Tue, Jan 19, 2021
Welcome to Clothing Coulture, a new podcast series from Stars Design Group 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 apparel industry dig deep and share their thoughts and knowledge on many topics that shape the fashion world.
Thu, Feb 25, 2021
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.
Sun, Feb 7, 2021
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, Bret and Emily dive deep into the process of evaluating factories for production.
Mon, Feb 8, 2021
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.
Wed, Feb 17, 2021
Welcome to the world of marketing and advertising. 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.
Sun, Feb 28, 2021
The rise of specialty and boutique fashion brands has taken the apparel industry by storm. Bret and Emily walk through what these niche boutique clothing brands have to offer, the common misconceptions start-up fashion brands have, and the importance of understanding your vision and plan in the beginning stages of a business.
Wed, Mar 17, 2021
Fashion is a global industry, and when policies like tariffs and trade agreements enter the picture it can have great implications on the supply chain. U.S. tariffs placed on other countries largely return to the U.S. companies, who then raise prices, passing the costs on to consumers. 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.
Mon, Mar 29, 2021
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, production planning, and intention it can be done. Host Bret Schnitker and Emily Lane from Stars Design Group discuss how retailers effectively execute the Fast Turn model and the compromises that can come. Though mistakes can be made there are tools in the industry to help make this model a success.
Mon, Apr 12, 2021
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. Bret Schnitker, CEO/President of Stars Design Group shares the fundamentals of successful leadership and management of global teams.
Mon, Apr 26, 2021
For many, starting a fashion 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. Bret Schnitker and Emily Lane walk through the fundamental facts of what it takes to start your clothing brand, and the core concepts business owners should know prior to starting their journey in the apparel industry.
Mon, May 10, 2021
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 and protecting your art and designs. Hosts, Bret Schnitker and Emily Lane learn how Valentin Karabanov became a pioneer in 3D fashion design, his point of view on the evolution of 3D technology, and his collaboration with LVMH prize winner Hed Mayner to take their 3D designs straight to the runway.
Tue, May 25, 2021
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. Bret Schnitker and Emily Lane welcome Alexandre Nicaud, fashion designer, founder of KSRT Studio, and member of United Coulture. Alexandre shares the realities of being a fashion designer, his key source of inspiration, and the importance of embracing your community.
Tue, Jun 8, 2021
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. Bret Schnitker and Emily Lane learn how Lula Mena's social enterprise is transforming the culture of working mothers and reviving traditional textile techniques in El Salvador through the creation of sustainable home/fashion pieces.
Mon, Jun 21, 2021
Disrupting through 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. 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.
Mon, Jul 5, 2021
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. 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.
Mon, Jul 19, 2021
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. Hosts Bret Schnitker and Emily Lane explore the fundamentals of sustainability and the realistic challenges to overcome to protect our planet Earth.
Mon, Aug 2, 2021
The garment 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. Host Bret Schnitker and Emily Lane explore how to navigate the process of social compliance in apparel manufacturing and the impact on the welfare of a community and its people.
Mon, Aug 16, 2021
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. Bret Schnitker and Emily Lane speak with Sharon Lim, CEO and Co-Founder of Browzwear, about how fashion technology is changing the apparel industry.
Tue, Aug 31, 2021
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. 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.