AARLI 2015 + NEXT STAGES

AARLI NEXT STAGES

Since completing my collection in April 2014 -  AARLI had been spending time trying to refine the collection and have been putting into place Australian manufacturing options and ethical supply chains in order to be able to produce quantities. I believe my collection was not suitable for Autumn/Winter 14/15, Spring/Summer 15/16 release will be much stronger and AARLI will stand a much better chance of success.

In Oct 2014, AARLI applied for Marketing + Development grant and AARLI was awarded an WA Arts Grant. This grant was used to create an online marketing campaign for our debut collection including e-commerce website. I am planning to release Online campaign next year in order to gain new retailers/ stockists, gain sales/orders to have my products in stores and online by SS 2015/16.

POZIBLE CAMPAIGN

AARLI launched pozible campaign on 20 November 2014 (60 days) to crowd fund for this project. The campaign was successful on 20 January 2015.

CAMPAIGN, PRODUCT SHOOT & BTS VIDEO SHOOT

On 8 February 2015, AARLI and team planned for a campaign & product photo shoot .The shoot will include the twelve garments from this collection. The photo shoot will include 3 campaigns shots, 24 product shots (front and side view). The shoot will also include a behind the scenes video shoot.

BRANDING

As an Indigenous Brand, I want my branding to have Indigenous Models. Shenika Rule is a local Indigenous woman who has inspired young Indigenous models around the country since appearing on FOX8, The Face. This will serve to inspire other aspiring Indigenous designers, models or artists.

FASHION TEAM 

- Craig Williams (Photographer /Graphic Designer - Monster Alphabets)

- Natalie Hind (Photographer Assistant)

- Ady Grader (MUA + Hair Stylist - Arousal + Designs)

- Shenika Rule (Scene Model Management)

- Jake Steele (Music Producer)

BEHIND THE SCENES VIDEO BY NATALIE HIND

MARKETING CAMPAIGN RE-LAUNCH

On 6 March 2015, AARLI launched a marketing package that included a digital look book, ecommerce photographs, campaign video + behind the scenes video. We've successfully relaunched our SS15/16 collection through a funded online marketing campaign.

SS15/16 URBAN WARRIORS CAMPAIGN VIDEO

OTHER FUNDING AVENUES 

AARLI has resorted to other funding avenues and approached sponsors, investors, apply for grant applications, bank loans, and personal loans to generate funds for manufacturing + distribution. We have been successful in attaining sponsorship, investment, pozible, savings + personal loans to fund the production of SS1516 collection. Sponsors include Department of Culture + Arts, Indigenous Wellness Centre + Vasudhara foundation.

Stella Magazine (Cover + 13 page feature article), Book compilation (101 reasons to change the world) and Altered Couture magazine (4 page feature article).

2015 CHALLENGES

POZIBLE funds were sourced to find/fund a fashion agency. AARLI approached a fashion agency from 1 Feb - 20 April 2015 to coordinate the PR + marketing of SS15/16 collection. This was unsuccessful. AARLI was unable to achieve this milestone. No agency was interested in representation.

AARLI has recently coordinated an online ecommerce. It commenced 30 March and finished on 31 May 2015. This was to generate pre production sales to generate funds for manufacturing. No pre sales which was unsuccessful to generate pre productions funds. AARLI was unable to achieve this milestone. Unable to generate pre sales of collection.

AARLI recently lost dead stock partnership with Nobody Denim on 13 July 2015. Lack of funding available to purchase dead stock and consequently when funds were available the stock was not available and no alternative stock. AARLI recently re-connected our dead stock partnership with Nobody Denim on 25 July 2015.

2015 OBSTACLES

Since launching my collection in April 2014 – I have spent the time refining the collection and putting into place ethical Australian manufacturing options and consistent sustainable supply chains in order to be able to produce quantities.

·       Deadlines are tight to keep with annual Australian seasonal calendar

·       Lack of cash flow/ funding avenues for Australian Fashion/ Emerging Fashion Designers

·       you have to book months in advance and because the suppliers, manufacturers and distributers want bookings

·       the suppliers, manufacturers and distributers they are able to pick and choose who they want to work with as well as drive their prices 

·       the suppliers, manufacturers and distributers and put pressure/ be demanding because have so many designers wanting to use their services.

2015 NEXT STAGES

AARLI next stages will be commencing production of relaunced SS15/16 Urban Warriors collection with Ethical Clothing Australia accredited - New Model Beauty Queen from 3 August – 15 Sept 2015.

AARLI will only be producing a small run range of six out of thirteen garments from range. This will include the production of total of 120 products (6 garment = 20 products per sample = 5 products per size = sizes ranging from S, M, L, XL). 

- Vest + Hammer pants

- B1 bodysuit

- Graf goddess playsuit

- ST. goddess jumpsuit

- Warrior Queen Dress

Products to be available for purchase + distribution from 1 Oct to 31 Dec 2015.

2015 UPCOMING EVENTS

AARLI has recently applied for grants, development programs + events including:

2015 Creative Industries Travel Assistance Grant 
(http://www.dca.wa.gov.au/funding/grants-programs/creative-industries/)

2015 Undress Runways 
(http://www.undressrunways.com/)

2015 ACCELERATE
(http://www.britishcouncil.org.au/programmes/arts/accelerate)


2015 has been another huge roller coaster ride again - plenty ups and down, highs and lows but now all my hard works i finally paying off and now after 3 years AARLI will have a commercial product for market!

I cant wait to keep reporting + posting about AARLI's success!

Keep believing + dreaming!

TJ xx