All about Starting Your Own Label & Becoming a Fashion Designer... (SEE POST #1 FOR RELATED THREADS)

[uniquestyle]

thank you so much. i just can't wauut to get my scanner fixed. i'm waiting patiently.

 

[luvkoshi]

Just begin. Don't wait for a backer. You don't need much money- tear up your old clothes or scour thrift shops & rework that stuff or buy some discount fabric- sheets are cool if they're a good thread count- it's cheap and easy to dye em... Mainly I would say wear your stuff everywhere- the world is your runway, work it!
oh- and much luck.

 

[Amani]

Setting up a fashion business in Paris

I wasn't sure where to put this...

Say you want to set up a label in Paris (because your home country doesn't have much of an industry and you want to try your luck in the fashion capital of the world) and the only thing you have are the skills (fashion illustration, sewing, business diploma, etc) and the finances. You have no contacts and little french (but will start attending french classes as soon as you get there).

Where do you start? Presumably asking to speak with established designers in Paris to find out how they did it would not be easy, if possible at all.

How do you go about securing quality staff, especially high end seamstresses?

How easy is it to secure studio space to create an atelier? What are the legal (etc) requirements if you're not a citizen?

There must be some sort of fashion directory (that lists all businesses), anyone know the name of it? Or where it is available?

How do you go about creating contacts in the first place?

Has anyone been in a similar situation?

If anyone could give me advice, other points to consider, or even a few ideas to kickstart my research I'd be most appreciative.

 

[stylistforhire]

You would need to go to Paris and start knocking on doors. Keep in my mind that there is an abundance of heavy hitting competition in Paris that is of a high quality, that are also door knocking.

You will require inpeccable social skills, and be prepared to speak Franglais - a lot of the French you may encounter love nothing more than to practice their English. Your French writing skills as well as verbal skills would also have to be of a high standard. This is old world, where letter writing is still used as a form of communication.

I don't know where your located, so I won't assume you don't know how to write a letter.

To be honest you would be much better off setting up where there isn't a lot of competition, perhaps not your country, but maybe some where else that is progressive. You can't swing a Hermes bag for hitting a talented person in Paris. Go and explore. I know there is a council that lists a lot of contacts online, if you wish to PM me I can provide that for you, and it will be in French.

I hope some of this helps, my intention was not to discourage you.

Cheers

 

[Amani]

Thanks for your reply. I've just PMed you. You haven't discouraged me, I have a fair idea of how hard this will be.

Btw, I'm in Australia (and before I receive a backlash, some people think our local industry is actually pretty good. I am not one of these people obviously).

You have suggested that I knock on doors (I figure you mean literally!?!) as well as write letters (does this mean e-mail is out?). In which order? Or do you suggest I back up the letter with a face to face meeting? Sure I know how to write letters, but I'd be inclined to get help from one of my french friends. At this stage, my french is quite basic. And you would think that an established designer would be interested in speaking to me? I have had instances where top people in the industry in Sydney have spoken to me for an hour or more, so it doesn't necessarily seem inconceivable.

Thanks again.

 

[Lena]

before you start knocking doors, you need to put together a book with your work
if this book is on a high level, you have the posibility of getting a post as intern in one of the 'great houses' but it needs great skills (both in communication and on your book) and being patient.
interning doesnt pay but it may help you get connections

to set up a good atelier in Paris, its not a piece of cake
try journal du textile and place advertisement for seamstresses.

rege\arding setting up your own business there ..being an australian
i'm not sure of requirements, maybe you make a colaboration with someone from EU?
this will make it easier for you

good luck

 

[softgrey]

yeah...good luck...sounds way too scary and intimidating to me...

you're either very brave or ......
well...it just sounds hard...
i really wish you the best of luck....wish i could help you..paris is wonderful...

 

[Amani]

Softgrey, thank you for your encouragement If I thought it was impossible I wouldn't attempt it. But I think it is possible.

 

[stylistforhire]

Anything is possible, but you must get your ducks in a row. Have you paid a visit to Paris to have a bit of a poke around? I am attempting to go this year to do a little investigating, but I haven't bought my ticket yet. I have been to Paris many times but more for pleasure than anything else.

Are you able to purchase Paris Match in Oz? If you can pick that up or even get a subscription. It will also give you loads of practice reading in French.

 

[Lena]

best is to try and get a subscribtion at Journal du textile while in AU,
it will help you a lot since it is the main industry weekly newspaper..
try to find it on the web ..sorry i have no link

 

[Amani]

stylistforhire - I am going to Paris in a weeks time to investigate. I'll be there for at least 6 weeks, and I am also going to spend a little time in London (more for pleasure though, I want to visit a friend, but I could certainly investigate there as well).

I have never seen Parismatch here, but I have taken basic french classes here and I am going to take up lessons again as soon as I get to Paris.

Lena - the website is http://www.journaldutextile.com/ I'll certainly pick it up when I get to Paris and will subscribe when I come back to Australia.

 

[Lena]

you seem organised and determined, way to go amani

 

[stylistforhire]

Fabulous! You can pick up Paris Match in either Paris or London. Where is your friend in London, Earl's Court area or as it's now affectionately called Kangaroo Court? I'm going on the assumption that they're in SW area or similar.

When you're in London, try and have a poke around a bookshop called Waterstones, they seem to have wonderful resources for Paris, or they did the last time I went home for awhile.

Good to know a bit of French although once people realise you speak English they get very excited and want to speak English to you, so they can practice. Hence my saying I speak Franglais

Do you know which arrendisment you will be staying in whilst in Paris?

 

[Amani]

Thanks Lena!

stylistforhire - she is actually staying in the north of London; in Arsenal.
Speaking Franglais will suit me fine I'll be staying in the 6th.

 

[snowqueen]

good luck

 

[nr9dream]

A few other sources of information that might be helpful:

http://www.pretaporter.com/fr/ lists interesting resources for young designers ->see Jeunes createurs (only in french)

To work independently you will have to register with either l’URSSAF or la Maison des Artistes, so these organizations will be able to provide you with information re. legal requirements etc.

A good place browse all the fashion trade publications is the Mode Information bookstore – 67 bd de Sébastopol (on the first floor)

FWIW... I have lived and worked there for several years and still have a freelance client in Paris, but my quality of living has increased dramatically since I’m no longer based there. While it’s a fantastic city with many opportunities - day to day life can be a struggle- especially when just starting out. Not to let that stop you! Just go well prepared & maybe explore other options as well (producing a sample collection first, participating in competitions etc.) Hope this helps & Good luck!

 

[Amani]

That's a great help, thank you.

Yes, I am trying to be as prepared as I can be, i'll check out those places for sure.

I have no illusions about how hard this will be.

 

[stylistforhire]

nr9dream - Thank you for posting that site.
Amani - This is the site I was looking for! I couldn't find it in my favourites anymore and I was hoping I had moved it into a sublist....

It's chocked full of pertininent information to assist your cause.

nr9dream - Where are you now?

 

[nr9dream]

I live in Amsterdam – glad you could use the link!

 

[stylistforhire]

nr9dream - What is the fashion industry like in Amsterdam? More to the point, is there a lot of stylists there? I am heading back across the pond late this year and/or early next year. I am from the E.U. so not a problem to live/work within the community. I am investigating all possible options.
If you have a moment I would love to hear opinion.

Many thanks