Anna Wintour's take on starting a line after fashion school.

Anna Wintour did aspiring fashion designers and fashion students some favor by giving some career advice from her much admired bag of experience. Her advice threw a lot of light on the business of fashion startups after school. While making the decision to start your own business is such a huge step and one that should be encouraged, a lot of thought, planning and strategy should go into play to avoid unnecessary difficulties and setbacks. There's a lot involved and you need to be sure you are ready for it. Here are some of her advice as culled from Dazed,

[STARTING YOUR OWN LINE DOESN’T GUARANTEE SUCCESS];

"I do think there is a tradition in England, that you can do anything with nothing,” Wintour noted. “The only thing I worry a little bit about, going straight from school to starting your own business, is not that many succeed… I personally would advise you to think carefully before you start your own business, and consider possibly working for a designer or a company whose work you admire.” Or, as Simone Rocha added from the audience: “It’s not just about one road.”

[FOR GOD’S SAKE, FIND SOME GAINFUL EMPLOYMENT];

“Go get a job,” Wintour stated in no uncertain terms. “Whether it’s working as a designer or working in a restaurant and then doing your own thing in your own time, it’s a reality of life. In the end it’s going to be helpful to you and so many others.” And once you’ve established your brand, don’t sniff at mid-season collections. “The basic truth of the matter is that 80% of what sells in the stores are the mid-season collections: resort and pre-fall. So when you’re ready, don’t ignore it, because it’s going to be something that will help you pay the bills” ..........

See the rest of her advice here. Which of her advice do you find the most helpful to you as an aspiring designer and what actions have been helpful in growing your fashion business if you've already taken that huge step? We would love your comment.