Comments on Getting down to it: Analysis Paralysis

Hi Anaka, I found a website that may interest you...

2010-04-18T08:50:17.384+05:30

Hi Anaka,

I found a website that may interest you in case you haven't seen it before.
www.gamthi.com

These people are suppliers of block print fabric. I found about them from a friend who does quilting, and has purchased cloth from them. I know you are more interested in weaves, but they seem to have some really interesting patterns in their `desert' series. I don't know if you can make a line appealing to younger people from these types of unusual prints while keeping your distinctive cuts.

Just a thought!

Nita

Hi Rupa, That's a good point about how listeni...

2010-02-22T09:13:05.565+05:30

Hi Rupa, That's a good point about how listening to customer feedback is not necessarily diluting my design philosophy. I'm not going to go all out with the synthetic fabrics, but instead use fabrics like viscose and tencel that have natural origins but require many chemical processes to convert it into yarn and fabric. These fabrics have a fall that is almost like silk, but it's not as expensive.
I'm also going to use more prints and ikats in each collection because I'm realizing how popular surface textile crafts are.
Please drop by the store- I'd love to meet you!

Congrats on living your dream! I stumbled upon y...

2010-02-21T12:31:58.703+05:30

Congrats on living your dream!

I stumbled upon your blog and felt I should add my two pence over your concerns in regards to your line and the store. (I might be stating the obvious...but here goes)

Firstly, it is essential to be neither too broad nor too narrow in your approach. When you try to be broad, then it will be more expensive and more difficult to sell.

If you are too narrow then there will not be enough revenue/profit.

So your thought of trying all three options may be a good idea, however resist the temptation of trying all at once. Stick to maybe 1-2 segments, like the low priced pret and maybe seasonally (short term) try to incorporate couture evening gowns/dresses.

Secondly if your customers ARE requesting you to offer some less "wrinkly" options then that is exactly what you need to do. Does this mean you are diluting your design philosophy? Not actually, because you are trying to catering to clients requests.

Clearly define your options and track them, so you will be able to evaluate your targets and prepare for the next step.

Finally show the difference between each segment, because no two segments should have the same needs and values.

I've recently moved to Chennai and will drop by your store as it is kitty corner from my home....cheers!

Hi Nita, I have a couple of tops in the store for ...

2010-02-13T08:15:13.330+05:30

Hi Nita, I have a couple of tops in the store for Rs 650, and a few more in the range of Rs 700 to 900. They are all pre-shrunk and in most cases the colour, even if it bleeds, should not fade on the fabric. The cloth should last- I own many Brass Tacks clothes and they do last several washes. But I don't think it's just the price- I think the styles and the fabrics probably don't appeal to everyone. If I had printed tops in slightly looser fits, with sleeves, that might sell a lot faster than a cowl neck fitted top in indigo.

Anrosh- thank you!

on another note your product line is coming along ...

2010-02-13T01:23:11.743+05:30

on another note your product line is coming along nicely

Hi Anaka, Rs. 650/- for a well-tailored blouse is...

2010-02-12T22:33:36.751+05:30

Hi Anaka,

Rs. 650/- for a well-tailored blouse is very reasonable for many people. The only problem is if the cloth does not last many washes. I have this problem with some blouses from places like Fabindia - they don't last. So if a polyester-cotton blend does that, that would be great. Please keep us posted about any such new additions to your collection!

-Nita

Well, they won't be loose and unshapely, but j...

2010-02-12T19:45:11.060+05:30

Well, they won't be loose and unshapely, but just more figure forgiving. Right now my clothes are made with the assumption that women have small-ish waists, but that cuts out a whole segment of the market.

And not that I am justifying this, but there are a lot of high-end, expensive brands that use polyester. I'm not a fan myself, but if it's a great polyester-cotton-lycra blend, it might work really well for fitted, wrinkle free trousers. Just saying...

Loose clothes...pl. don't. It will dilute the ...

2010-02-12T19:33:23.225+05:30

Loose clothes...pl. don't. It will dilute the lovely work you do today. There is Shilpi always to cater to the 'loose fit'clientele!

And polyester..oh god no.

Hi Kalyani: i thought about the polyester because ...

2010-02-12T07:45:05.727+05:30

Hi Kalyani: i thought about the polyester because a lot of women who come to my store are disappointed when they learn how easily my cotton and linen trousers crush. Many women want something that will look smart througout their day at work... and a polyester-cotton blend might do that. Haven't made up my mind yet though, just thinking out loud.

Nita: Of course I will consider any suggestions that some my way. The problem with cotton prints and plain handloom is that they aren't exactly cheap.. I already use a lot of plain handloom fabrics, and the final cost of the garment does not work out to be less than Rs 650. Stitching details take a lot of time, and my tailors do not come cheap either. I will however pay attention to your feedback about colour and make sure I choose brighter colours.

Could you please consider a lower end line using c...

2010-02-12T07:25:32.789+05:30

Could you please consider a lower end line using cotton prints or plain handloom cotton in vivid and bright colour? This is sure to appeal to young women especially in Indian weather where it is hard to wear silk or polyester. The cuts and stitching details in your elegant blouses would still be unusual compared to the mass-produced ubiquitous `kurtis'. I'm sure people would love to buy them.

I'm paralyzed too after reading this, but i ca...

2010-02-10T15:23:19.754+05:30

I'm paralyzed too after reading this, but i can say one thing, don't start using polyester blends and all of that... it just dilutes the brass tacks philosophy. i'm in a city that has a winter but otherwise if i liven in chennai i would stay as faraway as possible from that stuff!