Threads of Power: Geopolitical Influences on the Fashion Industry

Threads of Power: Geopolitical Influences on the Fashion Industry
In the intricate world of fashion, the threads of style are often woven with the geopolitical landscape. From the choice of materials to the trends that dominate the runways, geopolitical influences play a significant role in defining the fashion narrative. In this article, we explore the fascinating intersection of politics and style, unveiling the impact of geopolitical factors on the fashion industry. Trade Agreements and Tariffs One of the most palpable ways geopolitics affects fashion is through trade agreements and tariffs. Changes in international trade policies can alter the cost of raw materials, manufacturing, and transportation. The imposition of tariffs

WRAP – Providing Transparency for Ethical Manufacturing

WRAP – Providing Transparency for Ethical Manufacturing
Avedis Seferian, the CEO and President of WRAP In a world where the fashion industry is often criticized for its lack of sustainability and worker welfare, there are organizations like WRAP (Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production) that are working tirelessly to make a difference. CEO of Stars Design Group Bret Schnitker and CSO Emily Lane recently had the opportunity to speak with Avedis Seferian, the CEO and President of WRAP, about the important work they do in promoting safe, lawful, humane, and ethical manufacturing conditions in the apparel industry. Our conversation touched on a wide range of topics, from the challenges

Sustainable Revolution: Transforming Fashion Through the Higg Index

Sustainable Revolution: Transforming Fashion Through the Higg Index
The fashion industry has long been criticized for its negative impact on the environment and for its hard record on human rights. From the use of toxic chemicals and excessive water consumption, to labor rights issues and the need for improved ‘Fair Trade’ policies, the industry’s practices have often been called into question. To help with this challenge, the Higg Index was developed by the Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC) in 2012 in Amsterdam, as a tool for measuring sustainability performance in the fashion footwear, and textile industry. What Is The Higg Index? The Higg Index is a standardized measurement of

Exploring the Sustainable Future of India’s Fashion Industry

Exploring the Sustainable Future of India’s Fashion Industry
For over 30 years, the CEO of Stars Design Group, Bret Schnitker has been traveling to India, witnessing the country’s transformation firsthand. What initially drew Bret to India was the entrepreneurial spirit and resilience of its people. Despite facing numerous obstacles, the Indian fashion industry has always found a way to overcome challenges and achieve positive results. As Bret mentions in Clothing Coulture Season 3 Episode 12 “India is known not only for its population but also its cotton production, technology, medicine, and more, making India an important country in many industries” The country’s large manufacturing units and investments in

The Evolution of Workwear: From Uniforms to Lifestyle Statements

The Evolution of Workwear: From Uniforms to Lifestyle Statements
The fascinating world of uniforms and workwear once looked at as seemingly mundane garments has evolved into powerful tools for branding, employee satisfaction, and even personal identity. There are key benefits of well-designed uniform programs, the psychology behind wearing them, and the various factors that contribute to making it a successful program. From Functional Necessity to Fashionable Statements Historically, uniforms were often associated with discomfort and lack of style. Now, however, they have entered the realm of fashion, with many companies striving to create pieces that employees actually enjoy wearing. Bret Schnitker, CEO of Stars Design Group, jokingly notes that

Managing Margins and Meeting Expectations in Fashion Industry

Managing Margins and Meeting Expectations in Fashion Industry
The fashion industry is constantly evolving, and it is crucial for buyers to stay ahead of the curve. Managing margins while still meeting customer expectations is a delicate balancing act that is becoming even more challenging as material, labor, and shipping costs fluctuate. Missing the mark on the customer’s quality expectations, could negatively impact brand loyalty, sending them straight to a direct competitor or the growing number of brands saturating the direct to consumer market. A common misconception in apparel programs is that maximizing profit margins means sacrificing quality. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Every decision in the

Designing High-Performance Clothing for Functionality

Designing High-Performance Clothing for Functionality
Creating high-performance clothing is a challenging task that requires a deep understanding of fabric selection, functionality, design, fit, and garment construction. If one element is wrong, the garment may no longer function in the rigorous conditions of the activity. Adding to the complexity, some details may counteract each other, rendering one, or both ineffective. Every decision in the process is crucial to the effectiveness and performance of the garment.  “It’s not enough that a garment looks good or feels good anymore, everyone wants it to do something. Even if they don’t know what that something is!” ~ CEO, Bret Schnitker

Fashion Designer Spotlight – Lewis Remele

Fashion Designer Spotlight – Lewis Remele
Fashion designers are a best kept secret in the industry. As consumers we know the key figures behind Versace, Gucci, and Chanel, but the people within the fashion house designing the pieces remain nameless fixtures behind the scenes. Many of the masterminds behind these intricate concepts are highly educated individuals with a vast array of knowledge in both art and design. A garment starts as a vision in a designer’s mind, making its way from a sketchbook to a final wearable item. Stars Design Group CEO Bret Schnitker sums it up beautifully saying, “Designers are every bit of artists like

Avoiding Pilling During the Product Development Stage

Avoiding Pilling During the Product Development Stage
Have you ever purchased a sweater and been so excited to wear it out? After a day and maybe a wash later, it’s covered in fuzz balls and its feeling and quality as decreased. As a sweater weather advocate, this happens to me all the time. I’m constantly pulling the pilling fabric off and hand-washing my garments to insure that they still look brand new. While this is annoying, there are ways for brands to fix the issue. Sweaters can be such a Pill: There are two main causes of pilling; normal wear and tear, and when the garment fabric

The Guide to Starting a Fashion Brand & Business

The Guide to Starting a Fashion Brand & Business
For many, starting a business or brand sounds like a dream come true. There’s no boss to report to, and you make your own rules. Becoming an entrepreneur may seem like the ideal career path, but that dream can slip away, without a solid foundation. If done right, the brand has the potential to become a multi-million-dollar company. Done incorrectly it could cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, and years of heartache. For those new to the fashion industry, Stars Design Group CEO/President, Bret Schnitker, says “It’s really important to align yourself with experience when you’re going out and starting