Hi,

I have a business idea which may be a little over ambitious since I don't really have many fashion contacts.

I want to start an intimate and exclusive luxury online fashion store dealing solely with current season statement pieces as seen on the runways.

However I'm scratching my head about the practicalities i.e how can I get the stock from the fashion houses?!

Does anyone know how cliquey fashion houses are, and if it is likely that with a good business patter & a solid sales pitch they can be convinced to let my company act as a minor stockist for them?

I'm really not sure if those types of fashion houses (I'm thinking Versace, LVMH, Alberta Ferreti etc) ever even give the time of day to small businesses.

So my questions are 2:

1, Is it likely that I can get a small amount of stock from them?
2, If it is possible, is it best to start laying groundwork with them early on (so I can change my plans if I can't get the stock I want) or wait until my entire business is essentially sorted and then let my buyer approach them?

I am desperate, so any advice would be great...even if it is to point me in the direction of someone else who may have these answers.

Thank you!!

Fashion Enter and Fashion Capital provide advice to members on topics like this, membership is £175 including VAT and you can arrange mentoring sessions with director Jenny Holloway and production meeting with the workshop manager, Kosa Radlevic.

Definitely start talking to those sorts of companies now. Give them a call and talk about it. Tell that what you want to do, make friends. Most companies and more than willing to talk to buyers about stocking their clothing.

You do have to bear in mind that you would have to purchase the items at their wholesale price. You can't just act as an affiliate and sell on their behalf.

There are also loads of trade events for buyers. Pure in London happened over the weekend, a great place to see new lines, talk to designers and place orders for your boutique. I think the next one is in August in London.

I hope this helps. Please let me know how it goes!