Rhoda Wilson meets Abenaa Pokuaa, founder of the new and growing fashion brand Ohema Ohene
Ohema Ohene is a new British Boutique fashion brand based in London. The name means “Queen and King” in Twi, a Ghanaian dialect; expressing Abenaa’s pride in her Ghanaian heritage and her love for all things royal and fabulous. After successfully completing a degree in “fashion design technology” at the London College of Fashion, Abenaa was pursue a successful career in the fashion industry. Upon returning from the Far East where she worked as a designer for a fashion house she then took a short trip to Ghana. When she returned from that she she was able to finalise the concept of her brand. Ohema Ohene produces beautiful, high quality garments which reflect the multicultural population of London. The rich batik prints are sourced directly from Ghana and consist the authentic traditional motifs which represent Ghana’s culture.
This brand has been running since November 2008 and is truly a green shot born out of the recession. Abenaa saw that there was a gap in the market and decided to take the plunge and start up the Ohema Ohene label. Despite its difficulties, not having a steady source of income or financial backing, she has worked any and every job to help pay for collections, shows, operational costs and mini runs of production. The brand has been run on a shoe string but has still managed to strive forward to success.
The company is still very young and new to the market, but it has made some great achievements. Most recently shortlisted for the 02X Young entrepreneur of the year awards, featured in Pride magazine, The Metro, Black Hair Magazine and various other magazines and news papers.
Don’t miss the Rhoda Wilson Show this Friday 4th December, Sky Channel 184 – BEN TV at 10pm
Ronke Lawal was born in Hackney, East London of Nigerian parentage. Having graduated with honours from Lancaster University with a degree in International Business she started her own business in 2004. At 27 years old, she is a passionate business woman running RSL Management Services, a successful PR & business development company. Apart from business her passions including food, travel, music, literature and most importantly living a life she loves.
When I Couldn’t Find Tall Trousers To Fit Me, I Set Up My Own Fashion Business
There’s been one question that’s lived with me for years. Why aren’t there more trousers for tall, slim men available? Finding trousers I’ve both liked and actually fit me has been a struggle since my teens.
The answer, of course is that tall men are a small market – and tall and thin is even smaller than the well-known association between ‘big’ and ‘tall’. Mainstream high street retailers just aren’t interested in us. Their overheads are high, and they believe there just isn’t enough volume in the market for them.
Where you do find clothes that fit in retail outlets, how many times have you been faced with substantially higher prices than equivalent garments for more averagely proportioned shoppers?
Things are even tougher in the UK and Europe than the US because some global fashion brands manufacture trousers for tall thin men, but don’t make them available on this side of the Atlantic.
A while back, I saw all these difficulties as an opportunity.
Setting up shop online
As the Internet has evolved and more and more people are happy to shop for clothing online, I no longer had to take on the same problems faced by the volume retailers. The higher costs associated with developing and manufacturing ranges for a relatively small marketplace can be offset against the lower costs of operating online.
Setting up my new brand, Alto Clothing, online is the only way I can offer my clothes to people. I’m selling direct, so the extra costs involved in short production runs can be offset against the savings made by eliminating the high street shop. The lower costs associated with the Internet make my business viable.
The opportunity offered by the Internet for Alto Clothing is the same as for many specialist businesses, in all kinds of markets – it lowers costs and increases the potential market size.
Sourcing tall man’s clothing
I have a great looking Web site designed by a central London agency, supported by some very effective Search Engine Optimization. By and large, I’m getting to grips with the online part of my business. But, even though Alto Clothing sells 100% online, the challenges are offline.
Finding suppliers equipped to make the sizes I need, and who have a long-term vision strong enough to set up production runs small enough for a start-up in a niche market, has been, shall we say, interesting.
“200? Don’t you mean 20,000?” became a depressing familiar response as I contacted prospective suppliers. I’ve had to balance the choice between using more expensive European-based suppliers, who are happier to provide smaller quantities with lower-priced far-eastern suppliers who demand larger orders.
