Staying Relevant In Ghana's Growing Fashion Market

Have you wondered what the Duaba Serwa’s , Christie Browns and Joyce Ababio’s of our time have in common? Ask any random person on the street about fashion brands making waves in Ghana and Africa and very few names will run through peoples mind.

Over time, it’s the same names and brands that have dominated the industry. Each year new and emerging designers are known, heard and seen but many of them are unable to live up to expectations due to several factors thus disappear into thin air within a short while.

Its no doubt the fashion industry in Ghana has become a vibrant one with many young ones starting their own fashion line be it for the passion or for the fun of it. But the concern is how do you start your fashion business and sustain it as well as stay relevant and be top of mind in this mass fashion world.

The business of fashion is a big world and can be very hard to control. You need to step up your game to be able to gain the much needed attention and be the preferred brand choice by stylists, celebrities, editors, buyers and clients etc.

 Here are 4 helpful tips to guide your fashion brand

Always have something new to offer

To stay relevant means you ought to always come up with new and innovative designs to dazzle your clients and fashion enthusiast. Being an established designer does not say it all. You need to constantly launch new collections that will grab the attention of many. Understand the industry you are in and work towards bringing up new ideas.

Be dynamic (Change with trends)

Fashion thrives on trends. Fashion is dynamic. It’s an ever changing world. You should not be comfortable with your world and your sense of style. Make it a point to learn from others and adapt to other new trends.

Be Socially and Ethically Fashionable

Fashion does not operate in a vacuum. Considering how important clothing is to the society at large, a fashion designer will remain important to the society if he or she is committed to making sustainable products that impacts social lives, improves the environment and supports the communities they operate in.

Be ready for business

As I mentioned earlier, the business of fashion is a big world and you have to first know your product and create a brand identity that will help you stand out among many others. My earlier article on Creating a fashion brand identity will guide you on how to create a fashion identity that will set you apart from a million others. Don’t try doing everything by yourself. Request for extra hands when the need arise to grow and expand your fashion business.

 

Faith Senam Ocloo
CEO

E’April Public Relations

Follow on twitter @eaprilPR and @faithsenam

Photocredit: A collage of others work

Making the most out of #fghshop2015 as a participating brand

Being in its fourth year, the fashionistaGH shopping festival has served many fashion enthusiasts with lots of amazing goodies. For vendors and participating brands, it’s an opportunity each year to bring their brands closer to their customers and to the shoppers; it’s a one stop shopping season for all things fashion, beauty, lifestyle and arts.  

The event which is a mix of exhibitions, stalls, fun photoshoots, networking, and a runway show brings together established and emerging designers in a pop up shop fashion.

Here are few ways to make the most out of this year’s #fghShoppingFestival as a participating brand.

Amplify on Social Media  

It is very important if you are a vendor at this year’s #fghshopping festival to be active and engaging on most of the social media platforms such us facebook, twitter, instagram, youtube and google+. This way you are able to share and update your timelines with all that’s happening at the event. It is also the best platform to call out potential clients to attend and look out for your stand when they get there. During these 3 days, you should share your photos of your lovely designs on social media so as to increase your brand visibility. It is also a time to share content on your pages if they have been left it blank in a long while.

 Bring on your designing creativity

The shopping festival offers not just a platform to sell your product and services but to also build relationships that will go beyond the event. Bring out your creativity and design something that will be unique and stand out. Leave lasting impressions on all the people who will walk to your stand. Give them reasons to ask their friends to come the next day. Remember happy customers are most likely to locate anytime anywhere.

Engage shoppers

Aside sitting and saying hello with broad smiles to shoppers, engage them in interesting conversations and offer amazing discounts on your products or services. You know everyone like freebies. Package your pitching in an attractive way that will engage shoppers, buyers. Exchange contacts with them so you can connect with them even after the event.

Network with other participants

As participating vendors, it’s also an opportunity to meet like minded people within the industry to network and share ideas on how to grow the fashion industry. Bringing both emerging and established fashion designers together for some days serves as the best place to learn and build relationships. These relationships could go beyond helping expand your business and brand in the nearest future.

I hope these few tips are helpful. Until then, lets meet at fgh shopping 2015 from May 1-3.

 Faith Senam Ocloo

CEO

E’April Public Relations

Follow me on twitter @eaprilPR and @faithsenam

Photo Credit: Fashionistagh, Ameyaw Debrah, Amfo Connolly