• Trash Bag Pouch
  Taking sustainable fashion to next level, we have Balenciaga introducing trash bag pouch, in multiple colors I might add, for more than $1500. This designer bag looks exactly like a trash bag, challenging various perceptions of aesthetics.

(Picture credits- https://www.balenciaga.com/en-us/trash-bag-large-pouch–white-716897210JA9065.html)

• Transparent Hand Bag
  There are various kinds of bags in the market, jute, leather, polyester, etc. What went down that we had to come up with transparent plastic bags? It was first introduced in 1950’s and 1960’s by Hermes Kelly but has recently come back in trend. No more messed up charging cords, receipts and lipsticks can be dumped in our bag, make sure to organise things properly as its going to be see through!
  (Picture credits- https://www.markandgraham.com/products/monogrammed-clear-tote/?pkey=cview-all-bags-and-accessories&position=1)

• Weird Heels
  Back in the days, things were clear. Heels were categorised into Pumps, Stilettoes, Bellies and more. But in the recent times, the lines between footwear and art have blurred. If you go out to buy heels today, there will be various impractical and outlandish designs, where designers are experimenting with heel’s shapes, sizes and shoe forms. I wonder if they can even be worn?

(Picture credits- https://in.pinterest.com/hhplace/strange-high-heels/)

• Towel Skirt
  Balenciaga has always had a bold approach and they did not shy away from it yet again. With a plush towel being wrapped around you has become a skirt, there are many opinions around it. Some say, Balenciaga is trying to pick up mundane items and making it high end luxury where as other think it’s crazy how one can wrap a towel and call it fashion!

(Picture credits-https://www.fwrd.com/product-balenciaga-towel-skirt-in-beige/BALF-WQ67/)

• Upside Down Glasses
  Upside down glasses is exactly what it sounds like. Imagine wearing your glasses other way around and Boom- New Trend!! This design is flipping through the conforming eyewear fashion, quite literally.

(Picture credits- https://www.mensxp.com/fashion/trends/83416-gucci-is-selling-upside-down-sunglasses-gets-trolled.html)

Conslusion:
These examples are through provoking, questioning our fashion ideas and our fashion trends. The day is not away when we would be walking on the ramp wearing donuts and hallow glasses too! We can view these trends as art, wit, or just a call for attention, they highlight the unlimited potential of fashion as an expression. Let’s not forget in the world of fashion, outfits and accessories that are considered inexplicable today can become an overnight sensation tomorrow.

(Disclaimer- All views are based on trends in fashion and opinions in public)

Clothing is an Emotion
For a lot of people, clothing is not just a fabric but it’s an emotion. We all have that favorite dress that we wore to our first date or a black blazer which makes you feel powerful. Fashion is a form of expression for most, the right set of clothes make you feel things, that pink shirt brings out the little girl in you and those blue shorts remind you of the days you played football in rain. All these items hold sentimental values, making it difficult to part from them. That dress we wore to our first date, it has the memories of the first boyfriend and takes you back to your old days making it difficult to let it go. Many people hold on to outfits from different phases of their life, not for its aesthetic value but for the emotions it evokes. These clothes work as a tangible link to our past, reminds us of all the good times in life. Letting these clothes go may feel like losing out on a part of our history.

Thrill of Shopping

Let’s go back to the blockbuster- Confessions of a Shopoholic- Rebecca Bloom (Isla Fisher) was addicted to shopping, going crazy in debt and still unable to hold herself back from buying that green scarf. Why?
For a shopaholic, being in that store is thrilling, its exhilarating to look at new clothes and shoes. One feels mesmerized walking down the mall and drives satisfaction out of a new purchase. With every new item being billed, there is a rush of dopamine in the brain which is associated with rewards & pleasure. For a lot of people this feeling becomes addictive leading to a habit of compulsive buying, resulting a cluttered wardrobe.

FOMO
With the new age fast fashion and digital presence, fearing not having something is huge. Influencers posting reels about what they are wearing and fashion icons putting up links to their latest buy, we all want that trendy belt and orange pants. This feeling right here plays a significant role in becoming a fashion hoarder. Those attractive colorful statement pieces are screaming through the mannequins, calling you out to buy them but trendy means short term. We end up wearing those statement pieces once or twice and then its kept in our cupboard for years! I still have those lavender pants from 2018 which haven’t been worn since then.  Fear of missing out on a trend is real and it can lead to accumulation of clothes that we don’t really need but we hold on to it “just in case” it comes back in the trend.

