Material Is Your Business

The thinking behind, logistics and journey of Project Jacquard… Dr. Ivan Poupyrev, Director of Engineering at Google, and Paul Dillinger Head of Design Innovation for Levi Strauss, join Stephanie Benedetto and Samanta Cortes on location at FIT for WEAR Conference. MouthMedia Network studios are powered by Sennheiser.In this episode: Building technology into a jacket The move to put tech into both hard and soft goods Power factory How tech can be integrated into textiles that are flexible, stretchable, and can withstand the burning of denim during manufacturing process Brands learning from each other Trust between companies is critical Corporate egos, understanding, admitting what you’re good and bad at, supplement deficiencies, finding right partner to fill deficiencies Co-creation was a key word defining the Google/Levi Strauss relationship The jacket was designed for use by urban cyclists, designed to improve your life when cycling Explored opportunity for tactile interface without having to put screen in face Now with product out there, how one uses the jacket is discovered and you can have more capabilities embedded, and amplify such as an interface with ride share Actual product you can buy and try, buy from Levi’s store online (exciting because it is not in an electronics store, but instead in an apparel store) Jacket takes the burden off of one device, consumer can avoid being orphaned by loss of one device, every object being able to have some function Pricing reflects tremendous R& D that’s gone into it, but Levi’s has other jackets at a higher price point Production supply chain, new considerations, but utilizing many standing resources and avoided disruption, ease of integration IP protection, trusting suppliers

Socially responsible premium yak down… Carol Chyau, Co-Founder and CEO of SHOKAY (committed to benefitting the communities that produce yak down, conscientiously selecting the right partners, creating timeless products, and using the best business principles), joins Stephanie Benedetto and Samanta Cortes on location at the 2018 WEAR Conference at FIT.In this episode: SHOKAY sustainably sources hand-combed yak down from the remote Himalayan Highlands to bring incredibly light and beautiful textiles with a soft texture. Working with unconventional materials The yak car comes only from locations in Himalayan regions How it is like cashmere, warmer than wool, more breathable than cashmere What can be created from these materials Yak and ecomarine (recycle plastic bottles blended with oyster shell composites, offering anti bacterial and anti odor qualities) Coordinating with brands to innovate Working with a garment manufacturer with wearable tech, utilizing the materials into a piece that can be worn in a lot of circumstances including monitoring of EKG and heart rate Much coordination required for innovation between everyone in ecosystem of manufacturers, innovation is incremental China and a focus on sustainability, a lot of production delays because so many shops are shutting down because they don’t meet regulations Taking things from conversations into real tangible action

A wearable heating platform… Rickard Rosendahl, CEO of Inuheat Group AB (a developer and manufacturer of the Inuheat Wearable Heating Platform – an entire eco system with all components and materials needed for a clothing manufacturer (the apparel brand) to design and manufacture apparels with active battery powered heating built in), joins Stephanie Benedetto and Samanta Cortes on location at the 2018 WEAR Conference at FIT.In this episode: How Inuheat has developed platform components to build in heat to apparel Gloves, socks, base layers Applications in medical, performance, military Users can stay out longer, focused Bringing heat onto skin safely and comfortably Creating a system that is cost effective in production, material sourcing, knitting Printing a flexible, smooth heating panel directly on garment Plus, a data platform! Testing certification, a need to develop their own tests and standards, considering setting up an accreditation process Durability, washability Sending data to the user Heptic feedback Inuheat’s partnership with DuPont for volumes with high quality printing, embroidery Medical applications Monetizing to make cost effective, working with 15-20 brands, volume allows them to put more money into development and quality Inuheat’s expertise combined with Inuheat results in added value – meeting a versatile group of end-user requirements on comfort and performance

Interactive fashion wearable technology brand… Francesca Rosella (bio), Co-Founder and Chief Creative Director of CuteCircuit (a global leader in interactive fashion integrating new beauty and functionality through the use of smart textiles and micro-electronics), joins Stephanie Benedetto and Samanta Cortes on locations at the 2018 WEAR Conference at FIT.In this episode: How Rosella started working in the field in 2001 How people can use technology to connect with one another, express themselves Creating the first fashion wearable technology brand in world One of the first thing worked on was hug shirt, a t-shirt lets you hug someone over a distance, transferred in a hug message sent over mobile app Why start with a hug? Overcoming a disconnect between design and technology How CuteCircuit did not want wires in garments Pieces of fabric coated with nano-particals to be transparent and conductive Exciting project with Mercedes, designing a pilot suit, sensors for emotions of pilot, lights up in response to sounds and other stimulus, played in theaters What is the definition of “wearable”, must be a garment The ability to have the same electronics in a bracelet as in your shirt Must have fashion meet function Washability issues Sustainability considerations, recycling, use certified textiles, all electronics have restrictions of hazardous substances, and are all gold plated Have recycling program, send back garment, and recycle components, and discount on new garment Creating la ot of costumes for performers The sound shirt that allows deaf people to feel vibration of instruments in a concert MouthMedia Network studios are powered by Sennheiser.

3D printing, partnerships, and from science fiction to science fact… Ben Christensen, Startup Mentor, Maker Evangelist, Keynote Speaker, Global Lead for SAP Next-Gen Science Fiction Community, joins Stephanie Benedetto and Samanta Cortez in the MouthMedia Network studios powered by Sennheiser.In this episode: Christensen on what he’s caring about and identity, always starting things, helping companies explore what’s possible to make partnerships If you can imagine it you can build it SAP –  his focus on the global sci fi community Sci fi shows what’s possible From science fiction to science fact, designing today The liquid – PLA – polylactic acid The possibilities of creating almost anything via 3D printing, an accelerating industry 4D printing and what it can be, do, and inspire A lot of trash results from 3D printing, how can you reuse the discarded materials How 3D printers can become stations in the community where things can be synthesized SAP Next Gen SAP started a campaign with UN Women, the “#SheInnovates Initiative” Partnering with The Startup Guide, for the first one for NYC Christensen on joining the circus, then working for a software company How 800M jobs could be eliminated through automation, but it is a crucial awakening for humanity Implications and opportunities for automation As the market leader in enterprise application software, SAP is at the center of today’s business and technology revolution. SAP helps you streamline your processes, giving you the ability to use real-time data to predict customer trends across your entire business. SAP is committed to helping every customer become a best-run business.  

The impact of social responsibility, sustainability, and proper governance on the growth and expansion of companies… Rob Sanchez, CEO of Mouth Media Network, moderates an impressive expert panel on material development, governance, and sustainability as part of an event at Spring Place sponsored by Financial Executives  International, including: Karina Givargisoff, Founder and Editor in Chief of MISSION Magazine Beth Colleton, Founder of Purpose Strategies Danielle Joseph, Investment Officer at Closed Loop Partners William Reinisch, Venture Partner at Paladin Capital GroupIn this episode: The importance of consideration of social responsibility at early stages of planning a company, ESG and sustaibablity, in idea generation stage, how this has dramatically changed and become complete sector and way of thinking about it How for the next generation this wont be an add on, will be a fundamental part of building an industry Doesn’t work well when it is down the hall Using for growth, generating more opportunity, turning it into value, the more growth the more material a company is saving, correlated to growth, the more you can do — the more money you make Structuring business models around turning a waystream into a revenue stream Evolving, next generation space EVRNU, Bolt Thread as great examples of innovation Growing and scaling Gen Z and Millennials have the most stake in it, and trying to take into account their buying habits and influence, listening to a younger audience helps us keep on track to grow in the right direction Scalability in creating efficiencies in supply chain and recycling defective garments When fabric technologies create rcyclaaed textiles indistinguishable from originals Repurposing textiles Driving revenue generation by allowing people to purchase items that support the changing habits The planning side of raw materials, how we must be thinking about resilience A lot of unanswered question about how to integrate sustainable raw materials into the manufacturing process Making sure to avoid seeming tone deaf to the public, and the important of governance Investors looking at long-term value in companies, and the importance of sustainability The critical nature of transparency, and to lead from the top and follow through that it is a driving force and part of the DNA of a company The up and coming work force wants purpose in their employer, is a valuable part of retention strategy Critical: an actionable purpose strategy that is authentic Photo credits: Jason Drago, ARENAISSANCE FILMS 

Setting the standard for both hand painting and computer aided design with The Style Council… Joe Castaldo, President of The Style Council (the USA’s leading textile design and service studio), joins Stephanie Benedetto and Samantha Cortes in the MouthMedia Network studios powered by Sennheiser.In this episode: The way business keeps pace with the pace of changing fashion How Castaldo’s background as a clothing designer provides value The process creative people go through, travel, being able to look at every designer’s work, life, what’s in museums, and on the street, and bring it into what the Style Council does Putting together trends, giving the intel to artists who will do the best with it Predicting colors, palettes Designing prints Creating and impacting CAD software Going back to handpainting, and how that helps with copyright concerns, products so different than others, and that luxury has expense It is like a science project how dyes and heat react to fabrics, and how The Style Council is constantly pushing the envelope with what’s possible Castaldo works with 4-5 people who have been there 36 years, and his sense of responsibility and obligation, like family, The fight to be organic and natural given the cost How working with designers can connect you to the world Education vs. spirit of wanting to change the world  

Digital product labeling that enables consumers to go beyond the traditional label to learn more about product origin, materials and features, and to help brands establish a new, digital channel to engage directly with and learn from their customers… Bruce Thomson, Co-founder/CEO of BrightLabel (a software platform that leverages mobile technology to enable digital product labeling in the textiles and apparel sector), joins Stephanie Benedetto and Samanta Cortes in the MouthMedia Network studios powered by Sennheiser.In this episode: Getting dynamic transparaent info on material certifciations in hands of consumers Consumers looking for more out of porducts, to make more informed decsions on what they purchase and wear Most labeling contains little practical info Why this hasn’t been done before, regulatory regimes around the world dictating what labelled on products FTC regulated in America Unfortunate that the story of products isn’t told – Made in Mexico but with Amercian cotton? Symbols on labels mean little BrightLabel builds a label system  — more informed and better for customer while building something that works for manufactorers and brands themeleves Built a platform to integrate info about a product, including dynamic value chain map, provides elegent package attached to the product in retail environments Designers being responsive, value it generated in brand loyalty and what you stand for as a company, and content story piece, outwieghs any competitive challenges Integrating into a digital label provides additional info to consumer assuring high quality BrightLabel not generating new content yet, or reinventing information or content, partnerships of value Important to engage with brands across supply chain Behavioral change with consumer will be necessary to get the, to scan it Partnerships with companies like Lenzing FTC is exploring options to move to more modern format of labeling, and scale up and push out digital labeling standard Focusing on sectors where this can have added value Scanning a product label can translate a label to native languge Implementing “DNA” into thread, and the intersection with Bright Label work Able to extract significant value i.e. verifying fill count or material origins, differentiate quality work from substandard Fly fishing, and how spending a lot of time traveling inspired business Economics

