Thursday, May 10, 2012

Bkstyle! News- Decadent Industries Launches

Decadent_industries
Finally  some news from a brooklyn designer! thanks guys

SHOP NOW - www.DecadentIndustries.com

NEW YORK, NY May 10, 2012 - Decadent Industries launches new online boutique and introduces it's Spring/Summer 2012 Collection, "Kingston Avenue"
Decadent Industries offers playful, vibrant and eclectic fashions and accessories for curvy women sizes 10-20. The company aims to carve its own lane in the burgeoning market of plus size fashion, by bridging the gap between mainstream and plus size offerings. “It’s not enough that stores create a separate section of uninspiring curvy fashions. Plus sized women want the same fashion choices available to their straight sized counterparts” remarks Decadent Industries founder, Nikki Buchanan.
Decadent Industries debuted it’s Spring/Summer 2012 collection “Kingston Avenue” from its in-house brand, DECD, on Thursday April 12th at the Synchronicity Fine Arts Gallery located in New York, NY. Inspired by Buchanan’s experiences in her hometown of Brooklyn, NY and her Jamaican heritage,  “Kingston Avenue” embodies the changing cultural climate of fashion by using classic silhouettes and bold, eye-catching ethnic prints. “I’m constantly inspired by the attitude, culture and geographical elements of Jamaica and Brooklyn. I find that the pieces I’m creating are not only visually appealing to citizens of these locales but are being embraced on a global scale.”

“Kingston Avenue” features a unique assortment of screen printed leggings, crop tops and bandeaus as well as high-waisted woven shorts and pants.
In June a follow-up capsule collection, “All-White Affair”, will be released as the second part of “Kingston Avenue” and will feature monochromatic variations of the collections current pieces as well as new offerings.
DECD clothing is available online at http://decadentindustries.com, and will also be carried by Eddy & Bri http://www.eddyandbri.comand Pop Up Plus http://www.popupplusonline.com
 
For press contacts and inquiries please contact Monet Taylor at press@decadentindustries.com.DECD is currently taking and filling wholesale orders for specialty boutiques. For more information on wholesale ordering please contact wholesale@decadentindustries.com
  Decadent Industries is a lifestyle boutique founded in 2008 by designer and skincare enthusiast, Nikki Buchanan
NEW YORK, NY May 10, 2012 - Decadent Industries launches new online boutique and introduces it's Spring/Summer 2012 Collection, "Kingston Avenue"
Decadent Industries offers playful, vibrant and eclectic fashions and accessories for curvy women sizes 10-20. The company aims to carve its own lane in the burgeoning market of plus size fashion, by bridging the gap between mainstream and plus size offerings. “It’s not enough that stores create a separate section of uninspiring curvy fashions. Plus sized women want the same fashion choices available to their straight sized counterparts” remarks Decadent Industries founder, Nikki Buchanan.
Decadent Industries debuted it’s Spring/Summer 2012 collection “Kingston Avenue” from its in-house brand, DECD, on Thursday April 12th at the Synchronicity Fine Arts Gallery located in New York, NY. Inspired by Buchanan’s experiences in her hometown of Brooklyn, NY and her Jamaican heritage,  “Kingston Avenue” embodies the changing cultural climate of fashion by using classic silhouettes and bold, eye-catching ethnic prints. “I’m constantly inspired by the attitude, culture and geographical elements of Jamaica and Brooklyn. I find that the pieces I’m creating are not only visually appealing to citizens of these locales but are being embraced on a global scale.”

“Kingston Avenue” features a unique assortment of screen printed leggings, crop tops and bandeaus as well as high-waisted woven shorts and pants.
In June a follow-up capsule collection, “All-White Affair”, will be released as the second part of “Kingston Avenue” and will feature monochromatic variations of the collections current pieces as well as new offerings.
DECD clothing is available online at http://decadentindustries.com, and will also be carried by Eddy & Bri http://www.eddyandbri.com and Pop Up Plus http://www.popupplusonline.com
 
For press contacts and inquiries please contact Monet Taylor at press@decadentindustries.com.DECD is currently taking and filling wholesale orders for specialty boutiques. For more information on wholesale ordering please contact wholesale@decadentindustries.com
  Decadent Industries is a lifestyle boutique founded in 2008 by designer and skincare enthusiast, Nikki Buchanan. As a plus sized woman of unique taste, Nikki started Decadent as a way to address the lack of fashion choices for curvy women.  Decadent Body was created as a way to incorporate decadence into the lives of the consumers through all-natural, hand crafted body treats and is set to launch on the site in late May.
Twitter – http://twitter.com/xDECD
Facebook – http://facebook.com/DecadentIndustries 
Tumblr – http://decadentindustries.tumblr.com
. As a plus sized woman of unique taste, Nikki started Decadent as a way to address the lack of fashion choices for curvy women.  Decadent Body was created as a way to incorporate decadence into the lives of the consumers through all-natural, hand crafted body treats and is set to launch on the site in late May.
Twitter – http://twitter.com/xDECD
Facebook – http://facebook.com/DecadentIndustries 
Tumblr – http://decadentindustries.tumblr.com

