Clothing Coulture

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, transparency and sustainability are driving changes across all areas of the fashion industry. This includes the use of new materials, the incorporation of health-monitoring features into garments, and the shift towards sustainability, use of recycled materials and eco-friendly practices. 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.

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.