Repurposing everyday clothing with one of a kind intelligent fabrics… Julie Golden (Operations Manager) Amy Adair (Production) of ADAY Clothing (consciously designed clothing reinvented with technical fabrics) join Stephanie Benedetto and Samanta Cortes in the MouthMedia Network studios powered by Sennheiser.In this episode: How ADAY Clothing was founded by Meg He an active runner  and Nina Faulhaber a competitive gymnast, different in everyday activities and clothing they wore at work Comfy, great for travel, filling void in market Sweat wicking, breathable , all stretchy, many are wrinkle resistant, all machine washable, making life easier Company started buying from stock fabric companies environmentally conscious, and eventually developed own fabrics as they’ve grown, which drape nicely, and polyester is recycled All about seeking fibers and fabrics that feel great or have properties they love, no internal R and D team developing fibers Aim to get the best of both worlds – performance and feel beautiful to touch An ethos of minimalism Using one fabric in a garment How the company doesn’t think in seasons, wanting clothing to be a staple worn multiple times a week for different purposes Creating a hero piece that can be worn over something else “Something borrowed shirt” the most popular item A color palette primarily of neutrals and blacks, navys, launching some greens As colors go in and out of seasons, that palette allows clothing to be more versatile despite trends, including whit Initial problems in construction were identified and solved by customer feedback Supply chain, some US, some internationally – criteria for choosing factories includes both technical and sustainability abilities Why ADAY started working with a Portuguese factory How design helps manage return rates New developments in new collection – “Experiments in Conscious Design” – focusing on working out how to optimize an improve the way they are designing A jacket made from 41 recycled plastic bottles Working with women doing amazing things like Britt Bergmeister. ODM/ODC (Off Duty Model, On Duty Citizen), and Summer Rayne Oakes, model and super environmental activist, who are using their platform for their efforts The company culture Moving from corporate America to a fashion startup Considering a one year rotation in London

Textile design software to create fabric realistic weaves, knits and prints Steve Greenberg, President, Pointcarre, North America, joins Stephanie Benedetto and Samanta Cortes in the MouthMedia Network studios powered by Sennheiser.In this episode: CAD textile software, computer aided design, allows almost anyone to design own fabric and print and simulate before end product to see exactly what it would look like Loom networking to send immediately to a loom anywhere in the world Can see yarns, determine knit and woven structure (more than 4,000) Set up gauge correctly, and in correct weave structure Working with a print and repeats of the design Easy to pick up software if you have basic knowledge Different kind of materials, even utilizing silver, want to know attributes of fibers to know how they will react Software does costing too How this software allows changing business model, cost structure Take any photo of your product, apply grid, then can map and wrap with any fabric/pattern and fully envision the product Full Pantone color palette People are trying so many new types of stitches and structures 3D envisioning software Can go right to digital print in tonal ranges, big thing with watercolors Doing what you love

Conductive smart yarns… Matt Kolmes, CEO of Supreme Corporations (creator of the VOLT Smart Yarns) joins Stephanie Benedetto and Samanta Cortes in the MouthMedia Network studios powered by Sennheiser.In this episode: Doing military work, being approached by military defense contractors, Top Secret, who said “Don’t ever say our name,” – what did this mean, and they realized the contractor probably realized they had perfect equipment for making conductive yarn, and an “aha “ moment How Kolmes was always jealous of wearable tech and smart yarns Most yarns had metal on the outside of the yarn, which exposed the conductive service How Supreme assessed they were disappointed, evaluated there was a solution, and designed insulation that could be soldered without stripping Sewing thread is the superhero of yarns Invention of protected copper wires so won’t break 185 patents in 54 years in 60 countries, with 15 more pending Why it is important to only protect what is protectable, what’s new, novel, and hasn’t existed before, looking at prior art (other patents relatable) How Supreme makes sure to keep half the invention a trade secret How a father’s offer changed Kolmes’ career path All their yarns are composite yarns, and they adding one new yarn per month Conductive yarn that changes color at a certain temperature, color shift yarn, can set temperature color changes Why North Carolina is a great place for fashion Changing color of yarn with electricity How apparel with conductive yarn can have a logo that can become an on-off switch A reality show, and sharks How yarn is exciting. A passion for savings lives, and a yearning for filmmaking, and how being a dad gives him the best moments of his week  

Producing uniforms for Delta Airlines, and successful business development and consulting for textile and garment manufacturing companies from around the world with Manon Clavel… Manon Clavel is a Business development professional and consultant for textile and garment manufacturing companies working with apparel Industry leaders across categories including Levis, Nike, Ralph Lauren, the VF corporation, Vans, Theory, Marc Jacobs, Tory Burch, Brooks Brothers, Burton Snowboards, Athleta, Gap, Banana Republic, Target and other US brands. Clavel joins Stephanie Benedetto and Samanta Cortes in the MouthMedia Network studios powered by Sennheiser.In this episode: How Delta Airlines decided to renew uniforms, trying to make more comfortable and make more stylish Working with a designer like Zac Posen and what that means strategy wise How new uniforms raises image of the airline around the world The importance of an American company and American designer Stretch and stretch fabrics and why bi-stretch is important Testing and testing, with so many technical aspects for textiles, apparel and uniforms to produce high quality, and the challenges to accomplish that Everyone is going to be wearing the same uniforms in an airline, so they have to look alike, they can’t have variance, and color consistency is important Need to work with a factory that has the ability to maintain consistency over a long period of time Clavel’s consulting business, and getting a start into a brand, with vendor and supplier, and understanding them and what makes them different Keeping internal drive and motivation, needing a certain type of personality to avoid getting discouraged, some wins Clavel’s proud of such as Nike The crucial nature of sustainability and the continued learning curve for the industry Traveling to Europe, and loving a new family

Measuring consumer behavior and provide real time analytics for brick and mortar stores… Alejandro Muther, CEO of Kimetric (increases sales by creating unique customized experiences for consumers at point of sale while collecting and analyzing information about their profiles and behavior) joins Stephanie Benedetto and Samanta Cortes on location at NRF Big Show. MouthMedia Network is powered by Sennheiser.In this episode: With Kimetric, a 3D camera tracks reactions and how consumers are looking at touching or picking up products Real time data analytics Aggregating data so a retailer can know how things are working in the store The process Is not recording personal info, but instead general attributes and generating a profile of consumer Is can be as big or small an area as wanted, each camera covering 60 square feet 3D sensors create a 3D map Neck, elbows, feet, etc. as data points Changing lighting, smells in a retail space in reaction to the data gathered Kimetric was one of the first participants in a Microsoft accelerator Consumer goods companies are paying more attention to measuring customer behavior, but physical retailers are behind Getting data to store associates in real time for employee reactions Access to raw data and monthly/weekly report raw data to actionable items Map, measure and trace is not something enough people are paying attention to

Image Recognition and Artificial Intelligence solutions… David Marimon, PhD, CEO & Co-founder of Catchoom (easy, flexible, reliable tools for branded mobile apps and websites.) joins Stephanie Benedetto and Samanta Cortes on location at NRF Big Show 2018 in New York. MouthMedia Network is powered by Sennheiser.In this episode: Taking a picture and allowing the tech to translate info on what it is, including type of fabric and more How there are a lot of data and marketplaces which manage more and more products from different brands, and they don’t have time to create all the descriptions How those brands and marketplaces can do better job, more efficiently, training a system with AI with all aspects, type of sleeves, collar, neck, finish, etc. Machine learning is a component – as the AI fails as people can fail, then the system learns and gets better and better than humans, and learning from its own mistakes and making corrections, then doesn’t make the same mistake as often Also, static page of advertisement, but hovering over it with the iPad it became 3D and content and story from a piece of paper with Augmented Reality Connecting online with the physical and what’s on the shelves It is about making the connection The pattern itself in the image is the code, the image must be designed to contain it and be recognized Various use cases and partners, how Catchoom has special focus on recognition of objects, different than others on scalability and reach Running a pilot is one thing, but afterwards both vendor and brand want to be more successful Measuring results, why one shouldn’t just implement a solution from an innovation perspective, but instead think about how it can increase business A lot more people search by camera — even smaller businesses should be thinking about how people can purchase by taking a photo of a product Vendors are eager to help brands do better

Smart textiles for the future, with RFID and the first global system for recycling powered by the internet of things, advancing the circular economy for the fashion industry… RFID technology lives in thread and is embedded in fabric, and can carry all information on that product forever, helping business with counterfeit control, inventory tracking, and improving sustainability. It can connect everyone it touches, and is new technology with endless possibilities. How will we create the future with it? Natasha Franck CEO/Cofounder of EON-ID (developing the first global system for textile recycling powered by the internet of things) joins Stephanie Benedetto and Samanta Cortes in the MouthMedia Network studios powered by Sennheiser.In this episode: The intersection of physical assets and the blockchain, something that gives products a digital identity, with RFID tags, and connecting it with a cloud, on RFID platform and on blockchain It’s a thread, a chip and antenna, giving a product a birth certificate One of the biggest barriers to recycling is material transparency RFID info will help with a system to sort and sepearte intelligently, then upcycle from that Tracking inventory in real time to affect turnaround time of products and meet customer needs, By combining IoT, RFID and circular economy you get great benefit for business Weaving vs. aseembly, attached in the seam during assmbly, and will eventually change into integration into weaving No geo-locate, not sending a signal from the RFID What is future vision, for brands, connected supply chain, how to use IoT in the future, then design to address those business needs All parts of a brand acting as one brain instead of supply chain not talking to production not  talking to retail etc, and not being so siloed. Embedding tech into what you’re already doing, versus designing something from scratch The need to layer this into standard business practice, as things will happen more organically and faster, instead of looking at it as a sustainability expense. By reducing waste, we’re improving a business

Sourcing trends and what the apparel sector should learn from both traditional and retail startups, at the 2017 Sourcing Journal Summit… Panelists: Mark Rose, SVP, American Eagle Outfitters Liz Hershfield, Chief Supply Chain Offer, Bonobos Bill McRaith, Chief Supply Chain Offer, PVH Bjorn Bengtsson, Chief Merchandising officer, UNTUCKit About Sourcing Summit 2017: Pain Points + Pivots – October 17, 2017 It’s no longer news that sourcing is facing uncertain times or that retail is evolving faster than most companies can adapt. So now it’s time to talk about which points along the supply chain are causing the most pain and how to pivot and move forward. Today’s consumers are all but easy to please, Amazon is testing drones that can deliver product in as little as 13 minutes and though most things trade have been verbally upended, nothing concrete has yet been settled or confirmed. With all this considered, sourcing companies can’t afford to keep doing what they’ve always done. The Sourcing Journal Summit is the most exclusive gathering of supply chain executives leading the sector’s latest initiatives. Top thought leaders will share key insights, talk about how they’re transitioning in this altered landscape and discuss the kinds of pivots and plans that will keep bankruptcy at bay—all through keynotes and interactive panel discussions designed to bring today’s sourcing issues to life. More news and information at SourcingJournal.com  

