Explore every episode of the podcast Clothing Coulture
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Artistic Mind of Project Runway Designer Michael Drummond | 18 Nov 2025 | 00:44:30 | |
Fashion designer Michael Drummond joins hosts Bret Schnitker and Emily Lane to explore the parallels between art and fashion, drawing creative inspiration from music, personal experiences, and unique collaboration. Drummond shares insights from Project Runway, balances commercial and artistic endeavors, and discusses his community's impact on his work. | |||
| Clothing Brief Ep 26 | Paris Fashion Week, Condé Nast, Shein | 12 Nov 2025 | 00:14:01 | |
Date: 10/7/2025 Designed to keep you informed without the fluff, this series delivers sharp, essential updates to help you stay ahead in fashion and business. This week, Bret and Emily discuss Paris Fashion Week, Conde Nast, and Shein. | |||
| Clothing Brief Ep 20 | Gucci, Tariffs in India and Goodwill | 29 Aug 2025 | 00:13:09 | |
Date: 8/12/2025 | Designed to keep you informed without the fluff, this series delivers sharp, essential updates to help you stay ahead in fashion and business. This week, Bret and Emily discuss Gucci Strike, Tariffs in India, Goodwill, and more. #clothingbrief #fashionnews | |||
| Clothing Coulture | Preparing Fashion Students for an Evolving Industry | 11 Jan 2022 | 00:37:07 | |
The fashion industry is undergoing a rapid evolution as 3D design, digital clothing and E-commerce take hold. Williams shares his insights about:
LEARN MORE: FOLLOW our INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/starsdesigngroup | |||
| Clothing Coulture | Redefining Trend Forecasting with Sharon Graubard | 21 Dec 2021 | 00:26:46 | |
Fashion trends are constantly changing and so is the way they are determined. Sharon Graubard is redefining fashion trend forecasting with her company MintModa. Graubard has been called a 'trend oracle' with a ubiquitous understanding of sociology, history and culture of fashion trends. As a trend forecaster, Sharon takes a different approach to trend forecasting, absorbing elements from thrift stores, sidewalks, vintage shows and runways to create a holistic view of fashion trends. In this episode of Clothing Coulture, Graubard shares the importance of effectively communicating trends, her process for identifying long range fashion trends and how her background in art plays a role. Bret and Emily Clothing Coulture is a fashion industry podcast at the intersection of fashion and technology hosted by the Stars Design Group CEO, Bret Schnitker and Chief Strategy Officer, Emily Lane. | |||
| Clothing Coulture | The Fluidity of the Fashion System with Keanan Duffty | 07 Dec 2021 | 00:33:25 | |
New creative systems are forming around the world allowing rising fashion designers to showcase their work in a larger way. Award-winning designer, author and musician, Keanan Duffty shares his experiences from Kyiv Art and Fashion Days with hosts, Bret Schnitker and Emily Lane. KAFD is bringing local designers, photographers, stylists, craftspeople and musicians together in one fashion festival to create a larger impact than they could individually. The result is a community driven shift providing greater visibility to emerging designers. MORE ABOUT: DESIGNERS MENTIONED: https://www.instagram.com/sofiatchkonia/?hl=en https://litkovskaya.com | |||
| INSPR x Clothing Coulture | Meet the Creators | Ruta Zake (@rutaenroute) | 23 Nov 2021 | 00:16:07 | |
Ruta Zake (@rutaenroute) is known for her sporty chic style and love of blazers, jackets and coats. She believes outerwear is the perfect way to elevate a basic outfit. In this episode, Ruta shares how her background in fashion led her to blogging and eventually becoming an influencer. She also discusses her family history in clothing manufacturing and how growing up in the industry impacted the development and production of her collection. Hosted by: Bret Schnitker, CEO of Stars Design Group and Emily Lane, Chief Strategy Officer of Stars Design Group Shop the collection: insprny.com Connect: | |||
| INSPR x Clothing Coulture | Meet the Creators | Caroline Vazzana (@CVazzana) | 23 Nov 2021 | 00:23:15 | |
