The entire weekly goings on in the fashion label ‘Emure’ by Munib Ur-Rehman.
Well this is my first diary. I am going to let you fellow fashionistas know all about the goings on within my design label. I will talk about the good and the bad and I promise no tears. Just good old fashioned journal writing with an ‘Emure’ twist.
I always begin my working week on a Sunday where I just do very light admin work, you know like weekly schedules and budget forecasts. Fashion is a non-stop 24 hour business. If you love fashion like I do you will know what I mean. It’s important to keep balance within your life and time management is so important. As kids and teens growing up we are always told never to turn up late for class and appointments and who wants to do business with a designer who says they are turning up at 9am when they actually turn up at 3pm instead! I guess socially these rules can be bended a little but only if you have forgiving friends!
I’ve learnt that having a solid weekly plan and outlining what you want to achieve realistically within that week is key to building a successful business. We all want to be successful and recognised by our industry but we have to work hard and show great efficiency and professionalism within our businesses. So if you’re a sloppy joe then you know you’re not going to really show your potential! Plan what you want to do on a daily basis and set yourself short and long term goals. If you want to be the next Tom Ford or Donatella Versace then you better start sorting yourself out very soon. If you’re stuck for ideas or generally don’t know how to go forward then help is out there. Make use of the advice you get from Fashion Capital, The London Fashion Forum and other organisations because they are there for you!
Currently the weather has been amazing. I was wearing a jacket two weeks ago and thought the cold damp weather was just beginning. Guess I was fooled by Mother Nature. I’m not a big fan of Mother Nature at present especially with what’s happening in the States right now. On a personal level I guess I was quite disappointed by the US government for not acting too soon, but at least help is on the way now….finally.
Weather for me has been a key factor. The high streets have already begun selling and promoting their A/W 2005 ranges, but I think it’s been done too soon. It is warm at the moment and who in their right mind is going to buy heavy cardigans right now unless you are on your way to the arctic! The good thing is I am still supplying my current stockist with summer stock and that is only because of the fab sunshine we are getting right now. But I know that Autumn will be falling upon us soon, and my A/W 05/06 collection will be in store just in time.
Speaking of the high street, I was in Kingston this week and had a good look round. I like the vibe in Kingston, and the fashions were consistent and solid throughout. As well as the majors it was good to see the smaller independents buzzing with customers at the same time. I noticed a lot of summer sales and final reductions. Having worked extensively in the retail industry for many years prior to launching my own label I think the retailers are doing the good thing in shifting summer items. The sales are a good time to get rid of old stock and introduce the newer lines.
From what I have seen so far the A/W 05/06 collections on the high street are looking sharp. Again there are elements of the boho look which for me has been done to death! But I am noticing a clean, tailored approach to the garments. My favourite so far is the Victorian inspired blouses, and the Nautical/Military looks. I’ve noticed velvet coming through too. So for the new season I am going to really push my ‘Emure’ label. I do find the A/W season in general quite a short one as there are many trade events going on at the same time. I’m looking forward to launching my new collection into the fashion industry. I’m going into my fourth season now as a design label. And each season so far has brought in more success.
Every small design label does want to expand and grow effectively, but at the moment my struggles are with constant financing and sourcing investors. I am very confident in my product, so hopefully some other fellow professionals will see that too.
With a S/S 2006 collection deadline looming I better get back to work. Keep a look out for the next diary.
Just one more thing every week I am going to let you know the hottest labels to look out for and who I think will achieve big things. Any labels that are seeking that bit of extra brand awareness should feel free to drop me an email and you could be in with a chance of being in my top five. Remember Fashion Capital gets a lot of hits! And what a fab way to get your label noticed.
Hottest Labels of the Week:
1) Emure (Of course!) www.emurefashion.com (LFF Bluewater)
2) Craven Gene – www.cravengene.com (See website for stockist details)
3) Max Impact – www.maximpactstyles.co.uk (Kaiz Boutique, Covent Garden)
4) Romeo Pires – www.romeopires.com (LFF Bluewater)
5) Harsh2bHowell – www.harsh.tv (See website for stockist details)
By Munib Ur-Rehman of ‘Emure’ Womenswear. rayemure@yahoo.co.uk www.emurefashion.com
