Why Your Customers Don’t Buy Your Products
Listen to The Apparel Entrepreneurship Podcast AEP031 Through working with clothing brands in the AE Membership Program, and through our consulting assignments, we see 5 major reasons why customers aren't buying from certain brands. Some of you have been running your brand for years and you now see a decline in sales. And many of you haven't launched your brands yet,
AEP030 – 9 Marketing Ideas For Black Friday
This podcast episode packed with everything you need to know about Black Friday, including the pros and cons. We are also giving you 9 marketing ideas for how you can increase your chances of selling your products. This information is also useful to know if you decide NOT to do Black Friday.
AEP029 – Blog Tips For Fashion Brands
In today's episode, we are talking about why you should have a blog, why it's useful, and blog topic tips for your fashion brand. A blog is important, no matter if you are just starting out or if you are running and established clothing brand.
What Is A Line Sheet & Why Do You Need One?
If your business model includes retail, you will eventually have to present your collection to buyers, for wholesale purposes. The buyers will need all the product information necessary, to place an order.
AEP028 – Business Partners, Mentors & Coaches 101
In this episode, we are talking about business partners, coaches, and mentors. Why is having a business partner such a good idea? What do you need to think of when picking a partner? We are discussing some important components to consider before partnering up with someone, so you don't do the same mistakes we have done and also seen other
Apparel Glossary
Understanding the glossary and terms used in the apparel business will be an important part of your day to day business. Understanding these words, phrases and abbreviations will help you communicate with suppliers, materials and the rest of the teams involved in and around your brand.
AEP027 – Design Your Business To Suit Your Life
Listen to The Apparel Entrepreneurship Podcast AEP027 In this episode, we are discussing how you can design your business to suit your life, in opposition to the other way around. When we started our first business, we basically just mimicked the way our previous employers ran their businesses. But the traditional 9 to 5 setup didn't suit us, and our life
Find Freelance Graphics Designers
Are you looking for a graphic designer? Do you need help with logo design, your graphical profile, prints, hand-outs, or t-shirt and hoodie designs? Then 99designs can be an option for you. They allow you to find and work with talented freelance designers online, worldwide.
AEP026 – How To Tap Into The Largest Consumer Group 2020
There is a lot of talk about the Millenials, but not as much about the consumer group that is going to be the biggest one in 2020. In this episode, we are talking about generation z. We discuss who they are, how they will behave, and what we can do to connect with them. Even if this is not your
How To Validate Your Brand Idea
How to validate your clothing brand and make sure it stands out in the crowded marketplace.
11 Instagram Caption Tips To Help You Get More Engagement
Tips on how to write captions that create more engagement on your Instagram account.
How To Run A Successful Kickstarter Campaign
How to run a Kickstarter campaign. Video interview with Founder & CEO of TrueREVO.
18 Steps To Start A Clothing Line
Are you thinking about starting a clothing line? Are you already running a clothing brand, but you need some clarity about all the steps involved? Are you already running a business in a different field, and now you want to expand into clothing? These following18 steps will help you to start a clothing line, and in what order you need
ATTRIBUTES OF A RELEVANT & THRIVING APPAREL BRAND
Clothing brands need to take a fresh look at all components of the business to stay relevant 2019.
WHAT YOU NEED TO START & RUN YOUR APPAREL BRAND
10 years ago we started our first apparel brand. Even though we had experience from working in the apparel industry, it was a challenge getting a good grip of starting up a business. Then the big question: how do we do this? Now we've made it easier for you to start and run an apparel brand.
USE A PRODUCT RANGE PLAN FOR YOUR APPAREL BRAND
A product range plan is a detailed written overview of your entire collection. It helps you keep track of product parameters such as style numbers and names, number of styles, colors, variations, and features. It also includes financial information and sales forecasting.
HOW TO DEFINE YOUR CUSTOMER
By identifying your target customer for your apparel brand, it will be easier to design, strategize your segments and develop an effective marketing plan.
THE APPAREL ENTREPRENEURSHIP PODCAST
Today is the start of The Apparel Entrepreneurship Podcast! On each episode of The Apparel Entrepreneurship Podcast, we will discuss hands-on tactics touching on all areas involved in running and growing a meaningful, successful apparel brand. Learn practical strategies about sustainability, design, product range planning, marketing, sales, community growth, e-commerce, and entrepreneurship. You’ll also hear inspiring interviews with apparel industry
AEP001 – INTRODUCTION
The Apparel Entrepreneurship Podcast #1 -Introduction, reasons, and motivation of being an entrepreneur, plus tips on how to manage a busy schedule.
