The Color of Money....

The right color can determine whether the products you’re producing or buying for next season fly off the racks or end up under a big red clearance sign.

But how are you to know whether the hot colors of this season will be trendy a year from now?

You don’t. For that you have to ask the experts.

There are people that actually research color trends ahead of time, so you don’t have to spend days fretting about things like whether something may sell better if it’s in olive or emerald green.

The secret of major retailers and design houses is that they use color forecasting services like the Los Angeles based, Design Options to make sure the collections they’re producing are not only beautiful but merchandised to sell.

For a minimal cost Design Options will supply you with palettes of the hottest upcoming colors for women’s, kids, men’s, lifestyle and home furnishings up to a year in advance.

With over 20 years of color prediction services under their belt they have a strong track record of “getting it right.” Taking advantage of services like theirs can help ensure you “get it right,” as well….

Inquire about the latest colors and Subscribe to Design Options free newsletter at www.Design-Options.com

For Names Sake....

Fashion Business Inc. founder, Frances Harder made an interesting point at her Brand Building seminar.

"When launching your brand try to avoid using your own name," she cautions her audience. "What happens if you go bankrupt, or get bought out? You've just lost your name forever."

While it may be tempting to see your name in lights, considering the possible consequences may just lead you to change your mind.

But, hey...if you love your name so much....and can't think of one for your business that you find just as interesting maybe you can call mom and dad for some tips. Just an idea...

Sample Sales that Inspire

Participating in high profile sample sales and events can be a great way to gain publicity as well as clear through end of the season inventory, overages and press samples.

Although their are opportunities all around us…linking yourself to a reputable charity can be good for both your heart and your balance sheet.

November 8th, the charity Inspiring Divas will hold it’s annual fundraiser and sample sale—hosted by Stacy London of “What Not to Wear.”

Inspiring Divas, is dedicated to Inspiring the Positive Development of Images, Values and Attitudes in young girls.

There are still some booth’s left for rental at this inspiring event where you’ll be able to sell, network, promote your brand and most importantly give back.

For all the details and to reserve your space— call 323.799.1245 ext. 104.

For more information on the Inspiring Divas organization visit www.inspiringdivas.org

Are You Ready for Gift Bags?

Many designers would cut off their right arm and put it in a Grammy or Oscar awards giftbag as long as it was holding their product.

Participating in hot giftbags with award winning prestige are really no brainer.... You already know US Weekly, Life and Style and People Magazine are going to do a full page spread featuring the new swag of the stars. It's as close to guaranteed press as you can get.

However the average company is more likely to get inquires from a lot less well known events requesting free samples or promotional items to stuff their bags with.

To participate...or not to participate...that is the question. Well you'll start by weighing the probability that your potential customers or high profile celebrities will go to these events. There goes no-brainer #2. So what's next.....

Well...if you determine that you'll participate in the bag you need to next determine the product. Giftbags are great for beauty companies because they usually have small sample sizes and people like to try before they buy anyway.

But what about clothing? You certainly don't want to give away the 100-500 items PR companies usually request for giftbags...

In this event I suggest clothing companies develop some type of promotional item ahead of time that depicts their brand and has at least a little value associated with it. This would be a multi use product, with a long shelf life that you can buy a lot of at a lower price. You'll get a lot out of these items by also taking them to trade shows or give away to your retailers that they may also make it a gift with purchase when they sell your product.

To get these products you can work with a promotional products company such as macher.com to produce things like reusable packaging, notebooks, totebags or passport holders and luggage tags with your logo.

The bad news is that in producing promotional products you always walk the line of being cheesy. So you have to be careful and make sure everything you produce will embrace the same quality of your clothing brand. This is one of those things...that if you can't do it right. Don't do it at all. I'll make that my no brainer #3.