Caroline Vazzana is referred to as the modern-day Carrie Bradshaw. She is a fashion editor, stylist and author who is known for pairing bold colors and prints. In this episode, Caroline shares how she worked her way up the ranks of fashion magazines, earned a seat at NYFW runway shows and why she decided to share her inside knowledge of the fashion industry with others in her book. She also Caroline discusses why she decided to create a clothing brand and shares tips for other influencers interested in the same business model. Hosted by: Bret Schnitker, CEO of Stars Design Group & Emily Lane, Chief Strategy Officer of Stars Design Group Shop the collection: insprny.com Connect: Caroline Vazzana @cvazzana | @carolinevazzana | |||
| INSPR x Clothing Coulture | Meet the Creators | Tina Lee (@ofleatherandlace) | 23 Nov 2021 | 00:15:43 | |
Tina Lee (@ofleatherandlace) quit her job as a lingerie designer to put all her efforts into becoming an influencer. Tina taught herself photography, video and social media skills, growing her following to 10-thousand in six months. Now she trains others on her techniques through her Full Time Influencer program. In this episode Tina discusses the vision for her INSPR capsule collection, how Covid shifted and in many ways inspired her creativity for content creation and tips for other influencers. Hosted by: Bret Schnitker, CEO of Stars Design Group & Emily Lane, Chief Strategy Officer of Stars Design Group
Shop the collection: insprny.com Learn more about us: www.StarsDesignGroup.com Learn more about Tina's classes: www.fulltimeinfluencer.co Connect: | |||
| Fashion's Digital Future with Alvanon & MOTIF | 16 Nov 2021 | 00:29:08 | |
In this episode of Clothing Coulture, hosts Bret Schnitker and Emily Lane discuss Fashion's Digital Future with Alvanon CEO, Janice Wang and MOTIF CEO, Cathy Cole. The conversation centers around the findings of 3D TECH Fest, which featured 3D tech leaders from around the world, discussing and debating digital transformation in the fashion industry. Download the executive report or watch 3D Tech Fest On Demand https://motif.org/event/3d-tech-festival-2021/ | |||
| "The Future is Now" The Urgency to Elevate the Customer Experience | 09 Nov 2021 | 00:29:40 | |
Consumer behavior and expectations have shifted drastically over the past few years, creating challenges and opportunities for brands and retailers. In this episode of Clothing Coulture, host Bret Schnitker and Emily Lane speak with customer experience expert Ruth Crowley about the urgency to move in a different direction to elevate the customer experience now. "One of the biggest things we all have to do as designers, retailers, brand advocates, and storytellers is to accelerate the story to meet the current environment." | |||
| That's a Wrap: Season 1 Highlights | 14 Sep 2021 | 00:11:52 | |
Season 1 of Clothing Coulture was full of fashion industry innovators in technology, design, and social enterprise. The move to digital and shifting business models during this interesting era created many insightful moments. In this episode, we explore the highlights from our deep-dive conversations that continue to connect our global community. | |||
| Consulting Solutions for Fashion Industry Volatility | 31 Aug 2021 | 00:26:26 | |
The fashion industry is constantly changing, recent downsizing and developments in technology have caused larger disruption. In order to remain competitive, it may be necessary for brands to access an outside perspective. In this episode, Bret Schnitker and Emily Lane discuss the viability of consulting to grow a business. Learn why it's important to hire a consultant that fits company values, the qualities needed, how to include your team in the vetting process, and how to measure success. For more information on consulting, you can read Bret's blog Consulting in the Apparel World on our website starsdesigngroup.com | |||
| The Lasting Value of Responsible Production Decisions | 26 Aug 2025 | 00:21:09 | |
We're bringing back Season 1, Episode 4, originally released five years ago, because its message is still vital in today's market. In this conversation, Bret Schnitker and Emily Lane dive into the meaning of responsible production in a turbulent world—emphasizing worker welfare, sustainability, and the evolving definition of "responsible" manufacturing. They explore the challenges of certifying worker welfare, the impact of tariffs and geopolitics, and the lessons learned from COVID-19. | |||
