Fabric of success: starting an apparel business takes more than cutting-edge designs. It requires research, contacts, and a whole lot of cash

Black Enterprise, Feb, 2005 by Wendy Harris

7. Find a manufacturer. Scour the trade show floors for a few prospects. Green says you can also solicit a manufacturer by placing an ad in one of the fashion trade magazines

8. Woo the buyer. Find the buyers for your price points and call them. Ask to make a presentation. Sometimes buyers only view new collections during "Market Week," so it may be easier to schedule a meeting with a head buyer's assistant. If you do secure an order, make sure you follow through.

9. Read the trades. New designers should read everything they can get their hands on about the fashion industry. Two places to start are Women's Wear Daily (www.wwd.com) and DNR (www.dnrnews.com).

10. Edit your line. Collections are not evergreen. They must change periodically to keep pace with changing trends, so revisit and revise your clothing line often. Take stock of which colors, cuts, and sizes sell the best and make adjustments accordingly.

KNOW YOUR TRADE

There are many trade shows and organizations that can teach you about the fashion industry. Here are a few to try on for size:

Magic Marketplace (www.magiconline.com) is considered the major trade show of the fashion industry. Held every February and August in Las Vegas, this four-day event connects a global audience of buyers and sellers of men's, women's, and children's apparel and accessories. More than 3,000 manufacturers showcase over 5,000 brands and private labels.

Premiere Vision (www.premierevision.fr), held in Paris twice a year at the Parc d'Expositions de Paris-Nord Villepinte, displays textiles from around the world.

ASAP Global Sourcing Show (www.asapshow.com), also held in Las Vegas, focuses on apparel production. Recent events have showcased 350 manufacturers from more than 35 countries including South Africa, Colombia, China, and Pakistan.

Black Fashion Designers Association (www.blackfashion designers.org) provides new designers of color with a variety of services targeted to teach them the business of fashion. Some of these services include marketing, incorporation, trademarking, and design consultation. Membership is $100.

Fashion Group International (www.fgi.org) is a nonprofit association of more than 6,000 professionals in apparel, fashion, beauty, accessories, and home design. The organization has an extensive calendar of events to promote and celebrate new and existing designers.