Clothing Coulture

Date: 5/20/2025 - Designed to keep you informed without the fluff, this series delivers sharp, essential updates to help you stay ahead in fashion and business. This week, Bret and Emily talk about ways to help those affected by the St. Louis Tornado, Balenciaga's new creative director, Modest Fashion, and more.  Watch LIVE every Tuesday 12 pm CST on Clothing Coulture YouTube.

Date: 5/13/2025 - Designed to keep you informed without the fluff, this series delivers sharp, essential updates to help you stay ahead in fashion and business. This week, Bret and Emily talk about India's trade agreements with the UK, China's Tariffs lifting, and Fendi x Red Wing. Watch LIVE every Tuesday 12 pm CST on Clothing Coulture YouTube.

Fashion designer Mondo Guerra joins hosts Emily Lane and Bret Schnitker to share his creative journey from raves and Project Runway All Stars to dressing iconic drag queens. Mondo delves into the intersection of fashion, art, and advocacy, discussing the challenge of balancing self-expression with commercial viability. Mondo also reflects on his personal advocacy for HIV awareness, his evolving brand, and future aspirations. Connect with Mondo:  https://mondoguerra.com/ https://www.instagram.com/mondoguerra/

Davis Warlick, COO of Parkdale Mills, joins hosts Bret Schnitker and Emily Lane to discuss the intersection of technology, sustainability, and cotton manufacturing. They explore Parkdale Mills' commitment to zero waste, innovation in fiber production, and the company's pioneering work with synthetic fiber solutions like CiCLO. Discover the vital role of automation, traceability, and US-grown cotton, while examining Warlick's vision for reshoring American manufacturing. Follow Parkdale Mills:  https://www.parkdalemills.com/ https://ciclotextiles.com/

Date: 5/6/2025 - Designed to keep you informed without the fluff, this series delivers sharp, essential updates to help you stay ahead in fashion and business. This week Bret and Emily talk about Nike losses and NFTs, Truck Drivers, and the latest craze, Labubus. Watch LIVE every Tuesday 12 pm CST on Clothing Coulture YouTube.

Join hosts Bret Schnitker and Emily Lane as they dive into the dynamic world of fashion with leading trend forecaster Sharon Graubard in the first episode of season 5. Explore the move towards personal expression, sustainability conversations, and the blend of technology and apparel. Sharon, founder of SG Files, shares insights into fashion's intersection with culture and the evolving consumer values shaping the future of the industry. Don't miss this insightful discussion. Connect with Sharon:  https://www.thesgfiles.com/  https://www.instagram.com/the_sg_files/  https://www.instagram.com/sharongra/ 

Date: 4/22/2025 - Designed to keep you informed without the fluff, this series delivers sharp, essential updates to help you stay ahead in fashion and business. This week Bret and Emily talk about Google, Africa's Apparel Industry, and TikTok's trade war. Watch LIVE every Tuesday 12 pm CST on Clothing Coulture YouTube.  

Date: 4/15/2025 - Designed to keep you informed without the fluff, this series delivers sharp, essential updates to help you stay ahead in fashion and business. This week Bret and Emily talk about Louis Vuitton Texas Factory, the Blue Origin Space flight and Milan Design Week.  Watch LIVE every Tuesday 12 pm CST on Clothing Coulture YouTube.

Date: 4/8/2025 - Designed to keep you informed without the fluff, this series delivers sharp, essential updates to help you stay ahead in fashion and business. This week Bret and Emily talk about even more Tariffs being put into place, The Trump officials quietly moving to reverse bans on forever toxic chemicals, and H&M's new AI Models.  Watch LIVE every Tuesday 12 pm CST on Clothing Coulture YouTube.   

Date: 4/1/2025 - Designed to keep you informed without the fluff, this series delivers sharp, essential updates to help you stay ahead in fashion and business. This week Bret and Emily talk about Printemps opening its first U.S. store, CEO changes in the fashion industry, and what Trump's "Liberation Day" means for the apparel industry. Watch LIVE every Tuesday 12 pm CST on Clothing Coulture YouTube. 

Date: 3/18/2025 - Designed to keep you informed without the fluff, this series delivers sharp, essential updates to help you stay ahead in fashion and business. This week, Bret & Emily discussed current updates on Trade War and the impact on our ports and logistics, Sustainability in Saudi Arabia, and the latest shifts in the Luxury Market. Watch LIVE every Tuesday 12 pm CST on Clothing Coulture YouTube.       

