10 Tips from Dubai’s Successful Fashionpreneurs for Aspiring Designers
Do you still remember the first time your heart skipped a beat at the sight of a unique outfit and thought, “I want to create something like that someday”? Mold those dreams into reality as you navigate the labyrinth of the fashion world, bursting with glamour but also marred by myriad challenges.
Did you know that Dubai stands at the pinnacle of the global fashion scene, with a fashion market worth $12 billion, as showcased by the Dubai Design and Fashion Council? On this remarkable canvass, numerous fashionpreneurs bloom, their success stories both unique and brimming with potential lessons for the ones aspiring to make their marks. So, what’s the secret sauce that has led them to their enviable fame and fortune?
Recently, I had an amazing chat with Leila, who began her journey as a humble plus-size model in Dubai, before launching her own clothing line for curvaceous women. With a sparkling glint in her eyes and an infectious passion, she shared, “No road is free of bumps and boulders, but the destination is absolutely worth it.” Weaving her way through the fashion industry’s cobweb, she’s now one of Dubai’s success stories, fueling motivation for aspirants.
1. Stay True to Your Vision
Authenticity is in scarce supply but in high demand. Amidst the whirlwind of fleeting trends, preserving your individual vision can be a Herculean task. But remember, the mark of a true fashionpreneur lies in standing firm against the tides of transient fads. Every stitch you sew should resonate with your signature style.
2. Relentlessly Learn and Innovate
Don’t be afraid to dip your creative brush into the palette of the unknown. Adapting new technologies, embroidering fresh patterns, merging traditional with contemporary – the canvas of innovation is vast and infinite. As one of my favorite designers, Dior once said, jazzing things up, “After women, flowers are the most divine creations.” Think out of the box, or rather, the pattern book.
3. Network, and Then, Network Some More
Meet people, build relationships, strike collaborations. In this fashion ecosystem, there’s always someone who’s on the same wavelength and ready to make waves with you. Spark off conversations, not just about your designs or their fabric choices, but about dreams and designs for life itself.
4. Embrace Failure – They’re the Stepping Stones
Leila once confessed how she battled the fear of her collection being deemed ‘unworthy’, but the fear of not trying was greater. True, it’s painful to see your labor of love and effort not get the appreciation it deserves. But remember, every dress that did not work out, every collection theme that flopped, was just another lesson enriching your experience.
5. Understand Your Audience
‘Catch the pulse of the people’, a mantra echoed throughout Dubai’s marketing corridors. You’re designing for people who, with every outfit, want to express a part of themselves. Know your audience, recognize their cravings, and tailor satisfaction. They’ll don the fabric, but it’s your art that they’re showcasing.
6. Don’t Overlook the Business Aspect
Fashionpreneurship demands balance – wielding the artists’ brush with one hand while juggling figures and profit margins with the other. Learn about inventory management, supply chain, fair pricing. In the battlefield of the market, artistic creativity and business acumen are your twin weapons.
You might now see why each hurdle encountered in the way to success only makes the panorama from the top more worthwhile. You’ll stumble, you’ll fall, but once you rise, it’ll be on the ramps showcasing your creations. As Confucius wisely phrased, “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” So, aspiring designers, ready to take yours?