The Fashion Entrepreneur

This essential guide shows aspiring entrepreneurs how to bring a fashion business idea to life from forming a legal entity and writing a business plan, to organizing a structure, scaling a business and strategizing for growth. Readers will develop theoretical and practical approaches to supply chain management and marketing strategies.

Led by the author's vision and packed with interviews from iconic figures in fashion, the book shows that despite all that is wrong with today's fashion system, there has never been a better time to be a visionary, game-changing fashion entrepreneur. Case study interviewees include designer Tommy Hilfiger and some of the biggest names in fashion marketing, publicity, brand collaboration and legal representation.

A comprehensive guide targeted at aspiring entrepreneurs in the fashion industry, offering insights on how to transform a business idea into reality... In addition to its lessons on creating and building a business, the book also features interviews with some of fashion's notable names including Tommy Hilfiger and Jenny Packham. Milk founder Mazdack Rassi, fashion lawyer Betsy Pearce (known for her work with McQueen), and other figures in fashion marketing, publicity, brand collaboration and legal representation are among the case studies. -- Jean E. Palmieri WWD
Keanan Duffty's The Fashion Entrepreneur is a must read for all individuals looking to launch their own fashion business. It is also a must read for all academics who are looking to communicate to their fashion and merchandising students what it takes to create a successful fashion brand. The book is part "how-to", part fashion history, and part insider advice from fashion's top names. I wish this book existed when I launched my brand! It walks us through all the pragmatic steps and inspires the reader to approach the building of a business from an authentic and personalized point of view. John Bartlett, Provost's Office, The New School, New York

As emerging designers navigate the complexities of building a brand, Keanan Duffty's The Fashion Entrepreneur feels like a lifeline. It's not just another textbook on how to start a business; it's a step-by-step guide tailored to creatives who are balancing artistry with the demands of entrepreneurship.
What stands out is how accessible the advice is-Keanan breaks down everything from legal structures to marketing strategies without overwhelming you. The real gems are the insights from industry icons like Tommy Hilfiger and other experts. Their experiences give you a sense of what's possible while keeping it grounded in reality.
For me, the book reinforced the importance of planning ahead, understanding your supply chain, and being strategic about collaborations. It's the kind of resource I wish I had when I first started dreaming about my brand. If you're serious about turning your vision into something sustainable, this book is essential.

Jeff Karly Drouillard, Parsons School of Design

The Fashion Entrepreneur by Keanan Duffty offers a refreshing and timely look at the fast-evolving world of fashion, making it a must-read for anyone interested in understanding or navigating today's industry. With the fashion landscape continually adapting to digital transformation, sustainability pressures, and shifting consumer values, this book couldn't be more relevant.
Divided into five well-structured sections, each part provides a unique perspective on crucial aspects of building and sustaining a successful fashion business. This layout allows readers to absorb each topic independently and apply it to their own strategies and plans, making it practical and actionable for aspiring entrepreneurs, established professionals, and anyone who has an interest or looking to be in the fashion industry.
One of the standout features is the inclusion of real-world stories from global fashion businesses and the founders behind them. These narratives offer an intimate view of both the struggles and successes in the industry, giving readers a chance to connect with the human side of fashion. By showcasing a variety of perspectives from emerging brands to industry giants, the book not only inspires but also validates the journey of those facing similar challenges.
Overall, this book combines practical tools with insightful storytelling, making it a valuable resource that's perfectly in tune with current trends and demands in the fashion industry.

-- Dr Caryn Pang, Hult International Business

Keanan Duffty is an award-winning British fashion designer, musician, and educator. He is a member of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA). Duffty has done collaborations with brands including Reebok, Gola and Dr Martens and designed with artists such as The Sex Pistols, David Bowie and Gwen Stefani.

During his tenure at Director of Fashion Programs at Parsons, New York, he founded the school's Masters in Fashion Management. He is now Dean of Fashion at Istituto Marangoni in Miami.

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