Why ‘Breaking Fashion’ on BBC iPlayer is a Must-Watch for Aspiring Fashion Entrepreneurs
If you’re running a fashion business or dreaming of starting one, you need to tune into Breaking Fashion on BBC iPlayer. This insightful series takes viewers behind the scenes of one of Britain’s most innovative and fastest-growing online fast-fashion brands: In The Style. Not only is it a fascinating exploration of the fashion industry’s inner workings, but it’s also packed with inspiration, particularly for entrepreneurs looking to carve out their own path in this competitive world.
The Ground breaking Approach of In The Style
In The Style burst onto the scene with a revolutionary idea that has since transformed the fast-fashion landscape: celebrity collaborations. While this strategy is common now, In The Style was one of the pioneers of using high-profile personalities to co-create and market clothing collections. This approach catapulted the brand into the spotlight, leveraging the influence of celebrities to connect directly with a loyal customer base. Through their innovative use of social media and partnerships, the brand quickly built a reputation for being both trend-focused and customer-driven.
What makes this story even more compelling is the man behind it all: Adam Frisby. Adam’s journey to success is anything but conventional. With no formal qualifications, no prior experience in the fashion industry, and no financial safety net from wealthy parents, Adam’s story is one of grit, determination, and unwavering passion. By the age of 30, he had turned his dream into reality, founding a company that now stands as a major player in the fast-fashion industry.
The documentary series also features Adam’s life partner, Jamie, offering a candid glimpse into their dynamic as they navigate the challenges of building a business together. It’s inspiring to see how their shared vision and partnership fuel the company’s growth while also highlighting the real-life challenges of running a business with a loved one.
My Experience Designing for In The Style
As someone who had the privilege of working at In The Style as their senior fashion designer, watching Breaking Fashion feels like revisiting a pivotal chapter of my career. When I joined the company, it was still relatively new and just beginning to transition from purchasing clothing from wholesalers to designing its own collections. This was an exciting time for the brand, and I was fortunate to play a role in shaping its creative direction during this transformative period.
One of the highlights of my time at In The Style was working on celebrity collaborations. Designing for collections associated with well-known figures like Charlotte Crosby (Geordie Shore) and Billie Faiers (The Only Way Is Essex and The Mummy Diaries) was both a challenge and a thrill. These partnerships were not just about slapping a celebrity’s name on a label; they involved carefully crafting collections that reflected the unique personalities and styles of these influencers while aligning with the brand’s aesthetic.
For instance, Charlotte Crosby’s collection had a playful, edgy vibe, reflecting her vibrant personality and reality TV fame. On the other hand, Billie Faiers brought a touch of sophistication and glamour, appealing to a slightly older demographic within the brand’s audience. It was incredibly rewarding to work on these collaborations, as they pushed me to think creatively and stay ahead of emerging trends.
The Power of Celebrity Endorsements
One of the key takeaways from working at In The Style and watching Breaking Fashion is the undeniable power of celebrity endorsements. At a time when social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok dominate consumer attention, celebrities and influencers have become powerful marketing tools. In The Style was quick to recognize this shift and capitalized on it by forging meaningful partnerships that extended beyond mere endorsements.
Celebrity collaborations are about more than just borrowing a famous name—they’re about creating a story that resonates with customers. In the case of In The Style, each celebrity-designed collection felt authentic because the influencers were genuinely involved in the creative process. This authenticity translated into strong sales and loyal customers, proving that a well-executed collaboration can be a game-changer for a brand.
Behind the Scenes: Challenges and Triumphs
Breaking Fashion doesn’t shy away from showing the challenges that come with running a fast-fashion empire. From tight production deadlines to the pressures of staying ahead in a rapidly changing industry, the series paints a realistic picture of the effort it takes to succeed. Watching the team navigate these hurdles reminded me of the high-energy, fast-paced environment I experienced while working at In The Style.
One of the biggest challenges in the fast-fashion industry is balancing speed with quality. Customers expect new styles to drop frequently, and meeting these demands requires a highly efficient design and production process. At In The Style, this meant constantly brainstorming fresh ideas, coordinating with suppliers, and ensuring that every piece met the brand’s standards—all within incredibly tight timeframes.
Despite these challenges, the sense of accomplishment that comes with seeing a collection come to life is unparalleled. From the first design sketches to the final product being modeled in photoshoots and launched online, every step of the process is a labor of love. Watching Breaking Fashion brought back so many memories of this journey and the pride that comes with contributing to a brand’s success.
Lessons for Aspiring Fashion Entrepreneurs
Whether you’re already running a fashion business or just starting out, there are countless lessons to be learned from Breaking Fashion and the story of In The Style. Here are a few key takeaways:
- Innovation is Key: In The Style disrupted the fast-fashion market by being the first to focus on celebrity collaborations. Finding a unique angle for your brand can set you apart from competitors and attract loyal customers.
- Authenticity Matters: Customers can sense when a brand is genuine. Building trust and loyalty requires more than just great products—it’s about creating a connection through storytelling and authenticity.
- Adaptability is Crucial: The fashion industry moves fast, and staying ahead requires constant innovation and adaptability. Being open to change and willing to take risks is essential for growth.
- Hard Work Pays Off: Adam Frisby’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance. Success doesn’t come overnight, but with determination and passion, it’s possible to achieve even the most ambitious goals.
Where to Watch
If you haven’t already, I highly recommend watching Breaking Fashion on BBC iPlayer. The series offers a behind-the-scenes look at the world of fast fashion, from the design process to marketing strategies and everything in between. It’s an inspiring watch for anyone interested in fashion, business, or simply understanding the hard work that goes into building a brand.
You can stream the series here: Breaking Fashion on BBC iPlayer.
Final Thoughts
Working at In The Style was an unforgettable experience that taught me so much about creativity, innovation, and the power of collaboration. Watching Breaking Fashion brought back so many memories of that time and reminded me why I fell in love with the fashion industry in the first place.
Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, the story of In The Style is proof that with passion, determination, and a willingness to think outside the box, anything is possible. If you’re looking for inspiration, make sure to check out Breaking Fashion—it might just be the motivation you need to take your own fashion dreams to the next level.
