About the Designer Fact File
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Peter Pilotto, AW12
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Originally published by the BFC in 1997, the Designer Fact File [DFF] was developed by the BFC as a guide to setting up designer business. Its author
Caroline Coates, who herself experienced ‘the wonder and the horror of running a label’ aimed to share her own experience and draw on the guidance of designers and the industry through extensive research.
This is the first edition of the DFF online. It offers new insights into the industry and has been updated to recognise advances in online technology, developments in sustainable fashion over the last decade, as well as today’s closer links between fashion and retail.
The core
aims, however, remain the same. The DFF should be easily understood by those who are starting out. It will not show all the problems nor will it provide all the answers. It highlights issues and signpost readers towards some answers, to better prepare designers for the challenges ahead.
How to use the Designer Fact File
The core structure is divided into two parts:
preparing for business and
starting your business. The first part provides
pre-business considerations and guidance for your business plan as well
as finance. The second section goes into detail on areas that will
develop your brand. The new online format means you can:
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easily navigate to a key topic - see sitemap
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reach related content via useful links moving between sections
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use the search facility to find specifically relevant content
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alternatively, you can take a more traditional approach and read the
Fact File in chronological order, following the link to the next
content at the end of each page, just like a book
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the online publication of the Designer Fact File means that a
community can now form around it. The forum (coming soon) means that you can
exchange thoughts, comment and questions with others in a similar
position to you. Just register and sign in to share your
questions and experiences.
Acknowledgments
The re-publication of the Designer Fact File was possible thanks to the
editors who reviewed, updated and added to the original content. Experts
in their field, they have kindly offered to share their advice and
experience.
To illustrate their points, many editors liaised with designers at
various levels of experience - watch out for their key quotes and video
interviews.
The Designer Fact File was funded by the London Development Agency (LDA) through its 2007 – 2011 grant to the British Fashion Council. The BFC gratefully acknowledges the support of the LDA and the
Mayor of London.