HOW TO CALCULATE YOUR PRODUCT PRICE
Your product price is directly related to your market position, your target customer, and your profits. The price should fit in your product range strategy and allow the margin you desire. To create a proper collection plan and to be able to make strategic decisions for your business, you need to calculate your product price early on in your product
FIND OVER 280 SUSTAINABLE SUPPLIERS
A common challenge for clothing brands is to find material suppliers that can provide fabrics and accessories, exact matching their needs. As most modern brands also have an environmental strategy, it can be a time-consuming process to find the right materials. To make it easier for you we have added over 280 new suppliers worldwide to the searchable database in
READ THIS BEFORE STARTING A CLOTHING LINE (LESSONS LEARNED)
Encountering problems and making mistakes is part of running an apparel business. Are there any lessons learned from the mistakes made? For everyone who is about to, or already run a clothing brand, we have made it a bit easier for you. We have put together a list of 37 common mistakes, and what you can do to avoid them
ORGANIC COTTON 101
Cotton plays a big part in every human's life. We wear it, we dry ourselves with it, we sleep on it, we even walk on it, and our kids may play with it. In this article, we explain what organic cotton is, why you should use it, and how to find it.
How To Set Your Style Numbers
When you are designing your collection, you need to assign style numbers to each design. The style numbers will help you to better communicate with your retailers, agents, distributors, suppliers, pattern makers, and everyone else you are working with. Here is a style number system for you to use.
HOW TO DESIGN YOUR CLOTHING LINE
When running an apparel brand, clothing design is the core of your business. Designing your clothing line can be challenging. There are many aspects to think of to make it stand out in a crowded fashion market. You want to create clothes that represent your point of view as a designer, at the same time as the collection sells. To
33 WAYS TO GROW YOUR APPAREL BRAND IN 2019
Small brands, medium-sized brands, and big brands all have one thing in common: they want to grow. This is a list of 33 ways to grow an apparel brand divided into 3 sections: Entrepreneurship, Collection & Products, and Marketing & Sales. Addressing all the points at the same time would be extremely ambitious, but even the smallest improvements, can
33 STEPS TO BUILD A GREAT ONLINE STORE
Selling online means you need to have an online shop. Whether it is your main selling channel or not, you want to create the best customer experience possible, that maximizes your online sales. How can you make your apparel online store as great as possible? We have put together 33 points that will dramatically increase your chances of creating returning,
FASHION & ENTREPRENEURSHIP PODCAST TIPS
A curated list of podcasts we recommend, that we think you will enjoy, divided in 3 categories: Entrepreneurship, Sustainability and Fashion.
MARKETING TACTICS THAT WILL MAKE YOUR BRAND SUCCEED IN 2019 [PART 3(3)]
Offline marketing refers to activities that are not directly dependent on computers and mobile devices. Here you find the more traditional tactics. However, these can still be very effective and help you succeed with your brand.
MARKETING TACTICS THAT WILL MAKE YOUR BRAND SUCCEED IN 2019 [PART 2(3)]
Online marketing is as it sounds, every bit of marketing you do online - computer, mobile, and devices. Nowadays, this is where you should spend most of your focus. Read about online marketing tactics that will make your brand succeed in 2019.
MARKETING TACTICS THAT WILL MAKE YOUR BRAND SUCCEED IN 2019 [PART 1(3)]
The global apparel market is valued at $1.39 trillion and in 2020 the market is projected to grow to $1.65 trillion. What do these numbers say: HUGE opportunities for everyone in this industry (if you know how to tap into the opportunities and possibilities out there). Learn about marketing tactics for your clothing brand in 2019.
WHO DO YOU NEED ON YOUR TEAM?
When you have a clear vision of what the brand should be about and who your ideal customer is, you need to figure out how you’re going to do it and the size of it all. If you’re the creative type, you’ll probably focus on the product and everything related to it—but of course the other side needs attention too:
STAND OUT – DIFFERENTIATE YOUR BRAND FROM THE COMPETITION
The market is crowded out there and it’s vital that you differentiate your brand and stick out. Too many waste their energy checking out their competition. This can be a good thing in moderation, mostly to see what you should NOT do. When a company does their thing and you end up copying their selection, product, marketing strategy whatever, you
FREE FABRIC SWATCHES & NO MINIMUM ORDERS
SwatchOn is an online fabric supplier from Korea with a selection of over 100.000 fabrics. To fully feel the selected swatches, they send you them for free. They have no minimum order quantity.
FABRIC SCHOOL
Fabrics are a very big part or your business and your brand’s story. Fabrics are what your products are made of and therefore a huge opportunity for you to differentiate your brand from the competition. By working with suppliers and mills directly you can make your own special fabrics that don’t exist anywhere else. To learn about fabrics and to