Burlesque, Broadway, 70% off a musical and a Mp3 that you pay for with a Tweet or Post - I love technology


RED HOT MAMA MOTHER'S DAY SPECIAL
Watch the Burlesque To Broadway (tm) clips

Burlesque to Broadway is a 'theatrical musical spectacle', stars Quinn Lemley with Natalie Loftin Bell and Stacey Harris, Live with a 10 piece band. This gorgeous recording is just a taste of what you will experience Live at the Millennium Theatre, Brighton Beach, Brooklyn, NY, Friday and Saturday, May 18 & 19, 2012 at 8PM. Get your tickets today before Midnight May 11th and Pay $10.50 to $22.50 at Millennium Theater Online Ticketing venue!


Pay $10.50 to $22.50
when you BUY Ticket By midnight Friday 11th 2012 at
Millennium Theater Online Ticketing venue!
Tickets-  (Regularly  $35-75)
use code  70% off  code at  checkout
BTOB2MOM
at  checkout
at checkout by Friday Midnight 11th May 2012 for 70% discount to
More detail Burlesque to Broadway (tm) Brooklyn Shows


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and the free video will be sent to  you!

_________________________________________________________________________
Still Need to be convinced watch the Video & click link to Share & Download The Free MP3

Tweet or post  to Facebook to share
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 EMAIL TO GET  VIDEO

Burlesque_to_broadway
We're using Technology to help "Mom and Pops" Businesses and local community organization get their word out! At Streets of New York 411 audience development through distribution is our focus and this time our media strategist adds a musical about burlesques to the IWNY lineup! Join us as we use technology to fill 2000 seats in a Brooklyn Theater and keep this show going!



Thursday, May 03, 2012

An Honest review of an @Etsy artist- Quality Cost Profit for #occupy #fashion @InternetweekNY- Making IT-


Making_it_review_occupy_fashion
Platform
Etsy
Designer:- an Independent  Brooklyn Designer's Etsy Store, I  have invited her to join the occupy Brooklyn program and be at our may 19th evnt @ ArtsCultureFest
I like the design concept ut It needs work! to improve the final product concept, cut cost and add value! An Item like this can sell and be an added value to a customers wardrobe!
Design &  Styling options not fully explored- From experience this particular  style 9two layer gathered skirt) can be worn as a dress and skirt, but also the two layers gives added styling  optings
Merchandising- adding an optional scarf woul add "value and styling  option" and allow for "upsale" 
·         Construction – Unfortunately  This is poorly executed!  Check seams and drape of garment!
o   Cut – Not  consisten,  sure done on proper grain
o   Sewing Poor:-
Sales collateral…
·         Images- Average- details not clear
·         Designers should Press items Before shooting images
Description
·         Length two lengths offered but not stated
·         Size 6-12 - items should have width info
·         Fabrication made of  Cotton Llinen  and Satin (type not stated)  From (not sure where fabric is local or imported - a LEGAL requirement on delivery)
·         Care instructions- ?
Color swatches stated but not shown

 Pricing
Her price for the short version $49.00
Her price for the Long version $38.00 - I'm stll trying to figure that one!

Short version Long Version
Design                                          $2-                                    $2
Overheads                                         $ 5                                    $5
Satin 1 & 1/2yrd at $5.00 = $7.50        3+1/2yds @$5=   $17.50
Cotton 1yd @ $4.00               =$4.00     1 + 3/4 @$4=          $6.00
Labor 1 & ½ Hrs @ $15.00=$22.50        1&1/2 hrs @15     $22.50
Production cost                                       $41.00                                   $53.00

Profit direct to consumer (forgoing wholesale)multiply production by 2, (note this leaves no Wholesale option but again the Etsy Platform is direct to consumer.
Suggested retail- Short $82.00 Her price for the short version $49.00
Suggested - Long $106.00 Her price for the Long version $38.00

Note I've not added marketing and shipping (which she offered free).
Now even if she got the fabric on sale at $1.00  a yard, what happens when she goes to purchase to  fill an order and the sale is done! She has not paid herself if she were to need to hire a staff …  production in limited numbers can severely cut her cost! Buying fabric in larger amounts controls that cost!
Most  independent  designers do not  do either!
Now would you pay $82 or $106 for the quality shown…

We're helping designers create pproducts that sell- Fashion Accessories Home

Full time $8.00 an hour, 40hrs a week, 50 weeks a year, 2 weeks unpaid leave, no benefits and you pay for your supplies and marketing-

Fashioning_it_bkstyle-_selling-_what_works_who_what_when_where_how
Trust me after two years Mickey Dee’s starts to look good!  It's what many Artist, Designers and "crafters" settle for. However if McDonalds asked "workers' to find supplies, design and fullfill demand at this point,  there would be a loud outcry!

