With the business plan, financial projections, and the core philosophy behind my brand finally taking shape, I’m now moving on to the next phase—designing the collection, just as I’d planned.
For the past several months, my days have been filled with writing and spreadsheets. So finally returning to the creative process has been an absolute joy.
As I sketch each garment, I find myself exploring countless possibilities.
“What if the neckline looked like this?”
“What if the sleeves had this shape?”
“What if the skirt flowed this way?”
One design naturally evolves into several different variations.
Right now, I’m focusing on creating the designs for my first sample collection.
I keep reminding myself:
“Keep it simple.”
But before I know it, the designs become a little too intricate or start feeling a bit too formal.
There’s still a gap between what I envision and what appears on paper, but little by little, the collection is taking shape.
At the same time, I’ve been reaching out to several fabric manufacturers I’ve discovered.
And that’s when I was reminded of something once again:
Every door in France feels remarkably heavy to open.
Even after sending inquiry emails to manufacturers, it’s not unusual to receive no reply at all—not even a simple, “We’ll get back to you.”
As someone with no existing connections, I have to keep reaching out, patiently build trust, and hope that, eventually, someone opens the door.
That’s simply how it works.
The challenge becomes even greater once summer arrives.
That’s because many French companies essentially slow down—or completely stop—for the annual summer holidays.
For people in France, summer vacation isn’t something you take if you have time.
It’s something you’re expected to take.
In fact, working all summer long is often seen as something rather unfortunate.
From late July through the end of August, many companies operate with minimal staff. Government offices reduce their services, and almost every workplace has someone away on a two- or three-week holiday.
Even before the official vacation season begins, there’s already a sense that everyone is mentally preparing to switch off, and the pace of business gradually slows.
If I want to launch my brand next spring, I need to finish the patterns this summer so I can begin sewing the samples in autumn.
Design.
Sourcing fabrics.
Communicating with manufacturers.
Pattern making.
Sample production.
Every step depends on the timing of the previous one, and keeping everything on schedule is far more challenging than I ever imagined.
The very first major obstacle I’m facing is the French summer vacation season.
I’m simply hoping I can make it through this first hurdle and stay on schedule with my sample production.
Lately, that’s what’s been on my mind the most.
Although it’s still in its early stages, I’m carefully laying the foundation with the hope that one day I can bring the thoughts, values, and atmosphere I’ve been sharing here to life through clothing.
I’d love to continue sharing the journey behind the brand, along with the thoughts and experiences that come with building it, little by little.
As we get closer to the launch, I also hope to share more of Aiguille & Ito as it evolves through Instagram Live and other updates, so you can experience the brand’s journey with me.
Right now, I’m working toward my goal of reaching 1,000 followers on Instagram.
If my vision resonates with you, I would be so grateful if you could support this journey by liking, following, or simply staying connected. Every bit of encouragement means more than you know.
Aiguille & Ito 
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