Author's note:
During my lecture tours to universities around the world, I am constantly impressed by the number of students I meet who are bursting with innovative ideas and creative designs, and eager to start their own fashion businesses. But, the questions is, 'Can they translate these creative designs into marketable products?' and, further, 'How can they sell their products?'
To bridge the gap between design fantasy and commercial reality, they need entrepreneurial vision to identify opportunities and small business management skills to develop, plan and control their businesses.
It is encouraging to see that there are an increasing number of fashion schools and universities starting to offer modules and papers in fashion enterprise which outline the basic business skills - how to produce a business plan and how to start a business.
Fashion Entrepreneur - Starting Your Own Fashion Business aims to support these courses with the theory and practical application of fashion entrepreneurship and small business management, together with case studies of successful fashion entrepreneurs. As a text book and self-learning guide, this book progressively takes you through the key steps required to start and develop your own business.
The fashion and creative industries are challenging and competitive, so it is essential to be well equipped with a 'portfolio of entrepreneurial skills'. I hope this book will inspire you to develop your creative and innovative talents into marketable products, to develop a successful business and direct you on the 'fast track' to riches. You will need to be totally dedicated, believe in your own judgement, and have a great deal of chutzpah! I wish you every success in the world of fashion.
Sandra Burke
M.Des RCA
(Master of Design, Royal College of Art)
Top |
| 
| 