Managing Chaos  

Hoarding clothes, shoes, accessories can be a way of asserting control in your own life. With increasing stress and chaos in our lives, curating outfits gives us a sense of control and calms us down. Shopping brings a sense of stability in this unpredictable world, making us prone to shop more. The illusion of control provides comfort, as though a right wardrobe choice can solve any problem or can help us conquer any situation. Another of why parting away from clothes can feel like relinquishing a sense of stability.
If we pick up the analogy of food, a lot of people do emotional eating, similarly, many of us shop till we drop to make us feel good.

Cost as a Factor

Everything comes with a cost and fashion; it comes with a heavy cost. One basic dress easily costs you 2-3k, after burning such a hole in the pocket, who would want to just let that dress go? With next to no recycling companies or buyback companies, we have no other option than to hoard our clothes. There are a very few companies like H&M which ask you to get a bag full of old clothes and give you a 15% discount on their store but other than that, there are no reliable places which give you such opportunities.

While there can be many psychological reasons of hoarding clothes and continuous shopping, there are ways to break this cycle and foster a better, healthier relationship with clothes. Taking a pause before picking up a dress always helps evaluating our decisions, asking yourself questions like “do I really like this?”  or “will I be wearing it often?” will build a mindset of requirement, negating the mindset of wanting it all. It will help you curb impulsive buys in turn help you budget your finances as well.

Even though shopping is therapy, fashion hoarding is not just about the love for shopping, it has some deep psychological layers to it. Understanding the emotional attachment and patterns can really help you let go of this habit, decluttering your mind and will bring a real sense of control in life. At the end of the day, fashion should be a source of joy and self-expression, not stress.

]]> https://fashionlawjournal.com/why-cant-we-let-go-of-clothes-fashion-hoarders-psychology/feed/ 0 https://fashionlawjournal.com/dopamine-dressing-a-trend-or-lifestyle/ https://fashionlawjournal.com/dopamine-dressing-a-trend-or-lifestyle/#respond Wed, 10 Jul 2024 12:11:38 +0000 https://fashionlawjournal.com/?p=8270 With a variety of new trends in Fashion, we have a new one: Dopamine Dressing.
What is Dopamine aka feel good dressing? Well to put it very simply its a symphony of colors and patterns which instantly make you feel good. But what is so trending about it?

Before we get into understanding this concept, it is first important to know the basics of dopamine, which is a type of neurotransmitter.

Dopamine is a chemic which is known to release happy hormones, making us feel joy, pleasure, reward etc. It has many functions: it is involved in reward, motivation, memory, and attention. When dopamine is released in large amounts, it creates feelings of pleasure and reward which motivates us to repeat a specific behaviour.

If you are an avid social media user, you must have come across this term. Fashion psychologist Dr Dawnn Karen coined this term in a book she wrote titled ‘Dress Your Best Life’, Dopamine Dressing means wearing outfits in a way that releases a rush of happy hormones. Dopamine is one of the feel-good neurotransmitters, hence the term. How you dress up actually reflects a lot about your personality, inter related with color psychology. As per color psychology someone who likes and wears yellow a lot is considered to be a highly positive person, similarly if someone likes dark shades like black, they are considered to represent some pain or stoicness. As per a psychologist based in Mumbai, if you are feeling sad, wearing vibrant hues and brighter clothes will cheer you up as you begin to view yourself in such a light.

Dopamine Dressing on Runway and IRL

In this year, we have seen a lot of celebs rocking bright color outfits, for instance: Taylor Swift rocked a beautiful shade of green at the Golden Globes.

For a success party of Animal, Alia Bhatt was see wearing stunning in the opulent blue gown in Mumbai. The color instantly brings you positivity and joy.

On designer runways, bright colors like eclectic blue, shocking pink and flamingo pink, Vouge called it “Color Me Free.” If you also check, Pinterest stats say, there is a 16 times increase in the searches for bright color outfits and vibrant outfits.

 Scientific Correlation: Bright colors & Dopamine Rush

“Colors, like features, follow the changes of the emotions,” the artist Pablo Picasso once remarked. 

