Stars Design Group CEO, Bret Schnitker and CSO, Emily Lane delve into the impact of politics on the fashion industry, focusing on the potential rise in tariffs. They highlight how these increases could affect production costs, lead times, and consumer prices. The discussion also touches on the broader economic implications of tariffs and trade wars. As the political landscape evolves, learn how brands can navigate these shifts and adapt their production strategies effectively.

Stars Design Group CEO, Bret Schnitker and CSO, Emily Lane dive into the evolving landscape of Made in America in the apparel industry. They explore the benefits of onshoring, such as local economic growth, job creation, supply chain resilience, and sustainability improvements. However, they also tackle challenges like higher costs, workforce limitations, and infrastructure gaps. With insights from their visit to North Carolina's Parkdale Cotton and other innovation centers, they discuss the role of technology in bridging these gaps. 

In this episode of Clothing Coulture, host Bret Schnitker and Emily Lane interviews Stuart Trevor, founder of All Saints and the namesake brand Stuart Trevor. They discuss Stuart's journey in the fashion industry, from starting All Saints to his current venture focused on sustainability. Stuart shares his insights on the challenges of the industry and his innovative approach to upcycling and customizing vintage garments. Tune in to learn more about Stuart's unique brand and his mission to create a more sustainable future in fashion.

Follow Stuart Trevor: 

www.staurttrevor.com

www.instagram.com/stuartrevoroffical 

Join hosts Bret Schnitker and Emily Lane as they recap their experience at the World Retail Congress 2024. They discuss the hot topics of AI, bracketing, carbon neutrality, disruption, eco-friendliness, and geopolitical variables. The conversation highlights the challenges and opportunities facing the fashion industry. With insights from industry experts and disruptors, this episode provides a glimpse into the future of retail and the role of technology in shaping the industry. 

Former CEO of Conde Nast in Latin America and Mexico, Eva Hughes, joins Bret Schnitker and Emily Lane to discuss her experiences as a woman in leadership and the challenges she faced in a male-dominated industry. She emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, personal growth, and confidence. Eva shares insights on managing personal and professional life, embracing uncertainty, and the power of vulnerability. Tune in for an inspiring conversation with a true powerhouse in the fashion world.

Join Emily Lane and Bret Schnitker as they dive into the entrepreneurial journey of fashion legend Stuart Weitzman. From his early days as a designer to building a legacy business, Weitzman shares the twists and turns, good decisions and bad decisions, that led to his success. Discover how he found inspiration outside of the industry, the importance of staying relevant, and the lessons he learned along the way. 

In this first episode of Clothing Coulture season 4, hosts Emily Lane and Bret Schnitker explore the human process behind garment manufacturing. They discuss the hundreds of millions of people involved in the industry and the various stages of production, from fiber to fabric to garment creation. Despite advancements, they emphasize the importance of appreciating the human touch and the imperfections that come with it. 

In the final episode of the 3rd season, hosts CEO of Stars Design Group, Bret Schnitker, and CSO, Emily Lane discuss the fashion industry's future, focusing on the trends and innovations expected in 2024 and beyond. They delve into various topics, including the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on design and marketing, geopolitical and global conditions affecting the industry, and evolving fashion trends.

WRAP (Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production) is an independent certification program that promotes safe and ethical manufacturing conditions. They conduct audits and provide certifications to factories around the world. In this episode, Bret Schnitker and Emily Lane sit down with Avedis Seferian, President and CEP of WRAP (Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production), to discuss the importance of social compliance in the apparel industry where they emphasize the progress that has been made in improving working conditions and empowering workers.

Hosts Stars Design Group, CEO Bret Schnitker and CSO Emily Lane discuss fabric care and the importance of following care instructions. The conversation explores the default decision on fabric care, the general rules of thumb for different fabrics, and new technologies that enhance the performance of fabrics.

