
Fashion for Profit is the brainchild of Fashion veteran Frances Harder. Harder’s extensive career in both fashion design and education illuminated a critical industry gap—many creative professionals lacked the business acumen needed to succeed in the highly competitive world of apparel. Determined to change this, Frances took an entrepreneurial leap in 1998, self-publishing Fashion for Profit, now in its 11th edition. This book has become a cornerstone resource for fashion startups, covering everything from costing and branding to production and merchandising. The result: Harder has equipped countless individuals with the knowledge and tools needed to thrive in an ever-evolving industry. Her Fashion for Profit series, Fashion Business Incubator, and global consulting efforts have created a lasting legacy of innovation, mentorship, and advocacy. Whether guiding new designers, retraining displaced workers, or advising businesses on best practices, Frances continues to be a pillar of wisdom and leadership in fashion entrepreneurship.