Color is a powerful communication tool and can be used to signal action, influence mood, and even influence physiological reactions. Certain colors have been associated with physiological changes, including increased blood pressure, increased metabolism, and eyestrain.

Red color instantly brings energy and blue hues make you feel calm and relaxed. Colors in the red area of the color spectrum are known as warm colors and include red, orange, and yellow. These warm colors evoke emotions ranging from feelings of warmth and comfort to feelings of anger and hostility. Colors on the blue side of the spectrum are known as cool colors and include blue, purple, and green. These colors are often described as calm, but can also call to mind feelings of sadness or indifference.

Wearing black color instantly demands others to take you seriously and be intimidating, whereas white color reflects perfection, simplicity and freshness, Hence, Lawyers have a black and white dress code to bring out the balance.

Dopamine dressing has a personal, more than universal, association. Someone like me would consider yellow color to bring me instant confidence but for someone like you red might give you a boost. It was found that people wearing black outfits have a greater influence on a group as they appear more authoritative and commanding. If your end goal is to feel confident and powerful when wearing black, then feelings of joy will surely follow. However, it is important to stress that it is all about your personal associations

But the year of 2024 has seen the most vibrant shades possible. Formal clothing has also included colors like red and peach fuzz (latest add in pantone) and for a lot of people it is a lifestyle! Try this small activity some day, pick out vibrant colors like red, pink, green and then pick out dark shades like black and dark blue. Wear each piece of clothing and see what color makes you feel the most confident.

It is a mesmerizing thriller that not only enthralled audiences with its intense story but also with its subtle use of fashion to reflect the character development and emotional arches. This movie is set against the 1971 Indo-Pakistan war, it tells the story of Sehmat Khan, a young Indian woman who marries a Pakistani military officer to serve as an undercover spy for India. This article is going to explore the intricate role of fashion psychology in Raazi, emphasizing how the film uses clothing to enhance storytelling and deepen audience engagement.

Character Development

The movie showcases a significant development in Sehmat’s character, and this evolution is subtly mirrored through her wardrobe choices.

1. Innocence and Simplicity: During the starting scenes of the film, Sehmat, Alia Bhatt’s character is shown as an innocent girl in college. Her clothing choices are subtle and simple kurtas and dupattas in tender and pastel shades. These choices reflect her protected childhood and soft nature.
2. Transition to a Spy: As Sehmat is sent into a different world where she has to hide who she is, her wardrobe choices begins to evolve. The gradual shift is noticeable as her outfits become more structured, if you notice, hair style is neater, from blush pink colors to lipstick shades becoming dark and bold. The delicate inclusion of darker shades reflects the weight of her new role and the inner commotion she experiences.
3. Adaptation: When the character is in Pakistan, her wardrobe adapts to the new environment she is in. She dresses herself in traditional Pakistani clothes and colors like salwar kameez and sarees that merge with her surroundings with greener shades,  enabling her to fit in seamlessly. This adaptation is critical for her role as a spy, as it helps her to blend in and gain the trust of people around her.

In the entirety of Raazi, Alia Bhatt is adorned in soft pastel colored sarees and salwar kameez to show her new bride persona. Very interestingly tricks and hacks were used to hide the spy personality, notice how she has worn flowy fabrics monochromatic thread embroidery, and floral outfits making her look soft, harmless and subtle, hence, used as disguise to hide her true intentions.

 Costume Designers in the movie, Maxima Basu and Bhagyashree Dattatreya Rajurkar, have taken a step ahead, to make sure Alia Bhatt fits perfectly reflecting kashmiri heritage in her looks. For instance, 

Jewellery Designs: Considering the movie is based in 1971, they have used vintage jewellery designs like chaand baliya, long haar like a necklace, payals (anklets), dainty jhumkas, minimal baalis, and more.

Make up: Alia Bhatt’s make up, done by celebrity make-up artist Aditya Kumar Sharma, in this movie is also very subtle with just muted lip gloss, light pink blush, some kajal and a simple braid or a bun.

Kashmiri Heritage: Coming from Kashmir, you will see a lot of resemblance in Kashmiri attires, Kashmiri embroideries like kashida, sozni and typical Kashmiri thread work.