| The Future of 3D Design in Fashion | 17 Aug 2021 | 00:47:41 | |
The concept of 3D design technology is not new to the fashion world. It has been around for nearly 20 years, yet it wasn't until recently that the fashion industry started adopting the technology. In this episode of Clothing Coulture host Bret Schnitker and Emily Lane speak with Sharon Lim, CEO & Co-Founder of Browzwear, about how fashion technology is changing the apparel industry. | |||
| Navigating Social Compliance in the Garment Industry | 03 Aug 2021 | 00:23:13 | |
The apparel industry is a global economy. Protecting workers' rights and safety is of the utmost importance. This is a complicated landscape as social compliance shifts from country to country, and region to region. In this episode of Clothing Coulture, host Bret Schnitker and Emily Lane explore how to navigate the process of social compliance in manufacturing and the impact on the welfare of a community and its people. To get access to the PDF mentioned early in the podcast, email us at clothingcoulture@starsintl.net | |||
| The Truth About Sustainability in Apparel | 20 Jul 2021 | 00:32:08 | |
Sustainability is an ongoing, core topic of interest around the world. With the apparel industry known as one of the most polluting contributors, it is critical to examine this conversation. In this episode of Clothing Coulture hosts Bret Schnitker and Emily Lane explore the fundamentals of sustainability and the realistic challenges to overcome to protect our planet Earth. | |||
| The Future of Fashion in Whole Garment Knitting | 06 Jul 2021 | 00:35:58 | |
Apparel manufacturing in the United States began declining in the early '80s as America began abdicating manufacturing, moving production overseas. Today, it is making a comeback in the states, alongside the technical foundations. Evolution St. Louis is paving the way to bring innovation and manufacturing back to the U. S. as the premier whole garment, high-tech knitting facility. In this episode of Clothing Coulture, host Bret Schnitker and Emily Lane speak with Jon Lewis, CEO/ Co-Founder of Evolution St. Louis. They discuss the history of manufacturing in the United States, how Evolution St. Louis is changing the game with their knitting process, along with their partnership with STOLL, one of the major 3D knitting factories, and more. | |||
| Disrupting Through Innovation | 22 Jun 2021 | 00:22:24 | |
Innovation in the workplace is important to a company and its future. Creating space for employees to share ideas and adopting a spirit of evolution creates a positive atmosphere while generating a better understanding of where the company is going. In this episode of Clothing Coulture, host Bret Schnitker and Emily Lane discuss the difference between a brand-driven economy vs. a consumer-driven economy, the benefits of creating innovation in the workplace from leadership to including those around you to be a part of the conversation. This conversation provides leaders with insights to support future success by embracing a culture of innovation. | |||
| Transforming A Culture Through Fashion | 08 Jun 2021 | 00:35:23 | |
As a designer who uses her creativity as an agent of social change, guest Lula Mena talks about her journey into the fashion world and the five principles she lives by. In this episode of Clothing Coulture, host Bret Schnitker and Emily Lane learn how Lula Mena transformed the culture around being a working mother in El Salvador by creating sustainable home/fashion pieces. | |||
| The Realities of a Fashion Designer | 26 May 2021 | 00:25:42 | |
Limitless to what they create, fashion designers are in many cases the hidden gems within the fashion industry. United Coulture, a fashion design community, was created to provide a face and opportunities to designers worldwide. In this episode of Clothing Coulture, host Bret Schnitker and Emily Lane welcome Alexandre Nicaud, fashion designer, founder of KSRT Studio, and member of United Coulure. Alexandre shares the realities of being a fashion designer, his key source of inspiration, and the importance of embracing your community. | |||
| The Cultural Evolution of Technology | 11 May 2021 | 00:38:34 | |