Welcome to the world of the Independent designer- Even experience designers sometimes make me wonder- what the hell are you doing! By the way- some then take on a second career- Know any Real Estate agents… more time, more output to make ends meet”

In the last two weeks I had the fortune of  looking on as a  mature artist recommended Etsy to another artist as a professional advice.

I could Not help.. it I "Butt in" 

BS- Do YOU know designers on Etsy who are making money

Him - I know designers who are selling

BS- That is NOT what I asked… Do You Know designers on Etsy who are making Money … making a profit!

HIM- She’s an Artist stay at home mom do  any  bit helps…

Bs So how Much  does she "make"

him... "I Don't Know"... 

Bs..."and you're recommending it?"

Him.. So what would You  Do.."  

He’s a gentle soul and I almost felt sorry… almost  - he was giving a friend I cared about  advice, Without thinking  it through!  This ‘friend”  I knew valued his opinion  I  could keep quiet and see someone get into  deeper trouble or  I could put the issue on the table ! Yes he was giving advice  without  truly investigating as many are doing online!  Then again If designers would discuss their problems and concerns,  we'd be in a different position. I have not sold on Etsy. Teh quality of product  turned me off!  I  beleived the hype till designers started wispering, But it was watching designers at our live sales events that   brought a different understanding as to where the "holes were".

It's strategy-  

It's experience

It's understanding  why teh consumer is buying!

I've asked why are you posting your product images on Facebook;-  Are you actually getting sales- I asked several designers that over the last  couple years. the response always amazes me... now with "Occupy  Fashion"  I'm  seeing an exchange of questions from designers.

“Occupy Fashion" put’s the issues of earning an income on the table. One discussion we will have is Tools, Venues for Sales and Marketing!” So many  young designers are caught up in the “Sex in the City” “Project Runway”  Unreality and Glam. They have a dream and anything less crushes it! 

It’s tough telling someone that there is something drastically wrong with their concept or tsrategy… especially  when they  seem to be or are financially doing well. The question is are you achieving you  goals and objectives.

 It’s not just Etsy… Facebook Commerce, Senseoffashion, UStrendy, Facebook… they all have their value… but I’m not sure How honest or on target the “experts’ are! At least Etsy seems to be concerned fro their artist and crafters.

However there is little anyone can do, not even Etsy,  till those crafters admit they have a problem! so Where are designers really selling…. Why and how. It really has not changed… It takes a couple of times to build brand recognition and trust. You need to meet the consumer, hence pop up shops artisan markets and offline venues. 

Consistency is important in quality of product and availability!

If your Product needs to be fitted… you need to build in the logistics for fitting!

Indies need to forget Virtual Fitting solutions,  there is no other way.

So It’s NOT solely Etsy’s (or any of the other platforms) Fault… In Stores,  you  do not blame the racks and cash register when you’ve NOT make a sale! You may change or paint them, or throw them out … but you do not blame them!

First Let me explain how,  I evaluate Etsy…   

Etsy is a Platform to help artist and creatives sell handcrafted products… Etsy  offers itself as a

  • ·         Tools
  • ·         Venue
  • ·         Marketing vehicle

So Let’s take a look at its success of each component

As a Tool…

They are the among, if not the  best…  by the way the Offer an API… but technology  does Not  sell it creates engines for sale! In a boutique or store my cash register and shelves, does not sell clothing they simply make my  job easier!

As a Venue…

·         There are trade venues and  consumer venues… It's hard to offer both on teh same platform!  After seven years exploring online I I thing there needs to be a separation of the two! Unfortunately Etsy seeks to attract both and is heavily skewed with makers- Trade.  

·         The Product does not fit the “Venue” or rather the  perception…  There is a misconception that handmade is cheaper … and the brand "Etsy" not counteracted that misconception. By the way most fashion and art are “handcrafted” in 3rd world countries by the “poor”, often very skilled.. but "made by hand"… we simply value one set of hand above another..

·         If You want to make six figures Say $120, 000 a year working a 40 Hr  week  with two weeks off (2000 Hrs) You need to  be making $60 an Hour! If You want to  make six figures say $120, 000 a year  working a 40 Hr  week  with two weeks off (2000 Hrs) You need to  be making $60 an Hour! Of  course we do Not expect to value $60  for an artist or crafter’s time or Ideas…  and this is just a rough estimate we have not added in Overheads and marketing, taxes!  Now If you want to make a $120, 000 profit …  You see the problem. NY State sets the Poverty line at around $28, 000 That 14 dollars an hour as a Living wage!  A direct to  consumer venue Etsy  artist should be able to sell at a 100-120% markup and make a comfortable profit. However many do not correctly price their product! Often not counting all their cost! Including times for sales and marketing collateral creation and execution! A designer once confessed she made $16000  a year on Etsy which  works out  to be $8.00 an hour , full time, unpaid leave and no benefits AND-  you pay for your supplies and marketing out of your take home salary!