Bhatt is always seen wearing flowy salwar-kurtas in soft tender and pastel shades, maintaining a soft and modest appearance throughout. This choice contrasts completely with the typical depection of action figures, who are usually dressed in dark or black clothing to signify strength. But in this movie, by avoiding black entirely, the film presents a fresh and different perception of the spy and thriller genres. This deviation from traditional and utmost conventional looks, the movie invites its audience to revamp their understanding of what a spy can look like.

One crucial scene which caught my attention, when her husband (Vicky Kaushal) is about to catch her red-handed, she quickly removes her kurta to distract him and send him away. This moment underscores that, despite her extensive training, it is her quick thinking that ultimately saves her from being discovered behind enemy lines. The director and actor skillfully used this simple piece of clothing to create a powerful and tense moment, showcasing how a piece of cloth can be used in such a way.

The character’s wardrobe underscores her inner strength and resilience while retaining her gentleness and femininity, creating a compelling and multifaceted portrayal that stands out in the genre. In Raazi, fashion psychology plays a crucial role in enriching the storytelling and character development. Through carefully chosen attire, the film effectively conveys Sehmat’s emotional journey, inner conflicts, and transformation from an innocent girl to a determined spy. The nuanced use of fashion not only enhances the narrative but also deepens the audience’s connection with the protagonist, making Raazi a compelling example of how clothing can transcend mere aesthetics to become a powerful narrative device in Bollywood cinema.

]]> https://fashionlawjournal.com/fashion-psychology-in-bollywood-a-deep-dive-into-raazi/feed/ 0 https://fashionlawjournal.com/the-timeless-allure-of-silk-sarees/ https://fashionlawjournal.com/the-timeless-allure-of-silk-sarees/#respond Tue, 26 Mar 2024 11:03:27 +0000 https://fashionlawjournal.com/?p=7864 In the realm of fashion, certain garments transcend the boundaries of time, retaining their allure and elegance across generations. Among these, the silk saree stands as a beacon of tradition and luxury, weaving together centuries of heritage with contemporary flair. Silk sarees, which have their roots in the rich tapestry of Indian culture, have transformed from traditional clothing to contemporary fashion statements, winning over hearts all over the world with their enduring allure.

A Silk-Weaved Legacy:

The origins of silk sarees may be traced back to ancient India, a country where the fabric was highly valued as a representation of grandeur and prosperity. Legend has it that the art of silk weaving was gifted to mankind by the Hindu goddess Lakshmi, infusing the fabric with divine grace and elegance.

Silk sarees became an essential component of Indian culture, worn by both commoners and royalty on ceremonial events, weddings, and joyous occasions. Every Indian region over time created its own particular kind of silk saree, exhibiting specific weaving techniques, designs, and decorations that showcased the regional skill and culture.

Every variety of silk saree, from the elaborate Banarasi sarees of Uttar Pradesh to the vivid Kanjeevaram sarees of Tamil Nadu, conveys a tale of customs and history that has been handed down through the years by talented weavers. Silk sarees retain its unique status in Indian fashion today by gracefully integrating contemporary styles while evoking the classic elegance of bygone times.

Crafting Splendor: How Silk Sarees Are Made:

The creation of a silk saree is a labor of love, along with meticulous craftsmanship and a great attention to detail. It all begins with the finest silk threads, sourced from silkworms which are cultivated with utmost care and precision. The process of silk production, known as sericulture, involves nurturing of silkworms from larvae to cocoons, carefully extracting the delicate threads without causing damage.

Once the raw silk is harvested, it undergoes a couple of treatments to enhance its strength, sheen, and texture. This includes processes such as degumming, spinning, and dyeing, where skilled artisans work their magic to create vibrant hues and intricate patterns that adorn the saree.

The weaving of a silk saree is a true testament to the artistry of Indian craftsmanship, with each piece crafted meticulously on handloom, historically. The loom becomes a canvas for creativity as artisans skillfully intertwine the threads to form intricate patterns, ranging from traditional motifs like paisleys, florals, and peacocks to contemporary designs inspired by nature, architecture, and art.

Various embellishments such as zari (metallic thread), sequins, beads, and embroidery add an extra layer of opulence to the saree, transforming it into a masterpiece fit for regal feel. It’s a team effort that involves not just the weavers, but also dyers, designers, and artisans who imbue each saree with a unique character and soul.

Embracing Tradition with a Modern Twist:

While silk sarees are deeply rooted in tradition, they have also evolved to suit the tastes of the modern woman. Contemporary designers are reimagining classic silhouettes and motifs, infusing them with a fresh perspective to appeal the new age audience.

