Prepare this phase by researching information about the store on the internet, asking other people from the industry or maybe by other brand owners who already worked with them.
1 – What kind of fashion brands do they sell (Style, ethics, origin,…)? 2 – Do they actually buy the pieces or do they work on consignment? 3 – Who are their customers? Understand their lifestyle. 4 – What are their commission rates? 5 – What are their payment terms?
Be able to present your fashion brand
6 – What is your fashion brand concept about? 7 – How does your collection compare with the competitors? 8 – Who is your target customer? Briefly describe how your pieces fit in with their lifestyle. 9 – What is your long term vision for your line?
Prepare your collection properly and organize your documents to ease the fashion buyers’ review
10 – Are all your samples ready and well made? 11 – Do you have a Line Document, a Collection Plan and/or a Marketing Plan?
12 – Does your line document, collection plan and/or marketing plan include these items for each garment in your collection:
The number of pieces
The size options available
The color options available
The fabric options available
The price point – with a detail between wholesale and a suggested retail price
13 – Tag your samples so that you can connect them easily with the items named in your document (with a photo of the garment with a plain/white background for example) 14 – Are you able to provide enough inventory for a large order? For your answer, also take the payment terms information collected into account.
Be prepared to close the deal
15 – How will your fashion brand relate with the store’s current customers? Or will it attract a new potential customer base?
16 – What is your merchandising strategy? 17 – Are you prepared to take the risk if the collection doesn’t sell?
On D-Day, have fun
18 – To finish, make the fashion buyers comfortable, offer some drinks and snacks and relax. Everything will go well! We keep our fingers crossed for you!
Despite it seeming just yesterday that we were swooning over the shows at Paris Fashion Week, the Cruise 2017 collections have sailed round at top speed and are now upon us. While we’re sad to see the back of those glorious pink Chanel suits, we’re not exactly complaining. With a whole new set of looks to feast our eyes on, we’ve picked our best bits from the Designers who we’ve seen so far. Let’s put it this way, you won’t be disappointed: Chanel
Just when you thought they’d run out of ideas, Chanel has managed to reinvent itself once more. Alternative takes on classic looks, including black and embellished grey taffetas and chiffons led the first part of the show, while bright, textured, metallic tailored garments brought up the rear. Chanel – Cruise 2017 Chanel – Cruise 2017
Gucci
Gucci’s collection was an explosion of colour, texture and pattern from start to finish, with eye-catching pieces, and a distinctive, retro vibe. Gucci – Cruise 2017 Gucci – Cruise 2017
Red Valentino
Bringing a touch of softness to proceedings was Red Valentino, with muted tones, distressed and delicate fabrics and soft silhouettes. Red Valentino – Cruise 2017 Red Valentino – Cruise 2017
Dior
Dior presented a fierce collection with a strong, masculine/feminine attitude. Over-sized, structured shoulder padded sleeves were mixed with flimsier fabrics, striking the perfect balance between the two trends. Fendi
Fendi played with print in a fun, feminine way with influences from various origins. Full, spanish skirts were mixed with Hawaiian prints resulting in a collection of regal, Mediterranean looks.
Fendi – Resort 2017 Fendi – Resort 2017
Christopher Kane
Also utilising bold print in his collection, Kane played with a geometric check print in a variety of ways. Sequins and colour-clashing were mixed with duller tones to create an interesting modern take on some classic vintage styles.
Christopher Kane – Cruise 2017
Rochas
Geometric prints and structured shapes lead the way at the Rochas show. These bold, masculine pieces contrasted the collection’s alter-ego of floral fabrics, lace, and joyful colours. Rochas – Cruise 2017
Rochas – Cruise 2017
Roberto Cavalli
Cavalli’s collection was a step back in time. Psychedelic prints, embroidered jean and crochet made this a creative but coherent 70s inspired collection. Roberto Cavalli – Cruise 2017
Armani
Armani’s show was playful from start to finish, with feminine silhouettes and soft, whimsical fabrics. Colour and geometric pattern were used in subtle and soft ways, resulting in a very wearable collection. Armani – Cruise 2017 Armani – Cruise 2017
Phillip Lim
Boho took a trip to the future with Phillip Lim’s vibrant collection of florals in contrasting, neon brights and rock ’n’ roll black. Philip Lim – Cruise 2017 Philip Lim – Cruise 2017
Maison Margiela
Long-line, collared coats in muted colours and patent detailing were the predominant look in this distinctively, 60s collection. Maison Margiela – Cruise 2017 Maison Margiela – Cruise 2017 Oscar De La Renta
Renta’s show was the expectedly elegant, feminine collection of floaty florals and intricate embroidery that the designer is renowned for. A few pieces leant towards the bohemian trend, while others adopted a vintage look from a different era, including a feathered 20s number. Oscar de la Renta – Cruise 2017 Oscar de la Renta – Cruise 2017
Escada:
Colour blocking, structure and bold, geometric prints made this a succinct and bold collection.
Escada – Cruise 2017 Bottega Veneta
50s and 60s vintage shapes in muted colours were given a pop with crinkled patent, leather and unusual colour combinations. Bottega Veneta – Cruise 2017 Bottega Veneta – Cruise 2017
DKNY
Feminine met masculine once more in this urban collection in soft muted shades. DKNY – Cruise 2017 Erdem
Fabulous flower prints were the star of Erdem’s show. Embroidered and printed onto a range of fabrics from soft chiffon to tough leather, it’s was an edgy and punchy take on classic romance. Erdem – Cruise 2017 Erdem – Cruise 2017
Jil Sander
A very minimalist collection saw oversized, classic vintage shapes in simple, plain fabrics. Jil Sander – Cruise 2017 Louis Vuitton
Vintage leatherwork was contrasted with bold, geometric prints, resulting a futuristic, masculine collection, softened with short hems and exposed skin. Louis Vuitton – Cruise 2017
Louis Vuitton – Cruise 2017
Missoni
Missoni packed in as many patterns as possible, using both geometrical and asymmetrical prints. Floaty, un-structured pieces were featured alongside more tailored, futuristic looks in stiff, metallic fabrics. A colourful collection with plenty of attitude. Missoni – Cruise 2017
Missoni – Cruise 2017 Acne
A softer-than-usual collection with floaty fabrics and delicate, watercolour prints. Tie-dye was also used on several garments, giving a nod to the 70s trend. Acne – Cruise 2017
by Stephanie Cvetkovic for Fashion Cross Functional
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