FashInvest Profile: TrendSeeder Launches Unknown Designers

           Interview with Founder and CEO Avani Patel

With a versatile business and law background, Avani Patel has created what may be the next big thing to finding designers you will love. TrendSeeder, a website turned designer is preparing to close its first round of funding. For those of you who are looking for a new designer or style, TrendSeeder is the one-stop shop to up and coming designs, apparel, and accessories. Patel calls the startup, "a window to designers you wish you have known before." Not only does the site feature exclusive products for the site, but also gives the consumers background and story on how the designer go to where they are today.

Much like the "TrendSeeder Designers," Patel has a story to tell about how she got to where she is today. Patel's adventure into the fashion world began in the windy city of Chicago a law student. Although she always had a love for studying the law, Patel loved to shop and find new styles. She realized however, style and trends were constantly mimicking one another. She couldn't find any new trends and wanted to play around with her sense of fashion. One day, Patel happened to be wearing a blue strapless dress while in California. It was a unique dress that wasn't really following the current fashion trends. She had never received more compliments on one dress in the span of one day. Being a entrepreneur, Patel realized she wasn't the only person searching for something new. Ultimately, Patel took a break from law and began a line with her sister.

In 2002, Patel began trying to sell her designs to boutiques where she networked with many other young aspiring designers. She realized that unlike the majority of the people she met she had one asset that gave her an up on selling her goods, her legal background. She went back to school for business and entrepreneurship where she had to create a project for one of her classes. She came up with the idea of introducing young designers to the fashion world through an incubator-type company. Patel left her law career for the business world and TrendSeeder was born. She commented, "I found all the issues I had as a designer and all the issues the designers had with cash flow, sales, and the right PR."

TrendSeeder introduces young designers that are chosen by the company and a Style Board. Each designer is given a home page with details on their background, designs, and an exclusive piece that is made and manufactured exclusively for the site. Patel explained that the designers are up and comping but "are not ready to sell at Saks and Barney's just yet." Launched in July, the online shopping community is still in beta. Patel is in the works of finding and choosing the right designers for her online introductory service. She commented that many of them are found through trade shows but can also apply. The site is planning on a full launch at the end of September and is looking to close its first round of venture funding at the end of this week.

Patel has many goals for the young site. "Every week we want to release a new designer. Monday, a curated collection will be released. Tuesday, there will be an inspiration board by the designer. Finally, Wednesday, we will release the exclusive piece made for TrendSeeder." She also hopes to incorporate fashion bloggers to help with inspiration and the marketing o the designer and the site. Patel also mentioned that when it comes to manufacturing, TrendSeeder looks for local manufacturers to "help and revamp the local industry ecosystem." All of the TrendSeeder exclusives are good for up two weeks. Looking for a new style? TrenSeeder found it.

By Samara Freschman

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