Higher Learning

Last week a fashion seminar took place which I was unfortunatly unable to attend. The seminar titled "Higher Learning" brought together a panel of speakers from different areas of fashion to pass on their experience and knowledge first hand. I was delighted to find some notes from the talks avaliable online on the Australian In Front website. Here is a quick summary from day one:

1. Understand your brand. Know your target market and communicate your message effectively.
2. Understand your clients brand and communicate that through your work, but pay careful attention to the way that your brand is perceived with regards to the professional relationships you cultivate.
3. The fashion industry is hard work and far removed from the glamour and gloss represented on the pages of fashion magazines. Luke Sales pointed out that he was only able to start paying himself after five years of hard work. As an aspiring designer expect to work in a variety of odd jobs to make ends meet.
4. Fashion is a business and to make it in this business, you need to have strong business skills. Undertake a business course or pay someone who can provide you with regular advice and handle your financial accounts.
5. Do your research on supplying the necessary materials for your designs and ensure you can deliver quality products when you start taking orders.

and day 2...

1. Be innovative. Have a unique approach to sharing your story and representing your brand.
2. Understand your brand.  If you don’t understand your brand, no one else will. Communicate it effectively.
3. Be emotive. Elicit an emotional response to your work. People buy products, but what they are really buying, is how it makes them feel.
4. Value your professional relationships. Extend your professional network continuously. Maximise your relationships.
5. Love the industry you work in. Learn the language and understand it’s history.


There are also more detailed notes on each speaker which you can select from a menu on the left hand side of the pag. Big thanks to Australian In Front for sharing the seminar in such detail :)