And then there are my ethical principles to factor in. I’ve been checking, as much as is possible, that Alto is not choosing suppliers who employ child labour, use questionable Health & Safety standards and other dubious practices.
Luckily, I’ve been able to use my experience both as a consumer and in a previous men’s fashion business to find suppliers who can provide the specialised sizes my customers need.
Lessons for start-ups
Securing the kind of edgy or younger clothes for the vision I have for the Alto Clothing brand continues to be the biggest challenge as Alto grows in its critical first couple of years.
My advice for start-ups, now I’ve been through more than one? Look at all aspects of your business. Try to foresee as many pitfalls as you can, but accept that you can never anticipate them all. The real challenges are quite often in the most surprising places. You just have to tackle them with persistence and enthusiasm; there’s almost certainly a solution there somewhere!
Author: Justin Edison
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Work Experience In Fashion – How To Get A Great Opportunity In Fashion Work
Work experience in fashion can be one of the most challenging positions to find. It’s a simple equation of supply and demand and unfortunately there are often not enough opportunities to go around. Imagine boosting your chances? Here is my advice!
Most fashion businesses (head office) have a work experience program for students either in the Senior School years or for fashion students. Work experience tends to be either in a one week or sequence of days or a day a week for a number of months. Either way you need to consider that although the company is getting an ‘extra pair of hands’ for no financial outlay it can be a disruption to the business. This is why you may often find fashion businesses are negative when you pluck the courage to make the call.
Let’s give you a better opportunity for success… Plan your work experience and never leave it to the last minute to scout for opportunities. Many companies have a work experience booking system with bookings required at least a few months before you will commence. Some very popular brands book the whole year out from approaches made in January!
When you call you should ask for the human resources department. If the company doesn’t have one; then ask to speak to the person in charge of recruitment. If your call can’t be put through ask confidently for the name and email address of the person in charge of recruitment. Some companies may not disclose email addresses so send a letter.
You can expect, at head office level to secure an opportunity in design, production, buying, administration or purchasing. Some companies have warehouse work experience – I would be a little wary of warehouse work experience if you have not chosen a career in this department.
Now, and most importantly, you need to have prepared some information before you make the call or send the letter. You are asking for the company to give you an insight into their business to assist you with your career. They want to know that even though it is unpaid work experience that they are offering the role to someone sharp and bright! In your letter or conversation you need to be clear about your availability and flexible about the area in the business that you would like to work in. For example the most popular division for work experience is undoubtedly design. Don’t pin your hopes on work experience in the design division. It will boost your knowledge and expand your understanding if you work in other departments. The insight you will gain by understanding the intricacy of departments who lead into design will make you better in the design department in the long run. Employers love it when work experience prospects are keen but demonstrate flexibility.
Don’t be disheartened if you feel you are hitting a brick wall. There are many ways to make your self known and sometimes it may take a few different communication methods to get through. Always maintain a positive outlook on the phone even if you haven’t managed to pass home base (the receptionist). It is my strong belief that you can build a rapport with just about anyone and the receptionist may just put in a good word for you if you strike a good empathy with them.
Okay, back to the letter. Make it short and to the point. Include the following information; availability, preferred department (but be flexible), your present studies and the institution and your ultimate career goals (if you have decided!). And one other thing; ensure the contact details that you provide are your best contact avenues. When a company can’t contact you – they will simply go to the next person. Even if you leave the number of a parent or friend as an alternative and advise them to expect a call you have a better chance of securing a role. For work experience students who are still at school you will need to arrange an insurance certificate or guardian authority so be prepared when it is asked for.
Once you have gained your work experience opportunity you need to follow some golden rules! Be reliable, always dress appropriately to the company’s dress code and absorb like a sponge! It is my strong belief that making an amazing impression in work experience can lead to incredible opportunities once you have graduated. Oh and one last thing, always write a letter of thanks. It is amazing how much a thank you creates a positive anchor in people’s minds. Make a great impression and good luck!
