Me and JoAnne; Photo: Courtesy of Joanne Hong Fall production has officially begun! One of my closest friends from back home, JoAnne Kotlowski, flew up here from Oklahoma to help me produce my fall collection. We found a great factory to work with, and all last week she was busy sourcing fabrics and trims from all the local fabric stores and vendors we work with for the styles we will be producing. We found some really great deals, but then also had some issues with a fabric that I had originally bought three years ago. The company had it in stock but the price had gone up almost $20 per yard! I realized how important it is to reconfirm all prices of fabric and trim from the beginning in order to correctly cost out each garment. After we bought all the materials, I drafted up all the specs sheets that the factory would need. I listed all the measurements, stitch and trim info, swatches of each fabric used, trim samples, and a technical flat for each design. For my samples, I decided to produce a size 4 and a small. As I round up the last of my orders, the factory is now working on my patterns and first samples. I can’t wait to see them!

Me and Sean; Photo: Courtesy of Joanne Hong

I also have another amazing friend that is helping me with my clothing line.  He’s my business partner, Sean Juan.  We met at a camp in Taiwan when we were in high school and kept in touch throughout the years.  Twelve years later, we both ended up in NYC for work.  As our friendship grew, the idea of becoming business partners came up as I was telling him my dream of growing my clothing line.  Because of his many accomplishments and experience in finance, I knew that we both had the heart and drive to really make my clothing line into a household name. I’m definitely thankful I have both of them helping me! I’m excited to have the ball rolling on my fall production and onto designing my spring 2013! Read all Joanne’s posts here!