From lightweight silk sarees perfect for daily wear to extravagant designs adorned with unconventional embellishments like kundan pieces on the saree, there’s a silk saree to suit every occasion and style. Fashionistas around the globe are embracing the versatility of silk sarees, incorporating them into their wardrobes as statement pieces that exude elegance and opulence.

In conclusion, silk sarees stand as an enduring symbol of timeless elegance, captivating women worldwide with their rich heritage and exquisite craftsmanship. From traditional motifs to contemporary designs, these sarees transcend trends, offering a touch of luxury to every wardrobe. Embrace the legacy of silk sarees and embark on a journey of everlasting style and sophistication.

Fashion advertising is a powerful and influential force that shapes the way we perceive beauty, style, and aspiration. Yet, this realm of creativity is not without its legal boundaries. Regulations governing fashion advertising ensure that consumers are not misled, and that the images they see accurately represent the products being promoted. In this article, we delve into the complex world of fashion advertising regulations, examining truth in advertising laws, airbrushing controversies, and the use of models with digitally altered images.

Truth in Advertising Laws

At the heart of fashion advertising regulations are “truth in advertising” laws. These laws, enforced by governmental agencies such as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in the United States and similar bodies internationally, aim to protect consumers from deceptive or false advertising practices.

1. Product Claims: Fashion advertisements must accurately represent the features, qualities, and benefits of the products they promote. Claims about product performance, materials, and benefits must be substantiated with evidence.

2. Disclosure of Retouching: Some countries, like France, have enacted laws requiring advertisers to disclose when images have been retouched or digitally altered. This transparency allows consumers to differentiate between natural beauty and digitally enhanced representations.

Airbrushing Controversies

The use of airbrushing, retouching, and digital manipulation in fashion advertising has long been a subject of debate. Critics argue that these techniques perpetuate unrealistic beauty standards and can negatively impact self-esteem and body image. In response to these concerns, several developments have taken place:

1. Dove’s Real Beauty Campaign: Dove’s “Real Beauty” campaign challenged conventional beauty standards by featuring unretouched images of women of various body types. This campaign highlighted the potential for positive change in the industry.

2. Editorial Guidelines: Some fashion magazines and brands have implemented editorial guidelines that restrict the use of excessive retouching. These guidelines promote more realistic representations of models.

3. Model Health Initiatives: In response to concerns about the health and well-being of models, some countries have introduced legislation requiring medical certificates to prove models’ fitness to work.

Use of Models with Digitally Altered Images

The debate over digitally altered images in fashion advertising often centers on the use of models whose appearances have been significantly manipulated. This issue encompasses not only body size but also skin tone, facial features, and overall aesthetics.

1. Body Size and Image Manipulation: Several countries, including France and Israel, have passed laws addressing the use of underweight models. These laws require models to have a minimum body mass index (BMI) and mandate disclosure when images have been altered to make models appear thinner.

2. Skin Tone and Diversity: Critics have also raised concerns about the manipulation of skin tone, which can perpetuate racial biases and stereotypes. Brands are increasingly under pressure to represent diversity and inclusivity in their advertising campaigns.

3. Ethical Considerations: Ethical discussions surrounding image manipulation highlight the importance of transparent practices in the fashion industry. Brands and advertisers are urged to disclose when images have been significantly altered.

Conclusion

Fashion advertising plays a significant role in shaping societal ideals of beauty and style. While it is a powerful tool for promoting products and brands, it also carries a responsibility to consumers and society at large. Regulations governing fashion advertising, including truth in advertising laws and guidelines on image manipulation, are vital in ensuring that advertisements are honest and do not perpetuate harmful beauty standards.

As the industry continues to evolve, it is increasingly important for fashion brands and advertisers to strike a balance between creative expression and ethical responsibility. Transparency, diversity, and realistic representations in fashion advertising contribute to a more inclusive and responsible industry that respects the rights and well-being of consumers and models alike. By adhering to these regulations and fostering a culture of honesty and authenticity, the fashion industry can continue to be a source of inspiration and aspiration while upholding ethical standards.

