Resources
Explore our comprehensive Resources Page, designed to empower apparel companies with essential knowledge and tools for success in the fashion industry. This free platform offers curated insights across key areas: Business, New Brand, Logistics, Tech & Innovation, Marketing, Navigating Geopolitical Challenges, Inspiration, Trends and Education.
Whether you're launching a new brand or scaling your business, this hub provides valuable insights to help you thrive.
PODCAST EPISODES:
101: A Man of Ambition
Bret, a 30-year apparel industry veteran, shares his journey from leading design at a multi-billion-dollar retailer to founding Stars Design Group, offering insights into global fashion trends and production.
104: Responsible Production Decisions in Turbulent Times
The apparel industry, with 11 million workers in 349,000 factories, faces COVID-driven challenges; this episode covers responsible production, crisis decisions, and worker welfare.
109: Management & Leadership in the Fashion Industry
Bret Schnitker, CEO of Stars Design Group, shares leadership insights on managing global, multicultural teams in the complex fashion industry.
114: Disrupting Through Innovation
Bret Schnitker and Emily Lane explore innovation in the workplace, contrasting brand-driven vs. consumer-driven economies and sharing insights on fostering a culture of evolution for future success.
211: Inflation Management for Apparel Brands
Bret Schnitker, CEO of Stars Design Group, shares strategies to help apparel brands navigate inflation, covering product planning, pandemic-driven buying trends, and identifying at-risk companies.
218: Measuring Quality In Clothing Manufacturing
Quality varies by brand, but setting clear standards ensures smoother production. Bret Schnitker and Emily Lane discuss QC, QA, and AQL in maintaining factory standards.
222: Incorporating Fashion Technology into Workflows
Bret Schnitker, CEO of Stars Design Group, shares tips and best practices for integrating fashion technology, drawing from nearly a decade of experience with innovations like 3D design software.
315: The Benefits of Creating an Apparel Uniform Program
Emily Lane and Bret Schnitker discuss the evolution of uniforms from basic identification to stylish, brand-driven designs that foster community, boost productivity, and enhance job performance.
317: Maximizing Profitability in Fashion Buying for Brands
Bret Schnitker and Emily Lane discuss fashion buying challenges, emphasizing sales data, retail math, and strategies to balance inventory and meet customer demand.
407: The Sexy Side of The Business: Retail Math
Emily Lane and Bret Schnitker explore retail math, covering key metrics like sales forecasting, week's supply, and the role of core basics in building a successful, sustainable apparel business.
DOCUMENTS:
PODCAST EPISODES:
106: The Rise of the Boutique Brand Economy
Bret and Emily discuss the rise of specialty boutique fashion brands, common misconceptions for start-ups, and the importance of a clear vision and plan in the early stages of business.
109: Management & Leadership in the Fashion Industry
Bret Schnitker, CEO of Stars Design Group, shares leadership insights on managing global, multicultural teams in the complex fashion industry.
110: Fashion Startups: Building Your Brand
Bret Schnitker and Emily Lane discuss the key steps and core concepts for successfully launching a fashion brand, emphasizing what every business owner should know before starting their apparel journey.
PODCAST EPISODES:
213: Supply Chain Transparency with Tech Startup Silq
Ram Radhakrishnan, Founder and CEO of Silq, discusses how his tech startup uses factory-based data to improve supply chain transparency, predict landed costs, and address future disruptions.
223: Nearshoring for Apparel Manufacturing
Bret Schnitker and Emily Lane discuss the emerging CAFTA region for nearshoring opportunities, comparing it with Asia’s continued strength as a manufacturing hub amidst recent supply chain challenges.
409: Transforming Retail’s Last Mile: enhancing Efficiency and Achieving Carbon Neutrality
Expert Mike Robinson discuss how The Eighth Notch is transforming retail logistics by consolidating shipments, cutting costs, improving customer experience, and reducing carbon emissions.
413: Rebuilding American Apparel: How Onshoring and Tech Innovation are Shaping the Future
Bret Schnitker and Emily Lane explore the benefits and challenges of Made in America apparel, focusing on economic growth, sustainability, and technology’s role in overcoming obstacles.
TECH & INNOVATION:
PODCAST EPISODES:
103: Technology’s Influence on The Fashion Industry
This Clothing Coulture episode dives into 3D design, fit science, and fast fashion challenges. Stars Design Group has led in 3D tech for 9 years, streamlining production.
