The Business of Fashion - Where the irrational makes perfect sense-

The business of anything is tough these days. Bread and butter businesses like banks, grocery stores, auto makers for heaven's sake...have fallen as if they were fragile bits of glass rather than stalwarts of the global economy. So it's no surprise that the business of fashion is struggling, too. New York's Fashion Week, just ended, is a testimony to that... AND to the more hopeful and inspiring stories of designers who have persevered. They have stuck with their dreams in spite of ups and downs of the economy, their parent companies, the high cost of fashion shows, materials and the general unwillingness of consumers to open pocketbooks for one-occasion pieces of clothing. Fashion is after all, that blend of art and business. Fashion designers, still inspired by their muses and their love of beauty, face the reality of paying the bills and making ends meet. If a designer puts on a show and no one comes, do they exist?

I'm even more interested in these lessons as I strive to make Jaya Designs a viable business entity, building on my love of the India fabrics, colors and styles... what do you think? What does it take?

Here's a link to Washington Post - read fashion editor Robin Givhan's Valentine's Day article about the business of fashion..."Designers' staying power about much more than clothes..." it's an eye opener! She talks about designers Peter Som, Erin Fetherston, and Zac Posen... each have contributed their unique vision to fashion and showed their passion in their shows last week... and all struggle to keep the dream alive! Givhan's quote says it best: "That's the fascination of the fashion industry. It's a place where the irrational makes perfect sense."

Whew... that's a relief. Onward with Jaya Designs!!