How to Make It In Fashion: Expert Advice from the Pros at Fashion Tradeshow Capsule

The team behind the Capsule trade events know what it takes to succeed in fashion. Here are some tips to consider.

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Image via Complex Original
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When ComplexCon takes over the Long Beach Convention Center this weekend, attendees will be let in on some fashion insider information: A portion of the brands selling exclusive gear at the event all got their start by introducing their collections to press and retailers at the Capsule tradeshow. In addition to gathering the best emerging talent in men's and women's design at their industry-only trade events, the pros at Capsule have taken their expertise public with a just-opened boutique in Culver City and a sporadic pop-up flea market called Capsule Market Square. They'll be taking the Capsule Market Square concept to ComplexCon, allowing attendees to shop the latest from Second/Layer, Carhartt WIP, X-Large, and many more. 

The Capsule team is not only good for discovering new design talent, though; they're also experts at nurturing it, helping fledgling brands grow into fashion powerhouses. So, before ComplexCon kicks off on Saturday, we spoke with Capsule show director Chris Corrado to get five of his best tips for new talent looking to launch their own brands. Consider yourself on the inside. (Full disclosure: I used to work for Capsule.)

Do your research.

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Take your time.

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Learn from like-minded brands.

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Think big picture.

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It's not all celebrities and social media.

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You can have everything together for your brand's launch—social following, press interest, retailers on board, celebrities wearing your designs—but if the product isn't good, you're doomed. Those elements might prolong your success a bit, but they won't keep you afloat forever. "It doesn’t really matter what celebrity endorsement you have," Corrado concludes. "At the end of the day, if you don’t have your basics in line, then none of that other stuff matters."

Want to experience Complex IRL? Check out ComplexCon, a festival and exhibition on Nov. 5-6, 2016 in Long Beach, Calif., featuring performances, panels, and more. For ticket info, click here.

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