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My professor at FIT told me to stop designing for runway shows and start for real people.
He said, 'If your clothes can't survive a rainy Tuesday in Queens, they're just costumes.' I ignored him for years, making these wild pieces that looked great in photos but fell apart. Last year, I finally made a simple, tough wool coat with big pockets, and it's the only thing I've ever sold out of twice. Anyone else get pushed to make more practical stuff and find it actually sells better?
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robin_foster113d agoMost Upvoted
My professor gave me similar advice, and I went the opposite way. I built a whole brand on pieces that are meant for a single night out, a photoshoot, or a stage. The market for pure fantasy is huge. People buy those clothes for a specific moment, not for their whole life. My best-selling item last season was a beaded top that you absolutely cannot wash. It sold because it makes someone feel like art for a night.
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tessap9813d ago
Ever think maybe there's a middle ground? I make stuff that looks special but can actually handle real life... like a sequin skirt with a washable lining. @robin_foster1 has a point about fantasy, but I bet some of those customers wish they could wear that top more than once. That tough wool coat sold out because it's both cool and useful... people want to feel amazing without worrying if their clothes will fall apart.
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