Other than living near them, cause sadly I do not have any, or any available and willing to collaborate. I tried model mayhem, nonexistent, including wardrobe stylists which is the closet to a designer or good alternative. I've been trying hard to collaborate with them in my area but none are here, nor others in other cities/states or countries willing to send it without paying in full, or renting it (from places like rent the runway or such, which I may end up doing since its cheaper than driving to and from NYC for project shoots).
I don't know, what I want to shoot in fashion is more flashy, big dresses like Von Wong shoots, just without investing thousands into the shoot merely for portfolio building. Which I understand is worth it in the long run though, just its not an option at all.
I've been doing for a year now, being a self-proclaimed wardrobe stylist, working with client/model's own wardrobe and making the best what I have, which is sorta working but no body has big flash dresses that are easily $500-$1000+ dresses.
Any ideas are much appreciative!
Find stylists in your area and approach them. That's what I've done, and it's made me some lovely working relationships.
Check out websites like Renttherunway.com where you can get your hands on designer dresses for a fraction of the cost.
I found makeup/hair stylists no problem... problem is finding wardrobe stylists, they don't exist here. I thought about the renttherunway just wasn't sure about that option and keeping the costs down as much as I could too. But they do have a monthly option where I can swap wardrobe as many times as I'd like every month for a monthly fee, I think that was like $50 or so a month for 3-4 pieces (for 1 complete outfit). I'll have no choice but to try this honestly.
I also wanted to work for Designer Forum http://www.designerforum.com.au/ before. I found this page and it was so helpful if you want to contact some of your prospects- http://fashiongear.fibre2fashion.com/fashion-designers/
Thanks for that. I'll try to contact them, not sure if any are willing to send it via mail without large payment/deposit or some kind of pricey insurance too. I have no idea how to search based on zip code either on there, typed in mine and couldn't find anything. Thanks though, I'll poke around it.
Hi Chris, depending on your area, you could visit a college or university and get to know girls in the fashion department. If you agree to shoot their end of year show, you can get to meet many budding stylists, or at least people who have friends in clothes stores.
This isn't the only way, of course, but one that I used when I started out.
Thanks Mark for the suggestion! Even though I posted this a year ago. I've recently partnered up with a somewhat local clothing/gown shop which has been helpful a bit. I may need to explore closer shops though.
Great. Where there's a will there's a way.