Benefits of Aligning Your Apparel Brand with a Social Cause —And How to Do It Right

Benefits of Aligning Your Apparel Brand with a Social Cause —And How to Do It Right
In today’s market, consumers are no longer just buying clothes—they’re buying into values. The apparel industry, historically driven by trends and aesthetics, is now being shaped by a deeper layer: social impact. Brands that align themselves with a meaningful cause don’t just make the world a better place, they also win customer loyalty, authenticity, and long-term growth. The Power of Purpose in Audience Growth Shoppers, particularly Gen Z and Millennials, are increasingly purpose-driven. According to recent studies, over 70% of consumers want to buy from companies that reflect their values. Aligning your apparel brand with a social cause creates a

25 Years of Stars Design Group: A Journey Around the World, Rooted in People and Purpose

25 Years of Stars Design Group: A Journey Around the World, Rooted in People and Purpose
This year marks 25 years since the founding of Stars Design Group, a milestone that feels both surreal and deeply meaningful. In an industry that’s constantly evolving, with trends that change in a blink and global challenges that keep even the most seasoned professionals on their toes, reaching a quarter-century in business isn’t just a number, it’s a testament to the people, places, and passion that have fueled our journey. A World of Discovery From the very beginning, our mission has gone far beyond design and production. It’s always been about understanding. That’s why we’ve spent the last 25 years circling

Fashion Faces Cyber Threats, Policy Shifts, and Style Evolution

Fashion Faces Cyber Threats, Policy Shifts, and Style Evolution
6/3/2025 | From surging cyberattacks and political tariffs to creative shakeups and cultural fashion moments, the fashion industry is at a pivotal crossroads. Here’s a breakdown of this week’s most impactful developments shaping the landscape, from boardrooms to runways. Cyberattacks Surge as Fashion Retailers Scramble to Protect Data A wave of cyberattacks is hitting major fashion retailers, with Victoria’s Secret, Dior, Marks & Spencer, and Harrods among recent victims. Victoria’s Secret suffered a website shutdown on May 28, costing millions in sales and prompting a stock drop. These incidents underscore a growing threat: cybersecurity consultancy S-RM reports a 96% year-over-year

Fashion & Global Industry Brief: Trade Shifts, Monsoon Chaos, and Luxury Retail Moves – May 2025

Fashion & Global Industry Brief: Trade Shifts, Monsoon Chaos, and Luxury Retail Moves – May 2025
From shifting global trade priorities to evolving strategies in luxury retail and industry accountability, May 2025 has seen a wide range of impactful developments. In this roundup, we explore how President Trump’s new tariff stance is raising concerns in the textile sector, why Mumbai’s record-breaking monsoon is straining infrastructure, and how fashion giants are navigating labor reform, digital transformation, and creative marketing. Here’s a concise look at the key stories shaping the fashion and global industries.   Trump Shifts Tariff Focus to Tech and Defense, Not Textiles President Trump clarified that his tariff policies are designed to boost U.S. production

Exploring India’s Apparel Industry: A Vibrant Alternative to China

Exploring India’s Apparel Industry: A Vibrant Alternative to China
India has emerged as a compelling alternative to China as the global manufacturing landscape shifts amidst ongoing tariff wars and rising geopolitical tensions. This vibrant, diverse, and industrious nation boasts a deep history in textile and apparel production, coupled with a fast-evolving, modern infrastructure ready to meet global demand. A Rich History Meets a Modern Landscape India’s roots in textile manufacturing stretch back millennia, blending 5,000 years of heritage with 21st-century innovation. From iconic madras plaids to intricate silks that once captivated global traders, India’s legacy continues to inspire the fashion world. Today, the country is a global hub for cotton-based

Circularity is Not Running Around in Circles

Circularity is Not Running Around in Circles
Pairing the idea of circularity with sustainable fashion might initially conjure images of people running in circles and getting nowhere—which, admittedly, can sometimes feel like the case. However, the Ellen MacArthur Foundation clarifies that circularity in fashion refers to “the process of making and consuming fashion in such a way that there is never anything thrown away and nothing is used to the point of extinction.” In our current linear economy, we extract materials from the Earth, turn them into products, and ultimately dispose of them as waste. Circularity challenges this model by designing systems that prevent waste from being

Price Hikes, Ethical Fashion, and Quantum Bets: Industry Trends in Focus

Price Hikes, Ethical Fashion, and Quantum Bets: Industry Trends in Focus
From fast fashion upheavals to luxury’s sustainability drive, recent developments in trade policy, ethical sourcing, and digital innovation are reshaping the global fashion and tech landscapes. As industry leaders and consumers navigate shifting priorities—driven by geopolitics, climate action, and tech investment—these five key stories highlight the challenges and opportunities at the intersection of style, sustainability, and strategy. 1. Trade Policy Shocks: Shein Price Surge Amid U.S. Tariffs  Chinese fast-fashion giant Shein has dramatically increased prices for U.S. shoppers—by up to 377% on some items—following the elimination of the “de minimis” exemption and the imposition of a 120% tariff plus a

Fashion Frontlines: Trade Wars, Tech Takedowns, and Global Shifts

Fashion Frontlines: Trade Wars, Tech Takedowns, and Global Shifts
4/22/2025 | From tariff tremors to tech antitrust, the global fashion landscape is shifting fast. In this edition, we break down how new trade rules are shaking up fast fashion giants, what a federal judge’s ruling means for digital ad dominance, and why fashion’s ethical and environmental progress may be at risk. Here’s what you need to know:  1. Shein to Raise Prices What’s Happening: In nearly identical statements, Shein and Temu announced upcoming price hikes starting April 25, citing global trade rule changes and rising tariffs. Tariff Troubles II: This comes after Trump-era policies boosted tariffs on Chinese imports

The Promise and Challenges of Made in America: Rethinking Apparel Manufacturing in the Modern Era

The Promise and Challenges of Made in America: Rethinking Apparel Manufacturing in the Modern Era
In today’s rapidly evolving fashion landscape, the resurgence of “Made in America” is sparking vital conversations at the intersection of sustainability, technology, and economic growth. In the episode of the Clothing Coulture podcast “Rebuilding American Apparel: How Onshoring and Tech Innovation are Shaping the Future,” hosts Emily Lane and Bret Schnitker delve deep into the potential of re-establishing apparel manufacturing in the United States. They bring insights from their recent trip to North Carolina, exploring innovation hubs like Parkdale Mills and CiCLO, and discuss the technological advancements reshaping the industry to bring jobs back home. Navigating the Pros and Cons

Fashion in Flux: Innovation, Setbacks, and the Shifting Landscape of 2025

Fashion in Flux: Innovation, Setbacks, and the Shifting Landscape of 2025
4/15/2025 | From factory floors in Texas to futuristic runways in space, the fashion industry in 2025 is a study in contrasts. While luxury giants like Louis Vuitton wrestle with production challenges in the U.S., a wave of innovation is reshaping how fashion is made, sold, and even worn. From AI-driven sustainability efforts and biodegradable materials to Digital Product Passports and thought-provoking exhibitions at Milan Design Week, the industry is balancing tradition with transformation. Meanwhile, the impact of tariffs and the rise of space fashion signal just how far—and how fast—fashion continues to evolve. Louis Vuitton’s Underperforming Texas Factory  Louis