111: The Cultural Evolution of Technology
Digital fashion is the future! In this Clothing Coulture episode, Valentin Karabanov, founder of VALENTINS, shares his journey as a 3D fashion pioneer, insights on 3D tech, and runway collaborations with LVMH winner Hed Mayner
114: Disruption Through Innovation
Innovation drives workplace success. This Clothing Coulture episode explores brand vs. consumer-driven economies and the value of fostering innovation from leadership to team collaboration, offering insights for future growth.
202: Fashion’s Digital Future with Alvanon & MOTIF
Bret Schnitker and Emily Lane explore Fashion’s Digital Future with Alvanon CEO Janice Wang and MOTIF CEO Cathy Cole, diving into 3D TECH Fest insights on digital transformation in fashion.
222: Incorporating Fashion Technology into Workflows
Fashion and tech are deeply connected. In this Clothing Coulture episode, Bret Schnitker shares tips on integrating fashion technology into workflows.
306: How Fit Tech Is Changing Online Shopping with Whitney Cathcart
Online shopping is evolving. In this Clothing Coulture episode, Bret Schnitker, Emily Lane, and Whitney Cathcart of 3DLOOK discuss how fit tech improves sizing and merchandising with accurate body measurements.
318: Understanding Fabric Care in the World of Technology
Hosts Bret Schnitker and Emily Lane discuss fabric care, default practices, care tips for various fabrics, and new performance-enhancing technologies.
409: Transforming Retail’s Last Mile: Enhancing Efficiency and Achieving Carbon Neutrality
Expert Mike Robinson discuss how The Eighth Notch is transforming retail logistics by consolidating shipments, cutting costs, improving customer experience, and reducing carbon emissions.
415: Minimizing Fashions Impact on Earth with Andrea Ferris from CiCLO Technology
Andrea Ferris of CiCLO joins Bret Schnitker and Emily Lane on Clothing Coulture to discuss CiCLO's biodegradable tech tackling polyester waste and microplastic pollution.
416: The Future of Smart Fabrics: C2’s Brad Seese on Wellness-Driven Apparel
Brad Seese of Clothing 2.0 joins Bret Schnitker and Emily Lane to discuss garments with tech delivering cosmetic benefits, supplements, pain relief, and sleep aids.
DOCUMENTS:
SUSTAINABILTY:
PODCAST EPISODES:
113: Transforming a Culture Through Fashion
Designer Lula Mena shares her journey and five guiding principles, highlighting how her social enterprise empowers Salvadoran mothers and preserves traditional textiles.
117: The Truth About Sustainability in Apparel
Sustainability is a global priority, especially in the apparel industry. In this episode of Clothing Coulture, Bret Schnitker and Emily Lane discuss its fundamentals and the challenges of making real change.
312: The Future of Sustainable Apparel Manufacturing in India
Apparel manufacturing in India is evolving. In this episode of Clothing Coulture, Bret Schnitker and Emily Lane share insights from their visit, exploring sustainability efforts and the shift toward synthetics.
319: The Complexity of Ethical Manufacturing with Avedis Seferian of WRAP
WRAP certifies safe, ethical manufacturing worldwide. In this episode, Bret Schnitker and Emily Lane talk with WRAP President & CEO Avedis Seferian about social compliance, industry progress, and worker empowerment.
405: Upcycling Fashion with All Saint's Founder Stuart Trevor
Stuart Trevor discusses his journey from founding All Saints to creating a sustainable brand, focusing on upcycling and customizing vintage garments.
409: Transforming Retail’s Last Mile: Enhancing Efficiency and Achieving Carbon Neutrality
Expert Mike Robinson discuss how The Eighth Notch is transforming retail logistics by consolidating shipments, cutting costs, improving customer experience, and reducing carbon emissions.
CLOTHING COULTURE MAGAZINE:
ISSUE 2: Sustainability
Explore AI-driven sustainability, upcycling with Stuart Trevor, synthetics vs. natural fibers, and innovations like CiCLO, mycelium leather, and regenerative agriculture.
MARKETING:
PODCAST EPISODES:
105: Sustainable Marketing in Fashion
Emily Lane explores how brands can stay relevant by embracing marketing fundamentals, covering authenticity, SEO, influencer marketing, and the science of marketing.
201: “The Future is Now” The Urgency to Elevate the Customer Experience
Bret Schnitker and Emily Lane discuss shifting consumer behavior with expert Ruth Crowley, focusing on elevating the customer experience
NAVIGATING GEOPOLITICAL CHALLENGES:
PODCAST EPISODES:
104: Responsible Production Decisions in Turbulent Times
This episode explores how responsible production, crisis decision-making, and worker welfare shape the apparel industry's 11M workers and 349K factories amid global challenges.
