The State of Independent Fashion
Fashion designers held about 22,700 jobs in 2008. About 31 percent of fashion designers worked for apparel, piece goods, and notions merchant wholesalers; and 13 percent worked for apparel manufacturers. Many others were self employed. Little or no change in employment is projected.**
More and more fashion programs (often without a small business focus) + inspired students + fewer jobs = a large community of independent designers out there on their own. We want to help. What do you need help with most? Please drop us an email or comment and let us know.
**Source
PapuszaCouture, Brooklyn, NY, $300
Build Community
In case you missed it, we added location to your boutique (read more). When we complete the search by area function, consumers will be able to type in a location and see the designers near by, and if you like, you can connect with your local Darlings!
Just as a reminder, you can help us build our community by sending us fashion events happening near you, or local boutiques supporting independent fashion. If you have had a good or bad experience with a show or event we want to hear about it. Sharing your experience can help another designer down the road.
Blog Renovations
We changed up our look in the Darling blog – did you see? We aren’t done yet, but when we are there will be much more room for advertising your business. If you are interested, please let us know!
Modern Millinery, Annapolis, MD, $158
Tell Your Story
East Bay Fashion Resource is working on their second edition of Fashion Unraveled and is on the hunt for case studies. If you have been in business for at least one year and fit into a category below, go here to submit your story!
Business Categories:
1. A home based designer (everything is handmade by your or your friends).
2. A small company that outsources sewing to a factory
3. A T-shirt/Screen printing business
East Bay Fashion Resource is working on their second edition of Fashion Unraveled and is on the hunt for case studies. If you have been in business for at least one year and fit into a category below, go here to submit your story!
Business Categories:
1. A home based designer (everything is handmade by your or your friends).
2. A small company that outsources sewing to a factory
3. A T-shirt/Screen printing business
Mahtab Azimi, Camarillo, CA, $89.95