"Underbuy or Overbuy, you never buy the right amount" is a saying Stars Design Group CEO Bret Schnitker uses when talking about maximizing profitability in fashion buying. Hosts Bret Schnitker and CSO Emily Lane discuss the challenges of overbuying and underbuying in the fashion industry. They emphasize the importance of analyzing sales data and using retail math to determine the right amount of inventory to purchase. Additionally, they explore strategies for managing inventory and meeting customer demand.

Garment dyes and finishes can be applied to garments to enhance their look and feel. CEO of Stars Design Group, Bret Schnitker, and CSO Emily Lane discuss the topic of fabric dyeing in this episode of Clothing Coulture. They explore different types of dyestuffs and how they are used for various fabrics. They also touch on the challenges of dyeing, such as water and energy usage, and the environmental impact of dyeing processes.

Stars Design Group CEO, Bret Schnitker and CSO Emily Lane discuss the challenges and complexities of greenwashing in sustainable fashion on Clothing Coulture. They explore why some companies shy away from eco-friendly practices due to fear of being labeled as greenwashing despite their genuine efforts. The episode also touches on resource limitations and the potential impact of innovative solutions like CiCLO in enhancing sustainability efforts. Discover strategies for navigating this intricate landscape while prioritizing people, planet, and profit.

Uniforms can be an opportunity for companies to showcase their brand and values while creating stylish and comfortable uniforms that employees enjoy wearing.

In this episode of Clothing Coulture, host Emily Lane and Bret Schnitker explore the evolution of uniforms - from solely being a means of identifying employees, to being more fashionable and stylish. Additional benefits of uniforms extend beyond brand identity by creating a sense of community, improving productivity and job performance. There are many ways to get the most out of your uniform program.

No one likes wrinkled clothing, except for linen, which is in a category of its own. When it comes to apparel manufacturing there are many ways to reduce or eliminate wrinkles in clothing. In this episode, Stars Design Group CEO, Bret Schnitker and Chief Strategy Officer Emily Lane, discuss how wrinkle ratings are visually determined, their impact on fabric longevity, and the evolving landscape of wrinkle-resistant fibers, from formaldehyde-based solutions to eco-friendly alternatives.

Successful apparel manufacturing is all about creating efficiencies. This applies to every aspect of the production process, including designing, planning, sourcing, and manufacturing. In this episode, Stars Design Group CEO, Bret Schnitker and Chief Strategy Officer, Emily Lane, discuss technical design efficiencies with Annie Cohen, Consultant Director of Technical Design at SDG.

Learn:

• How pattern consistencies save time, reduce costs, and reinforce branding.
• Why manually placing patterns maximizes textile consumption
• How proactive sourcing can save time and money in an apparel program

A lot is changing with apparel manufacturing in India. Stars Design Group CEO, Bret Schnitker and Chief Strategy Officer, Emily Lane, recently visited the country to visit our two offices and meet with our factory partners. Along the way they saw manufacturing changes. In this episode, they discuss how the country is embracing more sustainable methods of production and how it is learning into synthetics.

There are many factors that impact apparel manufacturing, from proximity and type of raw materials to factory size and the skill level of the work force. Stars Design Group CEO, Bret Schnitker, has spent decades in the fashion industry and has first hand experience working with garment factories all over the globe. 

In this episode, Schnitker sits down with Chief Strategy Officer, Emily Lane, to discuss apparel production MOQs for the world’s top manufacturing countries. 

To access the materials mentioned in the episode click here.

Everyone has been feeling the impact of inflation for more than a year. Consumers are dealing with rising costs, while businesses and industries navigate rising wages and raw material costs. In this episode, CEO Bret Schnitker, and Chief Strategy Officer Emily Lane, discuss the key components of inflation impacting the apparel industry in 2023 and how brands can navigate these challenges. (Recorded March 1, 2023)

Stars Design Group provides consulting across all areas of the apparel industry, visit StarsDesignGroup.com for more information.

Visit www.ClothingCoulture.com to browse all of our episodes.

Manufacturing in China seems to be on everyone's mind these days. Increasing political tensions, the U.S. ban on cotton from the Xinjiang region, COVID restrictions and previous delays with shipping are all causing concern. In this episode of the Clothing Coulture podcast, CEO Bret Schnitker and Chief Strategy Officer, Emily Lane answer the top 3 questions Stars Design Group receives on a weekly basis.

