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.

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

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.