Marketing;- 

·         The  right  venue can  cut  or increase your marketing  dollars!  Many go to Etsy to be found But with over 200,000 (last figures I  could find) vendors it’s like finding a needle in a haystack!  So many  spend time in consumer acquisition! At an average of $40-80 per “visitor” wasted, because of course Etsy captures the lead Yes you have circles.. but by then I've wondered. (Facebook wont’t even allow you to  communicate or message your “Fans’ directly!)  Sure Etsy encourages “Teams” and give “advice” but in the end the Artist do the work!  So whether it’s $14 or $60 an hour it adds up.  Hence the “No Profit dilemma”

Finally it’s about a lot more… Product and priceing , positioning, personas, even sales technique and simply being able to fulfill orders…  then again remember it takes as much effort to sell one item as it  does a dozen.

So In the end understanding what you are doing is vital and experience is the greatest teacher ... hence "Occupy  Fashion"

Participate www.bonniesandy.com/occupyfashion

Shop first we work on build product and ensuring supplies but  then we want to  make sure designers sell register to shop at  Http://Vip.Bkfff.com  

Research-

Etsy annual income and no of artist crafter, 2011 - Google Search http://j.mp/IJ2x9o

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Occupy Fashion- Start a fashion Line In Fact Help Me Start a Line That Sell - Right Away


Fashioning_it_bkstyle-_occupy_fashion-_start_and_sell_a_fashion_line_in_one_week-

If You want  my help starting a line; and have ideas for immediate sales I'm  challenging you to Occupy Fashion learn  while you earn!  May 1st   First through August 31st!  Interested in Participating  www.bonniesandy.com/occupyfashion for details 

teh first  offline sale is part of teh Internet week ny calendar! 

Occupy Fashion - Fashioning It BKStyle! At Arts & Culture Fest: Internet Week New York http://j.mp/Jqs71a

Why  consumers keep asking for great clothing... that fit and are their within budget!

I have freely spoken on how to start  a fashion business- There are countless books and seminars available freely or at great  cost  online and offline! Let me ask you 

So how to deferentiate  your consumer from the customer and what separates one success story  from another... Simple;-.

Execution

Has the  person  giving the worksop actually started a line and sold ... In your sector 

Execution

Telling  you what  to do and showing you how makes a lot of difference...

Execution

Your reading and doing the task  makes a HUGE difference!

In teh end success depends on your ability to execute!

got  questions ASK Me...act-  submit   at  http://www.bonniedandy.com/occupyfashion

Execute- act- 

so can  you really  make a profit ... in less than  7 days

That's a math and strategy  question

Keep  cost  down while increasing what  you bring in... but  I'll give you 14-21 day... if you Execute as directed

oh that's teh other part... 

it's hard for artist  to take directions... 

what you need to do vs what you  or "I want" 

The  dress in the  Image is my Handkerchief Dress- I tell the story of going from a  2yds of fabric to an "investor' and sales in  3 days... without PR, without advertising (this was before social media- the digital version)!  I've seen this repeated  in the last  few years ... When the designer executes it's a beatiful  feeling: When she does not and disapponts a store owner, looses a supporter it's sa tragedy!  So why  will anyone NOT  sell Through! Seemingly purposely  setting themselves up to fail! 

Selling or rather creating  a product that is easy to sell  takes a number careful consideration and the abiility to make the right choices and execute! It's about .. NAd this is what we show you " how to execute"-

Recognising Who you are designing  for

What are you designing

• Communicating your concept

• Why would they buy 

Sourcing Fabric- 

Getting your samples made – working out the details- FiT FiT FiT

Organizing production- Grading.. Production  Sample FiT FiT FiT  

You do not have Production house until you’ve fit your sample 

… and negotiated terms.

Costing and pricing for Profit

Getting ready for order Fulfillment;- 

Funding and financing your line…

Getting it sold

• Media

• Marketing

• Merchandising

• Managing Deliveries

Once worked out it's about repetition.... In addition we're bringing in support, we even arranged fro opportunities for you to Sell these items at Arts Culture Fest and have put teh evnt  on  The Internet Week NY Calendar

 

So  are you  up to the challenge! contact me www.Bonniesandy.com/occupyfashion 

yes you  can participate from anywher ein teh globe if you are willing to improvise...

Info To Participate http//bonniesandy.com/occupyfashion

For latest updates on shopping local designers http://vip.bkfff.com

InternetweekNY  Occupy Fashion - Fashioning It BKStyle! At Arts & Culture Fest: Internet Week New York http://j.mp/Jqs71a

ARTS & CULTURE FEST http://www.artsculturefest.com/  builds artisan and entrepreneur business capacity and affects Brooklyn’s economic growth.

www.BrooklynFashionweek.com

Sunday, April 22, 2012

How does the Fashion.NYC.2020 Report affect Brooklyn and Black designers

Fashioning_it_bkstyle-_the_economics_of_black_fashion_hair_beauty

How does the Fashion.NYC.2020 Report affect Brooklyn and Black designers... the fact is few know the initiative or program exist or Is it that many simply do not believe it  is meant for them? It's a timely question given the fact that i've agreed to support a documentary that  explores the economics of "Black is beautiful!"

view online at 

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1FriHdj0fP06l_XIRLs4rfU-5ebhIrpgavmk-Pp4z9...