1. Can I move all manufacturing out of China?
2. Can I near shore or on shore production?
3. Can I build my own factory?

For more information or to contact us: www.StarsDesignGroup.com

Companies with apparel programs need to be mindful of all areas of fashion production to ensure every process is working effectively. When one component is not functioning properly, it affects the entire apparel program and ultimately profitability. To fix a problem, you first have to identify it, which can sometimes be difficult and may require a different perspective. 

In this episode, Stars Design Group CEO, Bret Schnitker, and Chief Strategy Officer Emily Lane, discuss the value of bringing in outside expertise to identify planning and production missteps in apparel programs. 

Audio highlights 
02:41 Business plans
04:48 Assortment planning strategies
08:53 Design consulting
14:31 Tech pack development
16:22 Manufacturing challenges
24:06 Logistics of international shipping

Additional resources: 
S1 Ep 3  Vetting Factory Partners
S2 Ep 15  Streamline the Clothing Manufacturing Process 

Little decisions throughout the development of a garment can have a big impact on the quality of the end product, without significantly impacting the cost.

In this episode of the Clothing Coulture podcast, Stars Design Group CEO Bret Schnitker, and Chief Strategy Officer Emily Lane discuss how everything from fiber selection to the type of stitch on a button and labels can elevate clothing quality with a minimal impact to the bottom line. 

As consumers become more dependent on phones and devices, the shift to online shopping is increasing, causing challenges for apparel retailers. But there are new technologies that can help improve the situation, by adding transparency and understanding to the process. In this episode of Clothing Coulture, Stars Design Group CEO, Bret Schnitker and Chief Strategy Officer, Emily Lane talk to Whitney Cathcart, Co-Founder of 3DLOOK. The group discusses how fit technology is changing online shopping by using photos to collect accurate body measurements, and how that data can be used to develop future sizing and merchandising. Whitney also shares the areas with the greatest potential for growth as fit tech becomes more advanced and widely adopted.

LEARN MORE:
clothingcoulture.com

Explore the fashion industry's intricate landscape of carbon neutrality with hosts Stars Design Group CEO, Bret Schnitker and CSO Emily Lane. Giulio Salgaro joins them from Edmond Climate Network to discuss Europe's Green Deal and its implications for sustainability. Salgaro sheds light on the challenges of adhering to new regulations and his company's innovative solutions. This episode delves into how emerging technologies are reshaping transparency and sustainability in fashion.

Follow Edmond Climate Network: 

https://edmondclimate.com

https://www.instagram.com/edmondclimatenetwork

https://www.linkedin.com/company/edmond-climate-network

A thoughtful and insightful conversation with Gabi Asfour, Founder and Creative Director of threeASFOUR and faculty member for the MFA programs at Parson’s School of Design and FIT. In this episode, Asfour discusses how science, culture and technology are merging in fascinating ways to enhance fashion education and the industry as a whole. In this discussion with Stars Design Group CEO, Bret Schnitker and Chief Strategy Officer, Emily Lane, Asfour shares examples of how his students are collaborating with scientists on innovative solutions and learning how technology can enhance their craft.

Using apparel is an inexpensive way to build brand awareness. With a $7 t-shirt the cost per impression breaks down to 2/10 of one cent. 

But for established brands, apparel can go beyond t-shirts, hoodies and caps, into apparel programs which can lead to brand extensions that can increase revenue.

In this episode Stars Design Group CEO, Bret Schnitker, and Chief Strategy Officer, Emily Lane discuss the benefits of using apparel to build brand awareness, when to consider it, and key elements to keep in mind when planning the program.

Technology, and supply chain transparency as it relates to sustainability, are shifting all areas of the fashion industry. New organic components and recycled materials are being used to create innovative new textiles, health-monitoring technology is being added into garments, and clothing is being produced in a more eco-friendly manner. In this episode, Stars Design Group CEO, Bret Schnitker, and Chief Strategy Officer, Emily Lane, discuss the impact each of these will have on the industry's future.

