Becoming a self-employed designer in the high fashion sector

Do you want to become an independent designer in the high fashion sector or even start your own high fashion label? Then there’s a lot to consider. I have been able to accompany many fashion labels in recent years and today I have my 3 most important tips for you. From experience, there are 3 big risks you need to prepare for! Today directly from me, Stephan.designer in the high fashion sector 2025, let’s go!

Becoming self-employed: What does that mean?

Becoming a self-employed designer in the high fashion sector means that you are the founder of a start-up. This requires not only money, but also an inventory lead time, which means you have to buy and store clothes. Compared to other industries, such as an advertising agency, there are additional costs for the development of your fashion, production and storage.

Why am I telling you this?

With my social media agency, the model agency, the fashion magazine and other brands, I was able to accompany many fashion labels, including high fashion streetwear, in an advisory and development capacity. What are the 3 most important learnings for your fashion startup?

Perseverance is everything! Motivation & financing

Most businesses fail because of money, the so-called “runway”. Let’s assume you have a start-up capital of 150,000. 50,000 of this goes into production, while you use the remaining 100,000 for yourself and marketing, divided into 5,000 per month. This means you can bridge about 20 months in which you have to continuously earn new money.

Believe me, everything costs money:

• Rent, furnishings, cables, lights, stationery, …
• Internet access, web space, domain, software, …
• Much more and yes, you and your employees too

Golden rule: If you can do X, you can also do X2

In entrepreneurship, conventional wisdom says that if you survive 2 years in the market, you can make it another 2 years. If you survive 5 years in the market, you have a good chance of surviving the following 5 years. Start-up capital is therefore essential, especially in the high fashion sector.

Statistically speaking, 90% of all start-ups fail after 5 years. So your goal should be to overcome this critical mark and survive for 5 years! Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither was your new fashion label. It all starts with careful planning and preparation.

There are two options: Either you have sufficient motivation and capital or you don’t.

Here are some tips:

Runway: Sufficient capital (and turnover) – Risk #1

When founding a company, one thing counts above all:

Runway: Make sure you have enough capital to avoid going bankrupt straight away.

But how do you reach this point without your own capital?

3 alternatives to get money

You have three options:

1. You can work hard and save money, but this can take a lot of time.
2. Alternatively, you could ask your parents for a private loan.
3. Or you can opt for a loan.

When taking out a loan, it is important to get good conditions, primarily low interest rates. This means you can also take out a loan on good terms as a self-employed person. Choose a term that is long enough so that you don’t have to pay everything back after just 6 months, and make sure that the monthly installments are reasonable.

The reality is harsh, as a company no one will shed a tear for you. When your company goes bust, the daily business of others continues the next day.

Production, manufacturer and supply chain – risk #2

Supply chain: Make sure you have reliable production.

What do you need to look out for?

You need efficient development, high-quality fabrics, precise workmanship – all of this is crucial in the high-fashion streetwear sector. Customers attach particular importance to quality when it comes to high-priced products. Allow sufficient time.

Many founders fail because of production. With small quantities (MOQs = Minimum Order Quantities), you are often placed at the bottom of the manufacturers’ priority list. Make sure you have a reliable production line. If you sell more, you won’t have any problems with replenishment. Many high-fashion start-ups have already failed here, so be warned.

Marketing: Half the battle

Another important aspect is fashion marketing. Henry Ford once said:

Marketing: “For every dollar you invest in your product, you need another to make it known.”

That’s right!

What can you do? Avoid expensive experiments.

1. Work with small micro-influencers who are already recognized in the high fashion scene. Growth often comes from joint efforts.
2. Use advertisements, especially retargeting. If a user has visited your store but has not bought anything and has left, remind them of your offer again with targeted advertising.
3. Be active! Show behind-the-scenes insights, the design process, material selection, the store, promotions and repost posts from micro-influencers.

These are our three key tips for your high fashion startup 2025!