Natasha Zurnamer is a co Director of Rat Race Recruitment Online, the global hub of fashion jobs featuring 150 fashion job categories and new fashion jobs listed daily. To search or advertise jobs in fashion visit www.ragtradejobs.com
Unique Selling Propositions For Fashion Business
Any business plan has the three magic letters USP (unique selling proposition). Prior to any new design creation or a series for the season it is essential to brainstorm on the look of the launch collection. This is a quite a process wherein team leaders vouch for various themes and the decision maker finalizes on a project. In a creative field, like fashion designing such management principles are hard to applied. But for survival in this-day competition this is essential.
USP can be a colour, a dress apparel, or simply exquisite dupatta or men’s jhuttis. Dramatic projections on the ramp at a fashion shows are not a reality. This is known to all and hence such creations minus the props are regular sales. It is an extensive work by your marketing team to decide on the launch product. Maintaining the brand is essential. In a desire to augment sales the brand positioning should not be compromised.
Once the brand or the fashion designer has won recognition his reputation is unquestioned. Fashion designing is just not about influencing and begetting customers from Page 3. It’s an era of awareness and to far-reach your sales. Niche clientele is a fleeting lot and succumbs to anything anew. Hence the need to re-invent.
Originality sells! Brand sells! And also distinguished complete works. The mannequin outside your store is impressive but the reality should match. Sizes should be well stocked when you are confident about your sales. Promptness and pro-active customer attending is necessary for business.
Working on the entire look is important. Employ an expert stylist with draping experience to help customers choose the best. Investing in a good advertising agency assures the brand and culminates in sales too.
Planning, research and cultivating new styles goes to maintain a USP. If your USP is cotton and linen then try sequin or pearl embellishments this season. Co-ordinate the same with pointy shoes (a comeback trend) with similar patterning and work. Accessorize well and tie up with leading jewelry brands.
Encourage window shopping, videos on ramp walking and catalogues at reception. Choose a prominent space for hoardings depending on the clientele. Don’t load too much information in print or television. Let the creation speak for itself!
Author: Jennie Amit Gandhi
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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The Three Best Home Fashion Businesses to Start
What could be more fun than starting a home fashion business? If you have an eye for style and a head for money, a home based fashion business could be your ticket to entrepreneurial bliss. Are you unsure about what type of fashion business to start? Here are three ideas that have been successful for other people and don’t involve a lot of overhead.
Sell Handmade Jewelry
This isn’t a difficult market to get in to, but it is a competitive one. It’s not hard to learn to make necklaces, bracelets, and earrings, but it’s to find a niche that sets you apart from the mass produced jewelry that’s already available. For example, you could focus on making necklaces and bracelets for petite people with small arms and necks. There’s a market for this since many small people with tiny bones have a hard time finding jewelry that fits. To learn how to make sellable handmade jewelry, take a class at a local bead store or get an instructional video online. Once you learn the technique, you can make a simple pair of earrings in under five minutes.
Have a Home Jewelry Party
Once you learn to make handmade jewelry, market it by hosting a home jewelry party. Invite all of your fashion conscious friends so they can buy unique jewelry designed by you. If you don’t want to make jewelry, sign up with a home jewelry party plan or find wholesale sources for jewelry to sell. This home fashion business that’ll really grow as you recruit others to have jewelry shows for you.
Have a Designer Purse Party
This is another home fashion business based on the party theme. Instead of selling jewelry, sell the latest designer purses through home parties instead. Don’t stop with design purses – offer designer wallets and purse accessories too. In such a fun, informal environment, people get into the buying mood quickly. You’ll soon be selling designer purses and signing up tons of people to host their own designer purse party. This is a home based fashion business will grow fast. There’s also a fringe benefit. You’ll always have the latest designer purses to carry. One word of warning. Buy your purses from a reputable company that offers true wholesale pricing. Many companies on the internet are not true wholesalers and some even sell knock offs. Don’t ruin your reputation.
Have fun with your own home fashion business!
