It's FINALLY complete! I feel as if the world stopped while our lookbook was being put together. But it was worth the wait because I love the way it turned out. Thanks to THE best photographer on the planet, Polina Osherov, the beautiful Michelle Pemberton modeling, and last but definitely NEVER least the incomparable Fashion Stylist Nikki Sutton for the front and back covers of the lookbook. These pictures were taken from the Sweet Revenge Lingerie show called Cabaret Lingerie back in March of this year and the corsets shown in the beginning and the end are available for sale. They are hand done with impeccable precision and workmanship - they are simply a work of art for the body.
Creating a lookbook these days is of the utmost importance! If you are going to talk to anyone intelligently about your business you have to have something to back it up - a lookbook is a good place to start. I decided to start with an online lookbook simply for convenience. I am able to reach important out of town contacts instantly and they are able to see what we have to offer on the spot upon the arrival of an introduction email. There are some appointments (face to face) when I do use our printed lookbook and my clients are given a copy of that to keep. They will also have access to the online lookbook as well for their reference or if they need to send it on to one of their affiliates.
The process was relatively easy to do but it did take a lot of time and effort. Remember when you are putting together anything that has to do with marketing or branding that YOUR name is on the line and it is important that you make a very good first impression. I know your mother always told you to "never judge a book by its cover" and for most situations that does hold true - except for this one. Lookbooks are your clients very first introduction to who you are and what you are about and you need to get it right the first time. Whomever your client may be please know that they are inundated with people trying to sell them things every single day. You have to find a way to set yourself apart and make your brand stand out. Customer service is a HUGE way to set yourself apart but you won't get a chance to offer that part of your business if you don't get a first meeting. The way to a first meeting is a good lookbook.
I'm not only referring to fashion lookbooks here. Photographers, models, artists, designers, interior designers, Marketing/PR businesses, there are many different sects of business that can benefit from a lookbook and an online lookbook is a good place to start for the novice. I count myself in the novice category and I plan to learn and grow every day as well. For now I need to make sure my designers have a presentation that represents them and their brands well and professionally because I am making a first impression for them and that's why I take so much pride in what I do.
There was a wonderful blog post written in one of our very favorite blogs Style Sample Magazine regarding how to set up your own online portfolio. Take a look at their view on lookbooks and hopefully you'll get a feel for if an online lookbook is best for you or if you will invest in a printed version - or there's always the combination of both which can only increase your chances of gaining that GREAT first impression!
Until Then: "Writing has laws of perspective, of light and shade just as painting does, or music. If you are born knowing them, fine. If not, learn them. Then rearrange the rules to suit yourself." - Truman Capote
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