Challenges for fashion design entrepreneurship : a study of supporting models

Entrepreneurship in the fashion industry is a substantial issue since the fashion business landscape consists of many small actors that compete on the fashion market. On their way to a distinct position in the textile and fashion world, many fashion design entrepreneurs, who start up an own label, are confronted with personal challenges and a multitude of external obstacles. These companies need a structured venture launch and strong business foundations to survive the always troublesome first years of a new entrepreneurial venture. To run a sustained venture within the apparel industry may be more complex and demanding than one would believe. In the fashion sector several concepts exist in order to support entrepreneurial companies’ growth. Three selected supportive concepts received by fashion entrepreneurs at early stage have been examined and analysed. The supportive models are business incubators for creative entrepreneurs, the partnership of a designer and business partner and the concept of an external professional management.Program: Magisterutbildning i fashion management med inriktning modemarknadsförin