Clothing Coulture

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 indu...

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 Inst...

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,...

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 countr...

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...

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 ret...

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 emergi...

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...

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 Sc...

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 lea...

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 Far...

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...

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 developm...

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. D...

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 str...

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 discuss...

Supply chain challenges lie in a lack of communication.   Tech startup Silq has creaated a solution which uses people inside the factories, compiling data into a system that provides transparency for all stakeholders.   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 a...

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...

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 asso...

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...

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...

The fashion industry is undergoing a rapid evolution as 3D design, digital clothing and E-commerce take hold. Hosts, Bret Schnitker and Emily Lane sit down with Joshua Williams , Fashion Creative Director, Consultant and Educator to discuss preparing students to work in fashion's interconnected global system. Williams shares his insights about: Balancing creativity with business The influence of t...

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 thri...

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 t...

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 t...