Fashion Industry: Evolution Not Revolution
Throughout my career in the apparel industry, I have been designing and developing fashion lines for clients. Guiding my advice on direction and decisions has been a straightforward phrase: fashion is evolution, not revolution. Today, this phrase rings more accurate than ever, crystalizing the core foundations of success for the fashion industry in our push to a post-COVID world. Lectures, white papers, and webinars from fashion industry sages have presented numerous views on the imminent changes in the apparel and retail landscape. Some businesses have embraced the transition following the path of evolution. In contrast, others have ignored the advice,
There Is No Place Like Home | The effects of COVID-19
A Global Perspective Working for a global apparel company based in St. Louis, MO, the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic are felt locally in our city, nationally across the United States, and around the world. Being British, I remain connected with family and friends in the UK who share similar fears and concerns, which brings us closer together at this time. People from all different circumstances, geographies, socio-economic factors, ethnicities, and religions are all united in this viral battle. A Grateful Perspective The world is at home right now. Whether you are one who has lost their employment or one
How to Protect Your Apparel Business in Volatile Times
It’s clear today that we are living in unprecedented times. For many in apparel industry sourcing roles, it is hard to find time and clarity to understand the ever-changing landscape. Over the last few years, businesses in the apparel industry have had to contend with tariffs, rising labor costs, decreasing retails, higher quality expectations, sustainability … the list goes on. As a result, the apparel industry and economy feel unstable, especially during the effects of a pandemic that threatens beloved family, friends, and colleagues worldwide. The Impact on Your Business Does Not Have to be Permanent When faced with the
Graphene – Apparel tech is here, and it is incredible.
Last week I talked about the magical properties of spider silk and some surprising production techniques (Click here if you missed it!). Today I want to discuss a material I believe is truly representative of future textile technology. Graphene. What is Graphene? Graphene is, simply put, the thinnest form of graphite, the same kind you find in everyday pencils. Doesn’t sound too special, huh? I think I can convince you otherwise. Because of its unique structure and composition, graphene possesses an unbelievable set of materialistic properties. Graphene sheets are practically two-dimensional, being only a SINGLE ATOM in thickness. For context,
Spider Goats and Outer-space, New Futuristic Textiles
Textile research is changing the future, and you didn’t even know it Self-driving cars, artificial intelligence, civilian trips to Mars…the current technological landscape is exciting, and the future is full of potential. Amid all these high-profile technologies however, there have been massive advancements and research in areas that sometimes fly under the radar; areas that have enormous implications for the future of our daily lives. One of the most exciting and impactful of these is the area of textile materials and fibers research. How will textile materials research change the way we live? Humans have utilized textiles since the first
Clothing Manufacturers: Taking on the Risk
When teaming up with an apparel manufacturer to develop your clothing designs, or to help you build an apparel line, you gain much more than simple product development. These experts shoulder a great deal of responsibility to bring your ideas to life in an ethical manner while following legal and financial guidelines. Without their supporting hand, your clothing line can fall apart before it even begins. When planning a manufacturing budget, it is important to keep in mind the risks that the manufacturer faces and how those risks can affect your brand. A trusted and professional firm will undoubtedly cost
Clothing Manufacturers : Responsibilities
Designer’s responsibilities vs. Manufacturer’s responsibilities Building an iconic clothing line relies on epic apparel, timing, a little luck, and a solid relationship with an expert in the manufacturing process. When you begin discussions with a potential manufacturing partner, it’s important to lay out your expectations and reasonable to expect a clothing supplier to do the same. Show them you care as much as they do. Tell Your Story When clothing manufacturers sit down with designers, they can often tell how serious the designer is from the beginning. To show your commitment and to stand out, it is imperative to introduce
CMT vs FPP: Which is the Best Avenue for Your Apparel?
Choosing a manufacturer for your apparel line is a big decision. Your vision for the brand cannot come to fruition without knowing exactly who you are working with, and what their capabilities are. If you are new to the apparel “game”, or struggling to build your brand, take a step back and reevaluate your product development and manufacturing strategy. Some things to consider: When it comes to hiring a manufacturer in the fashion industry, there are generally two options to choose from. CMT (Cut, Make, Trim) FPP (Fully Packaged Product) Each type of manufacturer offers critical services during the creation
Lifestyle Branding In The Fashion Industry
Iconic Brands Relate to Consumer Lifestyle How is your clothing line currently seeking attention? Old-fashioned advertising techniques, like catchy jingles and prime TV/radio spots, just aren’t as important anymore. Today, consumers bombarded by constant marketing all vying for their attention, can create a big challenge to a new or developing brand. Defining and building a brands’ identity is more important and evolved as a process than ever before. It is critical to develop and steward your brands identity if one expects long term success with targeted consumers especially millennials and younger. Lifestyle branding is more than advertising. It’s the strategy
Technology Boom in the Midwest
In recent years, the Midwest has welcomed tech companies in with open arms as they leave the coasts to call inland states home. The advantages of conducting business in these previously overlooked cities are bountiful. Companies are drawn to the lower cost of operations, more affordable talent, and the convenience of a central location. While the new trend is exciting for the economic growth of the Midwest, companies like Stars Design Group saw its potential way before it was the “cool thing to do.” This technology-driven clothing manufacturer laid their roots in St. Louis, MO in 2000 to focus on