Tech Week 2025
Meet The Panelists:
Bret Schnitker
As an industry apparel executive for more than 30 years working in all facets of the sector, Bret has had the unique experience to do in business in 70 countries and work with artisans and experts worldwide. Having been in over 1000 factories that employ 200,000 people, he cares deeply about the value of the opportunity this industry brings to developing countries and its people.
Founder and CEO of Stars Design Group, a fashion design and production house, he believes in fostering an environment of innovation and evolution to stay ahead of the rapidly changing apparel industry. With offices worldwide and a network of 67 factories globally, Bret stays ahead of the trends to advise on all design, textiles, sourcing, manufacturing, logistics, and business strategy. Through consulting, collaboration, and thought leadership, Bret helps Stars’ brand and retail clients solve garment initiatives.
Uniquely Saint Louis based, with its historic legacy in apparel and new focus of innovation, Bret is invested in the blend of talent and technology to develop solutions that serve the demands of the consumer base, while supporting social and environmental goals.
Website: www.starsdesigngroup.com, www.bretschnitker.com, www.clothingcoulture.com
Instagram: @starsdesigngroup, @clothingcoulture
Linkedin: Stars Design Group, Bret Schnitker
Cheryl Smyre
Cheryl leads the Parkdale Advanced Materials division, with a keen focus on the creation of new fiber and polymer technologies that deliver sustainable and innovative solutions to the textile industry.
Over the past 7 years, Cheryl’s prime focus has centered on market development and growth of the CICLO® technology, a revolutionary patented chemistry that catalyzes the biodegradation of polyester and nylon at rates similar to natural fibers when they become pollutants in the environment.
During her 27-year career with Parkdale, she has led International Sales, Global Supply Chain, R&D and Customer Relations. Her International Business degree from the University of South Carolina, multi-cultural background and extensive textile manufacturing experience, have served as an asset to the company on a global scale.
Cheryl enjoys traveling with her family, playing golf and serving her church family.
Website: www.ciclotextiles.com, www.parkdalemills.com,
Instagram: @ciclo_textiles, @parkdalemills
Linkedin: Cheryl Smyre
Garrett Gerson
Garrett Gerson is a visionary entrepreneur with a track record of leadership and innovation across multiple industries. Beginning his career in the family hospitality business, he quickly rose to CEO, where he expanded operations, built award-winning teams, and led strategic diversification. His passion for design and manufacturing led him into the textile industry, where he has played a key role in driving innovation.
Garrett cofounded VARIANT3D alongside Will Samosir, pioneering intuitive software solutions that position 3D knitting as the future of manufacturing. Their work focuses on making zero-waste production accessible through advanced technology and seamless integration. Garrett serves on the boards of XPRIZE and Calamigos Ranch Corp and has been a dedicated member of YPO for 20 years. With a world-class team, he and Will continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible, shaping the future of sustainable, on-demand manufacturing.
Website: www.variant3d.io
Instagram: @variant3d
LinkedIn: Variant 3D, Garrett Gerson
Caroline Williard
Caroline Williard Couture is a trailblazing bespoke fashion company based in St. Louis, founded in 2010 by visionary designer Caroline Williard. Known for its exceptional craftsmanship and innovative approach to fashion, the brand has become a name in the industry, gracing the pages of various publications and ones here in St Louis like Riverfront Times, Alive Magazine, and Uptown Magazine. Caroline Williard Couture’s designs have also been featured on Fox News and worn by notable figures, such as Nikki McKibbon from American Idol and performers at the Looking Glass Theater in Chicago.
Caroline Williard Couture has showcased its artistry on runways across several renowned fashion weeks in the United States. In 2023, Caroline reached a new pinnacle of success by being named Top Designer at Fashion Week San Diego.
Most recently, Caroline Willard Couture made fashion history by collaborating with Apparel Intelligence in Los Angeles to create the first-ever fashion modeling avatar showcasing her designs. This groundbreaking achievement exemplifies the brand’s commitment to innovation and its ability to merge technology with timeless style.
Caroline Willard Couture continues to redefine bespoke fashion, earning its place as a beacon of creativity and elegance in the global fashion industry.
Instagram: @carolinewilliard
Facebook: @CWcouture
Matt Thompson
Matt Thompson is a Multimedia Technologist and Founder of Saas companies specializing in media marketing, Co-founder of an AI/ML company that was acquired by Spotify, and now works in the games industry as CEO of Prometheus Interactive Media, bringing branded experiences to 500M players on platforms like Roblox and Fortnite, the most utilized forms of social media for Generations Z and A. Matt has worked on projects with record labels and publishers such as Universal Music Group, Sony Music Enterprises, Warner Music Group, and Disney Music Group; Film/TV studios including AppleTV+, Netflix, Universal Pictures, Warner Bros Pictures, Columbia Pictures, Sony Pictures, Paramount, Amazon/MGM, and Disney; Ad agencies and brands including Purina, Nestle, Jeep, Ford, GM, Gucci, Walmart, Disney, and Coca-Cola; gaming companies such as Activision, 343 Studios, Sony Interactive, Warner Bros Games, Disney Games, Zynga, Niantic, Scopely, Electronic Arts, Microsoft, and Nintendo; and technology companies including Microsoft, Meta, Canva, Adobe, YouTube, Vimeo, and Twitch.
Linkedin: Prometheus Interactive Media, Matt Thompson
Discord: @MattyTFrfly
Contact Us
Stars Design Group is staffed by highly experienced professionals in all areas of the apparel industry. Contact us to request one of our experts for apparel design, manufacturing needs, media appearances, speaking engagements, or guest lectures.
Reach out to emilylane@starsintl.net or sales@starsintl.net