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Travelling this summer? May 27, 2009

Posted by SCAD Fashion Department in : Careers, Design Resources, Industry News, Inspiration, Local Sources, Manufacturers, Organizations and Associations, Textile Resources, Trade Shows, Trends , trackback

Global Fashion Calendar

If you plan to travel this summer, be sure to check out this calendar to see if there are any fashion trade shows that you can attend.  Not only are these trade shows GREAT places to make contacts, but you can also learn a ton about the industry and get lists of suppliers that you can use when you set out on your own and see the huge variety of products and brands that are available.

Some of the best trade shows are described here.

How to get in:

  1. Check out the website and/or call before you go to find out if there is a day that is reserved for students (the last day of Premiere Vision in Paris is always set aside for students to attend) or if students are allowed (students are prohibited at the Pitti fairs in Florence).  If students are allowed, bring your student ID and have fun exploring.
  2. If students are not allowed, then be sure to get some professional business cards made with your name on them and the name of your business.
  3. Keep in mind that most trade shows where brands are displaying their apparel and accessories are off limits to designers (they don’t want anyone running around with a sketchbook copying their products) – so if you want access to one of these, find a friend who owns or works at a boutique and ask if you can say that you are representing them at the show.  If you plan to ever open a store – have business cards made that indicate the name of your future business.
  4. Opposite thing goes for fairs where you can purchase raw materials (fabric, leather, zippers, trims, etc.)  This is where designers are welcome – so have cards made indicating your name, title, and the name of your fashion line.
  5. Keep in mind that getting into these fairs can sometimes be tricky, but stand back and watch how the process works before you approach the registration counter.  If you can’t get in the first day, go back the second – you may find a nicer face opposite the desk who might just be willing to let you in.

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