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What's Next in the Fashion Industry? 2024 and beyond

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 conditions affecting the industry, and evolving fashion trends.

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Rebuilding American Apparel: How Onshoring and Tech Innovation are Shaping the Future

Stars Design Group CEO, Bret Schnitker and CSO, Emily Lane dive into the evolving landscape of Made in America in the apparel industry.

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Provocative Contradictions on Greenwashing

Stars Design Group CEO, Bret Schnitker and CSO Emily Lane discuss the challenges and complexities of greenwashing in sustainable fashion on Clothing Coulture.

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Fashion's Carbon Countdown: Navigating Digital Passports and the EU with Giulio Salgaro

Explore the fashion industry's intricate landscape of carbon neutrality with hosts Stars Design Group CEO, Bret Schnitker and CSO Emily Lane. Giulio Salgaro joins them from Edmond Climate Network to discuss Europe's Green Deal and its implications for sustainability.

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Identifying and Avoiding Forced Labor in Global Apparel Production

Navigating the complex issue of forced labor in the fashion industry, hosts Bret Schnitker and Emily Lane of Stars Design Group delve into identifying and preventing unethical practices in manufacturing.

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The Go-Giver Philosophy: Deliver Value and Develop Meaningful Connections in Business with Bob Burg

Bob Burg, author of "The Go-Giver," joins hosts Emily Lane and Bret Schnitker to delve into the power of providing immense value to others in the business world.

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Transforming Retail's Last Mile: Enhancing Efficiency and Achieving Carbon Neutrality with Mike Robinson

Join hosts Emily Lane and Bret Schnitker as they delve into the complexities of the last mile in retail logistics with expert Mike Robinson.

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Special Episode: Current Global Logistics Challenges Livestream

In this special episode of Clothing Coulture Emily Lane and Bret Schnitker discuss the recent supply chain disruptions and geopolitical tensions affecting the fashion industry.

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The Sexy Side of The Business: Retail Math

Explore the fascinating world of retail math with Clothing Coulture hosts Emily Lane and Bret Schnitker.

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Navigating Cultural Strengths: China's Apparel Manufacturing with Michael Lode

In this episode of Clothing Culture, host Emily Lane and Brett Schnitkar are joined by Michael Lode, an expert in the fashion industry and a deep understanding of manufacturing in China

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Upcycling Fashion with All Saint's Founder Stuart Trevor

n this episode of Clothing Coulture, host Bret Schnitker and Emily Lane interviews Stuart Trevor, founder of All Saints and the namesake brand Stuart Trevor.

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World Retail Congress 2024: AI, Sustainability, and Disruption in Fashion

oin 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.

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Woman in Leadership with Eva Hughes of Former Vogue Latin America

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.

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The Entrepreneurial Journey with Shoe Icon Stuart Weitzman

Join Emily Lane and Bret Schnitker as they dive into the entrepreneurial journey of fashion legend Stuart Weitzman.

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Embracing Imperfections: Human Process of Garment Manufacturing

In this first episode of Clothing Coulture season 4, hosts Emily Lane and Bret Schnitker explore the human process behind garment manufacturing.

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The Complexity of Ethical Manufacturing with Avedis Seferian of WRAP

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.

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Understanding Fabric Care in the World of Technology

Hosts Bret Schnitker and 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.

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Maximizing Profitability In Fashion Buying for Brands

"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.

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Navigating Fabric Dyeing, Finishes, and Industry Innovations

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.

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The Benefits of Creating an Apparel Uniform Program

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.

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How Wrinkles are Rated in Apparel Production

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.

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Efficiencies around Technical Design and Apparel Production With Annie Cohen

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 SD

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The Future of Sustainable Apparel Manufacturing in India

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.

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Apparel Production MOQ's by Country

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 reference materials mentioned in the episode visit our resources page.

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The Impact of Inflation on Apparel Brands in 2023

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.

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Top 3 Questions About Apparel Manufacturing in China in 2023

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.

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Identify and Fix Problems in Fashion Production

Companies with apparel programs need to be mindful of all areas of fashion production to ensure every process is working effectively.

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Small Details That Elevate Clothing Quality

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.

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How Fit Tech Is Changing Online Shopping With Whitney Cathcart

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.

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Merging Science, Culture and Tech in Fashion Education with Gabi Asfour

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.

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Apparel Programs as a Brand Extension

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.

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What's Next In The Fashion Industry? 2023 and beyond

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.

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Self Expression and Inspiration with Mickey Boardman, Paper Magazine Editor

There has been a lot of talk about inclusivity in the fashion industry but movements toward sizing need to extend beyond the rack.

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The Heart of Fashion with Designer Ivan Frolov

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.

