by Rochell James

Created on: December 21, 2008

Many ask this question. How do I start a fashion line or I want to become a fashion designer. But, do you really have what it takes to go all the way. You must ask yourself why do you want to become a fashion designer. When asked that specific question so many say, when I was a child I loved to dress up in my mother's clothes. But, does that mean the you are a designer or that you know what looks good and coordinate well together? I feel that if it's really in you to become a fashion designer you will already have that "God given talent". Meaning designs and creativity comes natural. You do not have to be taught how to design. Now a days all it takes is money and who you know. But, for that real and true designer it takes hard work. Meaning a love and passion for fashion. Not just focusing on starting a clothing line. But, wanting to learn how to start an long lasting empire. Teaching yourself on how to better your sketches, learning textiles, researching on other fashion icons. Finding out how they started out.

As a young teen at first I wanted to become an Architect and I found myself designing clothing (women clothing). I did not wait to go to college to learn about Chanel and Europe fashion houses, No I taught myself and learned that many designers back then were actually me. By saying that, I was self taught. Chanel did not know who to draw so she draped. Her mother sewed clothing so she picked that up and starting working as a seamstress. When I was growing up my grandmother took me to her sewing circle (old ladies that knitted). I picked that up as a kid. Those are just a few examples. As time passed I wrote a business plan when I was 18 years old. I new what my age target was, what style of clothing, where I wanted to produce my thing clothing etc. But, as more time passed I matured and woke up a little and realized that it is not all that easy and that you have to start very small and take baby steps, especially if you do not have a backup (money). The funny part was is that I always knew how to sew but I wanted someone else to sew it for me. Right there is the first NO! In my opinion, you have to know every part of what you want to put out there and know how you want it to be represented. Because the majority on the time when you take a sketch to the seamstress he or she will only make what they see. If you do go that route make sure that you have written clear and very detailed descriptions of each sketch, because if not they will make whatever they think that is close to what you drew, and if you really think about it, it is not really your full design it's a partner ship in a way.

With all of that said. Here are my tips:

1. Have a vision. Without a vision you have no purpose.

2. Come up with a name for your fashion line.

3. Decide on an age range and price range.

4. Study, learn, research.

5. After you cross your T's and dotted your I's then and only then began and write your business plan.

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