Market your line
Spread the word by wearing your own designs and telling anyone who asks you that you made it.
- Make use of free social networks such as YouTube, MySpace, Facebook and Twitter to raise your clothing line’s visibility.
- Write press releases and distribute them to newspapers and fashion magazines.
- You could open your own boutique, but you would have to prove through your business plan that the shop will be profitable. It’s a risky route
- Sell your line to a retailer; try to set up a plan whereby you sell your clothes through other clothing retailers.
- You can also take your samples to craft fairs, flea markets, fashion shows and trade shows.
Online marketing
Online sales can be a great addition to your sales plan. Either you can use your own professional website, or you can use online marketplaces such as FashionCircus.net, or LA Showroom on http://www.lashowroom.com/ and for news, events and forums dealing with the South African fashion industry go to ifashion.
Workshops and training
“One of the opportunities for the South African design schools is to address the business side of design and to equip the designers with the correct tools.” says du Plessis.
Many academic intuitions offer Fashion Design courses including Lisof (London International School of Fashion), The University of Pretoria and the Design School of South Africa. Evolution runs regular workshops to help and guide the industry in South Africa. Watch evolution projectsfor workshop announcements.