Help!!!!!!!!! Do You You Have Advice for a Young Designer???

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Permalink Reply by Stephanie Finnan on March 2, 2009 at 10:20am

Hi Anguane',
I'll do my best to help you with some advice.
First of all, do not let anyone put you down, tell you your dreams are out of reach, or that you can't do something!!
It sounds to me that you are a happy, positive person anyway, and that you aren't going to let anyone or anything get in your way - what a great attitude! You're half way there with an outlook like yours!
I wonder though if the people who are saying things like "You're too young to be taken seriously' and "why don't you think of something more realistic and practical' are saying these things partly because they are concerned about you - after all, this industry is really tough, now more so than ever due to the economic climate. Perhaps they are in their own way trying to warn you or protect you from the harsh realities of this business? Also, to some, fashion is still considered a 'fantasy' job, not something that's a 'proper' job. Well, I guess it's up to you to prove them wrong - if you really want this, then of course you can make it happen. The comments about being a black designer are just ridiculous - being a good designer is not about race, religion, background, whatever - it's about talent and hard work, nothing else!
Ok, so on to some practical advice - at the risk of sounding very patronising (I don't mean to be, I'm just genuinely interested to hear more about your situation) - 17 does sound very young to be trying to launch a fashion collection (I presume from your post that this is what you are trying to do?). Some of the people who are being negative might be saying those things based on what your situation is now - such as, do you have adequate finance for the collection, do you have a really strong concept, why are you different from everyone else? My main concern is that you are still at high school and still have a way to go before you might be taken seriously, and sorry, this is down to age and experience more than anything. While going to university to do a degree in fashion design is not essential, you will be taken much more seriously in the industry if you have a degree, and of course you will learn so much in terms of practical knowledge, development of your style, etc. After uni, spending a few years in the industry working for other designers is really invaluable - you will learn so much from them, then you could go back to doing your own collection after that. If this is not an option, and you have decided you simply want to go for it with your own collections now, then this is up to you, and my advice would be to find yourself a mentor in your local area, someone who understands what you're trying to do and supports you with it. Obviously it would be best if it's someone in the fashion industry, otherwise, is there a local business person who you admire, and could ask for help?

Very best of luck with it all - let me know if you have further questions, I would be happy to help.

Stephanie Finnan
THE FASHION CAREERS CLINIC
steph@fashioncareersclinic.com
www.thefashioncareersclinic.blogspot.com

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Permalink Reply by Angunae' on March 9, 2009 at 10:48pm

Dear Stephanie Finnan,

First off let me start by saying, thank you for taking out the time to respond, when I know you didn't have to... I really appreciate it! :)

Also I absolutly agree with what you said, ""The comments about being a black designer are just ridiculous - being a good designer is not about race, religion, background, whatever - it's about talent and hard work, nothing else!"

That's exactly how I feel! We are all "ONE PEOPLE" and as a people, black, white, blue... rich or poor, young old, in between..christian or muslim, democratic or republican, crazy, sane, hetero ... metro whatever! Nothing like that matters! A great designer is a great designer, and that goes for anything singers,dancers, business owner ect...

You'd think with soo much going on in the world, and all the negativity and violence that when somone is try's to do somthing positive we would come together and try to help each other out in reaching our goals and build each other up!...instead of tearing each other to shreads and breaking others down.

Moving on, In answer to your comments & questions...


"17 does sound very young to be trying to launch a fashion collection"

Yes mam'!... 17 is pretty young but as a child they always say, "You can do anything you put your mind too!" ... lol and I have a lot in my mind, so a long time ago I figured I'd better get started right away...lol! Also this means a lot to me it's my passion! A deep emotion that I can't explain! I work just as hard for fashion as I do for anything in life! Even though I'm young, I intend on working hard to get where I want to be and even harder to stay there!

"(I presume from your post that this is what you are trying to do?)."
Not a collection, it's soo much more than that!!!

"Do you have a really strong concept, why are you different from everyone else?"

