Welcome to New York – Nolcha Style

Fashion week is nearly upon us and 35 British designers have been selected to showcase at NY PROFILE in association with Nolcha. That’s right thanks to efforts of FashionCapital these designers are being subsidised to showcase their brand at a peak in the fashion industry and in the Big Apple!!

The debut of NY Profile held during Nolcha Fashion Week: NYC (live link www.nolchafashionweek.com) is making history at the Spring/Summer 09 NY fashion season all thanks to support from asos.com, CFP and LDA.

Being a fellow Brit who has grown my own business in NYC over the last few years I want to share some tips with you to make your trip as successful as possible for you. The spring board has been provided for you and now only you are in control of the success of your trip to NYC. 

1.       KNOW THE MARKET

You must learn that the NYC market is much more aggressive than the UK and nothing will be given to you. Do some research about NYC based designers and look at their time in business, progress and success. Find designers that are similar to your pricing or brand and find out their stockists  

2.       THE COMPETITION IS ON

You will be showcasing your brand during one of the most prominent times in the fashion calendar: NEW YORK FASHION WEEK. The city that kicks of the fashion week season. 100s of designers are showcasing throughout NYC and be prepared that not everybody is there to see you. 

3.       GET BUSINESS SAVVY

The business will not come to you.  You must create and grasp business opportunities. Start your research now and find out who, what and where would be good for you to connect. Some resources: www.nolchanetwork.com, www.fashionservicenetwork.com, www.fadmashion.com  

4.       DO NOT BE NAÏVE

Most designers dream to be in Bloomingdales, Saks, Henri Bendels etc but you have to ask yourself why would the buyer want you in their store?  If you think that you can walk your collection in Saks then think again. Get online and find out about the buying procedure per store. Do you have to set up an appointment? Send in samples? Learn the contacts and have business etiquette. 

5.       KNOW YOUR BRAND

Buyers, press and industry do not want to talk to a bag of nerves or somebody who fumbles over questions about price points, fabrics and desired clientele. Learn 1 – 2 minute overview of your brand (elevator speech) and make it concise with buzz words. 

6.       BUSINESS CARDS, BUSINESS CARDS, BUSINESS CARDS

If you do not have a business card then do not board the plane ;o) Only teasing. However NYC is networking crazy. You never know who you will meet on the subway, in the pizza queue and not to mention the calendar of events to attend. Business cards are key to future communication and also represent professionalism. 

7.       CONFIDENCE

Believe in yourself, your product and your dreams. Positive energy is contagious so make sure that you smile, project confidence and enjoy your time.

So finish sewing up your last hem, print out new business cards, get your elevator speech ready and pack your bags for NYC.  

I look forward to seeing you soon 

Kerry Bannigan
CEO – Nolcha
www.nolchafashionweek.com