Expert’s Corner: Get the character of your fashion business right!
Welcome to See Fashion’s first ever Expert’s Corner. In this series, we talk to some of the industry’s leading figures about their experiences and tips on running a fashion business. You can download further resources and tools based on this series by registering at www.seefashion.co.uk.
This week Simon Ward, former chief operating officer at the British Council of Fashion, offers advice from his new book, The Character of Fashion.
“You’re thinking of starting up a fashion designer business? Don’t, is my advice!..”
…These were my opening words to many aspiring young designers I met over my years at the British Fashion Council (BFC). Why? It’s a very long and steep hill to climb, such is the level of competition and the huge demands in growing, building and sustaining a fashion business. Yet I rarely succeeded in putting anyone off! The belief in their own talent and determination to succeed was quite awesome. Leading fashion journalist and BFC talent scout, Sarah Mower, sets out her top 10 indicators of talent in my new book ‘The Character of Fashion’. And, if you are thinking of starting out on your own, check out Designer Factfile.
There are good reasons to set up your own business — you can set the pace, build your own team, decide that you want to do things ethically — both with suppliers and your own team — and build into your business a generosity of spirit that shows the world that fashion has great power to do good.
Of course, if you are working for someone else you can champion these characteristics, and they can help you decide which business you most admire and would like to work for. For ideas, visit Ethical Fashion Forum.
Simon Ward is the former Chief Operating Officer of the British Fashion Council and author of ‘The Character of Fashion’. You can purchase his book for £8.99 here.
See Fashion is a crowdfunding platform that helps young designers validate their products, build a fanbase and connect with top retailers. Get access to our educational designer series with tools and tips on all aspects of running a fashion business by registering as a designer here.
