The question: “How can we move our production out of China to domestic or nearshore options?” is becoming a daily conversation. Considering that China supports nearly 80 percent of the world’s apparel manufacturing, there is not a simple answer to this question, nor an immediate “flip the switch” solution. With planning and awareness of strengths by country, however, there are … Read More
Missouri textile and fashion experts instrumental in building Salvadoran apparel industry
SAINT LOUIS, Mo — Stars Design Group, a global fashion design & production house based in Saint Louis, Missouri, is providing support to the U.S. government Commercial Law Development Program (CLDP) in El Salvador. In February, 2020, CEO Bret Schnitker and chief strategy officer (CSO) Emily Lane joined a delegation of textile and apparel experts invited to El Salvador to … Read More
Managing the Shifting Landscape in Fashion & Production
As the effects of COVID-19 ripple throughout every industry imaginable, it can be hard to keep up with the compounding effects and the way clothing trends are shifting. The way we do things is changing, and the way we dress is no exception. People are staying in more, dressing for comfort, and some are living pajamas for days. Others are … Read More
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, … Read More
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. … Read More