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 e…

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 profession…

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 importanc…

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 …

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 …

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 Responsib…

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 us…

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, …

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 s…

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 …

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 Di…

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 meth…

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 d…

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 …

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 q…

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 …

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 o…

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 …

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 …

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 Schnit…

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 ep…

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 s…

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. We…

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 …

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, t…

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 Ch…

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 …

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 oppor…

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…

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 man…

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…

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…

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 Schnitke…

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, …

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…

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 Chie…

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, …

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 servic…

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 …

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. Th…

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 …

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 ques…

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: Bala…

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 tr…

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, craftspeopl…

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…

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…

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 …

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…