The Importance of Supporting Emerging Designers: a guest blog from CFI Intern Jackie Govea
In an effort to resurrect our CFI blog, and bring new light to topics that are pressing to our Chicago Fashion community, we have welcomed the voice of our Spring 2020 CFI Marketing and Administrative Intern, Jackie Govea for a handful of guest blogs. Here’s the first in her series.
As we emerge closer to reopening the state of Illinois, it’s important to put into consideration the emerging designers that have been affected during these uncertain times. Despite the convenience of big-box stores (with their easy-to-access curbside pick-up options and free shipping deals), many small businesses and independent designers are relying more than ever on their customer loyalty. According to a recent Groupon study of 2,000 people, “75% of consumers plan to support local businesses as much as possible once restrictions on non-essential businesses are lifted in their communities.” Together as a collective we can help emerging fashion designers in their time of need with much-appreciated, and needed, support.
Throughout my internship for the Chicago Fashion Incubator I’ve learned a little about each designer, along with the contributions they’ve made to their community. It’s amazing to see how a group of designers can make an impact and create change in their own ways. These designers must receive support for what they do so they can continue helping locally. Now the real question is how do we support them?
Here are some tips on different ways you might consider supporting local designers, like our CFI designers-in-residence and our alumni network:
Acknowledge What You’re Willing To Spend
You don’t necessarily have to break the bank to support a local designer, but you should be aware of the time, labor, and quality of materials/fabrics that are put into a custom-designed garment. Do your research and seek out designers that peak your interests and values as a consumer and start from there. Whether it’s spending your time, money, or providing resources to emerging designers — any type of help is beneficial.
Promote Emerging Designers On Social Media
Giving exposure to designers on social media platforms provides them with a simple and efficient way of reaching a wider audience and it helps build their brand awareness. Tagging designers on styled garments that you purchased from them also brings traction to their website, and improves consumer trust by showing satisfied customer experiences. Consider using their curated and created hashtags, which provides user-generated content that increases engagement on social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter.
Interact With Designers On Social Media/Website
Since many designers are shifting their media focus and providing relevant content, it’s also important to engage with that content. For example, try being a part of the discussion during their next Instagram Live, comment on their latest blog post, sign up for their newsletter, or simply leave a review if you shopped with this designer before. According to a study by the Spiegel Research Center, when reviews were displayed for a lower-priced product, the conversion rate increased 190%, and that conversion rate increased to 380% for a higher-priced product that included a customer review.
Donate To A Response Fund
Another effective way to help emerging designers is through a donation to a public charity or organization that supports their growth and provides resources to designers in need. Currently, The Arts for Illinois Relief Fund is providing financial relief to the creative industries such as artists, designers, artisans, musicians, and others who have been impacted by COVID-19. As well as the Facebook Small Business Grants Program and the Salesforce Care Small Business Grants who are giving back to profit and non-profit businesses.
Purchase Your Next Face Mask from a CFI Designer or Alumni
During this time there have been many current CFI designers and alumni that have contributed to help create masks and give back to frontline workers, underserved communities and homeless outreach organizations. I want to personally offer a huge “thank you” to Kahindo Mateene, Anna Brown, Adilah Mohammed, Masha Titievsky, Stephanie Kuhr, Christina Monley, Kate VanAsten, Anna Hovet, Kpoene Kofi-Nicklin, and Goli Parvinian for their time, effort, and resources during these unprecedented times.
Although I’ve only listed a few designers, I’ve learned that many CFI designers and alumni are hard-working, passionate, and very talented at what they do and I think that’s something worth celebrating. If you’re interested in supporting these designers (mentioned above) their Instagram handles will be linked below. You can find a list of our alumni on our website, too.
@kahindo_nyc, @anna_brown_studio, @adilahmstudio, @varyformdesign, @dottiesdelights, @christinakarinofficial, @wulfka, @annahovet, @mignonettebridalchicago and @goli_june
Artist Funding Resources:
https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/covid19_artist.html
https://thebounceback.org/relief/salesforce-cares
https://thebounceback.org/relief/facebook-small-business-grants-program
Article Sources + Images:
https://spiegel.medill.northwestern.edu/_pdf/Spiegel_Online%20Review_eBook_Jun2017_FINAL.pdf
https://www.pexels.com/photo/rolls-of-assorted-fabrics-and-textiles-and-sewing-patterns-inside-tailor-atelier-3965543/