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,...

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...

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...

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 manufacturing.  Stars Design Group, CEO, Bret Schnitker and Chief Strategy Officer, Emily Lane, discuss the organic growth of Not Just A Label in...

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 Cole, Co-Founder & CEO of Motif, an online learning platform with deep verticals for the apparel industry.  In this episode, Stars Design...

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 ecommerce with XGen.Ai Founder & CEO, Frank Faricy. Faricy's company, XGen.Ai uses customer behavior, not data, to create...

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 Schnitker and Chief Strategy Officer, Emily Lane, discuss how quality control (QC), quality assurance (QA) and acceptable quality limits (AQL) create a...

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, Emily Lane walk through the stages of the development process explaining the elements to consider when developing performance clothing. ...

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 trip. The result is Kyiv Art & Fashion Days NY. Designers will participate in a high profile runway show and static installation at...

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 Chief Strategy Officer, Emily Lane share ways to streamline the clothing manufacturing process through sourcing, dying, fabric treatments,...

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, and many more. In this conversation Raffin discusses Macrotrends in the Fashion Industry with hosts Bret Schnitker (Stars Design Group...

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 service that can predict landed cost with accuracy and make sure it is delivered at that price.  How Ram developed the idea for Silq Why people play...

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 to delivery to maximize cost and quality for each piece. Topics discussed include: *Fabric choices *Garment details *Production...

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. The conversation discusses: * Effective product assortment planning to reduce risk and manage shipping delays * The impact of the pandemic on...

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 comes to finding fashion’s “it factor”, Nicole says it is all about the unexpected.  “I think most of the people I discovered at the beginning...

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 questions every influencer should ask when searching for a qualified fashion design and manufacturing partner.  VISIT us ONLINE:...

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: Balancing creativity with business The influence of technology and innovation on the fashion industry   Entrepreneurship in E-commerce Lessons...

Fashion trends are constantly changing and so is the way they are determined. Sharon Graubard is redefining fashion trend forecasting with her company MintModa. In this episode of Clothing Coulture, Graubard shares the importance of effectively communicating trends, her process for identifying long range fashion trends and how her background in art plays a role. Learn more: www.MintModa.com www.StarsDesignGroup.com

New creative systems are forming around the world allowing rising fashion designers to showcase their work in a larger way. Award-winning designer, 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, craftspeople and musicians together in one fashion festival to create a larger impact than they could individually.

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 vision for her INSPR capsule collection, how Covid shifted and in many ways inspired her creativity for content creation and tips for other...

Caroline Vazzana is a fashion editor, stylist and author 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 industry with others in her book. She also Caroline discusses why she decided to create a clothing brand and shares tips for other influencers interested in the same business model.

Tina Lee quit her job as a lingerie designer to become an influencer, teaching herself and growing her following to 10k in 6-months. Now she trains others through her Full Time Influencer program. In this episode Tina discusses the vision for her INSPR capsule collection, how Covid shifted and inspired her creativity and tips for other influencers. Shop the collection: insprny.com Learn more about us: www.StarsDesignGroup.com Learn more about Tina’s classes: www.fulltimeinfluencer.co