The future of fashion is going digital. We talk with guest Valentin Karabanov, founder of digital fashion brand VALENTINS, on topics such as the unlimited creative freedom that comes with using 3D technology, to protecting your art and designs. In this episode of Clothing Coulture hosts, Bret Schnitker and Emily Lane learn how Valentin Karabanov became a pioneer in 3D design, his point of view on the evolution of technology, and his collaboration with LVMH prize winner Hed Mayner to take their 3D designs straight to the runway. | |||
| Fashion Start-Ups: Building Your Brand | 27 Apr 2021 | 00:18:11 | |
For many, starting a brand sounds like a dream come true. Yet, that dream will slip away if the right steps aren't taken during the early stages of creating your brand. In this episode of Clothing Coulture, Bret Schnitker and Emily Lane walk through the fundamental facts of what it takes to start your brand, and the core concepts business owners should know prior to starting their journey in the apparel industry. | |||
| Management & Leadership in the Fashion Industry | 13 Apr 2021 | 00:26:01 | |
Motivating and empowering a team to achieve a common goal is the foundation of a company's culture and ultimate success. Good leaders do it naturally. Leadership in the fashion industry is a bit more complex, requiring skills to manage both creative and analytical personalities, and also navigate the multi-cultural dynamics that comprise a global supply chain workforce. In this episode Bret Schnitker, CEO/President of Stars Design Group shares the fundamentals of successful leadership and management of global teams. | |||
| Clothing Brief Ep 19 | Tariffs, Italy and Levi's. | 22 Aug 2025 | 00:19:14 | |
Date: 8/5/2025 | Designed to keep you informed without the fluff, this series delivers sharp, essential updates to help you stay ahead in fashion and business. This week, Bret and Emily discuss the new Tariffs, Italy, and Levi's. #clothingbrief #fashionnews | |||
| "I Want It Yesterday" - The Fast Turn Apparel Model | 30 Mar 2021 | 00:23:52 | |
In the year 2021, a lot has changed. With the desire to drive sales, in the fashion industry, the role of the Fast Turn model has grabbed the attention of many brands and retailers. Companies like Zara have shifted the paradigm with their approach to fast turn. With preparation, dedication, planning, and intention it can be done. In this episode of Clothing Coulture, host Bret Schnitker and Emily Lane discuss how retailers pull off the Fast Fashion model and the compromises that can come. Though mistakes can be made there are tools in the industry that can be used to help make this model a success. | |||
| The Influence of Politics on the Fashion Economy | 16 Mar 2021 | 00:28:48 | |
Fashion is a global industry, when policies like tariffs and trade agreements enter the picture it can have great implications. U.S. tariffs placed on other countries largely return to the U.S. companies who then raise prices, passing the costs on to consumers. In this episode, Bret and Emily discuss the damaging effects a rise of nationalism can have on U.S. brands, the benefits of a free trade agreement, and the important role other nations play in creating a global economy. | |||
| Responsible Production Decisions in Turbulent Times | 02 Mar 2021 | 00:20:18 | |
The apparel industry employs nearly 11,000,000 people, with approximately 349,000 factories globally. With day-to-day challenges, navigating this space can be complicated enough, yet adding further stresses such as COVID and dynamic shifts in consumer behavior create a staggering impact on this industry at all levels of the supply chain. In this episode, we explore what it means to embrace responsible production, the impact of decisions made during turbulent times, and worker's welfare. | |||
| The Rise of the Boutique Brand Economy | 23 Feb 2021 | 00:19:00 | |
The rise of boutique brands has taken the fashion industry by storm. In this episode, Bret and Emily walk through what boutique brands have to offer, the common misconceptions start-up brands have, and the importance of understanding your vision and plan in the beginning stages. | |||
| Sustainable Marketing in Fashion | 09 Feb 2021 | 00:27:49 | |
Welcome to the world of marketing and advertising. In this episode, the CSO of Stars Design Group, Emily Lane, dives into the beauty of how brands and companies can stay relevant and break through the noise by embracing the fundamentals of marketing. She hits topics such as the importance of authenticity in the market space, the truth behind SEO, influencer marketing, the evolution and science of marketing, and more. | |||