Learn more:
www.ClothingCoulture.com

There has been a lot of talk about inclusivity in the fashion industry but movements toward sizing need to extend beyond the rack. In this episode of the Clothing Coulture podcast, Stars Design Group CEO, Bret Schnitker, Chief Strategy Officer (CSO), Emily Lane sit down with Paper Magazine Editor at Large, Mickey Boardman for a conversation about self expression and inspiration in the fashion industry, which can be uninviting for those who don't fit the conventional mold. Boardman also shares where he finds inspiration outside of the fashion world with practical lessons we can all embrace.

Shifts in purchasing, consumer behavior, logistics and technology are all causing major changes in retail. With the convergence of so many elements, it’s hard for retailers to identify the trends with staying power. 

Enter Deborah Weinswig, founder and CEO of Coresight Research, a firm specializing in data-driven insights for the retail industry. Weinswig has been ranked the top analyst by Institutional Investors for the last 10 years.

In this episode, Stars Design Group CEO, Bret Schnitker, Chief Strategy Officer (CSO), Emily Lane and Deborah Weinswig discuss how technology is changing the retail landscape and how it is providing opportunities for companies to innovate and grow. 

The heart is at the center of Ukrainian designer, Ivan Frolov’s work, from the heart shaped cutout and details to the human heart logo placed on each design symbolizing it is a living breathing work. 

Frolov, whose name is pronounced ‘for love’ is one of six designers who showcased their work at Kyiv Art & Fashion Days New York, an extension of the original event held in Ukraine in October 2021, just months before Russia invaded the country. 

In this episode, Stars Design Group CEO, Bret Schnitker and Chief Strategy Officer (CSO), Emily Lane discuss the importance of the heart in Ivan’s work and how he is using it to keep Ukrainian traditions alive while also giving back to those impacted by the war with Russia. 

LEARN MORE: 

Frolov website: https://frolov.fr/

Frolov Heart Project: https://frolovheart.com/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frolovheart/

www.StarsDesignGroup.com

In October 2021, the first Kyiv Art & Fashion Days was held in Ukraine. The multiple day festival celebrated the vibrant culture, art, fashion and music of the area. A group of US representatives, which included Clothing Coulture podcast guest Keanan Duffty, was invited to the event, all were blown away by the experience.

Just a few months later, the unthinkable happened, Russia invaded the country and Ukraine began fighting for its independence. Keanan Duffty jumped into action creating a NYFW event with six participating Ukrainian designers and brands.

Stars Design Group CEO, Bret Schnitker, and Chief Strategy Officer Emily Lane, spoke with each of the designers at the Kyiv Art & Fashion Days New York event. This episode is a compilation of those conversations.  A full length episode with Ivan Frolov will be released later this season. 

View their work | in interview order: 
Kristina Bobkova / Bobkova
Lilia Litkovska / Litkovskaya
Maya Persaud, Representative / Elena Burenina 
Valery Kovalska
Yana Linyva, COO / Gudu

Learn more about Kyiv Art & Fashion Days

Garment production is an intricate process involving multiple organizations operating all over the world. The industry is so vast, one change cabana have a ripple effect impacting the entire industry. Right now the industry is experiencing multiple changes causing the industry to shift.

In this episode, Stars Design Group CEO, Bret Schnitker and Chief Strategy Officer, Emily Lane, discuss the top trends and the impact each is having on production, retail, e-commerce and inventory management.

The implementation of a recent U.S. government ban on goods from the Xinjiang region of China has many brands and retailers scrambling. There are no easy solutions to this complicated issue, however there are ways to manage through it. 

In this episode, Stars Design Group CEO, Bret Schnitker and Chief Strategy Officer Emily Lane provide an overview of the ban and discuss options for brands and retailers to consider. 

Traditionally apparel manufacturing has primarily been conducted in Asia, but recent supply chain issues have many shifting their sites. They are now researching nearshoring opportunities in the CAFTA region. 

