Introduction to Arturo Obegero

Arturo Obegero is a Paris-based Spanish designer who founded his eponymous brand in 2020. His client list includes notable celebrities such as Beyoncé, Adele, Lady Gaga, and Harry Styles.

Challenges Faced by the Designer

Despite having a good order backlog and global inventory, Obegero faced significant financial difficulties last year. He felt that the system was rigged against him, making it challenging to sustain his business.

Financial Struggles

The main issue Obegero encountered was the lack of cash flow. As a designer, he has to make substantial upfront payments to his suppliers and studios once he receives an order from a retailer. However, some retailers only pay 20 percent upfront before delivery, which can severely impact a small designer’s cash flow.

Slim Margins

Obegero highlights that the margins designers work with are incredibly slim. This, combined with the significant upfront payments, makes it difficult for small designers to maintain a stable financial situation. The current system seems to favor larger retailers, leaving small designers like Obegero struggling to stay afloat.