On Wednesday during Fashion Week I took a break from the tents and headed to the Upper East Side to experience Nolcha Fashion Week – a four day alternative event showcasing independent designers. In addition to several runway shows, Nolcha hosted a Fashion Business Panel featuring Christine Driscoll, Business Development Manager of EDUN LIVE, Debora Pokallus, Founder of Bel Esprit Showroom, Elizabeth Olsen, Fashion Designer and Founder of Olsenhaus, Holly Landau, Leadership Expert and CEO of the consulting firm, Landau Leadership, Judy Galloway. owner of G Marketing Group, and Emcee Matthew Weiss, Global Learning Chair, Entrepreneurs’ Organization.
In case you aren’t familiar, Nolcha is a wonderful platform for emerging and independent fashion talent to be educated, network and showcase their work on a global stage. They are known for their shared resources, business advice and continually expanding tools. Nolcha was also kind enough to host PR Couture’s birthday party in New York, along with Smashing Darling, back in June.
The panel was aimed at the designer just starting out, with advice dispensed on all the basics, from creating a business plan to getting your designs into local boutiques and basic PR techniques. There was so much great information and priceless advice flowing I just turned on my flip in the hopes of bringing the knowledge back to you! Keep in mind, this is are 3 clips featuring raw footage. I’d recommend just loading it up and listening to it while you do other stuff – or not! The panelists pick up the microphone pretty soon through part 1.
Part 1 – What makes you different?
Part 2 – How to balance it all?
Part 3 – What investors are looking for, your business/marketing/PR plan