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Kyiv Art & Fashion Days New York | GUDU

Empowering women through feminine takes on masculine designs is the core mission of GUDU creative director, Lasha Mdinaradze. The Georgian designer says the woman is center of his attention when creating the strong, stand-alone designs which are his signature.

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Kyiv Art & Fashion Days New York with Valery Kovalska

For Valery Kovalska, celebrating the traditions of her native Ukraine is important. Kovalska focuses on tuxedo architecture, infusing her designs with hand crafted embroidery, laces, and beading details. The result is edgy, yet feminine looks with a modern sporty ease.

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Kyiv Art & Fashion Days with Kristina Bobkova

Kristina Bobkova’s latest collection is infused with traditional Ukrainian crafts and reflects the strength and bravery of the country, showcased through the lens of her signature architectural minimalism, which is inspired by unisex Japanese cuts.

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Meet the Designers at Kyiv Art & Fashion Days New York

We learned about Kyiv Art & Fashion Days through Keanan Duffty, who attended the October Ukrainian event.

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Kyiv Art & Fashion Days New York | Elena Burenina

Elena Burenina founded her eponymous brand in 2006; since then she has built on her signature design principals of minimalism with subtle, yet vibrant accents. Each look combines crisp silhouettes and sexuality for a refined and bold style.

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Kyiv Art & Fashion Days NY with Lilia Litkovska

Ukrainian fashion designer, Lilia Litkovska, leans into her family heritage of tailoring to create designs that preserve the artistry of the craft.

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Top Trends Shifting the Garment Industry

Garment production is an intricate process involving multiple organizations operating all over the world.

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Tips to Manage the U.S. Ban on Xinjiang Goods

The implementation of a recent U.S. government ban on goods from the Xinjiang region of China has many brands and retailers scrambling.

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Nearshoring for Apparel Manufacturing

Traditionally, apparel manufacturing has primarily been conducted in Asia, but recent supply-chain issues have many shifting their sites.

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The Business of Independent Fashion with Stefan Siegel

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.

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Filling the Gap in Apparel Industry Education

The apparel industry is in the middle of a disruption. Many in the workforce are leaving and taking their industry knowledge with them

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Measuring Quality in Clothing Manufacturing

Brands have varying definitions and standards of quality that depend on price point and perceived value to the customer.

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The Impact of Data Privacy on eCommerce

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 Faricy.

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Key Elements in Developing Performance Clothing

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.

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Supporting Ukrainian Fashion Designers

In this special edition episode, Keanan discusses why the event is so important and how you can support these designers.

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Streamline The Clothing Manufacturing Process

Clothing manufacturing is a complex process requiring the coordination of many components from multiple locations around the world.

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Sustainable Marketing in Fashion

Welcome to the world of marketing and advertising.

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Fashion Industry Macrotrends with Paul Raffin

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.

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Supply Chain Transparency with Tech Startup Silq

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

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4 Tips to Maximize Apparel Margins

It is a challenging time for the apparel industry: Material, labor, and shipping costs are elevated, and competition is steep with more options than ever for consumers.

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Maximizing Margins and Apparel Expectations

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.

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5 Tips to Build A Startup Fashion Brand

A fashion brand is more than just a business plan, in this Threads episode, Stars Design Group CEO Bret Schnitker and Chief Strategy Officer Emily Lane describe 5 tips to know before you start manufacturing.

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Elevating The Customer Experience: 2 Tips in 8 minutes

In this Clothing Coulture Threads clip, customer experience expert Ruth Crowley shares her tips for building a memorable connection with customers online.

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Disrupting Fashion Trend Forecasting in 5 minutes

Sharon Graubard is redefining fashion trend forecasting with her company MintModa. Graubard shares how everything from avant garde designs to thrift stores inform her trend forecasting.

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Inflation Management in Apparel: 3 Steps in 5 Minutes

Strategies for managing inflation costs from Stars Design Group CEO, Bret Schnitker. Schnitker has a 30+ year career across all aspects of the fashion industry, including designer, buyer, manufacturing, and delivery.

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Inflation Management for Apparel Brands

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.

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Finding Fashion's "It Factor" with Nicole Fischelis

Finding fashion's hottest new designers is no easy task, but one woman has done it time and time again.

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Building an Influencer Clothing Brand

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.

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Preparing Fashion Students for an Evolving Industry

The fashion industry is undergoing a rapid evolution as 3D design, digital clothing and e-commerce take hold.

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Redefining Trend Forecasting with Sharon Graubard

Fashion trends are constantly changing and so is the way they are determined. Sharon Graubard is redefining fashion trend forecasting with her company MintModa.

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The Fluidity of the Fashion System with Keanan Duffty

New creative systems are forming around the world, allowing rising fashion designers to showcase their work in a larger way.