Design, manufacturing and business from a materials perspective… Fiona Anastas and Elodie Ternaux, Co-Founders of Hyloh (a global collective who approach design, manufacturing and business from a materials perspective and consult, create and educate) join Stephanie Benedetto and Samanta Cortes in the MouthMedia Network Studios powered by Sennheiser.In this episode: The Hyloh website and why there is not much info there, screaming by whispering Looking at products and seeing the materials, how Anastas and Ternaux have eyes that do not look at things the same way as others Why the Hyloh team has the background to understand materials in an elevated manner Doing practical activities helps people to understand materials — they bring that process and thinking to the work Not everyone will know everything about materials, so a technical vernacular doesn’t work The “value prop” of Hyloh, being all designers, less serious, like a sharing economy of knowledge and ecosystems Why plastics can be an awesome material The opportunity for startups to start with material and innovate instead of starting with a product and finding differentiation with materials Understanding processes of integrating materials into garments is helping people think about materials more these days Series of lectures called “After Tomorrow” – answering the question starting with several scenarios of what tomorrow could bring, many outcomes, and how sustainability a key question Connected devices are giving garments more functions they can do, the possibilities of humans becoming immortal, living on Mars Considering materials in space exploration, finding new materials, and 3D printing in space Several polymers can offer qualities of degradability, even compostable, and materials such as a slice of a mushroom, rabbit fur Touching velvet, and growing up sewing in Australia Challenging materials, and why every material is a challenge to replace

Innovative clothing swap events, curated talks and cultural activations globally… Patrick Duffy, Founder of Global Fashion Exchange (an international platform promoting sustainability in the fashion industry with inspiring forums, educational content and cultural events, which through interactive clothing swaps empowers consumers to take action for a better environment while they stylishly renew their wardrobe and save hundreds of thousands of cloths from going to landfill), joins Stephanie Benedetto, Samanta Cortes, and guest host Charles Beckwith (American Fashion Podcast) in the MouthMedia Network studios powered by Sennheiser.In this episode: Duffy discusses how the Global Fashion Exchange has become something which travels all over the world, how it started when he did a collaboration with the UN Peace Boat with an information booth along with other sustainable fashion organizations How he was later invited to the UN, then asked to be a moderator, how so many people thought the travel industry was fluff and realized how much more there was later once the info was deployed Global Fashion Exchange (GFX) started as a clothing swap to engage people en masse Now GFX takes the mission around the world, promoting sustainability and what to do with clothing consumers and brands don’t want How GFX has turned into a communications platform and a consultancy, with a global network of people who want to create change in the fashion industry GFX’s partnership with major brands, and a fashion week in Lisbon Duffy explains how people bring clothing, creating a swapping experience that looks and feels like a high end department store, and after the exchange people keep clothing and recycle the rest GFX Local, having a clothing swap in one’s hometown, with the goal to get 100 cities by end of year Why Duffy is a man without a physical address, after he had an “aha moment”, and when from the tail end of running a restaurant, to self education in industry and soul searching, and ultimately decided to go full on into it, become nomadic with his efforts, and got rid of everything he owned The main goal of a million tons of clothing swapped How lack of knowledge in the industry causes ignorance of the issue and a need for action And how positioning as for planet and profit can get more brands on board Duffy discusses the massive excess of goods sitting in warehouses costing money, and what if you can monetize that The need for legal regulation to force Deforestation in fashion manufacturing How Duffy works out twice daily, pushing heavy things What’s possible given the inspiration of what Duffy has accomplished, from singing on tables to speaking at the UN, and the power to make change

Looking at Kate Spade’s successful supply-chain social responsibility program in Rwanda… Why would Kate Spade New York, an iconic brand with a global presence, extend a part of its supply chain, taking on major challenges, to go into a developing country? A fashion consultant supported a social responsibility program that was successful, with profitability and lasting impact focused on empowering women. Brennan Lowery, a consultant in the social responsibility and business development space, and a former Program Manager for Karisimbi Business Partners, a partner of Kate Spade New York’s On Purpose CSR program in Rwanda, joins Stephanie Benedetto and Samanta Cortes in the MouthMedia Network studios powered by Sennheiser.In this episode: A look at why Kate Spade New York decided to undertake the program and initiative in Rwanda The meaning for employees of a brand that’s willing to spend money outside of their internal needs Being committed to seeing women empowered in different parts of world, transforming community, creating a new cutting-edge model for the space of social enterprise The opportunity for a developing country to compete in a world of global suppliers Participation by a number of partners and experts as part of plan in Rwanda, plus cooperation and support by both US and Rwandan governments Each Rwanda employee (mostly women) averages 4.5 dependents, and the initiative resulted in positive impact on other local business The need for a brand to be telling a story about the specific products coming out of a developing country that it is benefitting The goal to work oneself out of a job, and hire a Rwandan in one’s place The need in more parts of East Africa, and between Central and South America Find pockets and create jobs, teach skills and provide training Evaluating what space a brand wants to impact, greater meaning for employees and consumers, and the need to see transformation What motivated Lowery and what planted the seed with the brand A dream of hospitality with meaning How there is still a lot of work to be done, and a need to do something

Making perfect travel shoes that are incredibly light and ridiculously comfortable… Vince Lebon, Founder of Rollie Nation (the shoe lifestyle brand for the young at heart), joins Stephanie Benedetto and Samanta Cortes in the MouthMedia Network studios powered by Sennheiser.In this episode: Meeting Stephanie on a sustainability panel Rollie Nation, a footwear brand started around 5 years ago in Australia, lightweight, extreme risk with color and prints A community that wants to express themselves through footwear, just living and enjoying life Lace Up, a reality TV show, designing sneakers for celebrities Wanting to take a design sabbatical, working with the ex creative director of Jordan brand and first materials designer at Nike The power of persistence in getting in, how he thought the show is docudrama and it became real reality show, not a great environment to create The amount and level of work one can create was amazing Growing up playing basketball in Australia, getting a job in afootwear company as multimedia designer, how he got good at designing shoes realistically in Photoshop that weren’t even made and selling them Spec sheets for footwear How the Rollie Nation shoe is lighter than a pair of flip-flops, but fully functional Well-made shoes, how he took out shanks, and created an invisible heel to distribute weight, and don’t need the shank Found thin plastic counterweights which hold shape, taking things out, keeping what’s necessary Most customers are not designers, don’t know how materials work together etc. Customization can be for or with you, and can be from performance to materials to appearance Protecting IP, the bigger Rollie Nation gets, the more they get copied, including an entire line being copied before release — brand loyalty helps protect IP Material science will be increasingly very important Lebon feels the future holds satellite factories closer to market, will be heavily robotic-focused Synergy amongst designers, collaboration is the biggest focus Rollie Nation is not a shoe company, but an experience brand that makes footwear Lebon’s interest in designing a hotel Where the name Rollie Nation came from (and it is not where you think), playfulness and community The goal of no waste with other materials, genetically modified leathers Semi-transparent leather Lebon’s favorite mobile apps Why not to get complacent

Choosing the right fabrics for personal styling… Alexandra Suzanne Greenawalt, Founder of Alexandra Stylist, joins Stephanie Benedetto and Samanta Cortes in the MouthMedia Network studios powered by Sennheiser.In this episode: Fabric is important as personal stylist Today’s consumer is more educated, more interested in fabric content Prices going up made consumers more conscious of the nature and origins of fabric Greenawalt’s target and origins of customers, all on a mission, someone who has been through a change (jobs, divorce, weight change, inner issues, etc.) take a look at closet, what they’ve been doing isn’t working, wanting to change and feel better. How clothing is sized unevenly all over the world Brands are not employing internal stylists enough, not matching what consumers want with what is displayed and in inventory in physical retail stores How her book came about A lot of people talking about dressing for cheap, look like a lot, or high end, very few talking about real woman in the middle who wants to just look good every day Made in America and sustainability, and customization—how does this play into Greenawalt’s styling process and selections Why shoes are the number one pain point of clients The price of being visible, and Greenawalt’s strangest business experience A secret passion, and kicking the door down for success

Fabrics, wall coverings, trimmings, furnishings, and floor coverings from Schumacher Timur Yumusaklar, CEO of F. Schumacher and Co, a 128 year old company offering fabric, wallpaper, trims, rugs and carpets (and according to Wikipedia “the only supplier of decorative textiles from the 19th century”), still privately owned and managed by direct descendants of its founder, joins Stephanie Benedetto and Samanta Cortes in the MouthMedia Studios powered by Sennheiser.A long-standing design company, linen and wool, and success in the face of a changing industry Yumusaklar discusses the importance of looking beyond customers, understanding how far fabric can go, the love of an incredible fabric that didn’t sell, and being one of the longest standing design companies in America, from the Roosevelt’s to the Kennedy’s. Being a global business and helping people understand textiles in a digital sphere, working with decorators, Belgian linen, alpaca wool, the best wool, customization and pricing in the face of changing spending habits and political and economic climates, and how these are impacting Schumacher.Inspiring conversion, focusing on trends, and Made in America Balancing conversion and a reputation for luxury, and the value of not being pushed through a sales funnel but instead just inspiring them. A focus of looking for trends, getting them right, not having to always get into detail of numbers. Why it is important to bring trades back to USA, Made in America, storytelling, luxurious fabric and textiles, and embroidery on wallpaper.Impact, curiosity, and red vs. blue Thinking about new considerations with fabric and interiors and materials. Wanting to make an impact, a German upbringing, rational things and psychology, red vs. blue, curiosity, and why we shouldn’t take ourselves too seriously.

A special holiday message of thanks and warm wishes from hosts Stephanie and Samanta of “Material Is Your Business” podcast. Happy Holidays!

Big picture global macro patterns and behaviors, with Sheryl Connelly… Sheryl Connelly, Global Trends and Futuring Manager (a.k.a. Corporate Futurist) for Ford Motor Company, talks with MouthMedia Network President Pavan Bahl about the insights and implications of the 2018 Ford Trends Report. Recorded at the MouthMedia Network studios, powered by Sennheiser. Read the 2018 Ford Trends Report here.Data for all, giving younger people purpose, and seeking solutions Connelly reveals how the report previously was kept proprietary and inside Ford, but now it is cascading it widely, as it is functionally agnostic. The brief is that the more it was shared that Ford received more insights. She discusses how trust is a trend that can’t be overestimated. She reviews the personal note to the reader, and how disorientation, disparity, and inequities cannot be ignored anymore, that people want to explore them and look for solutions and how the world is committed to looking for solutions. Being thoughtful in how to engage young people to give them purpose, working in emerging markets, endeavoring to be sure Ford is meaning the same thing around the world, elevating to truly a global space. How the whole landscape of automotive industry is evolving, and Ford is playing a leadership role.An activist awakening, mental and physical health, and the Ford Hub Uncertainty and confusion globally, an activist awakening, discovering the degree of intolerance of opposing viewpoints, and the understanding of the impact of individual actions on change. When thinking about solutions, whether women can feel safe and have accessible options, a societal cultural shift, how mental well being goes along with physical health, creating a culture of curiosity that opens the door for innovation, the impact of sleep on health and weight loss, disconnecting from work in order to grow and explore, and mending the mind. Retail, and pop up retailers such as Story offers evolution in use case and agile experiences. And the Ford Hub brand experience in the World Trade Center Oculus in New York City.Managing data, autonomous vehicles, and the changing family How the younger generation doesn’t care about giving personal information, and how brands can be distinguished by how they act as stewards of info. Autonomous driving features/autonomous vehicles, how we are already driving a semiautonomous vehicle, so the building blocks are already there. Bringing autonomous vehicles widely into reality will be partly dependent on legal, municipal, and other influencers, and how with this comes a greater level of responsibility for Ford. In 2021, when Ford brings its first autonomous vehicles to the streets will they be ride hailing and package delivery vehicles. Ford is “all in” with major investment and commitment, and it is something definitely coming. What it looks like offers various possibilities, addressing concerns of jobs going away. In the past the biggest fear with automation was what we’d do with our leisure time, but that didn’t happen. A lot of data in the “singled out” section—a lot of data on what average family means, for first time in America’s history there are more single people than married. Yet people maintain that single people are treated differently, and the definition of the nuclear family has changed. What kind of vehicles does that now mean, understanding how shifts might change affects how and where production is determined.The future plays out in ways that are tough to imagine. The resilience of the human spirit, and awe inspiring, head scratching data.

