The Fashion Designer Survival Guide: Start and Run Your Own Fashion Business

by Mary Gehlhar, Christian Siriano (Foreword)

In this updated and 3rd edition of The Fashion Designer Survival Guide, Mary Gehlhar, industry authority and consultant to hundreds of fashion design entrepreneurs, offers behind-the-scenes insight and essential information to launch and grow your own fashion label. You’ll hear from experts in social media, financing, and sales, along with advice from dozens of designers on solutions to their biggest challenges and their keys to success. A new section of full color photos from 25 independent designers bring the concepts to life.
 
In this must-have guide, Gehlhar reveals essential information on: 

Creating a viable business plan
Social media strategies to grow your customer base  
Maximizing online sales to get your designs directly into customers’ closets
Integrating sustainability in your sourcing and manufacturing
Collaborating with influencers, stylists and brands to expand your audience 
Landing the right financing for your type of business
Establishing wholesale partnerships with the best retail stores
Navigating the pitfalls of production both at home and abroad
 

Genres: Fashion, Business, Fashion Design, Nonfiction, Sewing, Art

280 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2005

Reviews

[Wendy'sThoughts]

House of Z-An Insightful Look at Zac Posen- Netflix Documentary
* * * * * Disclaimer: I looked to see if there was any book written about Posen. This was all I could find which was appropriate.
I love Documentaries. When done well, you are there ... a fly on the wall and can see how people truly are...As a reader, I am always putting myself into the story one way or another... either by being the mental voice of reason trying to understanding what motivated actions or by being a willing participant... there with the characters and feeling every little situation...

When watching on Netflix, House of Z directed by Sandy Chronopulos, I was there through all the ups and downs of Zac Posen's career. I experienced all of his highs and very lows...and if you ever had any interest in fashion... or just a passing nod to the designer because he is a judge on Project Runway...Then the time spent watching this will be well worth it.

You are able to see as a child how he was nurtured by his parents and family. How all of the elements came together for him very early in his career and then what he experienced as the fashion darling at such a young age. His rise to fame, the stress to stay on top, the quick growth and all the pressure it can be. How when too many voices are telling the artist what to do... and how it can devour the talent until it is drained...

Zac Posen is an incredible craftsman... a true designer of another era...yet of today. If you have the time, this documentary takes you on Zac's creative and emotional journey...

For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways

[P. Wish · Rating 5 out of 5]

A comprehensive guide to breaking into the fashion business. I loved how detailed and practical the book was. Mary uses the experiences and interviews of other people in the industry to help you understand the realities of starting your own clothing line. I especially liked the sections on production and getting your collection into stores. The PR section was an eye-opener. Mary gives you tips and names that help you get a hang of how to go on about the topics covered.
Some parts of the books may not apply to today's scenario and the book is largely written for the American fashion market but for the most part, The Fashion Designer's Survival Guide is an indispensable companion to any fashion designer. I would recommend this book to any new designer, fashion entrepreneur or fashion design student.

[Eunice Graham · Rating 4 out of 5]

For the serious fashion designer this is a must have I would say. For the smaller business it is full of interesting information, some you may use, most you won't. If just starting out I would find a book on ecommerce and follow their selling info to be honest. Well written and informative though. I enjoyed it even though my business is smaller.

[Samantha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gives a very light overview. Needs more depth.

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wow, they have it harder than I do writing down loadable pdf patterns. And I definitely see why the advise to work for someone else first, and to work hard comes from.

[Fátima Ziggy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a prerequisite for fashion preneurs, everything you need to start, run and maintain a successful fashion business. I gained a lot of insights on how to survive as a fashion designer in business

[Beenish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ausome and a good book for learning techniques

[Musfiq · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book for fashion designers.....

[Guriya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

[Pranjay Kumar · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book was informative and a good deep dive into an industry I knew nothing about

[Adriane · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really good read and was very informative, with lots of good valid ideas and points for running your own business. The only thing to note is that the book was written based predominantly on the American fashion market, so some of the information will not be relevant in the UK or other countries. Otherwise a good book.

[Sher❤ The Fabulous BookLover · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of helpful information and she definitely gives it to you straight. Gehlhar doesn't sugar coat the truth about how hard it is to be in the fashion industry. Good read if you're wanting to start your own label.

[Tarin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very insightful! A great reference tool for anyone who is interested in starting a clothing line...or could pertain to any sort of product manufacturing...but mostly the fashion industry!!

[Melanie Hughes · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is very current and a great resource on starting a fashion company.

[ereeese · Rating 4 out of 5]

Still reading this very insightful guide to the fashion industry.

[Vilia Ciputra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a good book for everything simple and practical about fashion and its industries. Perfect book for fashion beginner, designer, and business owner.

[Alisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great tips and great expert advise.

[Alisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This version is like the first but with more business information and also better examples from the industry.

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

love!...an ongoing read and re-read

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful reference source and ongoing read for industry bound professionals.

[Grace Ng · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book, gives you tips from an insider's point of view.

[Alexis · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are considering a career in the fashion industry this book is a must have!

[Anthony James · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read !!! So helpful

[Preethi V · Rating 5 out of 5]

A comprehensive guide to breaking into the fashion business. I loved how detailed and practical the book was. Mary uses the experiences and interviews of other people in the industry to help you understand the realities of starting your own clothing line. I especially liked the sections on production and getting your collection into stores. The PR section was an eye-opener. Mary gives you tips and names that help you get a hang of how to go on about the topics covered.
Some parts of the books may not apply to today's scenario and the book is largely written for the American fashion market but for the most part, The Fashion Designer's Survival Guide is an indispensable companion to any fashion designer. I would recommend this book to any new designer, fashion entrepreneur or fashion design student.

[Hoscar WF]

This writ up give me an good ideas