The Fashion Designer Survival Guide: An Insider's Look at Starting and Running Your Own Fashion Business

by Zac Posen, Zac Posen (Foreword)

The national retail apparel business has grown to a $172 billion per year industry, and the employment rate for designers is expected to outpace that of all other occupations through the year 2008. "The Fashion Designer Survival Guide" is a must-have for the thousands of talented designers who want to see their dream of creating an independent fashion line become a reality.Mary Gehlhar, author, industry authority, and consultant to hundreds of designers (including newcomers Alicia Bell, Keanan Duffty, and Milly), gives readers behind-the-scenes advice and essential business information on creating and sustaining a successful career as an independent designer. "The Fashion Designer Survival Guide" provides the necessary tools to get a fashion line or label up and moving on the right track, including: -Start-up costs and financing -Legal issues -Business plans -Public relations and sales -Marketing and manufacturing -Distribution-trade, trunk, and runway shows

This book also provides case studies from independent designers at different stages of their careers, including tough letdowns and exciting successes. Young designers weigh-in on topics important to them when they were starting out, while several top name designers offer personal perspectives on a single question, providing a window to their world and a variety of answers.

Designers are bursting with creativity but often fall flat going into business as an independent. "The Fashion Designer Survival Guide" provides designers with the one thing design school didn't-intelligent and successful business practices.

Genres: Fashion, Business, Fashion Design, Nonfiction, Sewing

224 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2005

Reviews

[Wendy'sThoughts]

House of Z-An Insightful Look at Zac Posen- Netflix Documentary
* * * * * Disclaimer: I looked to see if there was any book written about Posen. This was all I could find which was appropriate.
I love Documentaries. When done well, you are there ... a fly on the wall and can see how people truly are...As a reader, I am always putting myself into the story one way or another... either by being the mental voice of reason trying to understanding what motivated actions or by being a willing participant... there with the characters and feeling every little situation...

When watching on Netflix, House of Z directed by Sandy Chronopulos, I was there through all the ups and downs of Zac Posen's career. I experienced all of his highs and very lows...and if you ever had any interest in fashion... or just a passing nod to the designer because he is a judge on Project Runway...Then the time spent watching this will be well worth it.

You are able to see as a child how he was nurtured by his parents and family. How all of the elements came together for him very early in his career and then what he experienced as the fashion darling at such a young age. His rise to fame, the stress to stay on top, the quick growth and all the pressure it can be. How when too many voices are telling the artist what to do... and how it can devour the talent until it is drained...

Zac Posen is an incredible craftsman... a true designer of another era...yet of today. If you have the time, this documentary takes you on Zac's creative and emotional journey...

For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways

[P. Wish · Rating 5 out of 5]

A comprehensive guide to breaking into the fashion business. I loved how detailed and practical the book was. Mary uses the experiences and interviews of other people in the industry to help you understand the realities of starting your own clothing line. I especially liked the sections on production and getting your collection into stores. The PR section was an eye-opener. Mary gives you tips and names that help you get a hang of how to go on about the topics covered.
Some parts of the books may not apply to today's scenario and the book is largely written for the American fashion market but for the most part, The Fashion Designer's Survival Guide is an indispensable companion to any fashion designer. I would recommend this book to any new designer, fashion entrepreneur or fashion design student.

[Eunice Graham · Rating 4 out of 5]

For the serious fashion designer this is a must have I would say. For the smaller business it is full of interesting information, some you may use, most you won't. If just starting out I would find a book on ecommerce and follow their selling info to be honest. Well written and informative though. I enjoyed it even though my business is smaller.

[Samantha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gives a very light overview. Needs more depth.

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wow, they have it harder than I do writing down loadable pdf patterns. And I definitely see why the advise to work for someone else first, and to work hard comes from.

[Fátima Ziggy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a prerequisite for fashion preneurs, everything you need to start, run and maintain a successful fashion business. I gained a lot of insights on how to survive as a fashion designer in business

[Beenish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ausome and a good book for learning techniques

[Musfiq · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book for fashion designers.....

[Guriya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

[Pranjay Kumar · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book was informative and a good deep dive into an industry I knew nothing about

[Adriane · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really good read and was very informative, with lots of good valid ideas and points for running your own business. The only thing to note is that the book was written based predominantly on the American fashion market, so some of the information will not be relevant in the UK or other countries. Otherwise a good book.

[Sher❤ The Fabulous BookLover · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of helpful information and she definitely gives it to you straight. Gehlhar doesn't sugar coat the truth about how hard it is to be in the fashion industry. Good read if you're wanting to start your own label.

[Tarin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very insightful! A great reference tool for anyone who is interested in starting a clothing line...or could pertain to any sort of product manufacturing...but mostly the fashion industry!!

[Melanie Hughes · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is very current and a great resource on starting a fashion company.

[ereeese · Rating 4 out of 5]

Still reading this very insightful guide to the fashion industry.

[Vilia Ciputra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a good book for everything simple and practical about fashion and its industries. Perfect book for fashion beginner, designer, and business owner.

[Alisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great tips and great expert advise.

[Alisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This version is like the first but with more business information and also better examples from the industry.

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

love!...an ongoing read and re-read

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful reference source and ongoing read for industry bound professionals.

[Grace Ng · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book, gives you tips from an insider's point of view.

[Alexis · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are considering a career in the fashion industry this book is a must have!

[Anthony James · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read !!! So helpful

[Preethi V · Rating 5 out of 5]

A comprehensive guide to breaking into the fashion business. I loved how detailed and practical the book was. Mary uses the experiences and interviews of other people in the industry to help you understand the realities of starting your own clothing line. I especially liked the sections on production and getting your collection into stores. The PR section was an eye-opener. Mary gives you tips and names that help you get a hang of how to go on about the topics covered.
Some parts of the books may not apply to today's scenario and the book is largely written for the American fashion market but for the most part, The Fashion Designer's Survival Guide is an indispensable companion to any fashion designer. I would recommend this book to any new designer, fashion entrepreneur or fashion design student.

[Hoscar WF]

This writ up give me an good ideas