So what  your responsibility?

 The economics of local independent designers across the globe anf by extension Black and  Brooklyn fashion designers is at the center of my  mission...I am reading the 27 page report(downlodad here) and cannot help wonder what  others think! . i

 

Summer Fashion it Bkstyle1 at Black is beautiful  documentary

Register | Login for exclusive Media or to  keep up to date with our news and events  join our mailing list

 

The  fashion 2020 initiative is made  up of six components!

Fashion Campus NYC: Programming to expose summer interns to the

breadth of exciting career opportunities available on the business side of

the industry

• Fashion Draft NYC: A talent recruitment initiative in which select top

college seniors get a behind-the-scenes look at the industry and interview

with some of the City’s fashion firms for full-time, management-track

positions

• NYC Fashion Fellows: A recognition program offering mentoring,

networking and educational opportunities to “rising stars” in fashion

management

Develop the next generation of

management and merchant leaders

Sustain NYC’s role as

the world’s center of

fashion media, marketing

and retailing

Support key

differentiators

Become a hub of innovation for

specialty and multi-channel retail

experiences

Build new

assets

Continue to be the HQ

hub of the wholesale

trade and department

stores

Accelerate growth of the

world’s top design talent

and fashion

entrepreneurs

10

• Design Entrepreneurs NYC: An entrepreneurial “boot camp” to equip

emerging designers with the tools necessary to launch and manage a

fashion business

• Project Pop-up: An annual competition to foster innovation in retail by

promoting compelling, cutting-edge fashion retail concepts

• NYC Fashion Production Fund: A fund providing emerging designers

loans for production financing as well as mentoring services and access to

local production resources

 

 

 

The Fashion.NYC.2020 report covers the following areas of interest:

  • Current status and major trends impacting the NYC Fashion Industry
    • Spend polarization
    • Growth in emerging markets
    • Rise of contemporary brands
    • Growth of vertical brand strategies
    • Consumer Centricity
    • Sustainability
  • New York City’s Fashion Ecosystem
    • Fashion Week
    • Design
    • Manufacturing
    • Wholesale
    • Retail
    • Media and marketing

 

  • NYCEDC’s recommendations and details on initiatives developed to help sustain NYC’s top industry position
    • Fashion Campus NYC
    • Fashion Draft NYC
    • NYC Fashion Fellows
    • Design Entrepreneurs NYC
    • Project Pop-up
    • NYC Fashion Production Fund

 

NYCEDC’s Fashion.NYC.2020 is a strategic study designed to examine the state of New York City fashion and the challenges facing the industry over the coming decade.

 

Thursday, April 19, 2012

Arts and Culture Fest Opens this Saturday 21st April at 10am: join them and shop with artisans

Arts_culture_fest
Arts and Culture Fest, a production of The Creative Side, will launch this Saturday, April 21, 2012 at 10am as a one-of-kind artisan market for artists and designers to sell their handmade goods to the Flatbush community.  It is an innovative project supported by Community Board 9, fiscally sponsored by the Brooklyn Arts Council, sponsored by State Senator Eric Adams and CaribZone.com. The Fest is located at Parkside Plaza, an outdoor plaza in front of the Parkside Avenue Train Station (B and Q Trains) in Flatbush, Brooklyn.

The market will operate on Saturdays from April 21st until October 20th, 2012. It was originally presented to Brooklyn’s Community Board 9 in June 2011. For Pearl Miles, district manager of Community Board 9, “Arts and Culture Fest is a wonderful addition to Flatbush. It will re-energize an empty plaza in our community.”

Arts and Culture Fest
produced by
The Creative Side

Monday, April 16, 2012

Head and Shoulders, Knees and Toes: Eyes, Ears, Body, Mind and Soul- The ECONOMICS of “Black Beauty

Black_is_beautiful_50_call_for_designers

Black Is Beautiful leaves a wide scope of interest and interpretations! However a movie on "Black is Beautiful" should feature Beauty, Fashion Hair Accessories and other products by Black Designers & Entrepreneurs – or at the least specifically designed for the black consumer!

At least so I thought and expressed this to the producers of Black is Beautiful the  Documentary! Amazingly they shared a similar perspective on the ECONOMICS of “Black Beaty”.  In short we’ve designed and a great  negotiated Product Placement Opportunity for the movie out August!