To me fashion, although very competitive is not a competition for me! It's soo much more than that! It's my chance to help others in my own kinda of weird way...if will...
I love fashion. It has helped me get through some of the rough times in my life! When things where bad at home I'd go in my room and write and draw... and draw designing, sculpting and creating art for the body... channaling all of my emotions and sxsperience from others situations... my ideas ...everything into my designs!
Although life is complicated and stressful at times, when I create it's like all my troubles melt away and for a second life's struggles are put on hold, and everything seems to make since.
My insperation for clothes comes from life, weather it's a tree, a warm day or emotions of others!
I want to give people self assurance, confidence and the outter key. I want to to give others a reason to smile. No matter what's going on in life no matter how bad your situation... when somone puts care and love into making you look good, juss pampering you and taking time out to take care of you... it does somthing for you... you feel better. That's what I want to do. I've never been a "spotlight person", I get my joy behind the sceens helping. I've always loved helping people even when they do me wrong, its' somthing in me that drives to help, because aside from GOD and Positive people (some family included) fashion has helped me and now I want to share it with others! My clothes are for REAL PEOPLE!!! The one's who feel soo low at times that even looking up they can't see the bottom. My clothes are for the mom who works all night and day juss so her "child" can be up on the latest fashions. My clothes are for the concervative that wear to many clothes and the zesty people who don't wear enough! My clothes are for the Thick & Bodacious, the Slim&Trim, The Famous the non Famous...the fashionesta who likes to keep up with the latest trends and the one's who don't even know where to begin...lol Real People from all walks of life rapped in one! I want to help people... and FASHION is how I'm going to do it... ONE SHIRT AT A TIME!
When people wear my clothing ...(this might sound silly) but.. You know at a family gathering or BBQ and one of those old songs comes on... everyone kinda just smiles... because everyone knows some is about to get down with the get down...lol That's the feeling... that feel good feeling, that everything is gonna be alright even if its only for that brief moment is what I want to give to others!
I want to give people confidence to conqure the world if they want...I want to give them the key to unlock there desires and the beauty that has always been inside of them that they seem to look over. I want to bring out the inside by working on the outside! THAT'S WHAT MAKES ME DIFFERENT...LOL!!


"My main concern is that you are still at high school and still have a way to go before you might be taken seriously, and sorry, this is down to age and experience more than anything."

Yes, I understand. I am a Senior going into Aug. 09(this year) and my career focus is fashion design. In my career program we learn fashion history, measuring, patterens, muslim copies, math-->(for fashion)
identifing, sewing, fabrics ect. Our last year (Senior year) we get an internship and we graduate with a recomendation for college!

"While going to university to do a degree in fashion design is not essential, you will be taken much more seriously in the industry if you have a degree, and of course you will learn so much in terms of practical knowledge, development of your style, etc"
Of course! Like I said earlier I never turn down a chance to learn. Knowledge is power! No matter what the Lord has planned for me and my clothing I am going to college! SchooI is very important to me, I will be the first in my family's (3rd) generation to graduate and actually go to college! Also I want to be the best in what I do and in order to do that I know I have to keep an open mind and constantly learn! So college is not even a second gusse it's automatic for me!

"find yourself a mentor in your local area, someone who understands what you're trying to do and supports you with it. Obviously it would be best if it's someone in the fashion industry, otherwise, is there a local business person who you admire, and could ask for help?"

I WORK on WEEKENDS at CHANTE'S CLOTHING BOTIQUE. The owner, Miss Betty is a very sweet and kind women. She always exstends a hand to me! I appreciate here because she belived in my dreams from the start. She is showing me the ends and out's of ordering and merch. with clothes. She is exsposing me to nre ideas, and allowing me to sell some of my clothes in her store!

I hope I answered all of your questions... again thanx soo much for the response. If you would like to know anything else don't hesitate to ask!
God Bless,
Angunae'

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Permalink Reply by angela on March 9, 2009 at 12:52pm

Hello young one!
I'm here to help you for entering the world of fashion.
By the way let me first introduce myself. I am Angela Austin 25 years old, working as fashion designer for almost 4 years under mens suits. At the age of 19 I'm very much attached in terms of fashion since I am a fashion conscious.

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Permalink Reply by Renato on March 9, 2009 at 1:20pm

Dear Anguane,

Have a read of my website www.boutiquebuyers.com

I have written it for young design talent such as you. I have been in the fashion business for 23 years now, started right at the bottom ( in the warehouse) rose up the ladder and through the ranks and became sales director for quite a few major fashion houses.
I The website I have written has, and still does, helped many a designer from all over the world, hopefully it will help you also.
In this business unfortunately there are a lot of people either unwilling to share information or quite negative toward upcoming talented designers, I put it down to fear or jelousy. Fortunately there are those willing to share also. So do have a look at my website, www.boutiquebuyers.com and if you need anything else, feel free to drop me a line anytime either at my website or directly at Renato@hemisphereassociates.co.uk.

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Permalink Reply by Angunae' on March 9, 2009 at 10:54pm

Dear Renato,

Thank you soo much in taking intrest in my post and helping me out instead of talking negative about what I am doing! I will take a look at your site tomorrow, after school. Thank you again, and any other info you might have would also be great. Keep me posted my mind is an opend book!

God Bless,
Angunae'

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Permalink Reply by angela on March 9, 2009 at 1:27pm

Don't let anyone pull you down. Follow your dreams Because this dreams you have can lead you to get what you want and be successful. As long as you love what you are doing, be proud and don't loss hope just do your best!
Never listen to there bad and negative reactions that will not help you to achieved your dreams in the world of fashion.
For any question don't hesitate to ask me because I'm very much willing to help you.
Thank you and God Bless!