| Technology's Influence on The Fashion Industry | 26 Jan 2021 | 00:23:12 | |
There are many challenges in the fashion industry, but with challenges comes opportunity. In this episode, we touch base on topics such as 3D design & technology, bringing science to fit, and the core challenges of the fast fashion model. | |||
| Vetting Factory Partners | 26 Jan 2021 | 00:22:48 | |
In flawless, mindful manufacturing, proper vetting of factory partners is essential as the success of your business in apparel depends on it. From navigating cultural differences to evaluating lines, equipment, and skill levels, to understanding what makes a factory "hum" in all the right ways, this episode dives deep into the process of evaluating factories for production. | |||
| A Man of Ambition | 25 Jan 2021 | 00:16:14 | |
This inaugural episode sets the foundation of Clothing Coulture and the podcast mission to provide an expert resource to those in the fashion industry. In this introduction, we learn about our hosts, Emily Lane, CSO of Stars Design Group, and Bret Schnitker, President/ CEO of Stars Design Group. Bret, an expert having been in the apparel industry for 30 years, shares his personal story. From being the head of design for a multi-billion dollar retail organization to traveling around the world learning from people first-hand about the technical side of apparel production to the birth of Stars Design Group, a global fashion design, and production house, Bret shares valuable insights for anyone interested in exploring the dynamics that shape trends in the industry. | |||
| Introduction to Clothing Coulture | 19 Jan 2021 | 00:01:01 | |
Welcome to Clothing Coulture, a new podcast series sharing insights on the fashion industry with experts in all realms from the technical aspect of the design to manufacturing. In this series, you will hear professionals in the industry dig deep and share their thoughts and knowledge on many topics that shape the fashion world. | |||
| Clothing Brief Ep 18 | EU Tariffs Deal, Trans‑Pacific Freight and Tapestry | 19 Aug 2025 | 00:14:48 | |
Date: 7/29/2025 | Designed to keep you informed without the fluff, this series delivers sharp, essential updates to help you stay ahead in fashion and business. This week, Bret and Emily discuss the EU Tariffs Deal, Trans‑Pacific Freight, and Tapestry. #clothingbrief #fashionnews | |||
| Clothing Brief Ep 17 | France's New Law, Printemps, and New York City Garment District. | 15 Aug 2025 | 00:12:14 | |
Date: 7/22/2025 - Designed to keep you informed without the fluff, this series delivers sharp, essential updates to help you stay ahead in fashion and business. This week, Bret and Emily discuss France's New Law, Printemps, and the New York City Garment District. #clothingbrief #fashionnews | |||
| Clothing Brief Ep 16 | Everlane, Leggings, and the original Jane Birkin bag sold. | 12 Aug 2025 | 00:08:47 | |
Date: 7/15/2025 - Designed to keep you informed without the fluff, this series delivers sharp, essential updates to help you stay ahead in fashion and business. This week, Bret and Emily discuss Everlane, Leggings, and the original Jane Birkin bag sold. #clothingbrief #fashionnews | |||
| Small Retailers, Big Impact: Fashion's Local Strategy | 05 Aug 2025 | 00:17:05 | |
Explore the enduring value of mom-and-pop shops in the fashion industry's wholesale strategy with hosts Bret Schnitker and Emily Lane. This episode of Clothing Coulture delves into how local boutiques foster long-term brand growth, provide personalized experiences, and support multi-channel marketing for emerging designers. | |||
| Clothing Brief Ep 15 | Dior, Chile and Anna Wintour | 17 Jul 2025 | 00:09:02 | |
Date: 7/1/2025 - Designed to keep you informed without the fluff, this series delivers sharp, essential updates to help you stay ahead in fashion and business. This week, Bret and Emily discuss Anna Wintour leaving US Vogue, Dior and Chile. | |||
| Stop Overbuying & Underbuying with AI-Powered Retail with James Theuerkauf | 15 Jul 2025 | 00:32:13 | |