We’re partnering  with other leaders in the industry to bring  Relevant information and on May 19th  you can sample this at The Black Is Beautiful  Expo and Spa Day in Brooklyn

Fashioning It BKStyle!™;-  we present  a Spring  summer S2012 Makeover of some of the Cast and selected models. Using the best Beauty, Fashions & Accessories from Local (hey we’ll accept from across the globe) in a  fashion  and hair show during the May 19th  Expo and Spa Day!

We're looking to dress the cast; feature summer 2012 fashions ( and later F/W 2012 and  support them with the  ultimate how to  on fashion, hair, beauty, and style from professionals!

What we need
 DESIGNER and entrepreneurs who produce Beauty, Fashion & Accessories:- all categories,

  • Ladies, Plus, Petite Men’s and Children’s
  • Foundation garments, Shoes, Accessories, Jewelry , Nails art etc hair accesories
  • Bridal, Pregnancy, Day Office, After 5, Traditional & Modern Ethnic , Special occasion, Textile designers - Wraps body, Head wraps! Swim, Denim, Yoga Lingerie, Fitness, Glasses, Children’s Wear!  If you have a Product,

Please fill out the form as it will help us clarify your product and you will be documented for future calls! Call for Local and Global Designers for BKStyle Eventshttp://j.mp/wdYV1P

Details on Hair Makeup and accessories will come soon …

Other features

The Big Chop – Considering Going Natural www.Going-Natural.com will present the Big Chop!

Vendor & Sponsor info for  Black Is Beautiful Expo and Spa day May 19thwww.Blackandlatinofilm.com

 

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

This Ain’t Your Mama’s Dress Shop A How to Start Fashion Tech Guide for Designers!

Selling_style
I need your votes to #makethestage @internetweek New York http://j.mp/I0hHXN This presentation is to the design professional or amateur entering the startup field... From  concept to consumer support how is technology affecting the independent design sector... yes not ALL fashion professionals have thesame tools and processes!

The full tirle should be-

This Ain’t Your Mama’s Dress Shop A Guide on How to StartUp an run an independent Fashion company using Tech for Designers!

some things just can't be done  effectively in 100 charaters!

 

It is possible for an independent design business to earn six figures in it's first  year... with  one full time and one part time employee! It is possible for anemerging  independent  designer to earn $24000 three hrs a day of work... online!  Somehow many believe that figure is $16000 for a full time indeie pendent  designer! 

Things do not always look the same or work the same- it depends on your vantage point! The fact is despite the hype and dollars... I'm not sure the at  consumer needs are being met ... in that they are gettng great fitting, well made clothing  from their online purchases especially in the indie design market! At the end ofhe h day we sell clothing that is meant to find it's way from  racks and ware houses into  consumers closets and onto their backs... so why has teh "discount" model prevailed!

I diid not glean this info from facebook or wikipedia... I'm a fashion designer with a passion for technology  and have been exploring this topic since 2003/4. Here is the submission text!

I‘m a 3rd generation modiste; custom designer, FIT trained, and apprenticed under designers around the globe! I lead a local tour de force, that is global, and the best kept secret in the fashion industry! We complain about “Facebook”, yet we’re addicted to updating our pages, liking, sharing, and tweeting our lives away. But how can we use this energy to drive business? We have conversations on production value, encoding, film vs. video sets; ROI, Klout, influence; streaming;-realtime, asynchronous and/or simultaneous and take it SoMoLo, shoppable and connected! We take orders on mobile phones, Skype with clients across oceans; sell from LA to Lagos and source from Vegas to Hong Kong.. This may not be your mama’s dress shop… so what do we need to take indie designers global!

If You want to hear me speak and share more then Vote at http://j.mp/I0hHXN #makethestage @internetweek.look for " This Ain’t Your Mama’s Dress Shop A How to Fashion Tech Guide for Designers!" Register and press that thumbs up button EVEN IF WE ARE AT THE TOP! every vote counts and we want to share our knowledge!

I share what I know on Fashion & Technology with passion. I'm Best when I speak on the topic!

In the mean time click though and read on shoppable- interactive media and how to DIY...

to #startup & Sell #Fashion #tech @badassebsin the meantime please tweet
Vote @ http://j.mp/I0hHXN #makethestage @internetweek. This Ain’t Your Mama’s DressShop- How to #startup & Sell #Fashion #tech @badassebs

 

Shoppable or interactive media - how can an idependent designer use it | @internetweek #makethestage vote today

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just posted some notes on shoppable media- If You want to here me speak and share more then Vote at http://j.mp/I0hHXN #makethestage @internetweek.look for " This Ain’t Your Mama’s Dress Shop A How to Fashion Tech Guide for Designers!" Register and press that thumbs up button EVEN IF WE ARE AT THE TOP! every vote counts and we want to share our knowledge!

I share what I know on Fashion & Technology with passion. I'm Best when I speak on the topic!

