The truth about running a fashion brand…
Sometimes my design videos make it to the wrong side of the internet and then I get randoms accusing me of running a fast fashion brand.
Let me explain to you why this is WILDLY frustrating, using the Popflex Y2K Cargo Pants as an example.
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First, guess how many prototypes this one design required to get the perfect baggy, fitted look. Keep in mind that the longer something takes to design, the more it costs! Because of this, most fashion companies allow their design team a maximum of 3 prototypes to get it right.
HOWEVER… less than 3 prototypes is totally unrealistic, especially if your goal is to be the best fitting women’s apparel brand (hi, it’s me!). At Popflex, there is no limit. We do as many prototypes as it takes.
It’s also common for fashion companies to sample only one size (usually a small), and then they grade up and down. Essentially, they are guesstimate sizing based on a single sample instead of testing every size on actual humans. This is why some things just fit super weird!
But at Popflex, every single size is tested on real women of all different sizes. Again, this costs more money. So why do I operate this way?
To me, the most important thing about running a fashion company is making clothes that fit CONSISTENTLY well.
So, was going through literally hundreds of prototypes worth it for the Y2K Cargo Pant?
Yeah, because I only release what I love. BUT ALSO…
They ended up going viral, sold out multiple times, and continue to be one of my top-selling designs. Turns out testing real clothes on real people is the way because wellll that’s how the real world works!
So how many prototypes did it take to make the Popflex Y2K Cargo Pant? Too many to be financially responsible, according to other fashion brands. But everything turned out fine… JUST TOOK A WHOLE THREE YEARS.
3 thoughts on “The truth about running a fashion brand…”
There are 3 comments posted by our users.
Ok but how many DID it take? All us entrepreneurs are dying for a real BTS of how you do it!
Atleast you’re making your money back 🤪🙌🏻❤️ so happy you’re crushing your fashion designer goals, I love every item I’ve ever gotten from Popflex, and the customer service is always excellent. Can’t wait to finally get a pair of the black cargo pants and one of the baby doll cropped tees, because I’m pairing em with some giant timberland boots and living my dream of looking like Aaliyah when she dropped the Are You That Somebody music video when I was a kid because my parents can’t tell me how to dress anymore lmao
Ilysm, Cassey! Wishing you aaaaaall the best!
I love and appreciate all of the work that you put into your designs! It really makes a difference and I still have all of the pieces I’ve ever bought from your store 7+ YEARS LATER! I am just now having to recycle my first pair of leggings for wear and tear and replace some inner bra padding from the first bras. That is not even close to fast fashion. I can’t wait for more!