1) Can you tell a little bit about yourself

I have done my undergrad from NIFT, Delhi and MBA from ISB Hyderabad. I started my career with the fashion and retail segment of Aditya Birla Group where I worked across 3 very diverse roles – product management, key account management, and brand management. In my second professional stint, I joined the fast-paced e-commerce industry with Nykaa where I worked in the category function of the fashion vertical.

2) How was your experience at Aditya Birla Group?

Aditya Birla Group is known for building leaders; it is a pioneer when it comes to the fashion industry. I couldn’t have asked for a better and more process-driven company to start my professional journey. Further, it has some of the most amazing minds in the industry and I was fortunate to work closely with some of the leaders in the early stages of my career.

The systems and practices followed at ABFRL are an industry benchmark and it was great learning to experience it first-hand across different roles. The foundation laid at ABG really helped me grow in my career subsequently.

3) Tell us a little about how this works, product management and brand management.

You are basically the custodian of the brand and responsible for the assortment and merchandise build-up. Constantly innovating and making products to cater to varied needs of the customers is the most critical deliverable. Further, the interesting part about the role is involvement across the whole lifecycle of the product from concept to consumer.

4) How did you decide to do an MBA?

While I was enjoying and getting good progress in my work at ABG, I felt to reach my long-term goals, I had to build a strong repertoire of skill-set. That’s when I decided to enrol for a professional course. Further, NIFT helped build my creativity. I wanted to develop the analytical and management traits through a dedicated program.

5) You were a part of the fashion vertical at Nykaa; tell us about that time in your life?

When I joined Nykaa, the fashion business was still at a nascent stage. I was part of the team that strategized and launched the men’s business. For a platform primarily known for women, building men’s business was one-of-its-kind challenge. With the team’s dedication and right inputs from the leadership, we were able to carve an interesting proposition in Nykaa’s portfolio.

6) What are the key responsibilities for category team in Nykaa?

Category team has a direct responsibility of delivering the budgeted target sales numbers. Onboarding relevant and exciting brands, ensuring right depth and breadth of assortment across categories, drive marketing campaigns across platforms, ensure timely and proper delivery of products, etc are some of the levers used by category team

7) How does law play a role in all these things?

Before a brand becomes live on the platform, it is essential to close the agreement. Legal agreement is the cornerstone for any kind of partnership with external brands. It is a detailed document with all the clauses and terms-of-trade mentioned clearly. The width and depth of points mentioned in the agreement is astounding.

As part of the business team, we had to close the agreements with the legal team. It was a great learning as the intricacies really helped in building a rounded perspective

8) Did you have a similar experience with law in ABFRL?

While Nykaa was still at a nascent stage when I joined, ABFRL was at a very mature stage. Agreements with legal clauses were already in place when I joined the firm. Handling and managing these things first hand in Nykaa proved a great learning.

9) What is the process of listing new brands at Nykaa?

Either the brands can approach the portal or the category team scouts for relevant brands to offer the right variety to the customers. Nykaa is particular about the assortment on the website so the category team is judicious while shortlisting brands.

10) How have shopping trends changed after COVID?

Right after COVID, we had noticed the share of the comfort wear remained on a higher side across genders and categories. Now the pre-covid levels are back. Offline business got impacted during different waves; but now with normalcy prevailing, the offline channel is showing extremely positive trend.

11) What tips would you give to someone launching the brand on e-commerce website

With so many brands being available online, it is very critical to have a strong talking point for customers to connect with a brand. This could be aesthetics, fabric, finish, etc. Also, it is very important to have a strong control on the supply chain and the P&L to ensure long-term sustainable growth.

]]> https://fashionlawjournal.com/7-mistakes-to-avoid-before-starting-your-own-fashion-brand/ https://fashionlawjournal.com/7-mistakes-to-avoid-before-starting-your-own-fashion-brand/#respond Mon, 27 Mar 2023 06:41:47 +0000 https://fashionlawjournal.com/?p=1842 Are you planning to launch your Fashion Brand? Starting your own company can be extremely exciting yet daunting but it comes with its own satisfaction and rewards.

Having a great idea and product is not enough, there are various issues to look after. Many people have been here, in the planning and ideation stage before you, learning from their mistakes can be a wonderful safeguard for you and will save you extreme head-aches.

Here are 7 mistakes that you should avoid and make your life easier.

• Starting too big: We all start with millions of ideas and have faith that we can have it all but focusing on a niche and aiming at the right target audience is more important than jumping into the ocean. Fun Fact: Ralph Lauren started with selling only men’s ties.