In this episode of Clothing Coulture, Stars Design Group CEO, Bret Schitnker, and Chief Strategy Officer (CSO), Emily Lane, discuss the opportunities and challenges that exist in the emerging CAFTA region and why Asia remains a strong manufacturing hub. 

Navigating the complex issue of forced labor in the fashion industry, hosts Bret Schnitker and Emily Lane of Stars Design Group delve into identifying and preventing unethical practices in manufacturing. They discuss the nuances between forced and prison labor, while highlighting the importance of certifications and on-ground inspections, this episode provides essential tips for ensuring ethical production. 

The fashion industry and technology have never been as interrelated as they are right now.  

Stars Design Group has been at the forefront of tech adoption, implementing 3D fashion design software Browzwear, nearly a decade ago, and adding new innovations that integrate into the structure of our business. 

“With all of the challenges that we see in the world, technology can really help, bridge the gaps that are forming.” Stars Design Group, CEO, Bret Schnitker says. 

As more companies start to incorporate new technologies to streamline workflow, many have questions. 

In this episode of the Clothing Coulture podcast, Schnitker, shares tips, best practices  and advice when adding fashion technology to existing workflows. 

Designers graduate with dreams of becoming the next multi-million dollar brand, most won’t make it, but not because of a lack of talent, Stefan Siegel is changing that. 

Siegel is the Founder of NOT JUST A LABEL, an online community of designers disrupting the fashion industry and making an impact on sustainability through intentional design and manufacturing. 

Stars Design Group, CEO, Bret Schnitker and Chief Strategy Officer, Emily Lane, discuss the organic growth of Not Just A Label in this episode of the Clothing Coulture podcast. 

The apparel industry is in the middle of a disruption. Many in the workforce are leaving and taking their industry knowledge with them. These fundamental technical skills are the base knowledge of the industry and aren’t being taught in school. 

Add the infusion of technology and there is an ‘urgent need for a new blend of skills’ according to Cathy Cole, Co-Founder & CEO of MOTIF, an online learning platform with deep verticals for the apparel industry. 

In this episode, Stars Design Group, CEO Bret Schnitker and Chief Strategy Officer, Emily Lane discuss the evolution of the industry with Cathy Cole. 

EPISODE UPDATE: 

MOTIF will end operations at the conclusion of 2022 but some of their courses will continue to be offered on other learning platforms. 

Class descriptions and links to the courses can be found below. 

CLO 3D online courses
From basic to advanced courses, learn the different pattern design, production and visualization tools to become a real CLO 3D expert. 

Leading Hybrid Team for Inclusion and Connection
Learn best practices to manage hybrid teams fostering inclusion and cohesion in complex environments.

Pattern Cutting online courses
Build your pattern cutting knowledge and master the various key pattern skills and techniques.

Introduction to Risk Assessment
Learn the foundation of Risk Assessment and Management for facilities.
Subscribe to MOTIF newsletter >>

Textile Appreciation
This course covers the basics and gives a strong background in textile and fabric within the context of new technology and trends. The learner will walk away with an appreciation of the choices and trade offs when selecting fabrics.
Email to receive MOTIF updates >>

Personal data is at the center of a big debate. Customers are doing everything they can to protect it, while companies, brands and retailers are hoping to capture and use it to create a personalized online experience.

In this episode Stars Design Group, CEO Bret Schnitker and Chief Strategy Officer, Emily Lane, discuss how data privacy is impacting ecommerce with XGen.Ai Founder & CEO, Frank

Faricy. Faricy's company, XGen.Ai uses customer behavior, not data, to create hyper-personalized ecommerce providing individually tailored shopping experiences.

Brands have varying definitions and standards of quality that depend on price point and perceived value to the customer.

While quality is subjective, clear expectations of acceptable criteria need to be established prior to beginning production so that it can be measured throughout the process.

In this episode, Stars Design Group CEO, Bret Schnitker and Chief Strategy Officer, Emily Lane, discuss how quality control (QC), quality assurance (QA) and acceptable quality limits (AQL) create a smoother production process and how to ensure a factory is meeting appropriate standards.

