Fashion Creatives and Investors: How to Maintain Artistic Integrity While Growing Your Brand

Abstract

Fashion designers and brand owners face unique challenges in securing investments, often due to the fickle nature of the fashion industry. To obtain funding, fashion entrepreneurs need to convince investors not only that their company is of value, but that the fashion industry as a whole is lucrative. This study aims to challenge the adage that artists must choose between integrity and money. Research shows that fashion creatives can continue to create products with passion while growing their brand. Specifically, the paper examines the ideal type of investors for each stage of the fashion business venture with regard to accessibility, credibility, and flexibility. For example, funds that are easy to obtain and have no obligations often come in limited amounts. By having a comprehensive guide to all the ways one can realize capital, the fashion entrepreneur is informed and empowered. A short list of further readings geared toward the entrepreneur is provided in the conclusion.