In the mean time click though and read on shoppable- interactive media and how to DIY...

to #startup & Sell #Fashion #tech @badassebsin the meantime please tweet
Vote @ http://j.mp/I0hHXN #makethestage @internetweek. This Ain’t Your Mama’s DressShop- How to #startup & Sell #Fashion #tech @badassebs

Saturday, March 24, 2012

What should I do… a young designer wonders how to handle the NY “Dress code” - Politics of Style and Race in America

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What  do you do when your "look" is perceived to be a hindrance and closes of access..There are Black and White cases (no pun intended) as in the case of Trayvon Martin ...  but what if you  could not get served, or were refused entry into a club based on  your "look". What if t were your skin  color; Your sexuality. 

What of those that  say the club has a right to set  a vibe... where ishould teh line be drawn?

NY night  club  dress codes have always been a grey area matter. However  what if you suspect  Racism, or gender discrimination... what if it were size discrimination? What if it were your sole source of income? 

I’ve adopted  a young aspiring designer , who  came to NY… Like I  have many  young  females… This week  she posed her delimna.

She wanted to leave her job… but  like many  she needs to be able to pay her bills till while she works on her dream. The problem She works  as a hostess at a trendy NY  Nightspot, Tips and salary are Great!  She is extremely  uncomfortable with the dress code. To be frank… she’s observed the latent Racism, and “Popularity’ based on “model” look.

It says a lot that she noticed it, Felts instinctively that its discriminatory  and is torn!

Few would including the friends she hangs out  with! While she gets in she is still conscious of the  damage to the ego of young  men and women  who want to  fit it and Abhors the bullying…

She has noticed that the  door men are selecting on Skin  color… separating  groups of young  people dressed similarly especially with the  young  women. White model types get in first,  Model looking black  girls next, Regular whites and mixed race….. the dark skinned females seldom make it in unless they are “Model Types”

 

Here's the  thing  fashion  blogs and site applaud such  behaviour... 

Even within  groups of the same race the line is "Wealth" ... "Upsacle... is the preferred word! then.  I challenged her aas i would you to  learn her rights and what can be done...

always a teacher i advised "Google It"  or call 311 

how to handle suspected racial discrimination at entertainment venues "- Google Search http://j.mp/GNnaxq

But seriously what  would you do ...  with right  comes responsibilities, I wonder...  did no one notice a man  following  a child what if it were a white youth and a Black male would  teh neighbors have heard calls for help and done nothing! 

What  do you do  when you are teh individual  given special priveldges in discrimination... do  you slide through  or stand up?

 

 

Saturday, March 10, 2012

50 Screen Shots and images of Black Designers In Fashion Accessories, Home & Interiors Posted

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We've only just begun! See All Black Dress Screen Shots & Images Here

There is still a lot more to   be iIncluded,  as well as completing the task of collecting the latest material on all and seriously  taking a Look at what Is Black Dress... When I  see a designer I  wonder what inspires them... What sets there cut  and finish apart!

Black Dress 2012 - looks at Nigerian Fashion & Fabrics- Black Fashion Designer

Few Designers are as noted as Nigerian Fashion and Fabrics! Yet this design house is part of a Graowing trend of designers Taking Care of Business! Now iN Nogeria They are seeking to Help Build a Budding Silk textile and production industry to supply the needs of designers!

image 2005 - Brooklyn Jazz of Fahion!

Black Dress looks at Designers of African heritage as well as those wth an "African" Aesthetic and even  those who do "Black Dress" as in Formal Wear. then there is Black  dress as in teh color Black (as someone reminded me) Designers can click to This  LINK to submit or enter info ...

If You want to follw Black Dress and get info and links register andd login at www.Bkfff.com!

Black Dress 2012 will be part of our program at  Internet Week NY!

Black Dress 2012 - looks at Esther Joseph of Kuumba Designs Black Fashion Designer

Black_dress_2012_looks_at_esther_joseph_kuumba_designs
Based in St lucia Designer Esther Josph  Took the Bold step of taking  a  hiatus to  ensure she  could meet  growing production demnds as well as organize in her sector!

Black Dress looks at Designers of African heritage as well as those wth an "African" Aesthetic and even  those who do "Black Dress" as in Formal Wear. then there is Black  dress as in teh color Black (as someone reminded me) Designers can click to This  LINK to submit or enter info ...

If You want to follw Black Dress and get info and links register andd login at www.Bkfff.com!

Black Dress 2012 will be part of our program at  Internet Week NY!

Black Dress 2012 - looks at Raif Atelier Black Fashion Designer

Black_dress_2012_looks_at_raif
Not all designers have websiteRaif represents just that  niche Spannning Togo and NY he is a vital part  of two markets!

Black Dress looks at Designers of African heritage as well as those wth an "African" Aesthetic and even  those who do "Black Dress" as in Formal Wear. then there is Black  dress as in teh color Black (as someone reminded me) Designers can click to This  LINK to submit or enter info ...

If You want to follw Black Dress and get info and links register andd login at www.Bkfff.com!

Black Dress 2012 will be part of our program at  Internet Week NY!