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INSPR x Clothing Coulture | Meet the Creators | Tina Lee (@ofleatherandlace)

Tina Lee (@ofleatherandlace) quit her job as a lingerie designer to put all her efforts into becoming an influencer.

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INSPR x Clothing Coulture | Meet the Creators | Caroline Vazzana (@CVazzana)

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.

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INSPR x Clothing Coulture | Meet the Creators | Ruta Zake (@rutaenroute)

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.

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Fashion's Digital Future with Alvanon and Motif

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.

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“The Future is Now” The Urgency to Elevate the Customer Experience

Consumer behavior and expectations have shifted drastically over the past few years, creating challenges and opportunities for brands and retailers.

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That's a Wrap: Season 1 Highlights

In this episode, we explore the highlights from our deep-dive conversations that continue to connect our global community.

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Consulting Solutions for Fashion Industry Volatility

In this episode, Bret Schnitker and Emily Lane discuss the viability of consulting to grow a business.

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The Future of 3D Design in Fashion

In this episode of Clothing Coulture, hosts Bret Schnitker and Emily Lane speak with Sharon Lim, CEO & Co-Founder of Browzwear, about how fashion technology is changing the apparel industry.

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Navigating Social Compliance in the Garment Industry

In this episode of Clothing Coulture, hosts Bret Schnitker and Emily Lane explore how to navigate the process of social compliance in manufacturing and the impact on the welfare of a community and its people.

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The Truth About Sustainability in Apparel

In this episode of Clothing Coulture, hosts Bret Schnitker and Emily Lane explore the fundamentals of sustainability and the realistic challenges to overcome to protect our planet Earth.

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The Future of Fashion in Whole Garment Knitting

In this episode of Clothing Coulture, hosts Bret Schnitker and Emily Lane speak with Jon Lewis, CEO and Co-Founder of Evolution St. Louis.

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Disrupting Through Innovation

In this episode of Clothing Coulture, hosts Bret Schnitker and Emily Lane discuss the difference between a brand-driven economy vs. a consumer-driven economy, and the benefits of creating innovation in the workplace from leadership to including those around you to be a part of the conversation.

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Transforming a Culture Through Fashion

In this episode of Clothing Coulture, hosts Bret Schnitker and Emily Lane learn how Lula Mena transformed the culture around being a working mother in El Salvador by creating sustainable home/fashion pieces.

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The Realities of a Fashion Designer

In this episode of Clothing Coulture, hosts Bret Schnitker and Emily Lane welcome Alexandre Nicaud: fashion designer, founder of KSRT Studio, and member of United Coulure.

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The Cultural Evolution of Technology

In this episode of Clothing Coulture, hosts Bret Schnitker and Emily Lane learn how Valentin Karabanov became a pioneer in 3D design, his point of view on the evolution of technology, and his collaboration with LVMH prize winner Hed Mayner to take their 3D designs straight to the runway.

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Fashion Startups: Building Your Brand

In this episode of Clothing Coulture, Bret Schnitker and Emily Lane walk through the fundamental facts of what it takes to start your brand and the core concepts business owners should know prior to starting their journey in the apparel industry.

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Management & Leadership in the Fashion Industry

In this episode Bret Schnitker, CEO/President of Stars Design Group, shares the fundamentals of successful leadership and management of global teams.

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"I Want It Yesterday" - The Fast Turn Apparel Model

In this episode of Clothing Coulture, hosts Bret Schnitker and Emily Lane discuss how retailers pull off the Fast Fashion model and the compromises that can come.

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The Influence of Politics on the Fashion Economy

In this episode, 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.

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Responsible Production Decisions in Turbulent Times

In this episode, we explore what it means to embrace responsible production, the impact of decisions made during turbulent times, and workers' welfare.

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The Rise of the Boutique Brand Economy

In this episode, Bret and Emily walk through what boutique brands have to offer, the common misconceptions startup brands have, and the importance of understanding your vision and plan in the beginning stages.

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Vetting Factory Partners

From navigating cultural differences to evaluating lines, equipment, and skill levels to understanding what makes a factory "hum" in all the right ways, this episode dives deep into the process of evaluating factories for production.

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Technology's Influence on The Fashion Industry

In this episode, we touch base on topics such as 3D design and technology, bringing science to fit, and the core challenges of the fastfashion model.

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A Man of Ambition

In this introduction, we learn about our hosts, Emily Lane, CSO of Stars Design Group, and Bret Schnitker, President/CEO of Stars Design Group.

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Introduction to Clothing Coulture

Welcome to Clothing Coulture, a new podcast series sharing insights on the fashion industry with experts in all realms from the technical aspect of the design to manufacturing.

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