Queensland designers keen to realise the dream of founding their own label are invited to attend the inaugural 'Launch My Label' forum this Thursday (March 3).
Coordinated by F.rock Fashion founder Helen Sattler and event organiser Rebecca Ottaway, 'Launch My Label' will feature presentations from Queensland's established fashion business community.
Sattler will present on small business start-up essentials such as 'forms and financials', while Lindsay Bennett of Lindsay Bennett Marketing will discuss launchpad opportunities such as Rosemount Australian Fashion Week.
They will be joined by Mary Evans of online boutique Princess Polly, who will discuss the ins and outs of pitching to potential stockists, as well as designer Leina Broughton.
Broughton, who previously worked for the likes of Lisa Ho and Tim O'Connor, has already picked up 18 stockists since launching her self-titled label in July 2010.
“I'm going to be talking about the importance of quality control, consistency in sizing, and really ensuring you're getting a great fit suitable for your market,” Broughton said.
She will also bring to the forum her experiences of operating a different business model to most other local fashion businesses. Broughton releases five 'mini collections' a year instead of the traditional two.
“I do all the sample development myself and then I've got manufacturers who produce locally. It means I can turn things around a lot quicker. Stores are getting fresh product all the time and they can order smaller amounts on a regular basis. From a cash flow point of view, it's amazing,” Broughton said.
She had good news for budding designers in the sunshine state.
“I moved up to Queensland last year to launch the business and it's just been amazing. They've got an amazing support structure up here for small design businesses that are starting up... I've been blown away by the quality of Queensland manufacturers.”
Sattler said a mentoring session with Broughton was among the opportunities up for grabs at Launch My Label, along with a 'fashion label accelerator system' donated by F.rock Fashion.
Launch My Label will be held in Fortitude Valley, Brisbane from 7pm on March 3. Tickets are $35 and can be purchased at the door.