Jane’s List of Resources for Fashion Designers
I get asked for recommendations all the time. Here’s my personal list. – Jane
E-Commerce Platform
- Shopify – If you’re serious about selling your products online, this is really the only platform I recommend. It’s the best. “Your customers are shopping online, in person, on mobile devices, and with social media. Reach them all with one platform.” – Shopify. Click here for more information.
Startup Books
There are a number of good ones, but these are my two favorites right now:
- Fashion For Profit by Frances Harder – New editions are released regularly and this is a very thorough, how-to book. Click here to read it.
- The Fashion Designer Survival Guide by Mary Gelhar – A quick, easy read. Click here to read it.
Email Marketing
- Klaviyo – Klaviyo is the gold standard when it comes to email marketing and the ability to segment lists for e-commerce. I highly recommend it. Click here to start an account.
- Constant Contact – I used Constant Contact for Fashion Brain Academy for many years (because their customer service is the BEST). It’s a solid option for email marketing. Click here to start an account.
Fabric Sourcing
- Free Fabric Report from Fashion Brain Academy – This free download gives you 24 of my favorite fabric resources and tips on the process of purchasing wholesale fabrics. Click here to get this FREE report now.
- The Sourcer’s Guide – This is a complete resource book with listings of where to find fabric, trims, support materials, yarn/fiber resources PLUS listings of cut and sew apparel contractors, knitters, and finishers (in North America) PLUS listings of companies who offer LOW MINIMUM quantities. Each listing includes a detailed description plus contact info for the primary marketing office in the USA & Canada. Click here to get to the guide.
Manufacturing
- The Contractors – list of cut and sew contractors in North America .”The Contractors” is for you if you JUST want the sewing contractors list and NOT the fabric and trim resource list. (If you want both, purchase the Sourcer’s Guide). “The Contractors” lists companies that provide pre-production services, cutting, sewing, and various finishing processes/ techniques. Services include sample makers, cutting, sewing, and finishers (e.g. dyeing, washing, lamination). Click here for the list.
- Human B Consulting – I’ve worked closely with Boaz David from Human B Designer for a number of years and cannot recommend him enough. He’s based in NYC and he’s my go-to guy to help designers with product development and manufacturing. Click here to check out humanb.com and what they offer.
Please Note: I want to be completely transparent with you and let you know that I may receive a small referral commission on some of these links if you decide to make a purchase. I can assure you I am only recommending what I believe in and take your trust in my recommendations very seriously. – Jane