The art and mastery of pleating fabric… George Kalajian of Tom’s Sons Pleating International Pleating (a pleating contractor in New York City working in textile pleating and fabric texturizing) and author  joins Stephanie Benedetto and Samanta Cortes in the MouthMedia Network studios powered by Sennheiser.Three generations of pleating, a unique company, and relevance of the garment district Kalajian shares how the company has been around since 1931, offers third generation pleating expertise, and how his great, great grandfather had a textile mill. His parents came to New York after escaping a civil war in Lebanon, and how only for the past 5-6 years the company stopped making clothing and is now doing only what they do best — pleating. How the company is unique, there’s no other garment manufacturer that became a pleater, and they can offer clients so much more than just pleating. There are considerations, and the complexity of systematic folding of fabric, with many variables. The importance of being in a single location for specialized fields like pleating, and how there’s no way to share what designers need to see over great distances.The best fabrics for pleating, writing a book, and why his father is like Google He discusses his uncle’s clients in Lebanon, and a family history and legacy in pleating. How synthetics are best for pleating, polyester the best of them, and pleated silks actually last if you don’t wear them. Humidity and body heat releases fibers and pleats. Plus–the oldest garment ever found was a pleated garment. How an introduction to his new book “Pleating” includes forward by Jack from Mood Fabrics, and why it took four years to complete. The challenging and complex task of writing about something that had never been written before or codified, pulling from a sea of data in his father’s brain, and why his dad is like Google. Why he wrote the book, and how it relates to him being the only person who could have written it, as no one else has a father who grew up in factory, an uncle’s mill, a sewing school and pleating school. Why it was not the book he intended to write, and a race against clock to get the info from his father.A production app, a wedding dress, and Superman’s cape An app My Production Pal, the mathematical and geometrical parts of pleating, and how there is no “language” for pleating. Kalajian also reveals how an important component of his family business is top secret, while he concentrates on teaching what do you do with the pleating. How Kalajian hand pleated his wife’s wedding dress, finishing only in the last moment. How his first memory of pleating is when he got in trouble with a red satin Superman cape, finding something you are passionate about, a basic purpose in life to make something beautiful, working with family, and following passion and bliss.

Textile recycling for business in New York City in fashion, interior design, entertainment, and more… Jessica Schreiber, Founder of FABSCRAP (a one-stop ton-profit textile reuse and recycling resource in New York City), joins Stephanie Benedetto and Samanta Cortes in the MouthMedia Network studios powered by Sennheiser.A massive problem, a protecting proprietary material, and the challenge of spandex and leather Schreiber reveals the origins of the company, working at the NYC Sanitation Department, the creation of a working group when working through problem was private, clearly defining what the problem was, creating a central way brands can transport waste and meet minimum requirements, protecting proprietary material via sorting, delivering bags, brands filling the bags, proprietary leather and spandex going to landfill (can’t be recycled), and everything else being recycled.Fiber-to-fiber tech, compliance, and transparency allows market share Holding fibers that are 100% cotton, wool or poly for fiber-to-fiber technologies, due to developing tech, and then hoarding stock now in anticipation of relationships. Why proprietary spandex and leather can’t be recycled into new textiles, compliance with NYC law, how until recently there was no reporting requirement for companies, and the opportunity for a transparency on what you’re throwing out and what you’re recycling. The road ahead with an opportunity to put out industry cumulative reports, how people are checking for recycling info and corporate social responsibility statements with products.Volunteers, bringing fabric to the people, and Project Runway Working with volunteers with a monumental task of helping to sort through fabric (they get 5 lbs. of fabric for volunteering), hoping to mechanize that process, and working on ways to bring fabric to people — such as pop up shops. An appearance on a Project Runway show, resulting successes, and the strategies in trying to get more people to know about the mission and organization. A round of personal questions with “Remnants” covers a dinner with Bethany Frankel, Bill McKibben, The Obamas, and fighting the family pattern.

Autonomous sewn good worklines for home hoods, footwear and apparel… Pete Santora, Chief Commercial Officer for SOFTWEAR Automation (an Atlanta-based machine vision and robotics startup), joins “Fashion Is Your Business” hosts Pavan Bahl and Marc Raco along with guest host Veronika Harbick (CEO, Co-founder & 3D Knitting Programmer for Thursday Finest) in the MouthMedia Network studios powered by Sennheiser. Harbick also offers an announcement about her company. (Santora’s profile)Genesis with DARPA, robots vs. jobs, Made in USA, and finding your wife in Whole Foods Santora reveals the genesis of the company, being started by DARPA, and in accordance with the Berry Amendment, requiring the Department of Defense to give procurement preference to domestically produced, manufactured, or home-grown products. Giving attention to the fact that manufacturers are aging out of seamstresses, the growing need for automation in sewing, and the new the ability to scale the creation of goods, anywhere in the world, not just where you can find labor. How apparel manufacturing is manufacturing, fielding questions about loss of jobs, automation vs. robots, and fighting a cloud of fear about robots. How the majority of labor will not be replaced for decades, robots are just tools, and a real timeline of change and adaptation of new set of tools. The requirement to be in the US for SOFTWEAR, and how that stance is working, and bringing manufacturing here, the challenges of change because of generational people and legacy thinking, and how they can be slow to adapt. The tipping point of sustainability is at hand, and personal concerns vs. corporate concerns. Plus, snack time inspires a story of Santora meeting his wife in Whole Foods, his time as a professional soccer player, consuming bananas to play sports — and a droid makes an appearance in the studio.How the SEWBOTS work, what a brand is, and deconstructing the automation chain Being a ten-year-old startup with 8 years of R and D, focusing on how to survive as a company, using technology to build a company that works no matter the economic climate, and Alli Baba’s gigantic technology fund as an indication that something major taking place. How the SEWBOT technology works, the way it was conceived coming fro professor, the role of Georgia Tech in wearables with the first wearable tech shirt and much of the IP around wearable tech. Accomplishing proof of concept for machine vision, how goods go through entire process fully, allowing on demand and local production. Determining what a brand is these days, what the pieces are. The need to make in America while keeping quality, implanting sustainability and remaining competitive, and losing the guilt of not buying Made in America. Plus, the Sourcing Summit, having the job discovering how the company could fail, and deconstructing the automation chain to make sure brands can make goods the way they want to while keeping it sustainable.Soccer, droids, and why kids should run toward robotics Personal questions with Off the Grid cover remote control airplane assembly, and not getting it to work. Being crushed, joining a robotics club, soccer teams and the profound unbalance of Italy not making the soccer playoffs, women’s soccer vs. men’s soccer, why the U.S. doesn’t have a style, soccer tennis, a robotic film costar, and automation integrating with the lives of kids. Also, running towards robotics, and a desire to meet crazy people.Thursday Finest Plus, a special announcement from Veronika Harbick about a new chapter for Thursday Finest.

Transforming textile waste into pristine new fiber at a molecular level… Stacy Flynn, CEO/Co-founder of EVRNU (fiber technology transforms textile waste into pristine new fiber. Evrnu has invented the only regenerative fiber made from post-consumer textile waste) joins “Fashion Is Your Business” hosts Pavan Bahl, Rob Sanchez, and Marc Raco at the 2017 WEAR Conference in San Francisco. Powered by Sennheiser. (Flynn’s profile)A wake up call, impacting the system’s lynch pin, and a prototype Flynn shares how working in a cloud of pollution gave her a wake up call, realizing a generation of kids who don’t see blue sky, realizing she was linked to the cause of the problem, and how 90% of all clothing is made from clothing or polyester, and we throw away 14 million tons of clothing waste a year in the US alone. She discusses the goal of taking waste and turning it into high quality fiber, impacting the lynch pin of the system, and how the surprising result turned out versatile and beautiful The vision of intervention with minimal disruption, how the first prototype took a t-shirt from solid to liquid to a solid, and the journey of how Target signed on as an early adopter.The holy grail of transformation, early adopters, and micro-manufacturing models Separating cotton and polyester on a molecunetorking lar level, how the holy grail is taking a blended garment, liquefying it, separating it then using the individual components, and new processes vs. repurposing existing processes. How the process is actually shapeshifting material, realigning molecules, and the process of pushing through spinnerette determines the final qualities. Samples, licensing, early adopters Levis, Target and seven more not public, and how marketing campaigns need proof now. The difficult truth that a colored t-shirt requires 700 gallons of water to make, helping brands with sell-through rates and sustainability, and why the ability to network helps now, looking at micro-manufacturing models, with small manufacturers linked together to become power manufacturing chains as a localized, globalized model.Reciprocity, the human spirit, and the Redwoods Finding ways to build business, saving the environment while honoring designs. The three part adopter program, and how reciprocity creates human solidarity. There is no algorithm on the power of the human spirit to solve a really big problem. And Off the Grid Questions covers the Redwoods, a heavy moment, and accidental eyebrow shaving. Hear more MouthMedia Network shows at www.MouthMediaNetwork.com.

