Fashion Startup Launchpad
Course Description
The Fashion Startup Launchpad is an intensive 10-hour program tailored for aspiring fashion entrepreneurs, designers, and creative founders looking to turn their fashion ideas into a viable business. This hands-on course guides participants through every stage of launching a fashion label—from identifying a niche, building brand identity, and designing the first collection to understanding production, costing, and go-to-market strategies.
Through a blend of industry insights, real-world case studies, and practical exercises, learners gain the foundational skills to conceptualize, plan, and launch their fashion brand confidently
Course Duration
10 Hours (can be structured as 5 sessions of 2 hours each or 10 sessions of 1 hour each)
Detailed Syllabus
Module 1:
- Introduction to the Fashion Startup Ecosystem (1 hour)
- Overview of the global and Indian fashion startup landscape
- Identifying fashion niches and target audiences
- Business models in fashion: retail, D2C, private label, export-oriented
- Understanding brand positioning and differentiation.
Module 2:
- Building Your Brand Identity (1 hour)
- Defining brand mission, story, and values
- Naming and logo considerations
Visual branding essentials: color palette, typography, and tone - Building an emotional connection with your target customer
Module 3:
- Concept to Collection Development (2 hours)
- Researching trends, fabrics, and inspiration boards
- Designing your first capsule collection
- Product categories, size ranges, and design cohesion
- Setting design priorities based on market demand and production feasibility
Module 4:
- Sourcing and Production Management (2 hours)
- Identifying manufacturers and production partners
- Understanding MOQs (Minimum Order Quantities) and costing structures
- Quality control and tech packs basics
Sustainable sourcing and ethical manufacturing practices.
Module 5:
- Pricing, Costing, and Financial Planning (1 hour)
- Fabric and trims cost breakdown
Calculating garment cost and pricing strategy - Understanding margin structures and wholesale vs. retail pricing
- Basic budgeting for first collection launch
Module 6:
- Go-to-Market and Sales Strategy (2 hours)
- Online and offline sales channels for startup labels
- Building e-commerce presence (Wix/Shopify overview)
- Offline retail, exhibitions, and pop-up launch models
- Fashion marketing and influencer collaborations
Module 7:
- Business Compliance and Launch Plan (1 hour)
- Business registration and trade documentation basics
GST, export, and import considerations - Creating a 90-day brand launch roadmap
- Pitching your brand for collaborations or investor funding
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
- Identify a viable niche and define a unique fashion brand identity.
- Develop a concept-driven first collection ready for sampling or production.
- Understand garment costing, sourcing, and production workflows.
- Create a business setup and go-to-market strategy tailored for their brand.
- Launch and promote their first fashion collection with clarity and confidence.
Prerequisites
- Keen interest in fashion design and entrepreneurship.
- Basic understanding of apparel or creative industry preferred (not mandatory).
- Laptop or tablet for research and brand-building exercises.
- Optional: Preliminary concept or mood board of a fashion idea.