The Devil Wears Prada is an all-time favorite film of people who are interested in the world of fashion. Arguably, one of the most famous scenes in the movie is when the no-nonsense magazine editor Miranda Priestly lectures the new girl about the decision-making process in the fashion industry.
“You think this has nothing to do with you,” Miranda starts. “You go to your closet and you select, I don’t know, that lumpy blue sweater,” she says. Then, she proceeds with a brief history of cerulean blue.
Miranda lets us know that “that blue represents millions of dollars and countless jobs” that stemmed from the decisions made by the people who have a major influence on the fashion industry. And nobody has greater influence in the world of fashion than Vogue’s editor-in-chief and Condé Nast’s artistic director Anna Wintour, the real-life basis of Miranda’s character on The Devil Wears Prada.
If you finally decide to grab that shining fashion franchise opportunity in front of you, here are some tips from the woman who defines fashion as we know it today.
Lesson 1: Be a Confident and Decisive Leader
“People respond well to those that are sure of what they want. […] Even if I’m completely unsure, I’ll pretend I know exactly what I’m talking about and make a decision.”
Just like The Devil Wears Prada’s Miranda Priestly, Anna Wintour is more than capable of inspiring frenzy in others while maintaining her calm. When you open your fashion franchise, put on a strong, decisive front that lets others know you’re in charge. This lets you direct your team more effectively.
Lesson 2: Bend Over Backwards to See Results
“If you’re an overnight sensation, you can be yesterday’s news in no time. Whereas building something slowly and carefully that has value and quality, that’s what’s going to have legs.”
Don’t feel discouraged if your new clothing franchise is not yet bringing in the high ROI that you were expecting. Everyone starts from the bottom — even Anna Wintour did. So, persevere and be patient. More importantly, understand your market because, at the end of the day, their preferences and not yours are what will bring in the revenue.
Lesson 3: Break the Stereotypes
“The notion that a contemporary woman must look mannish in order to be taken seriously as a seeker of power is frankly dismaying.”
The moment that you open a women’s apparel store, you hold some responsibility for the way your customers express themselves. Remember that fashion is not only about what looks good — it is about what feels good. Don’t listen to what society dictates; provide clothing that empowers women.
Lesson 4: Be Realistic
“The best way to make a dream come true is to wake up.”
Lastly, if you want to achieve your business goals and flourish in the world of fashion, Anna Wintour says you have to wake up. As colorful and creative the fashion industry is, it is not all fun and games. You have to carefully research the latest trends, track consumer behavior, and experiment with marketing strategies before your fashion dream comes true.
