If you’ve ever dreamed about starting your own fashion brand but have no clue where to begin, this episode is your blueprint. I’m Nicole Di Rocco, a 7‑figure fashion CEO and launch mentor and in Episode 93 of the Fast Track Your Fashion Brand Podcast, I’m showing you exactly what I’d do if I had to start from scratch.

Using my Fashion Launch Mentor AI & Blueprint, I’ll take you through Step 1: The Style Sketch. This is where you define your standout style and your hero product.

💡 Pro Tip: Too many styles do not equal more sales. A signature hero piece gives customers clarity and makes your brand memorable.

Step 1 — Style Sketch & Finding Your Standout Style

The Fashion Launch Mentor AI begins by asking a series of questions designed to pull your vision out of your head and onto the page. It’s the fastest way to clarify what you’re really creating.

Here’s what the Mentor asks you:

• Describe the item of clothing you wish existed.
  Front, back, fabric, fit, and special features.
  
  
• Does this product solve a specific problem?
  Coverage, fit, comfort, longevity.
  
  
• What makes this piece your signature?
  
  
• Who is it for?
  
  
• Where is it worn?
  
  
• What feeling should your customer have when wearing it?
  
  
• What fabrics, textures, or colors do you imagine?
  
  
• What detail would make it unforgettable or a conversation starter?
  

This isn’t fluff — it’s the foundation for a product your audience can’t wait to buy.

My Live Example — Launching a Tween Swimwear Brand

For this episode, I decided to go through the Fashion Launch Mentor AI live. As a swimwear brand owner with over 23 years of experience, here’s how I’d start a tween swimwear brand from scratch.

Here’s my process inside the Mentor:

• Audience: Tween girls and moms looking for modest yet cool styles.
  
  
• Problem Solved: Coverage, fit, and fashionable design that feels age‑appropriate and influencer‑worthy.
  
  
• Product Concept: Launch with one or two hero styles (focusing on two‑piece swimwear).
  
  
• Use Case: Pool parties, birthdays, beach trips, water parks.
  
  
• Desired Feeling: Girls feel cute and confident (yes, twirling included!); moms feel proud they spent wisely.
  
  
• Fabrics: Soft Italian Lycra and eco‑friendly performance fabrics that are fade‑resistant and long‑lasting.
  

Signature Detail: Gold accent hardware and intricate beading for an elevated, fashion‑forward look with a modest back cut.

The Fashion Launch Mentor Output — “Tweeney Keeny”

The Mentor instantly created my first style concept:

Tweeney Keeny – A two‑piece tween swimwear set designed for playful confidence. Featuring modest, mom‑approved cuts with influencer‑cool details. Made with buttery soft, fade‑resistant performance fabric that keeps up with every splash and spin.

Sticky Tagline (auto‑generated):
“Swim Cute. Feel Proud. No Fuss.”

Perfect For: Pool parties, summer birthdays, beach hangouts, water parks — wherever fun and friends meet water.

Already, this first step is sparking content ideas for marketing, videos, captions, and more.

Why This Matters for Your Launch

Most new fashion founders try to launch with too many styles, thinking it will increase sales. In reality, it often dilutes your message and confuses customers.

By using the Fashion Launch Mentor AI, you:

• Save time (dictation feature transcribes your answers instantly).
  
  
• Get sticky taglines and marketing copy automatically.
  
  
• Build clarity and confidence before spending money on samples.
  

Lay a solid foundation for every future collection.

What’s Next (Step 2)

Each step in the Fashion Launch Mentor AI builds upon the last. After creating your standout style in Step 1, Step 2 will help you refine and expand on your product concept even more.

Stay tuned for the next episode where I’ll show you exactly how Step 2 works.

If you’re ready to start your fashion brand smarter (and faster), check out the Fashion Launch Mentor AI & Blueprint.

👉 Access the Fashion Launch Mentor AI & Blueprint here