Dated: 3/11/2025 - Join our live Clothing Brief, which provides weekly updates on what you need to know about current events.  Watch LIVE every Tuesday 12 pm CST on Clothing Coulture YouTube. 

Discover the fusion of fashion and spoken word as hosts Bret Schnitker and Emily Lane chat with acclaimed poet Kristen Harris, aka KMoney the Poet. In this episode of Clothing Coulture, Kristen shares her creative process, explores fashion's influence on her poetry, and performs a powerful piece on self-expression and cultural history. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on art, identity, and representation. Connect with Kristen Harris: www.thekristenelizabeth.com www.instagram.com/kmoneythepoet www.instagram.com/thekristenelizabethh

When should a fashion brand expand its product line? In the season 4 finale of Clothing Coulture, Stars Design Group, CEO, Bret Schnitker and CSO, Emily Lane explore the balance between growth and over-expansion. They break down the role of consumer demand, the power of social media feedback, and the risks of straying too far from core offerings. Learn how to manage inventory, protect brand equity, and align resources for sustainable success. Don't miss these expert insights on smart brand expansion!

Join Bret Schnitker and Emily Lane as they dive into the shifting landscape of body image in fashion. Discussing the alarming resurgence of ultra-thin ideals, driven by the rise of drugs like Ozempic, they explore the backslide in size inclusivity on runways and its cultural impact. Delve into the history of body trends and the dual role of pharmaceuticals in shaping modern beauty standards.

Bret Schnitker and Emily Lane delve into the complexities of the looming trade war and its impact on the fashion industry. They discuss the implications of increased tariffs on China, the signs of shifting manufacturing landscapes, and the importance of having a diversified and resilient supply chain. Learn how companies can navigate unforeseen disruptions and strategize for future stability in a volatile global market.  Stars Design Group is here to help with logistics and apparel manufacturing needs. Reach out to us on our website www.starsdesigngroup.com to schedule a meeting.

Join Stars Design Group CEO, Bret Schnitker and CSO, Emily Lane as they talk with Mary Ruppert Stroescu, a fashion educator at Washington University. Explore how technology and craftsmanship converge in fashion education, the importance of industry connections, and finding a designer's unique voice amid modern challenges. With insights into the dynamic world of fashion and sustainability, this episode offers a thoughtful exploration of creativity, industry demands, and global inspirations in today's fashion scene. Connect with Mary:  https://reclem.com/  https://www.instagram.com/reclem_official 

Explore the complex landscape of the de minimis rule with hosts Stars Design Group, Bret Schnitker and Emily Lane as they delve into its impact on the U.S. fashion industry. Discover how companies leverage this clause to bypass tariffs, contributing to a significant loss in government revenue and creating competitive disadvantages for U.S. businesses. Unpack the environmental implications of increased consumer demand and e-commerce, and anticipate potential regulatory changes. 

Explore the future of textile technology with Brad Seese of Clothing 2.0's innovative approaches to integrating health and wellness into everyday garments. Hosts Bret Schnitker and Emily Lane delve into how advanced technology can deliver time-released cosmetic benefits through clothing. Discover the potential of textiles infused with supplements, pain relief, and sleep aids, all while maintaining durability and washability. Join the conversation on the evolution of textiles and their transformative capabilities in health and wellness applications. Connect with Clothing 2.0:  https://www.clothing2.com https://www.linkedin.com/company/clothing-2-0/

Andrea Ferris, founder of CiCLO, joins hosts Stars Design Group CEO, Bret Schnitker and CSO, Emily Lane on Clothing Coulture to discuss innovative solutions to polyester and nylon pollution in the fashion industry. Ferris reveals CiCLO's biodegradable technology that tackles synthetic fiber waste at its source, offering a real-world answer to the long-standing problem of synthetics filling landfills and contributing to microplastic pollution.  Connect with CiCLO:  https://ciclotextiles.com https://www.linkedin.com/company/ciclo-textiles/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreaferris/

Stars Design Group CEO, Bret Schnitker and CSO, Emily Lane delve into the impact of politics on the fashion industry, focusing on the potential rise in tariffs. They highlight how these increases could affect production costs, lead times, and consumer prices. The discussion also touches on the broader economic implications of tariffs and trade wars. As the political landscape evolves, learn how brands can navigate these shifts and adapt their production strategies effectively.