• Poor Budgeting: Before starting out, know the costing of each and every material, task, labor etc. and plan accordingly. We often miss out on calculating the cost of every task, marketing, website, paid advertisements, distribution channels, etc.

• Choosing Poor Domain: Your domain name with stay with you forever, it is a part of your brand strategy and marketing. The domain name needs to be catchy and memorable; it will also bring you a good SEO leading to better results.

• Doing it alone: Covering everything alone is humanly not possible. If you want to grow and do it right, have a good team! It is essential to create a team that understands you and your vision for the company.

• Mixing Personal and Business Finance: Keeping the business finance and personal finance separate is necessary. Mingling the two can lead to major issues in taxation and will also leave you with an unclear picture of the brand’s revenue.

• Setting the Right Prices: Cheaper products may attract the crowd at first but won’t help you in the long run. There will always be someone selling the similar product at a cheaper rate. Make sure to create a brand and vision that is relatable and connects to the customers.

• Not looking into the Legal Compliances: Before launching the brand, it is necessary to hire a good lawyer and look into the legal compliances related to your field of product. Don’t forget to get your intellectual properties trademarked and apply for the copyrights too.

Starting your own line can be stressful and requires in-depth planning. Make sure to research well and speak to as many stakeholders as possible. Avoiding these mistakes and working with us can help you reach your goals faster and better.

Happy Launching!

Setting goals for your firm and creating a strategy to achieve them are both aspects of brand planning. This can entail defining measures for monitoring progress and determining key performance indicators (KPIs).

A brand plan outlines the goals and strategies for developing and maintaining a successful brand. It can be used to guide the work of a marketing team or individual, and should be tailored to the specific needs of the brand. Here are all the check points you need before establishing your own brand. 

1. Market Niche: To begin with, select your niche in the market that can be defined by its unique needs and preferences. Figure out if your product can make a difference in that niche which is not currently filled.

2. Market Analysis: Once you have selected your niche, start with analyzing the market and competitors. Know who you are competing against and where you have to place yourself in the market.

3. Business Plan: Start working on a basic business plan. Identify the goals for your brand.

4. Target Audience: Once you have decided your market and done your research on competitors, set your target audience. Look at who you want to cater to.

5. Branding: Select the color pallet, logo, brand name, tag line and other branding related activities

6. Product: Design the product and start thinking about manufacturers and distributors. The first collection you introduce to the market will tell a lot about your brand, so make sure it’s something you’d be delighted to use as a calling card in the future.

7. Marketing Process: Alongside, start working on the marketing plan as well. How will you create a buzz, what channels will you use for marketing, etc.

8. Legal Compliances: As soon as you have decided on the brand name and other factors, begin your legal process. Register your company, register your intellectual property and fill out the compliances. 

Once you are done with all the planning, it’s time to start taking action. Only thing harder than planning for a brand is sustaining it. If you need any support, Legal Desire Consulting can help you with the creative process with our checklists, roadmaps and consultancy services. 

1. Clarity of Project: It is important for companies to have a well-written agreement in place before working with a celebrity or influencer, as this will help to protect the company’s interests and ensure that the promotion is conducted in the way that the company desires.
   
2.  Duration/ Validity Clause: In creative works and projects, an overlap of timeline is always a possibility. Which is why having a duration clause or deadline in place becomes very important. The agreement acts as a medium to have a deadline fixed which cannot be delayed.

3. Deal with Influencers directly: A lot of times, the projects are taken by the agencies and not the influencers themselves, they tend to avoid any direct responsibility. The agreement gives you an opportunity to make sure if you are dealing with the influencer/ celebrity directly or it’s the agency who is in contact with you on their behalf.

4. Safeguarding Intellectual Property: You might have to give your intellectual property to the celebrity or influencer in order to produce good content. The agreement will make sure that your intellectual property stays with you and is not used without your permission.

5. Exclusivity: With the agreement in place, you get to decide whether the celebrity/influencer will be working exclusively for your brand in the niche or can take up competitor projects too.
    

Influencer/Celebrity agreements are mostly to make sure the terms and conditions of the project are clear and cannot be taken for granted. Reach out to a lawyer who has experience with influencers and celebrities to get a tight, leakproof agreement in place.