Episodes:

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

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

In the final episode of the 3rd season, hosts CEO of Stars Design Group, Bret Schnitker, and CSO, Emily Lane discuss the fashion industry's future, focusing on the trends and innovations expected in 2024 and beyond.

WRAP (Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production) is an independent certification program that promotes safe and ethical manufacturing conditions. They conduct audits and provide certifications to factories around the world.

Hosts Bret Schnitker and Emily Lane discuss fabric care and the importance of following care instructions. The conversation explores the default decision on fabric care, the general rules of thumb for different fabrics, and new technologies that enhance the performance of fabrics.

"Underbuy or Overbuy, you never buy the right amount" is a saying Stars Design Group CEO Bret Schnitker uses when talking about maximizing profitability in fashion buying.

Garment dyes and finishes can be applied to garments to enhance their look and feel. CEO of Stars Design Group, Bret Schnitker, and CSO Emily Lane discuss the topic of fabric dyeing in this episode of Clothing Coulture. They explore different types of dyestuffs and how they are used for various fabrics. They also touch on the challenges of dyeing, such as water and energy usage, and the environmental impact of dyeing processes.

In this episode of Clothing Coulture, host Emily Lane and Bret Schnitker explore the evolution of uniforms - from solely being a means of identifying employees, to being more fashionable and stylish.

No one likes wrinkled clothing, except for linen, which is in a category of its own. When it comes to apparel manufacturing there are many ways to reduce or eliminate wrinkles in clothing.

Successful apparel manufacturing is all about creating efficiencies. This applies to every aspect of the production process, including designing, planning, sourcing, and manufacturing.

A lot is changing with apparel manufacturing in India. Stars Design Group CEO, Bret Schnitker and Chief Strategy Officer, Emily Lane, recently visited the country to visit our two offices and meet with our factory partners.

There are many factors that impact apparel manufacturing, from proximity and type of raw materials to factory size and the skill level of the work force. In this episode, Bret Schnitker discusses MOQ’s by apparel type for the world’s top manufacturing countries.

Everyone has been feeling the impact of inflation for more than a year. Consumers are dealing with rising costs, while businesses and industries navigate rising wages and raw material costs.

Manufacturing in China seems to be on everyone's mind these days. Increasing political tensions, the U.S. ban on cotton from the Xinjiang region, COVID restrictions and previous delays with shipping are all causing concern.

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

Little decisions throughout the development of a garment can have a big impact on the quality of the end product, without significantly impacting the cost.

As consumers become more dependent on phones and devices, the shift to online shopping is increasing, causing challenges for apparel retailers. But there are new technologies that can help improve the situation, by adding transparency and understanding to the process.

A thoughtful and insightful conversation with Gabi Asfour, Founder and Creative Director of threeASFOUR and faculty member for the MFA programs at Parson’s School of Design and FIT.

Using apparel is an inexpensive way to build brand awareness. With a $7 t-shirt the cost per impression breaks down to 2/10 of one cent.

Technology, transparency and sustainability are driving changes across all areas of the fashion industry.

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

Shifts in purchasing, consumer behavior, logistics and technology are all causing major changes in retail. With the convergence of so many elements, it’s hard for retailers to identify the trends with staying power.

The heart is at the center of Ukrainian designer, Ivan Frolov’s work, from the heart shaped cutout and details to the human heart logo placed on each design symbolizing it is a living breathing work.

In October 2021, the first Kyiv Art & Fashion Days was held in Ukraine.

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

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

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

The fashion industry and technology have never been as interrelated as they are right now.

Designers graduate with dreams of becoming the next multi-million-dollar brand; most won’t make it, but not because of a lack of talent. Stefan Siegel is changing that.

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

In this episode Stars Design Group, CEO Bret Schnitker and Chief Strategy Officer Emily Lane discuss how data privacy is impacting eCommerce with XGen.Ai Founder & CEO, Frank Faricy.

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

Performance clothing requires attention to every detail, because it not only has to look good, it has to function to meet the needs of the activity.

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

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

Fashion trends come and go, but industry trends have staying power.

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

Apparel buyers have the tough task of being brand stewards, ensuring products meet the customers expectations, while also preserving the bottom line to maintain profit margins.

Record rates of inflation are catching up to the apparel industry. Increased cost of goods, inflated shipping costs and increased labor costs are just a few of the contributing factors.

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

Influencer marketing is a multi-billion-dollar industry. As influencers build their social media brands, they start to realize the benefit of having their own physical brand.

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

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

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

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

Caroline Vazzana is referred to as the modern-day Carrie Bradshaw. She is a fashion editor, stylist and author who is known for pairing bold colors and prints.

Ruta Zake (@rutaenroute) is known for her sporty chic style and love of blazers, jackets and coats. She believes outerwear is the perfect way to elevate a basic outfit.

In this episode of Clothing Coulture, hosts Bret Schnitker and Emily Lane discuss Fashion’s Digital Future with Alvanon CEO Janice Wang and MOTIF CEO Cathy Cole.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In this episode of Clothing Coulture, host Bret Schnitker and Emily Lane discuss the difference between a brand-driven economy vs. a consumer-driven economy.

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

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

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

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

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

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

In this episode, Bret and Emily discuss the damaging effects a rise of nationalism can have on U.S. brands, the benefits of a free trade agreement, and the important role other nations play in creating a global economy.

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

In this episode, Stars Design Group CSO Emily Lane dives into the beauty of how brands and companies can stay relevant and break through the noise by embracing the fundamentals of marketing.

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

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

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

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

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