Fashion Design Essentials

NAVIGATION

89. Platforms

To be prepared when opportunity knocks, a de­

signer should always be building a platform with

and around his work. Authentic experiences and

valuable exchanges are a big part of cultivating a

loyal fan base. High-caliber connections put the

designer in a position to energize and activate

that audience when needed.

Before embarking on the development of a com­

plicated communication network, choices need

to be made regarding which outlets best align

with the goals of the designer: a website, social

media, project partnerships, blogs, live events,

television appearances, relevant products, writ­

ing books, authored magazine articles, speaking

engagements, work experience, and teaching

opportunities. The designer should also estab­

lish and prioritize his values, because shared

ideals forge strong bonds between him and his

constituents. These systems allow the fashion

designer to add value by encouraging interactiv­

ity; involving his audience through regular up­

dates, mobilizing the masses with calls to action,

rewarding loyalty, and extending the personality

of the brand.

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How to Have Style

by Isaac Mizrahi, 2008

184 Fashion Design Essentials

Isaac Mizrahi uses a segment

called "Sketches & Answers" to

sketch out answers to audience

questions about style.

.:.

Isaac Mizrahi presents

The Adventures of Sandee

the Supermodel. 1997 S&S

Editions Comic Book Series.

Artwork by William Frawley

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Unzipped DVD of

1995 documentary

by Douglas Keeve