How UPS strategically partners with businesses, from shortening routes, improving supply chains, developing delivery by drones, sustainability and humanitarianism, and data and analytics… Jason Robinson, Director of Marketing for the North Atlantic Region for UPS, joins Stephanie Benedetto and Samanta Cortes in the MouthMedia Network studios powered by Sennheiser. (Robinson’s profile)Empowering competition, drones, and Orion Robinson shares his love of the complexity of movement, how he fell into his job after growing up in UPS out of high school and worked his way up, and being in a new role only around since 2010. What UPS offers businesses to compete with large platforms, the impact of same day delivery, and how UPS creates challenges and forces change, the need for partnerships, and keeping the finger on the pulse. Drones, related regulations/policies, testing drones after the hurricane in Houston, logistics, weight limits, restrictions, how drones can help in rural areas, and challenges of introducing a new technology into existing infrastructure and fully deploying quickly. And the incredible tool Orion, which shortens the routes of drivers, saving millions of dollars on fuel.Education, reducing the carbon footprint, and the UPS Package Lab Industry training business about consumer expectations, asking consumers about behavior online, time in transit, custom shipping, the increase of mobile and loss of tablet activity. Sustainability and humanitarian focuses, increasing efficiency and safety by saving mileage and fuel by minimizing left hand turns. Material and packaging options for recycled materials, looking. And the UPS Package Lab has an eco packaging program, which can help with marketing.Data and analytics, fly fishing, and being a strategic partner Robust data and analytics from UPS and making those available to businesses, giving the delivery driver the opportunity to go into houses with a doorbell program, and the impact of residential vs. commercial. Personal questions cover fitting in family time, fly fishing in the Catskills, hiking trails, bucket list cultural experiences and wishes, Norway, and New Zealand (and, again, fly fishing). And UPS My Choice, and being strategic partners instead of a vendor.

Material and textile matchmaking in other countries… Marni Leopold (Luxury Sales & Management – ‎Trade Commission of Peru), Lucia Palacios (Marketing and Promotion Director of Vestex, Apparel and Textile Association of Guatemala), and Mary Marino (Trade Linkage Consultant, USAID Contractor at East Africa Trade and Investment Hub), join Stephanie Benedetto and Samanta Cortes on location at Sourcing at Coterie. Powered by Sennheiser.Peru Marni Leopold (Luxury Sales & Management – ‎Trade Commission of Peru) discusses her role as a matchmaker, making introductions between USA designers and brands with Peruvian manufacturers, materials and market. How the attraction to Peru starts with quality, some of the best raw materials in the world, fibers, fabrics, and Peru has a free trade agreement, so materials are duty free. Promoting manufacturing, a trade show, how Leopold became involved, a focus on Hema Cotton and Alpaca, and a love of ceviche. Guatemala Lucia Palacios (Marketing and Promotion Director of Vestex, Apparel and Textile Association of Guatemala) shares how her organization represents textile mills, apparel manufacturers, and services and trimmings, making a fully integrated supply chain for the apparel industry. For the last 8 years the leading export industry in Guatemala has been apparel, as 50% of the value of exports. How the country is competitive in knit tops, synthetic tops has been growing, fabric mills from spinning to delivery, innovating culture, and how the country has been thought narrowly but is not just offering artisanal or handcrafted products. Palacios comments on the challenges in moving supply chain and growing, competition in Haiti, Asia, and Central America — and eating outside of Peru.East Africa Mary Marino (Trade Linkage Consultant, USAID Contractor at East Africa Trade and Investment Hub) touches on how her non-profit is a facilitator based in Nairobi, Kenya, to educate on the US and East African sides about AGOA (African Growth Opportunity Act), about duty free opportunities into the US, and how component parts can be imported and originated anywhere in the world. How her work is a matchmaking process, how East Africa offers very unusual techniques unique to that area, how much of the world incorrectly assumes language barriers, and misconceptions about AGOA such as not needing to source fabrics and trims from Africa to benefit. And how pricing is strategic in relationships and opportunities for duty free access offers advantages. Plus — Florence Italy as a second home.

Watchdog for ethical manufacturing… Clay Hickson (profile), VP of Strategy and Business Development at WRAP (Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production), a non-profit organization “sweatshop watchdog” making sure manufacturers are ethical manufacturers, joins hosts Stephanie Benedetto and Samanta Cortes on location at Sourcing at Coterie. Powered by Sennheiser.Certification and education, demands for ethical sourcing, and a history of concerns Hickson discusses how materials are building blocks and sources of information, and how WRAP provides certifications and educational activities, doing it last year in more than 2500 factories in more than 40 countries. He reveals who pays for the costs and how many stakeholders and customers are demanding ethical sourcing including socially responsible investors. A look at child labor, forced labor, and structural integrity of building, along with the history of ethical sourcing concerns. Auditing, local laws and conventions, and Africa The importance of unannounced audit is discussed, and a look into WRAP as a small organization with 25 full time staff and most accreditations performed by third party auditors from reputable firms. How WRAP has zero tolerance policies, but not necessarily always permanently blacklists manufacturers. What constitutes forced labor, defining child labor internationally, and the importance of following both local laws and international conventions. Creating corrective action plans, and a growing presence in Africa.A role model, The China Guy, and connections Personal questions in a round of “Remnants” cover a role-model speech teacher in school has been important to Hickson as he tries to effect better international communication, optimism and positivity, how “one person’s armpit is another person’s paradise”, Amsterdam, being ‘The China Guy”, and the way connections, seeing people as potential mentors and staying connected is so important.

Garments and textile items for healthcare, linen supply and industrial settings… Ronnye Shamam, President of Shamron Mills (a manufacturer of all types of garments and textile items for healthcare, linen supply and other industrial settings – (profile)), joins Stephanie Benedetto and Samanta Cortes at the MouthMedia Network Studios powered by Sennheiser.Origins, mandating quality, and challenges Shamam discusses how the company started with hospital gowns, and sells to distributors, how for many the quantities that Shamron Mills are not important enough to get involved in, and largely manufacturing overseas. Mandating that color, fasteners and fabric stand up to industrial laundries and high temperatures to sterilize, drapes in operating rooms that must be certain sized with specific openings, customized for superstar doctors, and children sleepwear regulations. Production locations, changing and modifying the business to stay aligned with customers and industry. The challenges of fewer mills and converters, having to adapt to make more overseas. How small runs and quick turnaround requires Made in USA. Working with distributors, supply chains, and technology Managing expenses for small runs, and being so specific and small in grand scheme of things with the result of buyers being willing to pay additional bucks. How Shamron Mills sells to distributors, not to hospitals directly. Being an expert and leader in this niche. Bright colors and patterns, how garments for other industries are simpler and not as tailored. And considerations for certification. Supply chains, how it is harder to find textiles, buying from mills less and more from jobbers, and needing to feel energized for the future. Relying on the website as a tool for the customers, how Shamron Mills has always been on the technological frontline.The future of the company, the detachable collar, and a new idea Whether she will sell the company that is so personal, technical fabrics, but institutions don’t want to pay for them, and whether they last in the laundry. And a new idea for a special hospital gown. Using a unique set of experiences and knowledge. And how she started her business, being grateful for a mentor, and angel, and someone who trusted her. The magic of the detachable collar, going back to her roots, an email from the government leads to an all-female outdoors trip to Mexico, and a big birthday party in Nice. Don’t be afraid, get joy, and positive people.

Fashion trend forecasting… Sharon Graubard, Founder and Creative Director of MintModa (trend forecasting which enables trend-right product for all fashion and design-related industries – (profile)), joins Stephanie Benedetto and Samanta Cortes in the MouthMedia network studios powered by Sennheiser.What MintModa looks for, looking for the thread, and trends as a mirror Graubard shares how as a fashion forecaster she analyzes what’s going on — on the street and in culture — and meaningful narratives about fashion, along with some direction. How analysis happens, how the seeds of what’s coming are here and now, and focuses also on home interiors, beauty and design related industries. What she and her team look for, how you can kind of feel it, what’s coming next. Why you still have to travel to see trends, to feel and smell it. Seeing the world on your phone is not ideal, digesting info, how you can’t be everywhere and assess everything, how does info come in, what might be not so much a trend, more like assessing street tribes of fashion, looking for the thread not just low hanging fruit, new contexts, a strange mix bubbling up that becomes newness. Maps with arrows, like a psychological map behind the trend. Designers thinking they are their own trend forecasters, who the Internet affects. Now the consumer tells the industry what’s happening next. Need to see what designers think, along with what people are wearing. A self fulfilling-prophecy vs. a trend being organic? A trend has to be like a mirror. Report vs. service, fashion as a democratic art, and fabric’s important role Must be open/inclusive, but specific and focused. Is it a report or service? (More analytical and creative than a report). Zones! The textile, the fabric is where the creativity is, and why Graubard is so passionate about materials. Performance is an invisible quality, but adds real value. And customers are looking for value. And a prediction of where fashion industry trends are going. How MintModa helps with verbage for websites, naming of products, and having a very full, diverse, interesting team, having different eyes, different voices, different points of view. Fashion is the most democratic art — everyone wakes up and gets dressed. Things move just as fast as they always have. Fabric is the thing that has technology. The way we build clothes is pretty much the way we always have.A first job in fashion, craft and artisanal, and Paris How MintModa allows user to go deeper and do their own research and want to spur more research on the site. A trend might not be trending, but a client might like a look. How Graubard never studied fashion, always loved it, and never had heard of a fashion forecaster. The only jobs in fashion were as a textile colorist, painting prints, and how she put a fashion portfolio together and got work. Her first job at The Tobin Report from a newspaper ad in Help Wanted section. How far out we need to look in forecast, the most important value in the millennial, and how craft and artisanal are still important. And personal questions in a round of Remnants cover the heritage of Paris, how all roads lead to one look, being wide open to fashion possibilities, and your own sincere, authentic feeling about something.

Apparel as data platform with a biometric sensor kit from SUPASPOT… Sabine Seymour, Consultant. Researcher, and Founder & CEO at SUPASPOT INC. (biometrics + extreme sports + fashion + artificial intelligence in a onesie at a dance party with the SUPA Powered Sports Bra having an integrated sensor made from fabric – (profile)), joins Stephanie Benedetto and Samanta Cortes in the MouthMedia Network studios powered by Sennheiser.A digital YKK, gathering data, potential blockchain for biometrics Seymour details the biometric sensor kit for clothing, essentially a digital YKK, connecting to piece of electronics can be clipped into garment, automatically connected it to the SUPA app, with different applications on platform, integrating sensor like a trim or zipper into the garment. Correlating and aggregating data, evaluating levels of hydration for example, resulting in much data being gathered, every garment has a unique ID and can be traced, do not give the data away, but can make a transaction that can give deals in return for data sharing. No methods of data encryption, possible block chain for biometrics? A platform, garments as an IoT device, and SUPApowers A way to look at the tech as an accessory instead of electronics, how it changes consumer view, like a personal Tamagotchi. How a consumer only needs one device. Being SUPApowered, how SUPA is a platform, wanting to integrate any hardware there is if it has functionality that the brand wants to give consumers to use. Garments will be another IoT device. Amazing for healthcare and energy, thanks to heat monitoring on bodies. The pilot, protoytype for SUPA, great feedback from brands, testing the product, building “SUPApowers”, integrating sensors into some garments, and washability.Manufacturing in Europe vs. US, creating experiences, and snowboarding How Seymour built her first biometric sensor system for snowboarding in 2000. US Manufacturing, research in Europe vs. US, the importance of creating experiences in sports, lifestyle, health, making a difference in the environment via work with brands, fun and conscious, the need to have users to build data. And a maternity kit. The value prop that brands get tech, experiences, platform, and more. Personal questions with a round of Remnants cover flying, loving veggies, snowboarding, and the SUPA Squad.

