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By Sandra Holtzman, September 29, 2012 10:25 am

Last Thursday evening, Sept. 20, was the culmination of Design Entrepreneurs NYC (DENYC) an intensive “mini-MBA” program providing 35 emerging NYC fashion designers with the business knowledge and skills they need to successfully grow their labels. The 35 designers were selected through a highly competitive application process and were put through a boot camp of workshops and lectures covering topics ranging from marketing to financial planning to operations.

A one of the instructors, a group comprised of FIT faculty and industry experts, including Jeanette Nostra of G-III Apparel, Gary Wassner of Hilldun Corp., and Andy Ward of GIDC, I  taught  some of these intensive classes. Over the summer, we worked closely with the designers to develop and formalize their business plans.  It was hard work for many of them since fashion is more right brain focused than most other professions. They struggled but every single one wrote, or updated, their business plan.  While they were running their company. And while many were preparing for Fashion Week, trunk shows, etc.

On Thursday, the closing event gave 15 of the graduating designers the opportunity to present their plans to a panel of industry executives representing companies including G-III, French Connection, LVMH, Macy’s, and Sears. The designers who didn’t present were given the opportunity to showcase their fashions at designated tables around the event  space.  The evening and program proved to be a huge success. And the designers are now enabled to take their companies to the next level.

Jeannette Nostra, President of G-III apparel group, as a sponsor, instructor, panelist and judge, was one of the most intimately involved with the program.  Her experience:

“The true value of the program was most evident to me during the final presentations. Every designer who attended the program, whether they were selected to present as a finalist of not,  was thrilled with how much they had learned,  the contacts they  made with other participants and industry executives they were able to meet with.  All the designers felt the DENYC program was of great value to them and that  is the most rewarding part!”

To me, the energy and determination of the designers was inspiring.  I can’t wait to say “I knew them when…”

If you are interested in participating in the 2013 class of Design Entrepreneurs NYC, please note that the application process will launch in early 2013. For updates, please visit http://designentrepreneursnyc.com/.

For those of you interested in participating in the business of design, NYC Fashion Fellows is now taking applications.  NYC Fashion Fellows

Sandra Holtzman teaches CEO 035: Licensing.
She is the author of Lies Startups Tell Themselves to Avoid Marketing.

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By Sandra Holtzman, September 18, 2012 1:30 pm

Here’s an opportunity for those of you interested in fashion management.  It’s offered by the same folks who partnered with FIT this summer to do DESIGNNYC.
http://www.nycfashionfellows.org/

Sandra Holtzman teaches CEO 035: Licensing.
She is the author of Lies Startups Tell Themselves to Avoid Marketing.

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By Paige Smith, September 6, 2012 10:35 am

What will you be doing tonight??

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By Sandra Holtzman, June 9, 2012 9:44 am

The annual Licensing Expo is a good way to explore the options out there to license out your product or to consider in-licensing someone else’s. Check out the link and see if it’s for you.

http://www.licensingexpo.com/

The expo is sponsored by LIMA: The International Licensing Industry Merchandiser’s Association – learn more about LIMA at their website.

http://www.licensing.org/

If, by chance you are more engineering (remember Jane Russell’s bra was allegedly created by engineers) or scientific oriented

Check out the Licensing Executives Society.

http://www.lesusacanada.org/

While the information at their meetings will almost certainly be outside the fashion sector, they do provide valuable information and resources.

Sandra Holtzman teaches CEO 035: Licensing.
She is the author of Lies Startups Tell Themselves to Avoid Marketing.

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By Paige Smith, April 16, 2012 1:47 pm

Who:
Cheryl Jackson

What:
The main goal of Pink Diamond Paws (PDP) is to design and produce quality made clothing for puppies small dogs, and to create a shopping environment that caters to the apparel needs of your pet. PDP invites the owner to have a great experience choosing a quality made garment for their pets. And your pet will feel so comfortable in all of our garments.  Our focus for our clothing line will be evening dresses, casual dresses jackets, and vests. Your pet will appreciate PDP as much as you will.

When:
Pink Diamond Paws was created in 2010 and will launch in October 2012

Where:
www.pinkdiamondpaws.com
pinkdiamondpaws@yahoo.com

Why:
I chose to attend the Pet Apparel Certificate program because I knew that it would guide me into the right direction to be able to design my own small dog apparel line. It would also give me the correction information to expand it a company and a brand. My experience has been nothing short of wonderful. I have truly enjoyed this program and would honestly recommend it to anyone with a passion for fashion in pet apparel.

Experience in the Pet Fashion Design and Marketing certificate program:
My experience attending Pet Apparel Certificate Program has been such a wonderful experience. I have had the pleasure of meeting so many individuals who are vested in the same ideas as myself regarding fashion and pets. I have also formed life long friends that I know I will be able to connect with as I proceed with my business goals. The instructors have been such a vibrant part of the programs. These faculty member have worked and owned businesses within the industry and has a proven track record to help the students strive for success. I know my business will prosper and grow due to all that I have learned in this program.

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By Paige Smith, April 2, 2012 2:14 pm

BARKinistas Unleashed is free and open to the public, however you need a ticket to enter. Tickets are no longer available.

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By Paige Smith, March 26, 2012 5:00 pm

FIT’s 6th Annual Sustainable Business and Design Conference
“Winds of Change: Making Our Mark on Sustainability”
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
The John Reeves Great Hall
8:30am – 5:30pm

Bring your students to one session or attend for the whole day.
The conference is free and open to the public.
Register: http://www3.fitnyc.edu/sustainabilityatfit/conf_regist_form.htm
Schedule: http://fitnyc.edu/12190.asp