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 … Read More
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 … Read More
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 … Read More
Apparel Programs as a Brand Extension
It is an iconic piece of apparel that spans gender, socio-economic status and geographic location. The t-shirt is universal fashion that fits all sizes and can be dressed up or down. While graphic t-shirts are a staple in our wardrobe, they are historically a relatively new garment. Printed t-shirts date back to 1942, when an Air Corps Gunnery School shirt … Read More
Moving Production while Managing a Manufacturing Portfolio
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