Thread: Has anyone started their own brand??

Unfortunately sounds like you're going about the wrong way. A brand first approach is usually just a logo, a soul less product with no identity. It doesn't resonate with people, and thus dies an unknown.

Just saying. "starting a brand" is not the right approach, ever.

I am actually in the midst of my start up with product already available, online store will be up soon.. and its the best decision I've made.. and excited for the future.. Assembled Soul LLC

If you haven't done research into the basics of the fashion industry, here is a good primer:

How to set up & run a fashion label by Toby Meadows

Quantum.AS - Sounds like you are well on your way though. Congrats!

Find a niche market and create quality and meaning..

I like this thread. I've been looking at starting a brand too
@BullsFTW: I disagree. You can have a brand without designing the products. You just need to project the image. Look at Nike or Disney.

working with a few brands name on manufacturing their footwear, if that is what you are getting into shoot me a PM

I knew a kid who started his own sort of clothing brand in high school. Really all he did was come up with a brand logo and some designs and had them printed out on basic t-shirts and sweatshirts. Thanks to his popularity, marketing the brand was easy. For one of the big football games he designed the shirt that everybody decided to wear, and made a couple thousand dollars selling them to students and even parents and teachers.
Starting my own clothing brand is definitely on my to do list in life. Even if I just make clothes for myself, I think it would be pretty cool to wear something you can call your own.

Originally Posted by CompleteHavoc

Knowing the market your targeting is huge, then having the ability to get the message out to them. Design matters less in fashion then people think - its about lifestyle not clothing. Create a brand that stands as a brand that can cross media formats and you should be successful. Sounds a lot easier then it is.

+1. high end customer dont really buy the products, they buy the lifestyle. people dont buy some Ed Hardy because it looks like overtly colourful douche, but because its Ed Hardy. a product should define certain values to peoples

btw, I'm starting this business as well and had quite a lot of unused manpower. interested for joint cooperation?

We actually own a clothing manufacturing company and we work together with some of the big brands here in Europe. Anybody can start a brand but that is just the beginning; 99% of people heavily underestimate the amount of work it takes to establish a brand, not to mention the network and funding you'll need to generate enough traction. You'll need to have the demographic covered, brand experience, the product itself, sales, marketing & pr, manufacturing, logistics, customer service etc.
I would recommend to think twice before jumping into anything unless you have an idea that is very 'niche' and really fills a gap in the current market or if you have a shitload of cash and a great network including good sales people (with established contacts in the business, otherwise youre dead in the water)

I hope this helps a bit, if you like to know anything feel free to send me a PM (been lurking for a couple of weeks now so I thought to make my first post a good one haha)

Originally Posted by Quantum.AS

I am actually in the midst of my start up with product already available, online store will be up soon.. and its the best decision I've made.. and excited for the future.. Assembled Soul LLC

Just checked out your site, looks great! I too am in the midst of a new motorsport inspired line of apparel. website due to launch by the end of may. keep up the good work, I love the feel of you stuff and look forward to seeing the rest!