Lookbooks....

[asta]

this question is for anyone in the fashion business or for one that simply has access to such knowledge. i have not seen a lookbook before... and i am interested in them... so does anyone know where there may be a place to view a lookbook online?

but if not... in general, what does a lookbook for a fashion line contain?

do the photographs have descriptions of the clothes on the pages? or are the pages simply visual... with no language? perhaps there is a table of contents in the back describing each garmet? or is a lookbook made to gain interest???

thanks so much!

 

[Lena]

Originally posted by pearsandapples@Apr 20th, 2004 - 4:33 am
do the photographs have descriptions of the clothes on the pages? or are the pages simply visual... with no language? perhaps there is a table of contents in the back describing each garmet? or is a lookbook made to gain interest???

usually lookbooks just have clear photos of all the garments/accessories of a collection, including refference numbers in order to make life easier for buyers or fashion editors when choosing from the given collection.

of course you can add what you want, or make your lookbook in a more artistic way (using editorial styled photos) but dont go too far, lookbooks are a 'tool' for the industry so the clearer the better.

lookbooks are not to gain interest, are to gain orders and editorial space

most lookbooks are printed and go straight to magazines and buyers/buying offices.
for a clean cut online lookbook click here
for an alternative 'artistic' lookbook try here

 

[leyla m.]

ditto!

LENA said it all

 

[Terrima183]

Hey Pears, Check out this lookbook. Go to 'Collections' at www.glamourtokill.com The designer Jamie is so cool and has this this amazing style. She used to be the stylist for Anna Sui's runway shows. I just had to shamelessly promote it cuz I'm in the Harlequin collection

 

[metal-on-metal]

Bravo, Lena!

I agree, it annoys me when designers get too creative with lookbooks. Just keep 'em simple, high res, and glossy.

 

[tealady]

Those were great examples, Lena. Very interesting. Thanks!

 

[asta]

thank you!!!!

these are wonderful examples... i was imagining them to be pretty straight forward... but i honestly couldn't have said so for sure...

you are all so helpful and generous!

 

[softgrey]

thx lena..couldn't have said it better myself...

 

[Lena]

you are most welcome guys

 

[GinaMichele]

Lookbook printing?

I wanted to get some lookbooks printed so I checked out a couple of places in NYC and online and all the minimums are so high (usually 1,000). I only wanted 25-50 books- is there any place that will print such a small number? Should I just create an online lookbook instead? Any advice is appreciated!

 

[softgrey]

for only 25 you should just do something by hand...
and yes...

a website is very good!!...do it!...

 

[GinaMichele]

Thanks for the quick reply softgrey!
I was worried that I needed a professionally done book. I guess I'll just print out some pics (with the wholesale info) on nice photo paper, put them in a folder and use that as a lookbook. As long as it's neat and the pics are good it should be ok, right? I'll also create an online one.

 

[stilista]

I've seen some pretty nice homemade lookbooks that show off the designer's style much better than a faceless printed/ring-bound catalogue.

If you think of it being postcard size, and can print a separate card per look then enclose them in something you've made (from the cloth and trimmings used in your collection?) you're making a little limited-edition item that will catch people's attention. Sending this kind of thing out to the press also gets you more attention than than the more corporate looking ones, as they will realise you're new, young & deservant of some coverage!

Good luck!

 

[GinaMichele]

stilista- great suggestion, I love it!!! Thanks so much

 

[Lena]

excellent idea stylista ...
actually, digital printers can do as few copies as you need and in top quality..
its the traditional printings that will only do 1000+ and usually their quality is medium to low compaired with digital printers who are also uber quick

my advise, follow stylista's suggestion on the cards idea , go on with your online book (which is very important) and do print in a digital printer at least 100* lookbooks trust me, you will certainly need all if not more than that

*(it may actually cost you less to have it done by professionals than have it home made)

welcome to tFS and best vibes for your lookbook

 

[stilista]

Glad you liked the idea Lena and GinaMichele

I agree about getting at least 100 done too! Start making a list of all the boutiques you want to sell to, as well as the magazines you would like an article in and send them out to everyone you can! Keep a few back for enquiries you will get throughout the season too, via your website etc.

Online lookbooks are essential now too, but it's great to have a printed lookbook to go through when making choices for shoots.

GinaMichele - Is it your first season, and do you do a full womenswear collection?

 

[GinaMichele]

I'm going to take everyone's advice and get 100 lookbooks made. I started making a list of stores I wanted to send them to and I'm already up to 35.

stilista- I did a small collection for Spring. It was only carried in a few stores. I wanted to see what the response was and work out any kinks before expanding. Everything worked out well and now I'm doing a larger collection (about 24 pieces).

 

[tortoisie]

Does anyone know if which house has their lookbooks instore now?

 

[Ieva]

Look Books

Does anyone know how I could get my hand on a designers lookbook? Do you have to purchase them? How does it all work?

 

[*sayan]

Usually they are distributed to buyers/stores, and it's possible sometimes to look at them in the stores. As to buying them, I've seen some on ebay.