Designer Disrespect

When it comes to life and love why do we always believe our worst reviews?

--- Carrie Bradshaw

I’ve heard endless horror stories from designers ready to pack up and move back to Kansas….rejected from trade shows, bashed in editorials and getting laughed at by buyers. um hum....for real.

I remember one story a prospective client told me about trying to sell her wares to a trendy West Hollywood Boutique. Her excruciating tale described how the buyer did everything short lifting up her Gucci pumps to physically kick out of the store. Ouch.

However, contrary to the ever so common Devils Wears Prada tales I’ve experienced an influx of sweet and helpful people in the fashion industry. Then again I started my career at the Gap…not exactly high fashion. But to be obviously rude there was as good as signing your own pinkslip. It's hard to be a bitch making khakis.

I say this to say it’s difficult to remember everyone big in this industry for the most part was once Very Very small. Giorgio Armani started as a buyer with no formal design training, Ralph Lauren started selling ties, C and C California launched out of a California garage and Anna Sui shipped out of her New York apartment for most of the 1980’s. Everyone whips out their humble beginning for the tear jerker, “I’ve made it,” story. However some of us tend to forget about it until the time is right.

So Designers…don’t believe your worst reviews. Chances are if you would buy your product and you’re not a resident of Outer Space there is a possible market for your collection. Keep your heads up, get the help you need and most importantly no matter what you do never ever stop believing:)