Access the download on quality benchmarks, standards and points of inspection here. 

For more information:
VISIT us ONLINE: starsdesigngroup.com
CONNECT with us on LINKEDIN:
LinkedIn.com/company/starsdesigngroup
LIKE us on FACEBOOK: facebook.com/clothingcoulture
FOLLOW us on TWITTER: twitter.com/starscoulture 
FOLLOW our INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/starsdesigngroup 

Performance clothing requires attention to every detail, because it not only has to look good, it has to function to meet the needs of the activity.

It is important to understand the variabilities and nuances of each component in order to make key design decisions.

In this episode, Stars Design Group CEO, Bret Schnitker and Chief Strategy Officer, Emily Lane walk through the stages of the development process explaining the elements to consider when developing performance clothing.

For more information:
VISIT us ONLINE: starsdesigngroup.com
CONNECT with us on LINKEDIN:
LinkedIn.com/company/starsdesigngroup
LIKE us on FACEBOOK: facebook.com/clothingcoulture
FOLLOW us on TWITTER: twitter.com/starscoulture 
FOLLOW our INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/starsdesigngroup 

British designer, Keanan Duffty experienced the beauty and vibrance of Kyiv in October, 2021, just months before the invasion. Duffty was invited to attend Kyiv Art & Fashion Days, a celebration of the art and fashion community in Ukraine.

One day after the war began, he immediately started planning a way to help the fashion designers he met on the trip. The result is Kyiv Art & Fashion Days NY. Designers will participate in a high profile runway show and static installation at NYFW to showcase their work and meet with buyers.

In this special edition episode, Keanan discusses why the event is so important and how you can support these designers.

MORE ABOUT: Keanan Duffty: http://www.keananduffty.com
Kyiv Art & Fashion Days: https://www.instagram.com/kyiv_art_fashion_days/?hl=en

VISIT us ONLINE: starsdesigngroup.com
FOLLOW us on LinkedIn:
Linkedin.com/company/starsdesigngroup
LIKE us on FACEBOOK: facebook.com/clothingcoulture
FOLLOW us on TWITTER: twitter.com/starscoulture
FOLLOW our INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/starsdesigngroup

#fashionindustrypodcast #fashionpodcast #kyivdesigners #kyivNYFW

Clothing manufacturing is a complex process requiring the coordination of many components from multiple locations around the world. 

With supply chain issues causing disrputions to delivery schedules it is important to look at the entire manufacturing process and identify efficiencies. 

In this episode, Stars Design Group CEO, Bret Schnitker and Chief Strategy Officer, Emily Lane share ways to streamline the clothing manufacturing process through sourcing, dying, fabric treatments, trims and factory production. 

Email ClothingCoulture@StarsIntl.net to receive the download on country efficiencies.

For more information:
VISIT us ONLINE: starsdesigngroup.com
LIKE us on FACEBOOK: facebook.com/clothingcoulture
FOLLOW us on TWITTER: twitter.com/starscoulture
FOLLOW our INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/starsdesigngroup

Fashion trends come and go, but industry trends have staying power. Right now the industry is experiencing a turning point with technology playing a major role in seismic shifts.

Paul Raffin, CEO & Founder of The Merchant Matrix is an internationally known C-suite executive who has worked at the top of Li and Fung, Express, J. Crew, John Varvatos, and many more.

In this conversation Raffin discusses Macrotrends in the Fashion Industry with hosts Bret Schnitker (Stars Design Group CEO) & Emily Lane (Stars Design Group Chief Strategy Officer).

Learn about:

• Conscious consumption’s impact on fashion
• Digitization of the value chain
• Evolution of the in-store experience
• Personalizing the customer experience
• Impact of the metaverse on commerce

For more information:
VISIT us ONLINE: starsdesigngroup.com
LIKE us on FACEBOOK: facebook.com/clothingcoulture
FOLLOW us on TWITTER: twitter.com/starscoulture
FOLLOW our INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/starsdesigngroup

We sit down with Silq Founder and CEO, Ram Radhakrishnan, to learn about how he plans to meet his audacious goal of providing a service that can predict landed cost with accuracy and make sure it is delivered at that price. 