Delve into the world of retail innovation with Bret Schnitker, Emily Lane, and James Theuerkauf, co-founder of Syrup. Learn how Syrup is revolutionizing the fashion industry by addressing the waste epidemic through AI and sophisticated technology. Discover insights on inventory management, reducing markdowns, and enhancing customer satisfaction with data-driven decision-making. Connect with Syrup: | |||
| Clothing Brief Ep 14 | Nordstrom, Gap and Iran. | 12 Jul 2025 | 00:17:39 | |
Date: 6/24/2025 - Designed to keep you informed without the fluff, this series delivers sharp, essential updates to help you stay ahead in fashion and business. This week, Bret and Emily discuss Nordstrom closing stores, Gap, and Iran. | |||
| Clothing Brief Ep 25 | Fendi, Milan Fashion Week and Kate Spade | 05 Nov 2025 | 00:10:31 | |
| Clothing Brief Ep 13 | Michaels' Acquiring JoAnn's, Lace and Crochet, and Kering's new CEO. | 10 Jul 2025 | 00:12:19 | |
Date: 6/17/2025 - Designed to keep you informed without the fluff, this series delivers sharp, essential updates to help you stay ahead in fashion and business. This week, Bret and Emily discuss Michaels' Acquiring Joanns, Lace and Crochet, and Kering's new CEO. | |||
| Clothing Brief Ep 12 | Rent The Runway, Lululemon and Chanel Launches Nevold to Tackle Fashion Waste | 07 Jul 2025 | 00:10:36 | |
Date: 6/10/2025 - Designed to keep you informed without the fluff, this series delivers sharp, essential updates to help you stay ahead in fashion and business. This week, Bret and Emily discuss Rent The Runway, Lululemon, Chanel Launches Nevold to Tackle Fashion Waste, and more. | |||
| How Fashion Marketing Is Evolving for Today's Audience | 01 Jul 2025 | 00:25:54 | |
Bret Schnitker and Emily Lane explore evolving trends in branding and marketing over the past five years, emphasizing authenticity and community connection. They discuss the impact of aesthetics, technology, and socially driven influences on brand resonance. Key highlights include the rise of AI for personalized experiences, the shift towards minimalistic designs, and the importance of ethical practices. Listen in for insights on maintaining brand consistency while adapting to modern consumer expectations. | |||
| Phillip Bloch on Celebrity Style, Diversity, and Sustainable Fashion | 18 Jun 2025 | 00:45:51 | |
Join hosts Bret Schnitker and Emily Lane as they sit down with fashion industry icon Phillip Bloch to explore his multifaceted career spanning modeling, styling, and fashion innovation. Bloch shares insights into his early modeling days with top designers, his transition to celebrity styling, and his transformative impact on the red carpet. Discover his ventures into corporate creative direction and his passion for upcycling in sustainable fashion. Connect with Phillip: | |||
| Clothing Brief Ep 11 | Cyber Attacks, Coach and more Tariffs | 12 Jun 2025 | 00:12:42 | |
Date: 6/3/2025 - Designed to keep you informed without the fluff, this series delivers sharp, essential updates to help you stay ahead in fashion and business. This week, Bret and Emily discuss cyber attacks, Coach Viral bags, and more tariffs. | |||
| Clothing Brief Ep 10 | Saks Fifth Ave and Amazon, Burberry and more | 11 Jun 2025 | 00:15:05 | |
Date: 5/27/2025 - Designed to keep you informed without the fluff, this series delivers sharp, essential updates to help you stay ahead in fashion and business. This week, Bret and Emily talk about Saks Fifth Avenue launching an Amazon storefront, Burberry, and food in fashion. | |||
| Clothing Brief Ep 9 | St. Louis Tornado, Balenciaga and Modest Fashion | 06 Jun 2025 | 00:13:52 | |
Date: 5/20/2025 - Designed to keep you informed without the fluff, this series delivers sharp, essential updates to help you stay ahead in fashion and business. This week, Bret and Emily talk about ways to help those affected by the St. Louis Tornado, Balenciaga's new creative director, Modest Fashion, and more. Watch LIVE every Tuesday 12 pm CST on Clothing Coulture YouTube. | |||
| Clothing Brief Ep 8 | India, China Tariffs and Fendi x Red Wing | 04 Jun 2025 | 00:18:03 | |
Date: 5/13/2025 - Designed to keep you informed without the fluff, this series delivers sharp, essential updates to help you stay ahead in fashion and business. This week, Bret and Emily talk about India's trade agreements with the UK, China's Tariffs lifting, and Fendi x Red Wing. Watch LIVE every Tuesday 12 pm CST on Clothing Coulture YouTube. | |||