Innovative, advanced, and sustainable materials library… Andrew Dent, Executive Vice President, Research for Material ConneXion (the world’s largest library of innovative, advanced, and sustainable materials – (profile)) – joins Stephanie Benedetto, Samanta Cortes, and Rob Sanchez at the MouthMedia Network Studios powered by Sennheiser.Materials across industries, the magic of physical samples, and four tenents Dent describes how Material ConneXion show clients who make anything them how to make better products ranging from beds, to clothing, flooring, appliances, vehicles, furniture, exploring new and interesting materials, providing both digital and in-person searches, but how there is no substitution for physical samples. The way it sparks innovation and inspiration, the ability to touch and feel materials across various markets. Four tenents for innovation to get into the library, artificial spider silk, and making fabrics out of milk. Spider silk, composites, and sustainability How Adidas came out with product with synthetic spider silk that was completely biodegradable in a few hours with a special enzyme, how North Face created a Moon Parka and Bolt Threads has a tie from spider silk, and what makes sustainable product work when needed and disappear when not. How products from natural resources can break down, and making sure a product at the end of life is timed for being at end of usefulness. Where Material ConneXion is going in the future, how the composites world is changing quietly and seeing more automation that allows use in more applications, seeing shifts and cycles, how many foods make good plastics, dealing with abundance of foods and oversupply into sustainability arguments, and making sure that doesn’t take away from natural resources.Creating new products, printed and embedded electronics, and Milan The way women apply cosmetics in South Korea is different, how every material has a solution, a case that had difficulty but had an exciting solution, new ways of designing and doing things by new ways of looking at materials, even transforming products into new things such as embedded robotics and digital circuitry, printed electronics, and challenges that they bring, and considerations of the after life of products and materials. And a round of Remnants personal questions covers great grounding in the physical world, loving and being taken up by Milan, the Milan Furniture Fair, new experiences, an unlimited palette, when artists and scientists get together, and hope.

Sustainable manufacturing of fine count yarns with Buhler Quality Yarns… David Sasso, VP of International Sales for Buhler Quality Yarns (manufacturer and supplier of fine-count yarns, with over 200 years of experience producing yarns, and dedicated to the highest standards, unparalleled service and sustainable manufacturing – (bio)) joins Samanta Cortes, Stephanie Benedetto, and Rob Sanchez on location at TexWorld USA in New York.Centuries of experience, a partnership, and quality over price Sasso discusses Supima, a premiere spinner for micromodal and tencel products from wood fibers, how the industry lost focus, what cellulose means to comfort and breathability, how the Buhler name goes back over 200 years, a premiere spinner of premium fibers in Europe, was core product and yarn, and having been in high demand for luxury products on global basis. A partnership putting together strategies going forward, global vs. regional strategies, market changes, how Buhler knows about manufacturing of yarns, fabrics and apparel, and looking at the whole supply chain and fine tune it to be competitive. Quality is important and education as well, not problems when not maximizing consumer experience.Educating partners, technical qualities, and sustainability How if one saves pennies it can sacrifice dollars when the customer is not happy. Educating partners to know how a supply chain can be put together to meet price points and manufacturing goals. And speed vs. price point vs. communication vs. transportation. Breathability requires cellular features, the difference in naturally occurring vs. synthetics fibers, how everyone wants to jump to design stage without considering technical qualities of fibers, from structure to shape, and implications on performance, absorption, and having lost that knowhow. While value is the game changer, what sustainability means to Buhler, the worst sustainable product is one that doesn’t last, and didn’t accomplish much at a consumer level.   Fiber properties must be there or a fabric will be inferior. If a fiber is weak it must be blended with a stronger fiber for example. Marketing, military innovations, and Panama The marketing strategy going forward because of marriage with Samil Spinning Co. Is regeneration of fibers in the future for Buhler? So many things happening in the US market from temperature sensing, resisting moisture, and more. Military innovations at university levels, asking industry to look at it, the need to consolidate, and the need for less manufacturing. Personal questions with a round of Remnants covers dinner with politicians who influence the world and distribute wealth, steak, being driven by family, and coming from Panama into pursuing the American dream.

Strategy and brand development for retail and emerging designers… Mercedes Gonzalez, Director of Global Purchasing Companies (a fashion strategy and brand development agency, planning and implementing strategies for retailers and emerging designers – (bio)) joins Samanta Cortes, Stephanie Benedetto, and Rob Sanchez on location at TexWorld USA in New York.Becoming a negotiator, matching American retail sensibilities, and buyers vs. accountants Gonzalez reveals her work as a buyer, with a forte in international business, moments of opportunity, how selling old ladies polyester dresses is not glamorous, and why that led her to being a buyer in pursuit of glamour and ending up working with knit tops up to $10. How Gonzalez developed a reputation as a good negotiator, how speaking Spanish led to advancement, her current 19 years-old company, the impact of matching international stores with the sensibilities of American stores, discoveries of a mall developer in Siberia, how advising emerging designers helped raise sales but in 2009 when online sales started were soaring, the importance of timing for opportunity, why Gonzalez has been called the dream crusher (vs. nightmare avoider), and how buyers are not buyers but instead accountants. The avocado effect, arguing sustainability, and shifting consciousness The Avocado Effect (paying because you want it because of a good story or great feature), and a debate about the word “sustainable”. Do sustainability, ethical, fair trade, etc. make a product more valuable if the brand or designer don’t understand it? Why a minimal standard should revolve around basic human needs. Being the best in any product category. Shifting consciousness from checking a box to making a difference, and whose job is that? How if people want to abuse the system, they will.Fair cost vs. price, Cuba, and global privilege Pursuing a fair relationship between cost and retail price, chasing the big picture, and the ideas of global standardization vs. one factory at a time. And personal questions in a round of Remnants cover how communism works in Cuba, no orphanages in Cuba, being an Island girl, being bossy, talking a lot and not sharing. Plus, global privilege of communication offers a huge opportunity for brands and retailers.

Digital textile printing solutions with Kornit… Tim Hallett, Director of Marketing, North America, Kornit Digital (digital textile printing solutions) joins Samanta Cortes, Stephanie Benedetto, and Rob Sanchez on location at TexWorld USA in New York.Humidification, wet-on-wet, and a point-and-click world Hallett discussed Kornit’s digital printers, and how they manufacture their own ink, being a full solution to clients and their clients. One thing that is different is a humidification process. Inks all water based, doesn’t require pretreating before printing. Patented wet-on-wet process, trying to modify the supply chain, which is currently significantly extended. Just take a picture and upload it, put in system, and it is on a shirt in minutes. Ripping software will be dependent on customer workflow. Light commercial to mass customization, and a roll-to roll-solution which can go straight to a cutting machine, satisfying today’s point and click world.The value proposition, impacting supply chain, and connecting with community Synthetics are different, with dyes at lower temperatures. Kornit is manufacturing and selling printers and inks, eco-friendly ink system, with value proposition as a time-saver, energy saver, labor saver, significantly impacts supply chain, can take design and test it immediately, and satisfy smaller runs. Moved from design then sell to designing what you’ve already sold. Degree of colorfast on leather, and Kornit’s significant R and D. Taking dye out, replacing color, the hand feel after the process and discharge which takes out the dye from the area you want colored. Connecting with the community at TexWorld, educating clients based on technology Kornit is offering, and helping the client make money.The Chicago Cubs, size matters, and telling the right story Customization will be spread across a variety of industries, with examples the like when the Chicago Cubs won the World Series the shirts were not pre-made, companies can react to something more cost effectively, with the ability to react in “real time”. How long it takes for an image to lay right depends in part on size of an image, plus a look at how small, how large printer can handle. Remodeling, how Hallett’s military experience impacts doing things 100%, educating people in the business world, and learning how to tell a story at the right time to the right people to fight for something.

Nylon 6.6 fibers and thermoplastics with Nilit… Judy Russell, Global Marketing Strategist for Nilit (a privately owned, international manufacturer of nylon 6.6 fibers and thermoplastics headquartered in Migdal HaEmek, Israel – (bio)) joins Samanta Cortes, Stephanie Benedetto, and Rob Sanchez on location at TexWorld USA in New York.Responding to the marketplace, sustainability, and athleisure Russell shares how she started career at DuPont company (which invented nylon, the original synthetic silk) in the IT department, materials started as an interest and became a career. The consumer is driving what is happening in the industry, responding to the marketplace vs. trying to change it, looking at sustainability not just in product but in terms of waste, packaging, shipping, marketing, materials, recycled fiber, more responsible use of ingredients, and is part of the core mission and social and environmental responsibility. How athleisure is creeping into wardrobes, the goal of helping to make life better, and the trend of investing in a core wardrobe that will do more. Getting awareness of products to consumers . Marketing downstream, fibers as brands, and proprietary yarn The change in malls and physical stores, why Nilit is finding opportunity, and marketing downstream. Being able to see origins of materials works as a marketing strategy, people want to know what they are putting on their bodies just like what they put in their bodies. Do fibers have to become brands in their own right? Bridging look and feel, an absence on line, getting started in “sense-based” brand. Proprietary level is inherent in the yarn, and the Nilit nylon is primarily filament, seeing aesthetics and style play a bigger role, like in electronics, and a focus on the right brain and left brain coming together.Strategizing regionally, Barbie dolls, and Beethoven A global message, an inability to compartmentalize any strategy regionally, Nilit’s breeze and cooling effect, and consideration of how to be balancing local attention and consideration of marketing of culture and style trends. Personal questions in a round of Remnants cover a cradle of world history, practicing French, creating clothing for Barbie dolls, Beethoven, and a house full of music.

