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Check out our latest press:  http://puretimes.net/trending-fashion/lead-in-design-for-the-working-woman/

So you call yourself a designer…

With the immense popularity of shows like Fashion Star and Project Runway, it seems like everyone is calling themselves a “designer”.  However, many don’t realize all that it takes to becoming a “designer”!  Having an eye for fashion/style and creativity are both great…but they only make up part of the equation.  To propel ones’ self to the likes of Ralph Lauren or Michael Kors or Marc Jacobs, one has to be smart, talented, determined, mature, thick-skinned and business-minded (or able to hire a team that encompasses these qualities).

Getting a formal education in fashion design is great!  However, there are many self-taught designers that are just as talented and successful!  When deciding to become a fashion designer, determining your ultimate goal at the on-set is important.  Do you want to design at fashion houses for the duration of  your career?  Or, do you want to strike it out on your own?  Are you seeking fame and fortune?  Will this be a hobby or career?  Can you make it happen in your hometown, or should you move to NYC, LA, or abroad?  Considering these things will help you determine if it’s in your best interest to enroll into a formal program (resulting in an investment of $10s of thousands of dollars) or if buying a sewing machine and some books will suit you just fine.  There is no right or wrong answer— it’s a matter of what is consistent with your ultimate goal.

A lot of soul-searching is necessary as well!!!  Some people are extremely talented and have a keen business sense, but are not prepared for the emotional rollercoaster that comes with the territory.  As a fashion designer, one is constantly under scrutiny and pressure. There are constant and ever-changing deadlines and demands related to getting seasonal collections completed.  There will be many different personalities that you will encounter— you will just have to grin and bear it!   Also, there will be admirers of your collections but also people who despise them.  You have to be strong-minded to handle both ends of the spectrum and use what you feel is necessary to improve and make yourself a stronger designer.  Lastly, one also has to be prepared for failure and rejection.  Many doors may be slammed in your face, but you must have the will and determination to keep moving because one of those doors will eventually open!!!

Unfortunately, some designers don’t make it because they don’t know how to run a business and having business acumen is key!  If your business experience is lacking, taking a few classes at a local community college isn’t a bad idea (and definitely something that you will pat yourself on the back for later!).  At the end of the day, designing is a business and you have to treat it that way— properly registering with your city and/or state, keeping receipts and records, managing day-to-day operations, hiring a sales team (or handling sales in-house), managing marketing and public relations, properly handling finances, filing/paying taxes, etc.  It can definitely be done, but you have to be willing to put in the work.

Multi-tasking and time management are imperative because if you decide to strike it out on your own, you will initially wear many (if not all) hats!  For many, designing is secondary to a full-time job or other part-time jobs.  Time management is essential in order to build your business to where you want it to be.  When most people are punching the clock at 5pm, many of us are starting our second job (designing)!!   Thankfully, modern technology has evolved in a way that allows many of us to be able to sustain our “duo” careers!   If things get too out of hand, consider hiring an intern or a virtual assistant to help with tasks that interfere with your “paying” job (Elance.com and Freelancer.com are two good websites to seek freelance help).

Having talent and creativity will get you started, but having maturity and business acumen will take you to where you want to be….

 

Greetings from Washington DC!!

Thanks so much for stopping by our new blog!  This blog will serve as a one-stop-shop for all things Aikan!  You’ll be able to gauge our point of view, know when new items become available, look at press and event listings, get first dibs on sales and promotions, and view other little tidbits that are relevant to us.

Aikan was founded in Washington, DC in November 2010. After finishing graduate school, it became evident that there were not many {affordable} options for contemporary business attire AND even fewer options for ladies with curves. There were “fast fashion” retailers on one end of the spectrum, and high-end luxury brands on the other end.  However, few catered to mid-level career ladies…who also happened to be curvy!  Aikan was created to serve those ladies looking for this middle ground! Our line offers high-quality {but affordable} contemporary pieces that are interchangeable between work and after-work events.

Since inception, we have created two collections— our debut collection for Spring/Summer 2012 (which was shown during the Emerging Designer Showcase during DC Fashion Week in February 2012) and our most recent collection for Spring/Summer 2013 (which was shown during Small Boutique Fashion Week in NYC in September 2012).  We are definitely inspired by Washingtonian Conservatism mixed with NYC chic, and coupled with a nod to our favorite era— the 1950s. Our plan is to offer an awesomely curated collection for sale next Spring 2014.

Well, that’s our introduction…stop by often to see what we’re up to!