How to Start a Fashion Bag Business: Design to Production 👜✹

Starting a fashion brand has always been a dream of mine...but bringing it to life? That was a whole new adventure.

I created Clarité from scratch. No big design team, no funding from a fashion house - just a genuine love for beautiful, functional bags, a lot of late nights, and a little faith in my vision. If you're curious about how to start your own fashion bag business, or you're simply following along on my journey, here's exactly how I went from idea to production.

Step 1: Finding the Spark đŸ”„

I’ve always loved bags - not just how they look, but how they make you feel. Confident. Put-together. Like you can take on the world. I couldn’t find a brand that offered minimalist, luxury-inspired styles that were affordable and unique. So I decided to create it.

Step 2: Designing the Collection 🎹

I started sketching at first. But over time (and many YouTube tutorials later), I developed my designs in CAD software. I focused on shapes that felt timeless but still fresh: structured clutches, soft-curve minis, and versatile day-to-night shoulder bags. Gold hardware, premium vegan leather, and elegant designs became Clarité’s signature aesthetic.

clarite bag sketches

Step 3: Sourcing and Sampling đŸ§”

I reached out to manufacturers worldwide and learned a lot about communication, MOQ (minimum order quantities), and the importance of clear specs. I ordered samples, revised them (again and again), and tested them myself. I wanted every detail to feel intentional - from the stitching to the zipper glide.

mockup of ruby bag design process samplemockup of ruby bag mockup of ruby bag design process

Cost-wise, I won't sugar coat it, it is not cheap! You have to consider currency exchange, metal mold creation, sampling, packaging, duties, shipping, and not to mention the actual production cost. There is always a risk in taking that initial investment but once you do then the ongoing costs of marketing, website, registration, insurance etc. is more manageable. In order for me to meet my goals of HIGH QUALITY and ELEGANCE I often opted for the more expensive options and additions but it pays off in the long term! 

Step 4: Building the Brand đŸ–„ïž

While waiting on samples, I worked on Clarité’s branding. I built a Shopify store, bought my domain, and created a tone of voice that felt like me: confident, classy, and a little cheeky. I also drafted clear policies that aligned to the Australian Consumer Law.

Step 5: Prepping for Launch 🚀

Once I had approved samples in hand, I placed my first bulk order. Around 150 units per design, so 450 units total with my 3 designs. I opened pre-ordering while I waited for stock to arrive. During this waiting game I planned a launch event - tried to make it budget friendly by hosting it at home with DIY decor, and help from my family. 

launch party clarite statement shoulder mini handbag bag

I hosted a launch event, shared my story, and started putting my brand into the world. It was terrifying - but also surreal. There’s nothing like seeing people hold something you created from scratch.

Step 6: Life After Launch - Marketing, SEO & Growth 📈

My bags arrived a few months ago, and since then, I’ve started selling online (very slowly - but I have to start somewhere), while also having the privilege to learn and grow every day.

clarite packaging box

I quickly realised launching is just the beginning. Now, I’m focused on:

  • Learning SEO: Understanding keywords, product page optimisation, and blog content (like this!) to improve search rankings.
  • Social media marketing: Sharing real stories, behind-the-scenes moments, and user-generated content that reflects the brand and engages audiences.
  • Email marketing: Building a list and crafting engaging campaigns that connect with customers and drive repeat purchases.
  • Customer feedback: Every review and DM helps me refine the product and experience.

What I’ve Learned So Far

  • Build a brand, not just a product: Your story matters.
  • Invest in quality: Customers notice, and it builds long-term trust.
  • Stay adaptable: Not everything goes to plan, and that’s okay.
  • Done is better than perfect: Progress over perfection, always.

You Can Do It, Too đŸ€

If you’re dreaming of launching your own fashion business - go for it. It’s messy, exciting, challenging, and incredibly fulfilling. Whether you’re sketching in a notebook or figuring out logistics at midnight, every step is part of your story.

Thanks for being part of mine. You can follow along on our socials @clarite_co or explore the full collection here.

This is just the beginning. ✹

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