Allergen and Irritant Standards And Certifications for materials and textiles… Dr. John McKeon, Cofounder/CEO of Allergy Standards Ltd. (a physician-led global certification company that prepares independent standards for testing a wide range of products to determine their suitability for asthmatics and individuals with associated allergies – (bio)), joins Stephanie Benedetto and Samanta Cortes on location at TexWorld USA 2017 in New York.The evaluation process, from the ER to TexWorld, and avoiding triggers McKeon discusses his background as an ER Doctor, how the types of textiles used, floor coverings, devices and more can impact the quality of health care, attention to irritants in textiles and materials such as formaldehyde, avoiding allergens and asthma by creating a certification system, and tying to specific conditions people have. The evaluation process including considering physical performance criteria, chemical performance criteria, looking for harsh chemicals, the physical attributes of comfort physiology, and allergen testing. The journey from orthopedic surgeon and ER doctor to attending a textile sourcing conference, a focus on entrepreneurship and innovation, and being able to create jobs and wealth in society with a focus in patient education and environmental control. How moving from command and control to managing and maintaining wellness and avoiding triggers can be reduction on medicine and ER visits. The Whole of House approach, collaboration, and the next evolution of product choice Running certification as a product testing process, going across industries, and how there must be a “whole of house” approach. How indoor air can be more polluted than outdoor air. The physician led team, the importance of actionable insights, and a joint collaborative venture with the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. The app works with bar code of certified products and get info on why the product is certified and what it means to you, and other educational info, affiliation with product lines for Martha Stewart and Ralph Lauren, tackling broader sustainability issues like manufacturing at the source, decision hierarchy in choosing certain products, how the next evolution crosses over with health, inflammation and indoor air quality, and next generation healthy fabrics. The importance of early ambassadors, the democratization of information and why the power isn’t only with doctor.Creating public expectation, team and innovation, and an Alcatraz swim How to get these standards in public consciousness and expectation, education from brands, and high search rankings. Personal questions with Remnants cover how McKeon depends on his team, teaching innovation, being an entrepreneur at heart, triathlons, rugby in Ireland, and open water swimming from Alcatraz.   #forahealthierhome

Reducing waste through creativity… Bunny Yan, Materials Upcycling Specialist and Founder of the Squirrelz (an app allowing designers and marketers to tap into the designer community and benefit from the unused materials they’ve left over – (bio)) joins hosts Stephanie Benedetto and Samanta Cortes at the MouthMedia Network Studios.From Shanghai to New Jersey, 25 million tons of waste daily, and success stories Yan shares why her name is Bunny, why the company’s name is the Squirrelz, her background as born in Shanghai and raised in NJ, art, drawing, design, FIT, and being in fashion/marketing for 18 years working for urban wear companies, and designing for Busta Rhymes. Reducing waste through creativity, working with brands and turning their materials or marketing waste into products or providing them to others who can, such as trimmings, buttons, extra material waste etc. The first shared economy and free marketplace of its kind, and why Yan wants it to be free right now. How landfills receive 25 million tons/day of wasted materials. How it could be another resell platform. The process of downloading the app, browsing through, finding material you like, and then you match it to a place and then pick up the material. No money need, just sign in via social platform, promoting hyper local community-building in NYC, with an aim to be global. Stories of success such as someone claiming a recorder for their autistic daughter, and a design student who became a sewing teacher for another designer’s daughter, creating a job. What’s in a name, monetizing, and re-purposing material Why the name The Squirrelz — because they gather, and in contaminated areas you don’t see squirrels. Why they thought about changing their name and then didn’t. Why brands put so much material in landfills or burn them, remaking things into something else in current form, inspiring creativity, samples, and lab dips. How they monetize, with programs and partnerships with bigger brands, such as Tom’s Shoes providing defective shoes they previously had to burn, working with schoolchildren to paint on the shoes. No logistic, no storage, get marketing piece, and a tax write off. Banners and window clings after ad campaigns are always discarded, created line of bags with them. Discovering a what particular material does (i.e. fold, wrinkle burn, make a sound) and what can you make of those qualities and turn into something else that shares those characteristics in a better way.Outsourcing sustainability, moving the 1%, and saved by a monk How a mistake can become a success, working on what part of waste to get rid of first in a way you can benefit customers and continue to work within companies, outsourcing the sustainability department. The extraordinarily massive waste each year, playing connector to facilitate brands with designers, realizing talent and providing jobs while solving problems for brands. Upcycling as a part of bringing manufacturing back to the US, its ability to be an entire new industry, how it can allow more areas to access more desirable materials, and the opportunity for retails stores to upsell. And the goal to move 1% of material waste from landfills. Being saved by a monk when clapping bring terrifying cats in Japan, resisting a math scholarship for art leads to fashion education tips, and why ability doesn’t equate to destiny.

Surface design and embellishments in scarves and loose apparel… Elizabeth Gillett, Founder/Creative Director of Elizabeth Gillett (luxury, contemporary scarves & cover-ups for women, designed exclusively in NYC – bio), joins hosts Stephanie Benedetto and Samanta Cortes at the MouthMedia Network Studios.A lost scarf starts a business, limited runs, and infinite possibilities Gillett discusses her success in spite of no background in fashion or business, being and expert in surface design and embellishments, how she started the company, the desire for an oversize, tactile, soft, comfortable scarf, how she got her first orders and fulfilled them, and transitioning her business one scarf at a time. Stephanie and Samanta receive gifts of personally selected limited run scarves, and how craftsmen allow Gillett to do small run artwork in the form of scarves. Soft accessories allow anyone to easily to bring something for someone. From an idea in Gillett’s mind to being worn by someone. Transitioning from hand application to printers and mills. How as a fine artist the toolbox is infinite, how textiles offer a 2D plane to explore possibilities because the material changes the design when it is applied. Knitting required help working side by side. Producing in India, transitioning the business, and producing-to-order Why India became an inspiring resource, low minimums, the process from concept to manufacturing, how weather changes in India affect design choices, how Gillett thinks in the finished project, and the value of seeing the manufacturing in India in person. The best go-to colors and techniques, woven MicroModal, and a delicious and surprising snack. Moving her studio from her bathtub to The Garment Center then to China then to India, why she stayed in India, the cost of transitioning a business, what happens to unused designs, producing-to-order for efficiency and being waste-free, the boutique part of business as a testing ground, and issues with grey goods and stability and dependability.Speed to market, inviting naked people, and the fuel of inspiration The see now/buy now impact on business in shrinking of timeline, and retailers taking longer risk by waiting longer and purchasing items with shorter turnaround, speed-to-market and supply chain shifts, the most difficult parts of the business, why numbers matter, and keeping it simple. Personal questions with “Remnants” cover inspiration, sharing with others, bracelet sales lead to candy, entrepreneurialism leads to social interactions, the draw of New York City, inviting naked people to a party, the fuel of inspiration, and a survival anniversary.  

Material technology, sustainability, and 3D knitting… Caroline Cockerham, a technology and sustainability focused textile designer/developer with a special interest in 3D knitting – (bio), joins hosts Stephanie Benedetto and Samanta Cortes at the MouthMedia Network Studios.A family-inspired love of materials, mill vs. brand development, and proving materials before design Cockerham discusses her focus on apparel, textiles, technology, sustainability, and materials development, her background with a family that picked cotton and a great grandfather who was a dyemaster, and how she was always in love with textiles even as a kid. Falling in love with mills, rapid prototyping, material development in a mill vs. a brand, the importance of companies making sure employees understand holistically how things are made, why material development should start before design, tested and proven before being put in a product, and athletic companies leading the way on this. Sustainability, 3D knitting, and the sweater you can run in Opening the door to sustainability in future, and the importance of the 3D knitting machine. APEX CADD system simulates garments to avoid errors and waste and time and money and materials, an amazing technical product of wool open knit zig zag structure with a shell, the sweater you can wear to dinner or for a run, needs to make sense as a business perspective for sustainability, and how it can be profitable.Paying attention, cool fibers, and risk Personal questions with Remnants telling ancestors what to do differently, the need to pay attention how things are made, and very cool fibers, and the need for risk.References: SHIMA SEIKI machines  

Entrepreneurialism and making a difference… Producer’s note: Recently our producing team sat down for an interview that was so intriguing and informative, we thought it would be valuable to entrepreneurs  in any industry. Thus, we are sharing it with you here. Eli Ostreicher, serial entrepreneur, motivational speaker and Founder/CEO to eleven travel and luxury companies (2x INC 500 #1 in Travel) including Regal Wings, Regal Jets, Regal Card, Regal Solutions, GeeFi, One Bag Tag, GTTFP, Regal Engraving (bio) joins “Travel Is Your Business” hosts Pavan Bahl, John Matson and Marc Raco for Part 1 of a raw and candid interview — along with some sushi – about travel, entrepreneurialism, being successful “in spite of”, and “saying no to political correctness” at the MouthMedia Network studios.A rags to riches journey to success at 33, One Bag Tag and Regal Engraving, and an uncle rescued Ostreicher brings sushi, reveals why he went into the travel industry, his rags to riches journey that came from a lot of pain, being successful in against all odds, how focusing in one industry led to success and being narrow and deep, why Monday is the best day, and heading in direction of luxury instead of travel. The revolutionary idea of the One Bag Tag to eliminate all paper luggage tags. LVMH as a client, Regal Engraving as the newest company and the plan for 55 luxury engraving kiosks with master engravers in malls worldwide, largely by referral by other retailers, two years of talks with Visa, targeting the 1%, the Regal Collection of companies, Regal Wings (first company) and Regal Jets, and the rescue of his uncle Jacob Ostreicher. Eccentricity vs. capability, Vaynerchuk vs. Ostreicher, and the unique nature of entrepreneurs How Ostreicher appears eccentric, but people end up respecting him for his business savvy and the relationships become meaningful. Ostreicher vs. Gary Vaynerchuk, a possible reality show in development, Donald Trump, Steve Jobs, Nelson Mandela, Ostreicher is good at accents, videos putting out #GTTFP, the unique nature of true entrepreneurs, an interest in becoming more of a speaker with the goal of giving back and sharing knowledge, and a challenge for a speech.Systemization, building the right way, and the role of a CEO Building a company, walking away and having someone else operate it, how to identify the moments and opportunities, identify them, build, and know when to walk away to the next project, how day to day the companies still requires his focus and attention, and why systemization is critical. Hiring the right people, how Ostreicher can have 11 companies he cradles until the right moment but never really lets go, being like a firefighter to put out fires, cleaning things up. The collection of events in his life that shaped him, balancing market opportunities vs. a crossover in various companies. And the value of data and analytics to fine tune the marketing and messaging and efficiency of a company. Andy Morris See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Smart textiles and wearable tech with Interwoven Design Group… Rebeccah Pailes-Friedman, Founder of Interwoven Design Group, LLC and Adjunct Associate Professor at Pratt (bio), joins hosts Stephanie Benedetto and Samanta Cortes at the MouthMedia Network Studios.Loving fabric, a tool for athletics, and what a wearable can be Pailes-Friedman discusses specializing in wearable tech and smart textiles, how she loves fabric and worked for years with athletes for their clothing, looking at clothing as a tool for athletics. How she started working in smart textiles beyond clothing to objects that measure biometrics, wrote “Smart Textiles for Designers”, and is looking at what a wearable can and should be, with a focus on making life better.A glove, a TV show, and Mars A weightlifting glove, a stint on reality TV with “America’s Greatest Makers”, a prediction that we won’t always be carrying a phone in hand, working on getting people to Mars, working on spacesuits, and the critical nature of collaboration.Students and professors, trust, and a superpower Personal questions with “Remnants” reveal meaningful moments with students, trust between professors and students, and a superpower.  

