Denise Pearson: Bridging the Gap Between Design & Manufacturing

 

 

Jenny: How unusual Denise a designer becoming a manufacturer – what made you switch?

 

 

Denise: I never did. People always refer to me as a handbag designer but I have always made my designs so therefore I would describe myself as a ‘designer craftsman’. Design and manufacture sit hand in hand. The sampling and own label manufacturing evolved because I recognised there was a need in the market.

 

 

 

 

Jenny: So you don’t actually want to give up designing then…it’s just a function of time? 

 

 

Denise: Exactly. I just don’t have enough hours in a day and my clients always come first. Alongside my own label I continue to assist designing for those companies that request it. In fact designers’ ideas regularly prove to be technically challenging or not ‘quite’ right and therefore my feedback becomes part of the finished design anyway.

 

 

Jenny: How are you planning to launch your own label then?

 

 

Denise: Once my collection is finalised my website will be developed properly and I will be stimulating awareness via press and direct marketing to retailers. There are trade shows but I like to be proactive rather than reactive. We’ll see. There’s such a lot to do!

 

 

 

 

Jenny: And what about the progression to export after you have conquered the UK market first?

 

 

Denise: Definitely, I am proud that my bags are made in England and I want to help rejuvenate what has become a dying trade in this country.

 

 

Jenny: Online selling is now a major phenomenon – will our users be able to see your eCommerce website online shortly on both Fashion-Enter and Fashion Capital?

 

 

Denise: Yes, as soon as possible.

 

 

 

 

Jenny: Just returning back to the manufacturing side of your business – what’s your biggest bug bear with designers today?

 

 

Denise: I would never complain about designers, my business is based on what large manufacturers don’t like to do. Yes, their lack of knowledge can be frustrating, their lead times demanding but the compliments and gratitude I receive make it all worth while.

 

 

Jenny: How can designers improve their professionalism then?

 

 

Denise: Be organised and honest. If you are designing and have no leather goods knowledge then stop once you have done your design. Check with your manufacturer it is ‘do-able’. It helps gain respect if you have then done your own leg work in sourcing leathers and hardware. You must then check that these choices are fit for purpose and you have the right quantity. Allow enough lead time and take on board advice that enhances your design and production methods, and pay your bills on time. I have just gone through such points at a presentation for ‘Getting It Right First Time’ seminars at Ravensbourne College as a checklist for designers to work to when producing.

 

{mosimage}

 

Jenny: OK, I have to ask this question….what designers are you currently working for now?

 

 

Denise: My business is based on trust and so because I do ‘own label’ I must be discreet. I have an extensive portfolio and list of testimonials which I am happy to present to genuine parties. Let’s just say my work has just been presented at LFW and Paris. My new designs will be seen in my regular clients showrooms and catalogues within a month. I am sampling for two new companies at present.

 

 

Jenny: Are you at peak production?

 

 

Denise: I am always interested in new enquiries. I am relocating to larger premises soon with the intention of expansion so designers and companies are still more than welcome to call me.

 

 

OK…that’s great …thanks for your time. You really deserve success Denise.

 

{mosimage}

 

Contact Details:

 

Deni-Deni
Star Works
Church St
Bury
Manchester
BL9 6BN

 

t:   +44 (0)161 763 3537
m: +44 (0)7775 723 922
f:   +44 (0)161 763 3537
e:   denise@denisepearson.co.uk
w:  www.denideni.com

 

 

 

 

Interview by Jennifer Holloway