E-commerce and self actualization

Hey everyone,

Last night I went to this great panel discussion about how e-commerce is used now, and it's social components, including blogging. I learned a lot about what I want to do when I'm a Big Company, but as it applies to Cabiria in the start-up phase, it's more about building a social network.

What I've always loved about the Fatshion community is that there is one, a true community. You need some semblance of self esteem to be interested in dressing well anyway, so there's a self perpetuating organic thing that happens where smart, happy people help others become more smart, happy, and beautiful too. Self actualization in action!

Hooray! But I do have to get better at posting regularly, I know. Bad designer! Hand slap just happened.

Branding Content and other buzz buzz buzz

Hey folks,

I'm sitting here in New York listening to a fascinating panel about the Future of Online Retail, hearing informed people talking about HOW people shop online. Very informative and eye opening. In the least because there are companies with 60 content editors to tell customers that a blouse is on sale. Bananas!

Speaking of bananas, has anyone else ever been inspired by Josephine Baker's banana skirt in the 1920's? It completely echoes the shape of her bottom, and looks like a wide smile! Hooray!

Fabrics galore!

Today I spent more money on fabrics than I ever have on a car. Wow. Jarring, but unbelievably exciting. I ran through my old stomping grounds in the Garment District in New York with my hands and eyes searching for the most gorgeous fabrics. Found a lot of silk jerseys, cotton sateens, and even a few silk broadcloth dupionis. It's an amazing thing to put this collection together, but it's also very validating to know i'm finding the things I want to find for both myself and my future customers. No concessions, just stunning fabrics.

Photos soon!

Halfway to New York

I'm writing this in a Pilot Travel Center parking lot, halfway to New York for a fabric buying expedition, among other things. Starting a business, especially as a sole entrepreneur instead of someone who has a career doing other stuff or as a group, is nerve wracking stuff. So much about finding team members to help execute your vision, keeping all the plates spinning, making The Right decisions, but when I get to go buy fabrics...ooooh yes. Like mother's milk. I admit, I'm a fine fabric fetishist, and can wax on for hours about a particular fiber or weave, so I'm excited and calmed by the knowledge that shortly I'll be surrounded by beautiful fabrics again...and taking them back to Cabiria offices to make beautiful dresses very soon! Thrilling, I am not kidding. Stay with me folks- soon I'll figure out how to post photos here!

Big steps forward!

Hey everyone,

This week has been a huge leap forward for Cabiria coming to fruition! The bids came through for the patternmaker, and she's off and running. I met with my web development guys, and gave the go ahead, so soon I'll have the Phase I website up and running. I found some great fit models and photo shoot models, I borrowed a video camera so I can make a video to show you all what I'm up to, and I attributed style numbers and determined the first line. THE FIRST LINE!!! I know that's nothing to those who aren't fashiony and all, but for a fashion company, determining exactly what I'll be offering as a collection for the very first season of production is ENORMOUS!

I even got samples in of my swag for donors, and have a very sexy bistro mug about to go into production.

I'm insanely excited that this is moving forward - I know it seems like it's taking forever, and in some ways it is, but I'm Going Big here, so I'm trying to cover all the bases. In the meantime, I have a buying trip in New York scheduled this coming week, too. Fabrics are calling to me!

Happy Spring, everyone! I hope it's as productive and fruitful as mine is so far!

-Eden

Help Wanted: size 14 fit model in Atlanta

Hey friends!

We're inching closer and closer to having our collection together, having the patterns made, the fabric sourced, the accounts readied, and all the other madness that goes into making a business take flight. Now I'm hoping to find the elusive Fit Model in a size 14. I know that the size 20 and size 24 fit models are covered (essentially that would make a Small, Medium and Large), but it's more difficult than you'd think. So if you know anyone (or you ARE anyone) who measures 46-41-50, is a D cup - DD cup, and is between 5'5 - 5'8, and has a bit of a belly (bottom is fine too, but I need someone with belly), PLEASE get in touch with me at eden@cabiriastyle.com. Thanks for your help!

Swag Hunt

I've been brainstorming lately on potential swag to offer donors for the crowdsource funding arm of the Cabiria as a start up. Looking at loads of product, I wonder What would make my people happy? What if you're not a fat girl, so a piece of clothing from the line won't cut the mustard? What about for lower donation levels? Do people want a sticker? A tote bag? A mug? I'm not sure. But I have a feeling you would tell me your thoughts, right?

How about chocolate?

patterns and samples and markers, oh my!

I met with the patternmaker yesterday!!! Such a big step forward, and I'm so thrilled. If it works out as it's intended, she'll begin working on a basic block from Cabiria's proprietary measurements soon, then on to creating the building blocks for the initial Spring/Summer 2012 line. I'm giddy with excitement, but realizing too that it's a huge leap into the unknown.

I love snorkeling, and can't want to learn to SCUBA one of these days. It's the same, right? Wish me luck!