Trims and embellishments with Trimworld… Louis Nunez, Owner of Trimworld, Inc. (a full service fashion embellishment-manufacturing studio located in the heart of New York City Garment industry – (bio)) joins hosts Stephanie Benedetto and Samanta Cortes at the MouthMedia Network Studios.Madonna, baseball, and FIT Nunez discusses how Trimwold work with almost every major designer on trims and embellishments, including Madonna, and has been working almost every type of material, and his favorite is leather. Laser cutting, fringes, a background in professional baseball, learning at FIT, opening up a shop at 29 years old, and how the experience has been wonderful ever since. How the shop set up as a studio and 3,000 feet of factory space, and being in the process of making Olympic Patches. Theatre, 3D printing molds, and restaurants Working around trims and embellishment rules, working with theatre companies and how prepared they are, how innovation of machines and technology has affected the industry, how 3D printing has helped reduce cost of molds, the influx of sustainable materials over last 8-9 years, and Nunez’s restaurants.Fashionable mother, cooking, and committing 100% The personal questions in a segment of “Remnants” covers Nunez’s mother as a fashion forward woman, why a lack of cooking ability led to opening restaurants, and committing 100% to what you love. Mambo Tea House

Materials in architectural models with Kennedy Fabrications… Michael Kennedy, Owner/Creative/Engineering Director of Kennedy Fabrications (Interactive real estate development displays, retail / museum installations and architectural model fabrication – (bio)), joins hosts Stephanie Benedetto and Samanta Cortes at the MouthMedia Network Studios.The impact of 3D printing, machines to cut and shape, and model-making as a career Kennedy discusses his architectural model shop making high-end residential architectural models around the world for more than 25 years. How he had one of the first 3D printers, dealing with the change in architecture shapes, how 3D printing is very useful, the changes in material technology and changing polymers, and looking at a blueprint sand instantly knowing how to build a model. The complexity of using machines to cut and shape, why there aren’t a lot of people who start companies in the model-making industry, how people just want something interesting and awesome, and model-makers need years of training and what matters is an artistic eye in the end.Lights vs. data, working with the best architects, and function vs. form The collaborative ways technology can be used to light a unit while creating tracking data, changes in LED technology, the number of projects Kennedy can work on at the same time, working with some of the best architects in the world and the rigorous process to get engineering material structure, looking beyond structure, and how function precedes form.Vacuum-forming, Dubai is Disneyland, and sticking to your guns How models affect the process of choosing or changing materials, a vacuum-form machine forms polymers into a custom form and softens edges. Traveling with his son, why Dubai was like Disneyland, who sees his job as one normal people had, trips to many countries, creating comfort with traveling, new buildings coming up, great architecture, avoiding isolation from creative people, and listening to other people but sticking to your guns.

Computerized grading and marking of materials… Paul Cavazza, Owner of Create-A-Marker (a computerized grading and marking company serving a range of industries – (bio)) joins hosts Stephanie Benedetto and Samanta Cortes at the MouthMedia Network Studios.Grading and Marking, three generations of factories, and efficiency goals Cavazza discusses how many industries bring a pattern in, Create-a-Marker digitizes the pattern, and provides a cuttable fabric width of the item, and how the designer or company must provide all the information about the fabric and pattern. He talks about grading the pattern, proportioning it into different sizes, how designers commonly design things that cannot be done, how his company likely has the most software systems for marking of anyone in the US, giving the most compatibility with users’ softwares and also overseas, so the company doesn’t have to turn down business. He looks back at three generations of factories, being in factories his whole life, cutting fabrics since he was 13 years old, and how the industry doesn’t like to change things. In 1993 decided to open of Create a Marker to create a computerized grading and marking service. How they shoot for an 80-85% efficiency marker, and if the manufacturer estimates a certain about of fabric the efficiency must be right or you can ruin a manufacturer. If you come down on estimated yardage, the manufacturer needs to know. Manufacturing in NY, 3D fitting and pattern-making, and maximizing accuracy Co-founding the Save the Garment Center, bringing back manufacturing in NY, and a strong push back for Made in NY. Pattern-making coming back to NY which means grading coming back to NY. 3D pattern-making and 3D fitting will be coming in next few months, how Cavazza is excited, one of the largest costs is making samples, fit models, and needing even more samples to get it right. A 3D avatar can show how a garment and pattern looks and put it in action and see how it looks in movement, and a designer can look at it on 3D to see if they really like how that garment or fabric looks and make adjustments, streamlining designs and focusing on the garment. Once fitted on avatar you can cut to 99% accuracy, minimizing waste in process and reducing cost.Multiple industries, a goal for the future, and the best pizza in NY Other industries, medical, (i.e. crutches) automotive (i.e., car seats, steering wheels), a nine feet tall teddy bear, sails, and parachutes. What creates complexity, size and special placements within specific design of fabric. Upholstery and furniture businesses, very global, and stuffed animals. Best practices and tools for students, teaching at FIT because he is seeing more and more people coming into the industry that never took fashion design, how there is amazing technology out there, such as sewing machines with laptops in Germany. Cavazza’s four companies including a paper company and a converting operation for converting paper, and how Create-A-Marker could open a computerized cutting room as a goal, building a state of the art factory that would blow minds, with nothing in NYC, and Europe currently having an edge. What happens after you cut the marker, the Amalfi Coast, not sleeping in Italy, the most surprising best pizza in NYC, bridal marking, going after technology and changing business, and not resisting change.

3D Printing and Design Innovation for Clothing and Wearables with Sylvia Heisel… Sylvia Heisel, Fashion Designer, 3D Printing and Design Innovation for Clothing and Wearables (bio), and Creative Director of Heisel, joins Samanta Cortes and Stephanie Benedetto at MouthMedia Network’s studio at VoyagerHQ.Applying 3D printing to fashion, sustainability and compostable possibilities, sugar-based polyester, and 3D printed jewelry Heisel reviews how she got her start, but was doing same thing over and over, stopped being creative, and concerned about sustainability issues. How she got into 3D printing and applied it to fashion, how 3D printing wasn’t really a new technology, the first thing she made was customized iPhone cases, and how innovations allowing fast growth are close to mass production of 3D printed clothing. Cool new compostable fabrics, made of sugar and other materials, making the fast fashion trend not harming the planet. How the speed of 3D printing is improving. The first mass market example is the Adidas 3D printed shoe with carbon, economically feasible but not ecologically ideal. 3D printing has been for the development stage. So much material and technical expertise is required for practical application of 3D printing of fashion that were never considerations before. 3D printing offers an opportunity to get jewelry molding right, and the opportunity to re-purpose/recycle discarded materials into 3D printing filament. The famous coat, the need for education in 3D printing, and starting with materials and process The 3D printed famous coat and the process ideation to production, printing in pieces instead of cutting, them, and joining together, with truly zero waste, not even seam allowances. Intriguing new processes, and a machine that Heisel’s team  built by hacking another CNC machine and turning it into a 3D printer. The need for education, how industrial design and arhcitecture students, but not fashion students, are taught in general about 3D printing. Not everyone will be designers, and many will go into manufacturing, so teaching 3D is important. Good design comes from good manufacturing, but fashion starts with design.Flying, shape-shifting, and making stuff Remnants, create a fabric for flying and shape-shifting, how the future holds new stuff, and why we just have to make stuff.  

Performance-based natural, cotton fibers via material science and process technology with Dropel… Sim Gulati, CoFounder and CEO of Dropel Fabrics, which makes clothing life-proof by developing performance-based natural, cotton fibers through material science and process technology – (bio), joins Samanta Cortes and Stephanie Benedetto at MouthMedia Network’s studio at VoyagerHQ.Bridging science and fashion, functionalizing clothing, and retail applications Gulati shares the genesis of Dropel, and how Gulati’s background and family’s work was a crucial ingredient, seeing innovation in fabrics but little in natural fabrics. How the goal is to bridge material science and fashion such as stain and oil repellency, wrinkle free, antimicrobial, and use these properties previously reserved for synthetics and apply them to natural fabrics. How in 10 years all clothing can be functionalized even at a nano-fiber level, and the road to that is via advanced fiber modification. Taking scientists with experience with application of fibers along with people who are supply chain experts, and taking materials science breakthroughs and applying them into the retail environment. Specific retail applications and campaigns, socializing the idea of innovative textiles in the market, and positioning Dropel as a materials science innovation arm for retailers — such as a hydrophobic cotton that both resists on the outside and picks up moisture on the inside. Licensing and royalties, a sustainability mission, and bringing innovation to the US Every Dropel fabric has unique chemistry and process, which impacts licensing and royalties, etc. The evolution of the ethos and branding of Dropel, and further developing out the sustainability mission. Fashion for Good, and PFC-free “recipes”. A change of name, looking ahead at development in the US for R and D and production, how Dropel looking at advancing fiber and nanotechnologies and a lab in Brooklyn in development, what it will take for manufacturing to come back to the US, the opportunities to further develop innovation in materials to expand garment and fashion industry, the performance of Dropel fabrics, allowing customers to think about fabrics in ways they never have before, and how that has driven business strategy.Imaging fabrics, hypnotizing machines, and the future is close Personal Questions in “Remnants” covers duplicating Gulati, the dream of fabric that grows and shrinks, how the future is closer than we think, and embroidery machine hypnotism. Dropel on Fashion Is Your Business Episode 34 Mister French Cradle to Cradle  

Man-made cellulose fibers with Lenzing Fibers… Tricia Carey, Director of Global Business Development for Lenzing Fibers, a company manufacturing and marketing man-made cellulose fibers (bio), joins Stephanie Benedetto, Samanta Cortes and guest host Marc Raco on location at TexWorld USA 2017.TexWorld, measuring softness, and blending Carey discusses Lenzing’s man-made cellulosic fiber, all from wood pulp from trees, which are ingredients of manufacturers and retailers around the world. She shares how being at shows like TexWorld allows convening, getting together with industries, yarn spinners and fabric mills, exchanging info, and how nothing takes the place of face to face meetings. The Lenzing Innovation Center, highlighting a new fabric concept TENCEL blended with wool for premium fabrics for high-end fashion. A focus on softness, with a measurement of softness demonstration between two fabrics, how everyone is looking to call out the value a garment has and being able to quantify claims, how there is great compatibility to blend with other fibers, blending as a huge trend, creating a unique mix that adds performance, strength or softness to garment. Range of product use, closed loop, and Made in USA End products, how Lenzing makes 1 million tons of fiber, is a $2 billion company, making baby wipes, facial masks, top of bed sheets, towels, socks, denim, active wear, and industrial applications. The importance and advantages of a closed loop circular system, using wood pulp from trees, adding a solvent, extruding via spinnerets, creating Tencel, and how many brands require it. A closed loop can reuse the solvent at 99.4-99.6 %, sustainability, economic benefit, a win-win story, environmentally responsible, how Lenzing has always manufactured with environment in mind, the importance of Made in USA, the manufacturing facility in Mobile, AL. How planning a $295 Million expansion there is a sign from an Austrian company to commitment to manufacture in the US.History, international innovation, and a travel story that keeps giving The history of Lenzing, how Tricia came to be in her position, where she started, graduating FIT, a domestic heat transfer company, then fabric buying at a women’s sports apparel company, and extensive travel. International implications in innovation, including knit applications out of Korea, and with denim a lot happening out of Turkey and Pakistan are both innovative. Garment production in Central America, and more on Made in America keeping up with innovation within the US. Accessibility for designers, Carved in Blue for explaining what can be done with denim, and a fabric certification program to be eligible for hangtags. How Lenzing doesn’t just make fiber, do a lot more. Favorite cities, Barcelona, Munich, NYC, Shanghai. Weird travel experiences, crawling out the window, and Fitbit as a must-have.