107: The Influence of Politics on the Fashion Economy
This episode explores how tariffs, trade policies, and nationalism impact U.S. brands, consumer costs, and the global economy.
117: Navigating Social Compliance in the Garment Industry
This episode explores navigating social compliance in apparel manufacturing and its impact on worker welfare and communities.
410: Identifying and Avoiding Forced Labor in Global Apparel Production
Bret Schnitker and Emily Lane explore forced labor in fashion, offering insights on ethical production through certifications and inspections.
413: Rebuilding American Apparel: How Onshoring and Tech Innovation are Shaping the Future
Bret Schnitker and Emily Lane explore the evolving Made in America apparel industry, highlighting its benefits, challenges, and the role of technology in overcoming obstacles.
414: Adapting to Political Shifts in Fashion Production
Bret Schnitker and Emily Lane discuss how rising tariffs impact fashion, from costs to consumer prices, and share strategies for brands to adapt.
INSPIRATION:
PODCAST EPISODES:
113: Transforming a Culture Through Fashion
Designer Lula Mena shares her journey and five guiding principles, highlighting how her social enterprise empowers Salvadoran mothers and preserves traditional textiles.
210: Finding Fashion’s “It Factor” with Nicole Fischelis
Nicole Fischelis, one of fashion’s most influential figures, shares how her career as a Creative Director and Global Trend Forecaster led her to discover top designers like Alexander McQueen and Jeremy Scott.
227: The Heart of Fashion with Designer Ivan Frolov
Ukrainian designer Ivan Frolov infuses his work with heart-shaped details, symbolizing living art, while preserving traditions and supporting those affected by the war.
302: Self Expression and Inspiration with Mickey Boardman, Paper Magazine Editor
Mickey Boardman discusses inclusivity, self-expression, and finding inspiration beyond fashion in an industry often unwelcoming to those outside the conventional mold.
402: The Entrepreneurial Journey with Shoe Icon Stuart Weitzman
Stuart Weitzman shares his entrepreneurial journey, from early design days to building a legacy, revealing the key lessons and inspirations behind his success.
403: Woman in Leadership with Eva Hughes of Former Vogure Latin America
Eva Hughes discusses her leadership journey in a male-dominated industry, highlighting self-awareness, personal growth, and the power of vulnerability.
405: Upcycling Fashion with All Saint’s Founder Stuart Trevor
Stuart Trevor discusses his journey from founding All Saints to creating a sustainable brand, focusing on upcycling and customizing vintage garments.
409: The Go-Giver Philosophy: Deliver Value and Develop Meaningful Connections in Business with Bob Burg
Bob Burg discusses the power of giving in business, emphasizing how serving others leads to sustainable success and lasting impact.
TRENDS:
PODCAST EPISODES:
207: Redefining Trend Forecasting with Sharon Graubard
Sharon Graubard of SG.files redefines fashion trend forecasting by blending sociology, history, and culture, offering a holistic approach to identifying long-term trends.
214: Fashion Industry Macrotrends with Paul Raffin
Paul Raffin, CEO of The Merchant Matrix, discusses fashion industry macrotrends and technology's impact with hosts Bret Schnitker and Emily Lane.
303: What’s Next in the Fashion Industry? 2023 and beyond
Technology and sustainability are transforming fashion, from eco-friendly textiles to health-monitoring garments. Bret Schnitker and Emily Lane explore these innovations and their impact.
320: What’s Next in the Fashion Industry? 2024 and beyond
In the season three finale, Bret Schnitker and Emily Lane explore 2024's fashion future, covering AI, global impacts, and emerging trends.
EDUCATION:
PODCAST EPISODES:
207: Preparing Fashion Students for an Evolving Industry
Bret Schnitker and Emily Lane talk with Joshua Williams about preparing students for fashion's evolving landscape, covering creativity, technology, e-commerce, and lessons beyond the classroom.
220: Filling the Gap in Apparel Industry Education
The apparel industry faces disruption as technical skills vanish and technology demands new expertise. Cathy Cole, CEO of Motif, discusses this evolution with Bret Schnitker and Emily Lane.
305: Merging Science, Culture and Tech in Fashion Education with Gabi Asfour
Gabi Asfour of threeASFOUR discusses how science, culture, and technology are reshaping fashion education and the industry, sharing student innovations and tech-driven solutions.