5 Resources For Independent Fashion Designers

How do you get your ideas from the sketchbook to the runway? For independent designers, the question can be daunting. However, these five organizations, grants, scholarships, events, and workshops are here to help independent designers make their visions a reality.

1. Small Boutique Fashion Week

Consider attending Small Boutique Fashion Week, which is an opportunity for small designers to both make profit and get exposure by selling their items to boutiques. As a designer on tour with SBFW, you can showcase your items in its online store or in one of its fashion shows. As its website advertises, “Designers who participate in Small Boutique Fashion Week will receive up to 30 + amenities including a complete list of sample makers & factories, casted models, and the chance to profit from ticket sales.” The networking that this event allows designers to do is incredible. You get to meet not only with people interested in buying your clothes but with other designers, models, and make-up artists who you can collaborate with later on in your career.

2. CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund

In its own words, “The CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund was established in 2003 to help emerging American design talent find continued success in the business of fashion.” The award for the ten recipients of this fund is paid in both money and mentorship. The fund’s mentors include Julie Gilhart, Stephanie Horton, Sherri McMullen, and many other notable names in the fashion industry. Winning this scholarship would pave the way to success in the fashion world.