Thursday, 14 July 2011

Intellectual Property - Protection of the Rights of Design

As a new designer I would need to protect my designs. This can be done in different ways within the fashion industry, which  include 'Design Right, Registered Design and Trade Mark protection.

In the Uk all design patterns are automatically protected from copying for up to 15 years by  the law 'Design Right'. However, it does not cover protection in regards to colour, texture or other small details, and it is not recognised outside the UK.

I could also apply for Registered Design status, which covers my design for up to 20 years and have to be reapplied for every five years. It cost between £35 and £60 per design but it protects every feature of the design so I would be entitled to sue anyone who copies, even if only feature of my registered design.

Trade Mark protection is an effective way to protect the logo, brand materials and labels. However, it is also very expensive, approximately £200.00,  the process of the application can be lengthy and not all that suitable for protecting patterns in fashion since in this industry, trends do change rapidly.

Experts recommend that the best way for a new designer to protect their creations is to keep a detailled sketch book which includes the whole design process, included dates.


(www.startafashionbusiness.co.uk)

Production of the garment to the point of sale.

In order to produce these garments to the point of sale, I would have to explore the manufacturing industry, its production, quality, costs and ethical issues including  health and safety issues.
The factories would need to have the equipment necessary, produce samples of good quality and give an estimate of maximum and minimum production capability and its costs. They would also need to ensure that the work conditions are ethical, thereby taking care of health and safety needs and the work environment of their staff. Premises should comply with health and safety requirements such as provision of water, fresh air, fire exits, and cleanliness to mention some.   Issues of under age workers and gender equality would need to be considered to avoid exploitation and inequality.
Other important factors that would affect the cost would be the transport and storage of goods. I would also need to apply for licence to trade and register for VAT purposes.

After promoting the garments, possibly a range, proof to the interest of retailers and orders from prospectives buyers would make it easier to approach the banks in order to apply for finance.

If I were to sell my designs they would be....


LAPINOU
pom-pon bunny high waisted pants
70% acrylic
30% wool
40 degrees machine washable
sizes S M L 
Designed with comfort in mind but more of a costume piece than an every day garment. The texture is soft both inside and out.


MIAU
Faux animal print furry pants
Has zips along either side to adjust to the waist. 
100% acrylic
40 degrees machine washable
sizes S M L

This Piece has got a 90's vibe wich is very in right now, from the pattern, colour and fabric. 


I have already worn my MIAU piece on a night out and have had girls ask me where I have bought them and they expressed that I had produced them myself. I could have taken some orders on the night 
; ).
I would further promote my pieces by sending the samples to stylists whom I know to use on shoots and events. I have already been asked to send them to ElizaDoolitles stylist as options for costumes.
I would also approach boutiques to see if they would be interested in making orders.



My business card with my logo on it :D!



FINAL LOGO :)



 
THIS IS MY FINAL DESIGN!! 
I felt this version of the droplet was less youth culture and more professional.
less = more

DESIGNING MY LOGO....


This was my first design idea... splashing drops in graff bubble writing to suit my nickname?

I then thought... SPLASH? WATER? GIANT DROPLET? 

I consider myself an exciting colourful creative person. 
This is the reason for why I chose rainbow colours. :D!!



Emma Bell Fashion designer

Organised an event for Vault for Vauxhall Cars customising some of their cars to promoting the cars brand and her own. She has also showcased 3 of her collections at London Fashion Week and Vienna Fashion Week.
Emma's uses several ways of self promotion such as: business cards, Facebook, Twitter, her own blog and Youtube.

I have also helped Emma promote her collections by wearing some of her pieces to events, the club night I used to host and in photo shoots I have worked on.

http://www.youtube.com/emmabelltv
http://www.myspace.com/dollydressup
http://twitter.com/#!/emmabell
http://www.facebook.com/hello.emma.bell?sk=info

Avigail Claire and Damian Collins stylists/designers

Avigail and Damian are my number one inspiration and influence as both stylists and fashion designers.
I have interned with them in the past and continue to work with them on their current projects.

They promote themselves mainly through their blog and through word of mouth.
Their blog is http://www.avigailclaire.com/DAMIAN_AND_AVIGAIL/Bio.html



Thursday, 14 October 2010

SCIENCE SKATEBOARDS!!

My boyfriends sponsorship, SCIENCE SKATEBOARDS released new boards and T-shirts designed by artists Steven Harrington, 
Matthew Green and Chris Morgan. 
Science's graphics are influenced by tribal patterns, 
using earthy colours.
Anyway, TRIBAL is in right now so go get yourself some of this cool shit and ditch the obvious American Apparel tribal T!!!:D


You can buy them either online @ www.scienceskateboards.com and at most skateshops worldwide.