Author: Kristie Leong
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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What Will Be Fashionable In 2010
2010 is rapidly approaching! Those of us who are fashion conscious need to know the upcoming jewellery (jewelry :US EN) trends for the new year. I have carefully sourced styles from the catwalks, the celebrities and the fashion gurus.
Like much of the last half of 2009, bigger is better when it comes to jewellery. Dramatic necklaces, BIG cocktail rings- it’s all about making an impression. A little tip is DON’T wear more than one statement piece at a time. A large, multi-strand necklace can not couple with drop earrings (of any kind in my opinion) or a large ring. The key is to overdo it on one feature, under-do the rest. Emphasise your statement piece to stand out from the crowd.
Sterling silver jewellery is still the market leader. The fashionable shapes and designs being released now are predominately silver. Silver’s fresh, bold, durable and beautiful, and it can be teamed with any precious rock or jewel.
Colours will be bold, bright and contrasting. Yellow gems, like the citrine, will be big. Turquoise will continue to be in style. Huge coloured gems are what it’s all about.
Geometric shapes like ovals, circles, squares and rectangles will continue to be in style into 2010. Crosses are also making a comeback. Cuffs are in full force and are a must have, especially if they’re over the top and chunky. Exotic and tribal inspired jewellery will also make an impression.
Organic materials which are in are onyx, marcasite, bone and corals. Natural coral is stunning shaped into beads and pendants. You’ll be seeing people wearing coral and sterling silver bracelets, large rings with coral shaped as the stone, and funky abstract pendants made from this glorious material. Onyx and other stone like marcasite will be in the form of dazzling drop earrings, oversized bead necklaces and bracelets and a bold addition to a cocktail ring.
Chandelier earrings continue to reign supreme. Fringe styles are also coming in fashion. These can be a statement accessory also, so don’t be too shy to wear earrings a little big.
The verdict is in. Big and chunky are still the kings of fashion. This is no time to be shy, ladies! We sell fashionable jewellery at our online fine jewellery store, www.divine-jewellery.com . Please take a look for inspiration, and you never know- you might find the piece you love.
Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/fashion-articles/what-will-be-fashionable-in-2010-1444062.html
Fashion and Money
My friend Celia used to be a loyal fan of Christian Louboutin shoes. I could still remember her craziness about the latest Christian Louboutin shoes and efforts put into hunting for a pair of her desired style. She could spend the whole month’s living fee on them and then spent the rest of the days in hunger. She would never lower her head in front of others, while for a new pair of Christian Louboutin shoes, she would choose to do washing for others for a week, only to ask them to help her to buy the latest shoes from Hongkong or abroad.
The first time I met her after graduation was the day before yesterday. I could have never imagined she would carry a replica chanel purse and wear a pair of sports shoes in that way, though she still looked fashionable. She must have read the expression on my face, for she would never turn her eyes to any replica handbags. When she found some girl was carrying a replica LV, she would despise her for a long time and if the girl happened to be her friend, she would order her to quit the bag at once and never shoulder it again at least in front of her.
Now what has made her change so much? “Don’t you think it matches well with my dress? It cost me only $150.” That was a surprise to me to hear the words Chanel handbag cheap from Celia’s mouth. “Actually, now I find that we need not to spend too much in pursuing fashion. What matters most is it is fit for you. And they are just accessories to our dress. As long as you look energetic and luster, you are in the circle of fashion.” For a person like Celia who love luxury goods so crazy, it should be shocking to hear that kind of saying from them. (Wholsale replica handbags suppliers would smile too at the words in their dream.) As we are pursuing the so-called fashion, few of us would recognize this point and most of the people appear to be blind in front of fashion.
Chanel handbag cheap Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/fashion-articles/fashion-and-money-1384654.html
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How to be Fashion This Autumn
Nowadays, the word “fashion” is very popular among young people. They chase fashion, enjoy fashion, and regard it as a new way of life. Why fashion is so popular? Fashion has an air of magic. It not only makes you different from others, but also makes you become more attractive. Pursuit of fashion is also a way to chasing beautiful. However, we have misunderstood the definition of fashion sometimes.
