PR ON THE GO April 17, 2022

How To Get Started In PR For Fashion Designers:

What is your best PR tip for fashion designers?

To help designers navigate the world of PR, we asked PR experts and fashion designers this question for their best insights. From knowing timelines for desired publications to expressing authenticity, there are several tips that may help you get started and succeed in PR efforts for the fashion industry.

Here are six PR tips for fashion designers:

Know Your Desired Publications’ Timelines

Yuvi Alpert, Noémie

"There is an old saying “timing is everything”, and nothing could be more true when it comes to PR in the fashion industry. You can have the best press releases, the most hip designs, and the most outstanding PR ambassadors at your disposal, yet, if you do not know a publisher’s calendar, most likely, your PR will not be seen.

Fashion publications, whether hard copy or internet, will often plan their future offerings six months in advance of release, meaning that any PR releases received after that time will not make it into their magazine. Make sure to research your desired publications and find out their timelines in order to make certain that your PR has the best opportunity of being considered. Fashion designers who learn to adjust their PR to meet a publication’s needs, rather than the other way around, will find their campaigns more successful."

Engage in Social Media and Strategic Partnerships

Natalia Brzezinska, PhotoAiD

"There are a few different things that fashion designers can do to help ensure that their clothing lines get the best possible exposure and recognition. First and foremost, it is important to create a strong social media presence. This means having an active profile on sites like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and regularly sharing interesting content that will engage potential customers.

Additionally, designers should consider partnering with online retailers or fashion bloggers to help promote their products. And finally, holding regular events or trunk shows is a great way to generate buzz and get people talking about your brand. By following these tips, fashion designers can greatly increase the chances of success for their businesses."

Be Bold in Your Branding

Cesar Cruz, Sebastian Cruz Couture

"Figure out what makes your designs unique, and capitalize on it in your brand messaging. For example, I received criticism in the early stages of my business on my designs being too bold. However, I didn't let this discourage me, and I doubled down on my brand's personality.

Because I stayed true to my vision, I have a loyal customer base, high-profit margins, and a brand that speaks for itself. Fashion has never been about playing it safe; it's about being different."

Use Free PR Tools

Joy Orah, ÚCHÈ By Amber

"As a fashion brand owner myself, I understand the challenges that surround good PR for fashion brands. I realize the best ways to get good PR are, using the free PR tools available, like Terkel, Haro, Qwoted. In addition, be present in as many low budget fashion pop-ups as possible, this creates a better connection with your clients. Lastly, partner up with start up PR companies, they are affordable, driven and have fresh ideas."

Know Your Audience

Emem Nnamdie, NI Swim

"Know who your audience is. This requires paying attention to your target audience by focusing on their lifestyle, what items they like, items they may need, connecting with them on social media and connecting with them by having in person events [if you have the budget]. If you don't have the budget for live events then PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE focus on social media marketing. This means doing your best to get your audience engaged by commenting, creating polls, and live streaming. The knowledge gained by these activities is priceless because it's genuine and it will allow you to build a strong relationship with your audience."

Ramlah Boadi, RB Brand and Consulting

"You must know your audience to understand your brand’s identity. Your brand identity is to recognize your audience. I believe it’s important to understand what and why you’re selling it before developing your image and messaging. Industry, competitor, and customer research are important, but understanding who your customer is and their needs are the keys to a successful outcome. This will help you form the basis of your marketing strategy."

Express the Authenticity

Karolina Zajac, PhotoAiD

"One PR tip for creators would be to write your story in a clear way. Do not overcomplicate things. Create a story that talks about a brand’s beliefs and associated values. Think about what is relevant to the target audience, and how they can relate to what you’re writing about. Making it clear will ensure that your audience is engaged and understands the story in an easier way, which makes it more likely to read through the entire piece and establish a connection with the brand they’re reading about. Your stories as a creator are most impactful when they are clear and concise. That is why the one most important PR tip is clarity. This will generate a greater audience than writing up complex pieces that are hard to follow (even if those pieces tell fascinating stories)."

Thank you! This experts roundup was created in collaboration with Terkel. Sign up at terkel.io to answer questions and get published.