by Mo on December 14, 2010
We met the fabulous Samantha Pleet back in September at the Yesterday’s News eco-fashion event in NYC. Last week we saw some familiar landscape images rolling before our eyes as Samantha uploaded photos from her recent trip to Iceland. We oooh-ed and ahhh-ed over these beautiful captures of her moments in that magical land of fire and ice – so inspiring. We know you are all out there working hard, so we wanted to make sure you also had a moment of inspiration. Samantha graciously agreed to share with us her photos, as well as her top five tidbits of advice on life as an independent fashion designer. Please feel free to comment and share any of your own mantras with us as well.
1. Be an individual. Its important to do your own thing so you will stick out from other designers.
2. Start small with an edited collection you don’t want to overwhelm the buyers.
3. Work really hard, if you are planning on starting your own line you should know that it will consume every aspect of your life.
4. Make sure you have ways to relax, take the time to do things like yoga, gardening, or cooking healthy foods.
5. Surround yourself with creative people such as photographers, stylist, artists and musicians you feel inspired by.
by trish on August 13, 2008
Name: Jill Sherman
Occupation: Editor & Creator of TrenddelaCreme.com and Head of Marketing for technology start-up
City/State: San Francisco, California
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go? Morocco. I hear it’s one of the most culturally rich and ethnically diverse places on earth. Plus, I have a ridiculous obsession with patterns. (I can already see myself getting lost in the mosaic tile fountains. )
What’s your favorite piece of clothing? I’m definitely a shoe girl. Right now I’m loving a pair of patent red leather ballet flats I picked up for less than $20, if you can believe it. Oh, and I have a thing for hats (although I don’t wear them as often as I should.)
What 3 things can’t you live without? Sugar, comedy, and hairy chests (on men, not women.)
Have you taken any interesting road trips? I actually took at week long road trip with my cat several years back. We travelled the California coast line as far north as Big Sur and as far south as San Diego. (I know. Sounds crazy, right? But I was coming out of an awful divorce, so nothing seemed crazy at the time.)
What is your favorite word? Why? Plethora. It just sounds so velvety rolling off the tongue.
Tell us about something you LOVE that you want others to know about? AmysCandyKitchen.com. They have caramel apples so amazing, you might actually consider losing a limb or two to get one.
by trish on August 12, 2008
1. This is a great question and answer from Julie’s interview with Kate Sullivan from Kick PR.
Julie: What is is the one piece of advice you think most people need to know, but don’t about promoting themselves?
Kate Sullivan: Come prepared. Hard materials such as a look book ( catalog) and website are so important, especially in this day and age. I still rely heavily on sending out snail mail in addition to email and I do get a response from editors. more here…
2. Listen up everyone Needs PR! Don’t forget to evaluate your positioning, market and collateral from the interview with Crosby Noricks from PR Couture.
Julie: Who needs a PR person? and is it better for a clothing designer to hire a fashion pr person over a general pr firm?
Crosby Noricks: Everyone needs PR! However, PR works best when there is a great product, a great story, and great passion, enthusiasm, and patience. Beautiful hi-res images help too! Sometimes clients are itching for recognition, and that takes precedence over evaluating their positioning, market, and collateral. Also, a client might want to do a media campaign before getting really clear on their market, their voice, their story. PR can really help to clarify all these things – the challenge is to explain the value of PR beyond just media coverage.
I think it is key for your PR agency or publicist to be passionate about your product or service. For a clothing designer, a firm with a background in fashion is essential. more here…
3. Get featured in Fashion Junkie, this for the interview with Dara Fleischer.
Trish: Can you give the designers on Smashing Darling advice about how to get themselves featured?
Dara Fleischer: Drop me a line anytime! Send your fashion/beauty pitch to contact@fashionjunkie.com – I would love to hear from you! more here…
4. Be clear about what you are saying, this question and answer is from the interview with Erin Crumpacker spokes person with Jack + Bill PR agency.
Trish: If you could share with our community of indie/emerging designers one piece of advice what would you tell them?
Erin: Be sure to communicate the meaning and unique purpose behind your design. There are so many brands out there, so it’s important to explain why you as a designer care about your collection. There are many elements to consider when speaking to media and building your brand, but if your collection is well-designed and tells a meaningful, interesting story it can help really sell it to buyers, consumers and editors both online and off. more here…
Also, you will want to check back into the blog tomorrow. Trend de la Creme’s, Jill Sherman will be featured in ‘How Do You Wear Your Indie Fashion’.
