AIFW PANEL FEEDBACK
After 2 weeks of intensive + nerves, mind racking and waiting around for an email or phone call! The morning of 11 November 2013 and still no email or phone call... now I was getting worried! Watching the clock and finally at 3 pm I received a phone call from All the Perks - it was the confirmation - I am successful! Next minute I receive a sms from Sophie Nixon - saying "impressive".
FUCK... now the hard work begins! what have I gotten myself into?
I need to figure out how I am going to pull this off and raise money?! I have NO money - I am completely broke! How am I going to find money to pay for Fabric + Haberdashery ($1000), Patterns + Sample production ($2500), AIFW entry fees ($2500), Travel expenses to Sydney ($2500),PR + Marketing ($500), Freight ($500).
I have 14 weeks to pull this off! Plus deadlines are short and resources are limited! How am I going to figure out how to source/pay AIFW entry fees in 3 weeks (due on 25 November 2013) and then freight my pre-production samples are due to All The Perk in Sydney by 8 April 2014 (Freight due by 30 March 2014). Now its hustle time!
SAMPLE CREATION = NOV 2013 - FEB 2014
2013 AIFWDP
I developed my debut collection through my participation in 2013 Australian Indigenous Fashion Week Design Program under the supervision of Sophie Nixon (Sass and Bide), Kolet Hodgeson, and Kelly Elkin (Co-founder ALAS the label), that experience was invaluable in the development + launch of a successful, sustainable and environmentally conscious label.
DEAD STOCK PARTNERSHIP
In November 2013, John Condilis from Nobody Denim and AARLI established a dead stock partnership - John gave AARLI 30 pairs of jeans (Free of Charge) and when once AARLI goes into manufacturing we will purchase 150 pairs of jeans (that exact stock) at bulk wholesale set fee. We're the only Australian label to have a dead stock partnership with major Australian brand - Nobody Denim.
In December 2013, we confirmed sponsorship from Luxottica (OPSM) of AARLI's entry fees for 2014 Australian Indigenous Fashion Week.
POZIBLE CAMPAIGN
In December 2013, we commenced a pozible campaign to "help get us to Sydney" which was successful in February 2014. AARLI used these funds to pay for our patterns + samples.
SAMPLE PROCESS
In January 2014, my fashion mentor - Kelly Elkin (Founder – Clean Cut , ALAS the label) went to school with Kiara Bulley and introduced us. Kiara Bulley is a pattern maker/ sample machinist from Queensland University of Technology - Creative Enterprizes Australia.
In February 2014, with the success of pozible, I had enough funds to approach a fashion industry professional (Kiara Bulley) to create commercial sample collection. Kiara created 13 sample garments for AARLI.
Research + Concept Development [July - Oct 2013] = Sophie Nixon + Kolet Hodgeson
Fashion Illustration [Oct - Dec 2013] = Kolet Hodgeson
Sustainable + Ethical elements [Nov 2013 - March 2014] = Kelly Elkin
PR + MARKETING - NEW WEBSITE + LOOK BOOK
In February 2014, AARLI gain in-kind support from Kristian Kammann from Another Agency + Samuel England from Notorious F.A.G. They provide in kind services (free of charge) a new website + development of our SS14/15 look book.
GOVERNMENT TRAVEL GRANT
In February 2014, AARLI submitted a travel grant application to Department of Culture + Arts to fund return flights, accommodation, on the ground transfers, freight and extra baggage. AARLI was successful and won grant in March 2014. Bring on Sydney!
Fingers, toes are crossed that I gets into the showcase! I am excited but very nervous at same time the fact this will be our first major showcase! I hope the panel members like my collection! Cause I want to open the show at 2014 Australian Indigenous Fashion Week.
I have done so much to get to this stage and now Ive got 14 weeks to pull off this miracle! Again more hard unpaid work and countless sleepless nights! But I love this and wouldnt change for the world!
Fingers, toes are crossed and looking forward to giving a fantastic update in 15 weeks time!
Always keep dreaming!
TJ xx
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