UPDATE: West Seattleites successfully crowdsource a women's clothing line
Fri, 02/22/2013
Update for March 15
It came down to the final hours, but West Seattle-based clothing line entrepreneurs Tomboy Exchange met (and slightly exceeded) their Kickstarter funding goal to make their first run of apparel designed for women in the 40+ demographic.
Here is their statement on reaching the goal, and thanks to all those who helped along the way:
After 30 day Kickstarter Campaign, TomboyX Exceeds $75K Goal
Tomboy Exchange raises funds through Kickstarter to produce first clothing line
Seattle, WA-- Tomboy Exchange, a new women’s clothing line, exceeded its Kickstarter goal of $75,000 in less than 30 days. Funds raised will launch TomboyX’s first line into full production and help start an online boutique.
“This has been an amazing experience and we are all overwhelmed by the strong show of support from tomboys everywhere, but especially right here in Seattle,” stated Fran Dunaway, CEO on TomboyX.
Tomboy Exchange had over $76,000 in pledges on Kickstarter. The brand ran a strong message for the thirty day period building a solid audience of supporters, especially in the Seattle community. During the last month, TomboyX gained 665 backers on Kickstarter, 970 likes on Facebook and nearly 200 followers on Twitter.
“The first line is ready and can now go into production.” said Fran. “We’re excited to get these garments available to women everywhere, and keep designing unique and amazing items for the future.”
The first line of clothing will be manufactured in TomboyX’s hometown of Seattle. Future styles will be made in the USA as well. It’s an important factor to TomboyX that the clothing is designed and made locally-- to keep jobs in America, stimulate the economy, and offer the best quality garments possible.
Tomboy Exchange’s clothing will be available via an online boutique to give consumers a one stop shop experience-- TomboyX also curates shoes and accessories that represent the tomboy spirit.
Tomboy Exchange’s clothing cater to women with their own style and personality. It represents the empowerment of women and a fun, spunky attitude, but still comfortable for both work and play. Current styles and future designs can be seen at www.tomboyexchange.com, including TomboyX’s up and coming golf line.
TomboyX gained support from all over the country including some well known figures such as former US Soccer Team Goalie and two time Olympic Gold Medalist Briana Scurry, comedian Kate Clinton, musician Catie Curtis, and writer/director/producer Carrie Schrader. During the campaign TomboyX was featured on West Seattle Blog, West Seattle Herald, AfterEllen, The Seattle Lesbian, various fashion blogs including Glam Spoon and Seattle Boutique Blog, as well as golf blog Shi Shi Putter, and more.
Update for March 6
West Seattle-based clothing line entrepreneurs Tomboy Exchange are entering their final seven days of crowdsourcing a local dream. Here is the latest:
Information from Rhonni LaCroix
With one week left TomboyX makes final push to meet $75K Kickstarter goal
Tomboy Exchange is in the homestretch of their 30 day Kickstarter campaign. With 57 percent of the goal pledged, only seven days remain to capture the ultimate goal-- $75K and getting the first line into full production.
“I have tremendous confidence in the TomboyX Pioneers,” stated Fran Dunaway, CEO of TomboyX. “ Our pioneers are those who have supported us through this journey. The excitement of this line is continuing to grow, and women are ready to have a clothing line tailored to what they want, is designed to flatter, and emphasizes attitude and spunk.”
Tomboy Exchange has quickly gained popularity and support, including well known figures such as former US Women’s National Soccer Team goalie and two time Olympic Gold Medalist, Briana Scurry, and nationally known comedian Kate Clinton.
In this last week of Kickstarter the TomboyX team asks for all hands on deck in helping spread the word about this unique and creative brand. There are exciting things brewing for the future of TomboyX, such as expanding their line of golf clothing and collaborating with other local artists. Help TomboyX spread the word to make this happen.
For more information or to pledge support, visit TomboyX’s Kickstarter page, or www.tomboyexchange.com
Original post on Feb. 22
Local entrepreneurs are using the crowdsourcing website Kickstarter to help fund their dream of bringing a 40+ women's clothing line to fruition, with plans to manufacture locally.
The brand is called Tomboy Exchange, and their Kickstarter page is found here. With 19 days to go (as of Feb. 22)they are $23,787 in to their goal of $75,000.
Here are some additional details from Tomboy Exchange:
Tomboy Exchange is an e-commerce lifestyle brand that creates, curates and cultivates clothing and accessories for women over 40. We create top quality, innovative clothing. We curate retail products that reflect our standards and style. And we cultivate community around the brand.
THE NEED
Traditionally, fashion is designed with an idealized body in mind. We all know that once you turn 40, no matter how fit you are, your body changes - slightly and not so slightly. But we are still the same on the inside. Clothing is an expression of who we are. It is TomboyX's mission to create clothing that aptly expresses how comfortable and confident we really feel.
OUR ANSWER
We want a streamlined professional look without worrying about exposing ourselves so we've added extra buttons at bust and waistline. We want to accentuate our curves without feeling constricted so we use design lines that highlight them and have bias side panels that move when we do. We want to look sharp but keep our sense of humor and personality with signature pops of color and pattern in every style.
OUR STORY
TomboyX came together a year and a half ago to provide clothing options for a demographic that the fashion industry typically ignores - women over 40 who want unique, comfortable clothing that celebrates their tomboy spirit.
OUR TEAM
Combined, our team has over 50 years of clothing design and manufacturing experience, bringing existing relationships into this collaboration - allowing for rapid expansion, less money spent learning the ropes and a ready arsenal of best practices awaiting implementation.
To learn more about our team visit our website at tomboyexchange.com.
OUR PROGRESS
We have 4 styles in our current collection and all of them are ready for production. Fabrics have been chosen, factories and relationships are in place but we need capital to cover the minimum orders for each.
FUNDING
Your support will help us fund the first production runs of our line. We've gotten so much great feedback and are excited to be able to share the TomboyX line with you. Our $75,000 funding goal will cover the extensive production costs associated with meeting factory minimums, fabric purchases, quality control, label production and shipping costs