Black Dress 2012 - looks at Mertiques Black Fashion Designer

Black_dress_2012_looks_at_mertiques
Black Dress looks at Designers of African heritage as well as those wth an "African" Aesthetic and even  those who do "Black Dress" as in Formal Wear. then there is Black  dress as in teh color Black (as someone reminded me) Designers can click to This  LINK to submit or enter info ...

If You want to follw Black Dress and get info and links register andd login at www.Bkfff.com!

Black Dress 2012 will be part of our program at  Internet Week NY!

Black Dress 2012 - looks at Uzuri International Black Fashion Designer

Black_dress_2012_looks_at_uzuri_international_design
Black Dress looks at Designers of African heritage as well as those wth an "African" Aesthetic and even  those who do "Black Dress" as in Formal Wear. then there is Black  dress as in teh color Black (as someone reminded me) Designers can click to This  LINK to submit or enter info ...

If You want to follw Black Dress and get info and links register andd login at www.Bkfff.com!

Black Dress 2012 will be part of our program at  Internet Week NY!

Black Dress 2012 - looks at Pyromaniac by MP Black Fashion Designer

Black_dress_2012_looks_at_pyromaniac_by_mp
Black Dress looks at Designers of African heritage as well as those wth an "African" Aesthetic and even  those who do "Black Dress" as in Formal Wear. then there is Black  dress as in teh color Black (as someone reminded me) Designers can click to This  LINK to submit or enter info ...

If You want to follw Black Dress and get info and links register andd login at www.Bkfff.com!

Black Dress 2012 will be part of our program at  Internet Week NY!

Black Dress 2012 - looks at Mataano Black Fashion Designer

Black_dress_2012_looks_at_mataano
Black Dress looks at Designers of African heritage as well as those wth an "African" Aesthetic and even  those who do "Black Dress" as in Formal Wear. then there is Black  dress as in the color Black (as someone reminded me) 

Designers can click to This  LINK to submit or enter info ...

If You want to follw Black Dress and get info and links register andd login at www.Bkfff.com!

  Black Dress 2012 will be part of our program at  Internet Week NY!

Black Dress 2012 - looks at Kevan Hall Black Fashion Designer

Black_dress_2012_looks_at_kevan_hall
Black Dress looks at Designers of African heritage as well as those wth an "African" Aesthetic and even  those who do "Black Dress" as in Formal Wear. then there is Black  dress as in the color Black (as someone reminded me) 

Designers can click to This  LINK to submit or enter info ...

If You want to follw Black Dress and get info and links register andd login at www.Bkfff.com!

  Black Dress 2012 will be part of our program at  Internet Week NY!

Black Dress 2012 - looks at Loud culture Black Fashion Designer

Black_dress_2012_looks_at_fashion_with_loud-culture
Black Dress looks at Designers of African heritage as well as those wth an "African" Aesthetic and even  those who do "Black Dress" as in Formal Wear. then there is Black  dress as in the color Black (as someone reminded me) 

Designers can click to This  LINK to submit or enter info ...

If You want to follw Black Dress and get info and links register andd login at www.Bkfff.com!

  Black Dress 2012 will be part of our program at  Internet Week NY!

Black Dress 2012 - looks at Byron Lars Black Fashion and Designer

Black_dress_2012_looks_at_byron_lars
Black Dress 2012 looks at Designers of African heritage as well as those wth an "African" Aesthetic and even  those who do "Black Dress" as in Formal Wear. then there is Black  dress as in the color Black (as someone reminded me) 

Designers can click to This  LINK to submit or enter info ...

If You want to follw Black Dress and get info and links register andd login at www.Bkfff.com!

  Black Dress 2012 will be part of our program at  Internet Week NY!

Black Dress 2012 looks at Farai Simoyi Black Fashion and Designer

Black_dress_2012_looks_at_farai_simoyi
Black Dress looks at Designers of African heritage as well as those wth an "African" Aesthetic and even  those who do "Black Dress" as in Formal Wear. then there is Black  dress as in the color Black (as someone reminded me) 

Designers can click to This  LINK to submit or enter info ...

If You want to follw Black Dress and get info and links register andd login at www.Bkfff.com!

  Black Dress 2012 will be part of our program at  Internet Week NY!

Thursday, March 08, 2012

Black Dress 2012 looks at #Black #fashion designer B Michael

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FYi  if You  have a site "under construction Try a Launchrock Page To capture emails. For every site I found there were 2-3 I did not  find and some "abandoned"... 

I am creating a list of designers. Black Dress looks at Designers of African heritage as well as those wth an "African" Aesthetic and even  those who do "Black Dress" as in Formal Wear. Then there is Black  dress as in the color Black I am creating a list of designers. Designers can click to This  LINK to submit or enter info ...

If You want to follw Black Dress and get info and links register andd login at www.Bkfff.com!

 Black Dress 2012 will be part of our program at  Internet Week NY!