• How Ram developed the idea for Silq
• Why people play a key role in the technology
• Learn about future supply chain disruptions in 2022 and into 2023

For more information:
Visit Silq ONLINE: onesilq.com 
VISIT us ONLINE: starsdesigngroup.com
LIKE us on FACEBOOK: @clothingcoulture
FOLLOW us on TWITTER: @starscoulture
FOLLOW our INSTAGRAM: @starsdesigngroup   

Bob Burg, author of "The Go-Giver," joins hosts Emily Lane and Bret Schnitker to delve into the power of providing immense value to others in the business world. They discuss the importance of shifting focus from self-interest to serving others, the synergy between giving and receiving, and how these principles lead to sustainable success. This conversation offers valuable lessons for anyone aiming to elevate their business approach and create lasting impact.

Follow Bob Burg: 

www.burg.com 

Apparel buyers have the tough task of being brand stewards, ensuring products meet the customers expectations, while also preserving the bottom line to maintain profit margins.

In this episode Stars Design Group CEO, Bret Schnitker, and Chief Strategy Officer, Emily Lane, share questions buyers should ask in every phase of the process, from design to delivery to maximize cost and quality for each piece.

Topics discussed include:
*Fabric choices
*Garment details
*Production efficiencies
*Frieght costs including FOB and DDP

For more information:
VISIT us ONLINE: starsdesigngroup.com
LIKE us on FACEBOOK: @clothingcoulture
FOLLOW us on TWITTER: @starscoulture
FOLLOW our INSTAGRAM: @starsdesigngroup   

Record rates of inflation are catching up to the apparel industry. Increased cost of goods, inflated shipping costs and increased labor costs are just a few of the contributing factors.

Stars Design Group, CEO, Bret Schnitker draws from his 30+ years in the apparel business to shares strategies for apparel brands to proactively manage inflation.

The conversation discusses:
* Effective product assortment planning to reduce risk and manage shipping delays
* The impact of the pandemic on buying behaviors and how the data can inform future planning
* Which companies are most at risk

If you still have questions or need a customized plan, Stars Design Group offers consulting packages to help navigate through this time.

VISIT us ONLINE: www.starsdesigngroup.com
LIKE us on FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/clothingcoulture
FOLLOW us on TWITTER: www.twitter.com/starscoulture
FOLLOW our INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/starsdesigngroup

Finding fashions hottest new designers is no easy task, but one woman has done it time and time again.  

Nicole Fischelis is ranked as one of the 50 most powerful and influential people in fashion, responsible for championing some of the biggest designers in the industry including Alexander McQueen, Christian Lacroix, Chloe and Jeremy Scott. 

When it comes to finding fashion’s “it factor”, Nicole says it is all about the unexpected.  “I think most of the people I discovered at the beginning of their career was always a big surprise and a sort of a joy, because it was a whole different approach a whole different mood.“

In this episode Nicole shares her career path as a Creative Director and Global Trend Forecaster for Saks, Ferragamo and Macy’s, how it led her to discover top fashion talent and how she brought it into retail.

VISIT us ONLINE: www.starsdesigngroup.com 
LinkedIn: StarsDesignGroup 
Facebook: @clothingcoulture
Twitter: @starscoulture
Instagram: @starsdesigngroup

Influencer marketing is a multi-billion dollar industry. As influencers build their social media brands they start to realize the benefit of having their own physical brand. When it comes to the fashion industry, there is a lot to learn to be successful. 

In this episode of Clothing Coulture, hosts Bret Schnitker and Emily Lane, outline the key questions every influencer should ask when searching for a qualified fashion design and manufacturing partner. 

VISIT us ONLINE: www.starsdesigngroup.com 
LinkedIn: StarsDesignGroup 
Facebook: @clothingcoulture
Twitter: @starscoulture
Instagram: @starsdesigngroup