Mary Gehlhar - The Fashion Designer

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2021, 2008, 2005 by Mary Gehlhar

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Lest fashions neophytes get too dreamy, Gehlhar is there to ground them... Womens Wear Daily

With insider perspective and industry experience, Mary addresses real-life expectations for creatives launching into the marketplace with guidance, resources and advice throughout the book. Maryanne Grisz, President and CEO, The Fashion Group International

Must read... find out from a pro who has worked with up-and-coming designers. New York Daily News

Every aspiring designer needs this book. Mary Gehlhar wrote an invaluable, step-by-step guide to succeeding on Seventh Avenue and beyond. Nancy MacDonell, Wall Street Journal columnist and author of Lilly Pulitzer and The Shoe Book

For anyone whos ever aspired to be an independent designer, this is the book to pick up. The Daily

This book encourages all aspiring designers ready to embark on an independent career within the industry. Rebecca Taylor, designer

A must-read for anyone in the world of fashion. Gehlhar offers practical tips and strategies to increase chances of success. Soma Magazine

If you are reading this page, it means you must be a creative, passionate individual with the exciting dream of starting your own fashion business. Congratulationsyou are on your way!

When I am asked What is your advice to designers who are launching their own fashion label? my answer is first you should be open to every opportunity. The fashion business is excitingand tough. Each day you have to wake up ready to work hard and be prepared to open new doors and see the possibilities. Its important to take risks and to push yourself. Fortunately, Mary Gehlhar provides a valuable tool to help you. The Fashion Designer Survival Guide is packed with essential knowledge and advice from industry experts and experienced designers to set you on the right path. These insights will give you the solid foundation to create a plan and make smart decisions along the way.

Second, always follow your own instincts. There is no single path to success and there are so many levels of success. Its just important to be true to what you love and are passionate about. I started my career maybe in an unconventional way, but it helped me understand my customer more than most, and that helped me stay on track to success. I wanted to champion people and diversity in fashion, so I made sure, no matter what, my brand would always represent all different walks of life.

As you face each new challenge, trust in your creative ideas and focus on your unique vision. If you stay true to that, it will be your greatest tool ever!

Good luck on the journey. I cant wait to see what you create.

Christian Siriano

This book was originally published in 2005 and updated in 2008. Now, its 2021 and we are entering a new reality where the dream of being an independent fashion designer is as exciting, but perhaps more uncharted, than ever. The fashion industry has faced total disruption with changes in technology, shifts in consumer mindset, and a sobering realization of its impact on the environment. In the midst of all this change, a global pandemic stunned the world, forever changing the ways in which we live, work, dress, and buy.

On top of it all, the world has too much fashion product. And because corporate design chases the trends and makes safe bets, too much of it looks the same. As a result, consumers are craving something special. There is a need and a desire for a unique point of view, something with meaning, and a connection to the maker and the community that shares the same values.

The answer of course lies in the creativity and innovation of the independent designers in the small ateliersthe designers who can hone in on unique and creative visions and respond to the specific taste and values of their individual customers. They can cultivate relationships across the globe and build community as they share their story, listen to feedback, and react quickly to new opportunities and ideas.

Of course its one thing to have vision and ideas, its another thing to run a business. Design school will teach you about sketching and patterns and prepare you for a career as head designer, but it will not prepare you for the responsibilities and decisions that face an entrepreneur.

This book will help designers understand all of the issues involved in launching a fashion label. It will help you plan and create a foundation for the business and anticipate and prepare for the unique challenges and opportunities that come your way. With insights from experienced designers who are doing this every day, these pages provide the knowledge and resources to forge your own path.

This third edition is extensively updated for a changing world. It includes a new chapter on sustainability, new sections on developing your brand story, and tips to navigate economic crisis. There are expanded sections on direct to consumer selling, as well as the many aspects of marketing, including social media, content creation, email, influencers, and collaborations. There is new advice from dozens of designers who are in the trenches running their own businesses, as well as from the lawyers, financiers, sales reps, buyers, and production experts who are rooting for the next generation.

These pages will demystify the world of fashion. They are a collective summary of what it takes to not only survive, but to thrive. The advice is not sugarcoated, and its not always what you want to hear. But knowledge is power and it should not discourage you.