Stars Design Group CEO, Bret Schnitker and CSO, Emily Lane dive into the evolving landscape of Made in America in the apparel industry. They explore the benefits of onshoring, such as local economic growth, job creation, supply chain resilience, and sustainability improvements. However, they also tackle challenges like higher costs, workforce limitations, and infrastructure gaps. With insights from their visit to North Carolina's Parkdale Cotton and other innovation centers, they discuss the role of technology in bridging these gaps. 

Stars Design Group CEO, Bret Schnitker and CSO Emily Lane discuss the challenges and complexities of greenwashing in sustainable fashion on Clothing Coulture. They explore why some companies shy away from eco-friendly practices due to fear of being labeled as greenwashing despite their genuine efforts. The episode also touches on resource limitations and the potential impact of innovative solutions like CiCLO in enhancing sustainability efforts. Discover strategies for navigating this intricate landscape while prioritizing people, planet, and profit.

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. Salgaro sheds light on the challenges of adhering to new regulations and his company's innovative solutions. This episode delves into how emerging technologies are reshaping transparency and sustainability in fashion. Follow Edmond Climate Network:  https://edmondclimate.com https://www.instagram.com/edmondclimatenetwork https://www.linkedin.com/company/edmond-climate-network

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. They discuss the nuances between forced and prison labor, while highlighting the importance of certifications and on-ground inspections, this episode provides essential tips for ensuring ethical production. 

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. They discuss the importance of shifting focus from self-interest to serving others, the synergy between giving and receiving, and how these principles lead to sustainable success. This conversation offers valuable lessons for anyone aiming to elevate their business approach and create lasting impact. Follow Bob Burg:  www.burg.com   

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. They highlight the impact on everyday lives, including increased costs and decreased access to goods. They also discuss the historical ineffectiveness of tariffs and their ripple effects on the supply chain, including decreasing exports and increasing congestion.  Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel for future livestreams. @clothingcoulture

Join hosts Emily Lane and Bret Schnitker as they delve into the complexities of the last mile in retail logistics with expert Mike Robinson. Discover how The Eighth Notch is revolutionizing delivery by consolidating shipments, reducing operational costs, enhancing customer experience, and slashing carbon emissions. This episode sheds light on the evolving landscape of retail logistics and sustainable delivery solutions. Follow The Eighth Notch:  https://t8notch.com  https://www.linkedin.com/company/t8notch https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikerobinsonsf/

Explore the fascinating world of retail math with Clothing Coulture hosts Emily Lane and Bret Schnitker. This episode delves into vital metrics and practices for growing a successful apparel business, including sales forecasting, week's supply, and the power of core basics in your assortment. Tune in to understand how numbers can inform better buying decisions and contribute to a sustainable future in fashion.

In this episode of Clothing Culture, host Emily Lane and Brett Schnitkar are joined by Michael Lode, an expert in the fashion industry with a deep understanding of manufacturing in China. They discuss the strengths of Chinese manufacturing, including quick turnaround times and a wide range of available materials. They also address the challenges and misconceptions surrounding manufacturing in China, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the real people behind the industry.

In this episode of Clothing Coulture, host Bret Schnitker and Emily Lane interviews Stuart Trevor, founder of All Saints and the namesake brand Stuart Trevor. They discuss Stuart's journey in the fashion industry, from starting All Saints to his current venture focused on sustainability. Stuart shares his insights on the challenges of the industry and his innovative approach to upcycling and customizing vintage garments. Tune in to learn more about Stuart's unique brand and his mission to create a more sustainable future in fashion. Follow Stuart Trevor:  www.staurttrevor.com www.instagram.com/stuartrevoroffical 

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 experts and disruptors, this episode provides a glimpse into the future of retail and the role of technology in shaping the industry. 

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 professional life, embracing uncertainty, and the power of vulnerability. Tune in for an inspiring conversation with a true powerhouse in the fashion world.

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 importance of staying relevant, and the lessons he learned along the way. 

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 of appreciating the human touch and the imperfections that come with it. 

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.

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.