Question
Fist of all, I hope the length of my post isn’t too “lengthy”…And Bette, forgive me if I’ve posted in the wrong place.
Well, I have finally decided to go with my soul – better late than never. I’ve been out of my element for far too long and my life is totally unfulfilling and miserable because of it. Now I am trying to identify the right ‘next’ move to help me reach my goals, which I’ve had in the back of my mind for several years.
The essential objective (which would only be the beginning) is to launch my own menswear company. I have many, many mental pages of banding/marketing ideas, target markets, designs, possible accessories, etc, etc, etc…
I’m confident it will work if I could just put it all together like it is in my head. Sometimes I want to “just do it” but there are so many fundamental & technical aspects of fashion and design that I do not have experience with. I crave the knowledge but the last thing I want to do is waste a few more years of my life in a fashion design school and not receive the right return on investment of time and money. The knowledge gained and time saved is way more important to me than another degree.
I already have a degree in Business Administration, with a focus in international relations. I have about 5 years of professional experience at the helm of a business development organization. But, there is no connection to the fashion industry and I cant see how success here will take me to where I want to be. I’m burned out and ready to reflect who I am through my career.
Below are some of the essential points I’m looking for, as it relates to my initial product and target market. These are just off the top of my head:
• Classes in English (I speak Portuguese and some Spanish but not fluently enough for courses)
• Hands-on learning and freedom to express ideas
• Solid course(s) on fabrics – especially natural/organic fiber materials (market trends, projected demands, innovative materials, etc…etc…)
• How to best translate your designs (sketching?), take them to the next level, and convert them into real product
• Building and strengthening a solid business model i.e. – Identifying the right manufactures, sustaining quality control, target market critiquing, marketing/sales.
• Assistance/Strategies in creating a STRONG network in the right areas of the global fashion industry.
I am particularly interested in European (or British schools), due to certain style infusions and target markets. What I have read about the IED 3-year international program was really appealing until I read all the negative reviews. (Barcelona is the target location for my project start). I’ve also been interested in the Northumbria University School of Design, mainly because of what I read about a partnership project they had with J Barbour & Sons (One of my benchmark companies).
There are so many choices out there and I’m just trying to narrow the list down. I am certainly grateful for any guidance provided on which schools sound like they may be a good fit for me. I know I’ve provided basic info – so if anyone has any specific questions, please ask!
Thanks!
thanks in advance