But what is fashion? Whether it is fashionable to wear strange or special? Obviously, it’s not fashion. Fashion is a style. It’s a kind of temperament. Everyone has the heart of beauty especially young girls. But how to become a beautiful and fashion girl? It’s really a big problem. Don’t worry. Here are some dressing skills for you to reference.
As autumn is coming, what we should wear in autumn is very important. First, you should have a long vest. The best is white because white can be combined with a variety of colors. Then you should have knitwear. You must know that knitwear is a must buy item in autumn. You can choose some dark colors like black or blue. It will make you more intellectual. And you can choose a pair of jeans. The most important is that you must choose a pair of high heels. You can choose silver. This color makes you more attractive. And also you can choose a pair of sunglasses. It makes you a little mystery.
If you want to be lovelier, you can choose another way. You can wear a shirt inside. The Ed hardy shirt is a good choice. Then you should get knitwear. You’d better choose some light colors like gray. Gray and white will make you softer. And then you can choose a skirt. You can choose some bright colors like pink and yellow, these colors make you more dynamic. You can wear a pair of UGG Boots and a hat as they make you lovelier.
And if you want to be simple, it’s also easy. You can wear a white shirt inside and choose a short denim jacket. You can wear a pair of narrow-leg pants. Then you can choose a pair of black heels. It makes you look simple and independent.
There are many skills of choosing clothes. Join us, and you can be one of the fashion insiders who know how to coordinate clothes.
Ed hardy, as a world-famous brand, has drawn an increasing number of people’s attention. edhardy designs aims to present various superior Ed hardy clothing and other accessories which are all among the hottest styles at the most competitive price. Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/fashion-articles/how-to-be-fashion-this-autumn-1351216.html
Latest Fashion Sarees for Diwali
Diwali is not very far away. And what’s more traditional festival wear on so so traditional festival than a saree. And these days sarees do not need to be heavy and cumbersome affair. Go for breathtaking Indian festival sarees and see how you glow among all those candles of eepawali. Here’s and account of what’s hot among latest saree designs.
Designer Saree: The latest designer saree favors a comibination of print, sequins and thread work embroidery all over. If you get a saree with contrasting patchwork on borders, nothing will match that. Go for a blouse taht matches with saree print. Match it with jewelery that enhances its charm.
Zari Saree: They will never go out, I tell you. Glittering Diwali matched with a glittering saree with zari work. Prints are in so go for one that has golden print, zardosi, sequence and beads work. Border with brocade fabric will add to the charm of beautiful zari embroidered sari.
Sequin Embroidered Saree: Printed saree with large floral motif embroidered on heavy pallu in non traditional colors like brown combined with green will look great. Sequin work on borders will add to the cham. Don’t forget to get sequin work on blouse.
Chikan Embroidered Saree: If you want a simple yet killer look then go for a plain saree with chikan embroidery work. The hand embroidered pieces are great for party wear. Go for bright colors if wearing for night diwali celebration and pastels if wearing for the Diwali puja. Keep the blouse simple yet trendy. Go for designer necks and backs but avoid sequins or any other heavy works on blouse to bring out the magic of Lucknow’s chikan saree!
Readymade Saree: And if you, anyway, plan for firecrackers, then go for a readymade saree or pre-stitched saris. This will be trendy yet safe! You will save a lot of time as well as look gorgeous in the nicely pre sewn saree. You can even go for black color complete with glittering silver seqins to match the spirit of Diwali!
Deepa Roy recommends reading more about Indian women clothing at http://www.indianwomenclothing.com/, the comprehensive directory of Indian women clothing companies and also a great resource for those who love to gather knowledge about Indian sarees, salwar kameez, lehnga and other Indian dresses. It contains useful tips and information about clothing and fashion. Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/fashion-articles/latest-fashion-sarees-for-diwali-1297408.html
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