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Permalink Reply by Angunae' on March 9, 2009 at 11:03pm

Dear Angela,

Thank you for the inspiring words of encouragement. It couldn't have come at a better time! I truly appreciate it.
I try not to let people pull me down but when soo many people that you belive in can't belive in you... it get's hard. I find myself on my knees most of the time praying and asking God for clarity. Then he sends people like you with a positive message or other and I know I'm doing the right thing. If I have any questions I won't hesitate to ask, and if you have anything you would like to share or insight for me feel free to drop me a line anytime!

Thanks so much, & may God keep you in your Journey!
Angunae'

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Permalink Reply by Angunae' on April 1, 2009 at 1:22pm

Dear Marlon,

Thanks for the response, and yes I do take the chances, just wanted feed back from advanced designers to a up and coming one!
Thanks for taking out the time to responed
God Bless
Angunae'

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Permalink Reply by jacqueline on April 2, 2009 at 6:46am

hey Angunae

I am a black fashion designer and at times it is hard to be a person of colour as i have had not the best of experiences in the fashion industry but i cant put that all down to colour but now i have taken the experiences i have had to do something positive in the industry by launching an ethical label which will work with africa..for me its not about how young you are or colour but about what you are planning to do in the industry..what sets you apart and how you can make a difference.

fashion can be so fickle at times but also very very exciting and inspiring...to be a creator for me reflects the one who made me (God in heaven) and I know to be able to bring something inspiring to other new designers and to be able to help a community is me excelling in my career.

i would say that working in the industry as a designer is the best way to learn as understanding costings, fittings, fabrics etc is best learnt from being in the industry...but make sure you get a job in fashion that is relation to what you want to do that way you are being specific

overall enjoy what you are doing ..... keep in touch if needed

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Permalink Reply by Angunae' on April 18, 2009 at 6:47pm

Dear Jacqueline,
Thanks for the respone, it's good to know of the positive things your doing in your career and launching an ethical label that works with africa! That is very exciting! I wish u well and I send all my blessing that you are highly successful and that all your visions come true! I hope to achieve all the things that I want to do and have a positive impact on others as I am positive you will! Thank's for taking the time out to read my post! I appreciate it!
God Bless,
Angunae'

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Permalink Reply by kat kelly on April 3, 2009 at 10:14pm

Hey Angunae,

Reading your post I was not sure what you wanted advice on. That sounds crazy right? Well let me explain...Do you just want advice on how to stay encouraged or practical steps on how to make it in the industry? Because "making it" is a matter of perception and so is "age." You definitely have received some good advice. Let me add a few more things, It sounds like you need advice on how to remain faithful in your vision and craft around "unsupportive" people.

1. Accept the truth is the truth is:

2. There are a lot of black designers they are not acknowledged in the industry So when someone says this. In that moment you have a choice. Accept what they say or prove them wrong! Go online and research Black Designers. Just because the fashion industry chooses not to acknowledge them does not mean that they don't exist. The fashion industry can be VERY racist. Rise above it.

3."I doubt that you will make it" You have a choice-prove them right or wrong. You say you have thick skin make it thicker, by arming yourself with the truth and powerful decisions like: I refuse to accept negativity. And, I choose to correct you ignorance, and I refuse to succumb to your hate.

4. Know the difference between someone being negative or just ignorant. If they are negative then it is hatred due to the fact that you have decided to do not fashion, but pursue a dream...many people do not do this in life. If it is just ignorance then correct them with FACTS not emotions or self-doubt but Facts.

5. Get your education on point: Know all designers, but the black ones especially how they made it, and how the kept there MENTAL intact to stay creative and positive.

6. You are too young. Ask them “ok…for what? To pursue my dream, to make a mark, to show how creative I am, too young to do what? If the say fashion…then ask ok what age is suitable FOR YOU, for me begin to accomplish your dream? They may say when you are older and finished school. So I say this: that is up to you Anguane , if you cannot be excellent in vital areas because fashion is in the way then that is on you. Those people can be right maybe you are too young. That is for you to prove. Don’t expect the world to support your dream; they won’t only a select few will. So stick close to those people, educate yourself, and make choices. Good Luck!!! But, you have a hand in that too.

http://theartistresolution.webs.com/
kat kelly

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Permalink Reply by Angunae' on April 18, 2009 at 6:57pm

Dear Kat Kelly,

Everything you have said to me in this message has truly opened up some space in my mind so that I can soak in all the advice! When I finished your response I'm not shure how many times I went back and read it! This is really good advice, it has helped me to do better business, not only for myself but with others as well. The part of deciding if some one is being Ignorant or Negative ... helped me to stop and think who I surround myself with and how they can be a encouragement or discouragement! (If that makes any sense to you! lol) I just wanted you to know that every single thing that you mentioned I take it to heart and I appreciate you taking your time out to help me, when you could have been doing somthing else! Thanks Soo MuCh!!! If you ever need anything or have more advice you would like to share , please feel free to drop me a line anytime!

Thanks Again & God Bless
Angunae'

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