There may be millions of online boutiques, some even specifically dedicated to independent designers, but how many merge the prestigious reputation of an indie publication like The L Report with industry expertise in styling and editing to create the first online shopping magazine?

Indie Coterie is the latest invention by the innovative editors from the The L Report and soon-to-be-launched Indie Fashion Week, where designers and will have an unprecedented opportunity to showcase their collections and designs on a consignment basis. Commited to providing non-sponsored original content, IC reports on each season’s indie trends and then exhibit newly found designers and brands that fit the bill, not the other way around. Current designers include Tulina, Cha Cha, Camilla Wellton, the debut line from Diana Bobar of faved So Fashon blog and many more.
Featured designers are exclusive to Indie Coterie, have limited collections, and some will create made to order couture garments. Most are around for just one season so Indie Coterie gives shoppers the chance to get only the latest and most exciting designs.

Feel free to browse the site, just keep in mind the site itself is set to officially launch the end of November. Enjoy a special sneak preview and start shopping!

It turns out tricks aren’t only for kids…even in Fashion PR

Don’t you wish you had a little secret spy on the media inside that was able to gather intelligence for you from all of the top magazines? Well, so do I. Don’t fret though, even without sneaking about, you can get past the confidential stamp with my top 5 tips and tricks for navigating the inner sanctum of Fashion PR. Read as directed and if you need any more instruction on how to make it in the PR world, The Vanguard gives quarterly seminars for emerging fashion designers in our BEDOP program where we go into further depth about the ins and outs of the PR world. Happy sleuthing!

Tip 1: Don’t underestimate the power of an editorial assistant. Unlike the editor an assistant is more likely to spare 5 minutes to talk with you on the phone and is just as informed. Try to extract as much detailed and specific information from the assistant as possible. Now, while some may request that you just email the editor directly, look on the bright side, at least you have gotten some invaluable information that can be used to spin your pitch.

Tip 2. Time is of the essence. The first thing I always ask an editor when I get them on the phone is, “Are you on a deadline?” Respect the editors and ensure that they have sufficient time to listen to your pitch. This should also segue into tip number 2.5; You are a slave to the clock. The magazine world is very fast paced and they work on extremely tight deadlines. If an editor requests images or more information, get it done as soon as you are off the phone. It could mean the difference between your product being featured or not.

Tip 3. Nothing is ever confirmed. No matter what email/phone call/confirming sheet or booking sheet you may see, NOTHING is EVER confirmed. So prepare yourself for disappointment. A product can get pulled last minute due to something as little as not having space on the page. Don’t take it personal, you have done everything you can do. Usually the editor will work with you on sliding the feature in the next issue, if it fits, but just make sure that you keep following up with them to ensure this happens.

Tip 4. Don’t date your self. While press releases are pretty, most editors prefer receiving an editorial blurb over the traditional boring drab release. An editorial blurb should only be a few short paragraphs, with a couple of quality images that will pique interest. It contains the important points about the product and should refresh the editor’s memory while offering an angle that is appropriate to their publication.

Tip 5. Good face time. High quality images of your collection are extremely important. You should have current high resolution, over 300 dpi, as well as current low resolution images on hand. Low resolution images should be used in the editorial blurbs and high resolution images can be provided upon request. Never send anything over 4 mb in size to an editor! Put your best face forward and hire a professional photographer that will ensure you have quality images of your line.