DESIGNER - WHAT DOES IT TAKE?

What does it take to become a Fashion-designer these days? That is todays big question.

By experience, I know that it can be quite an insurmountable task, if you alone are responsable for both design, patternmaking, cutting, producing, costumer care, accounting, public relations and so on.

One thing is certain, it is a very good idea to focus on what you are good at and then delegate the rest.
Besides that, it takes talent, commitment and determination, if you want to succeed in the fashion-world.

But marketing and financing are very crucial too. Of course it´s also about to be at the right place at the right time.

In USA the CFDA, Council of Fashion Designers of America, together with Vogue founded : CFDA/ Vogue Fashion Fund 7 years ago, to give new gifted designers a helping hand.

The ten finalist this year, was found in Juli and have to compete in a series of challenges. In addition to a cash price, they will get a mentor, to guide them on their way forward.
They will be judged by Anna Wintour and Diane Von Furstenberg , designer and president of  CFDA.

Maybe this idea would be worth copying for Dansk mode og textil, fashion-magazines and Fashion Design Schools here in Denmark, to nurture future talents.

You can follow this competition the coming 6 weeks and find some of the answers on the website of Vogue here. Their website is also recommended if you want to be updated about the latest shows from design-ers all over the world.

THE FASHION RACK

-Looks like this for the moment, since I some months ago sorted out some creations, to make room for something new.

It consists mostly of wedding-dresses, evening-dresses, jackets, corsets and a few tulle-skirts.
It is, however, intended that the bridal-collection in time will replace them all.

But the offers from then, some shown in the Dress Archive in the menu, is of course still valid.
Over time there will be some exchanges at favorable prices. However, it's not as fast, as I do everything myself.

FASHION STRATEGIES

There are two predominant trends in fashion strategies at the moment. One is going to be as widespread on as many media platforms as possible. Here Burberry and Louis Vuitton are at the forefront.

The other trend is the opposite - exclusivity and secretion, to get lots of publicity. Here Tom Ford is one of the pioneers. He had issued a camera ban and only invited  100 people for the display of his new collection.

The question is then, what works best. I mostly lean on the last strategy. Because the luxury goods become mainstream with the first method, that exacerbates the exclusive when luxury grows.
They may sell more on the short run, but simply undermines their brand in the long run.

Tom Ford will in turn achieve the opposite.He is creates greater interest, making his design more exclusive and rewarding.
It will be exciting to follow and see who succeeds. You can read more about these tendencies on website of Fashion Forum here.

THE PREGNANT BRIDE

Photo: John Frantsen

This is the last bride for the time being. The bride became pregnant during the process, which meant three fittings before the final result, as you see here. The dress was finished three days prior to the wedding, to be sure of the fit.

The dress consists of a corset-top with a halterneck in a Caramel-brown shantung-silk, which is boned and lined completely.
The skirt consists of four layers of bridal-tulle and to layers of lining. It is built upon a fitted waist-piece, to give the right shape.

A WEDDING COLLECTION

Now the time has finally come to create my very own things.
After a series of wedding dresses on commission, I need to create and show how a wedding dress should look like.

I have been thinking about making an exclusive collection of wedding dresses for a long time, where I do not have to compromise on design, quality, materials and price.

The different models of the collection will of course be characterized by my personal design philosophy, that is still the thoughtful design, the modern expression, the good fit, the different and lavish material choices that, together with the execution, which will work towards a higher level, to emphasize the per-sonality of the brides.

The design will be made in simple and clean lines, without excessive decorations. Instead the emphasis will be on the cut and new color- and fabric combinations.  

The different dresses will mainly be made in silk, which of course the prices will reflect.

Dress details, Photo: John Frantsen

SCARFS OF TIME

Audrey Hepburn (1929-93)

Fashion's fascinating Squares 1940-1990, is a surprisingly nice exhibition that's just opened at Tidens Samling here in Odense.

The Scarf has become an accessory we all love today.
These decorative squares are seen here in the face of fashion, either as the dot over the "I", practical clothing or home brought souvenirs.

The exhibition is on display until the 5. of march 2011.