Skip to main content

Entrepreneurship

Analysis and advice on new fashion ventures, including key lessons for entrepreneurs.

A New Model for Funding Fashion Start-Ups

Clearco, which just secured $215 million in funding from Softbank, is at the forefront of a new investing model where brands get speedy financing in exchange for a share of future revenues.

A New Model for Funding Fashion Start-Ups

Clearco, which just secured $215 million in funding from Softbank, is at the forefront of a new investing model where brands get speedy financing in exchange for a share of future revenues.


Investors Look Beyond Brands for the Next Great Fashion Start-Up

Services and technology start-ups that aim to ease direct-to-consumer pain points are winning over venture capital funds amid a record wave of investment.

Investors Look Beyond Brands for the Next Great Fashion Start-Up

Services and technology start-ups that aim to ease direct-to-consumer pain points are winning over venture capital funds amid a record wave of investment.


How One Fund Wants to Rethink Venture Capital’s Relationship with Brands

Former Nasty Gal executive and angel investor Deborah Benton has launched a new fund with investor Amanda Schutzbank, aimed to set founders up for long-term success in a competitive digital landscape.

How One Fund Wants to Rethink Venture Capital’s Relationship with Brands

Former Nasty Gal executive and angel investor Deborah Benton has launched a new fund with investor Amanda Schutzbank, aimed to set founders up for long-term success in a competitive digital landscape.


How Rising Designer Rui Zhou Built Her ‘Elevated Shapewear’ Brand

Demand for the knitwear designer’s signature curve-hugging bodysuits is heating up in both eastern and western markets.

How Rising Designer Rui Zhou Built Her ‘Elevated Shapewear’ Brand

Demand for the knitwear designer’s signature curve-hugging bodysuits is heating up in both eastern and western markets.


These Brands Broke Out in 2020. What’s Next?

Young businesses that accelerated during the pandemic are embracing wholesale and staffing up to keep momentum going as consumer habits change.

These Brands Broke Out in 2020. What’s Next?

Young businesses that accelerated during the pandemic are embracing wholesale and staffing up to keep momentum going as consumer habits change.


The Rise and Rise of Maximilian Davis

The breakout designer is part of a new generation of fast-rising fashion stars who are breathing new life into London’s creative scene.

The Rise and Rise of Maximilian Davis

The breakout designer is part of a new generation of fast-rising fashion stars who are breathing new life into London’s creative scene.


Parade Takes On Victoria’s Secret

The direct-to-consumer lingerie upstart is entering the critical bra category with $10 million of new funding and unique grip on the consumer psyche of Generation-Z. Could it be the one to finally unseat the industry’s dominant player?

Parade Takes On Victoria’s Secret

The direct-to-consumer lingerie upstart is entering the critical bra category with $10 million of new funding and unique grip on the consumer psyche of Generation-Z. Could it be the one to finally unseat the industry’s dominant player?


Why Venture Capital Is a Bad Fit for (Most) Fashion Businesses

For every Reformation, there are a dozen Outdoor Voices. Most apparel companies will have better luck looking beyond Silicon Valley for funding.

Why Venture Capital Is a Bad Fit for (Most) Fashion Businesses

For every Reformation, there are a dozen Outdoor Voices. Most apparel companies will have better luck looking beyond Silicon Valley for funding.


Rethinking the Fashion Rental Model for the Post-Pandemic Era

Rent the Runway chief executive Jennifer Hyman shares her strategy for making the fashion rental model work as retail, restaurants and workplaces slowly begin to re-open.

Rethinking the Fashion Rental Model for the Post-Pandemic Era

Rent the Runway chief executive Jennifer Hyman shares her strategy for making the fashion rental model work as retail, restaurants and workplaces slowly begin to re-open.


Why So Many Fashion Brands Are Launching Right Now

Entrepreneurs have founded tens of thousands of new retail businesses during the pandemic, sensing an opportunity amid the upheaval. What will it take for these new brands and stores to succeed?

Why So Many Fashion Brands Are Launching Right Now

Entrepreneurs have founded tens of thousands of new retail businesses during the pandemic, sensing an opportunity amid the upheaval. What will it take for these new brands and stores to succeed?


Rethinking Rental in a Crisis

Rent the Runway chief executive Jennifer Hyman told BoF VOICES her strategy to make the rental model work post-pandemic.

Rethinking Rental in a Crisis

Rent the Runway chief executive Jennifer Hyman told BoF VOICES her strategy to make the rental model work post-pandemic.


Is Insider Support Still Important to Outsider Designers?

For independent brands operating outside America’s traditional fashion system, the upheaval of the past year has come with newfound support from traditional gatekeepers. But in a fast-changing fashion market, is this really the path to success?

Is Insider Support Still Important to Outsider Designers?

For independent brands operating outside America’s traditional fashion system, the upheaval of the past year has come with newfound support from traditional gatekeepers. But in a fast-changing fashion market, is this really the path to success?