How RaiseFashion Helps Designers Turn Buzz Into Businesses

On 5 November, RaiseFashion hosted its inaugural London dinner at The Standard, London, to celebrate its expansion into the UK. Founded in New York in 2020 by eight women, the organization aims to increase opportunities for independent and emerging designers of colour. To date, RaiseFashion has supported 50 designers through its eight-week masterclass and over 500 designers through advisory assistance, granting $1.5 million in grants and constructing a directory of more than 400 pro bono advisors.

The organization also operates an internship programme with 25 US universities and hosts one of New York Fashion Week's largest events for emerging designers.

Felita Harris, co-founder and CEO of RaiseFashion, reflected on the journey from an initial Zoom meeting of eight women to a global movement in her opening remarks. Guests included representatives from retailers Mytheresa, Browns, Zalando, and Depop, as well as executives from Ralph Lauren, Cult Mia, Mulberry, Fashion Trust Arabia, Rainbowwave, The Independents, and 10 Magazine. Designers present included Eudon Choi, Patrick McDowell, Sinéad O’Dwyer, Tolu Coker, and Joshua Ewusi.

During the dinner, Harris engaged in a discussion with Bianca Saunders, a BoF 500 member and designer who launched her label in 2017. Moderated by Dan Hastings, BoF's commercial features editor, the conversation touched upon the common mistakes emerging talent makes and the importance of business literacy. Harris cautioned against viewing traditional mistakes as failures, instead emphasizing the learning opportunities they present.

She advocated for business literacy, contacts, and infrastructure for designers in their first seven to ten years, who often lack a business plan.

Diotima founder Rachel Scott, who has been part of RaiseFashion's program for five years, has achieved significant success, including being named creative director of Proenza Schouler and winning women'swear designer of the year at the CFDA Awards. Harris emphasized that visibility alone does not guarantee a sustainable business, urging designers to be as intentional about their business foundation as they are about their social media presence.

Saunders highlighted the difference between the US market's focus on creativity and the UK market's emphasis on structure, stating that behind-the-scenes elements such as legal counsel and production are often overlooked despite a designer's rising prominence.

The conversation also addressed the challenges posed by a slowing luxury market, geopolitical unrest, and disruptions in the garment industry. Saunders stressed the importance of avoiding wholesale partnerships in the early stages of a designer's career, as they require substantial funding, staff, and consistent shipping capabilities. She shared her success in securing a trunk show at Hong Kong's Centrestage trade fair, which provided access to global buyers and expanded her business beyond wholesale.

Harris stressed the importance of building a community for London designers looking to enter the US market, emphasizing the collective power of the community in expanding opportunities. The RaiseFashion network, including its volunteer buyers and partners like The Standard, Hyatt, The Independents, and The Outsiders' Perspective, plays a crucial role in fostering these connections.