Brazil is more than just football! Interesting fashion can be found in every corner of the globe and Brazil is no exception. Compared with China, Brazil has had far less attention from global brands. But that’s changing. As I’m typing away on my flight from Rio de Janeiro to Sao Paulo and reflect on my trip so far, it becomes more and more apparent that the fashion industry here is set to explode in more ways than one. It is primed to be both impacted by global forces as well as make an impact on the world stage with more than just …
Competing in the New Normal
The struggle between retail titans and industry disruptors is in the news more and more often. We are all well-versed in how companies such as Etsy and Rent the Runway, both of which were named to CNBC’s Disruptor 50 list, have successfully exploited a niche within the marketplace. There are disruptors changing the rules of the game and titans who are reinventing themselves on a daily basis. Disruption is daring, while reinvention is daring but also extremely difficult and exhausting. Some days, pushing water uphill feels easier. So, what …
Are You a Fashion Titan or a Fashion Disrupter?
"Let’s face it, the fashion business does not attract the nation’s best and brightest..." As told to me by one of the titans of retail, the ex-CEO of a major American brand. Doubts about my own personal career choice aside, he was right. With a few exceptions, fashion is still somewhat a backward business. What other industry has so little pure product innovation and relies solely on fickle, fleeting consumer desires to drive business? Unfortunately for us, there are no real trends anymore, but gradual evolutions in style due to the way …
Will it Be Made in America?
‘Made in America’ is quite the hot topic right now, grabbing up headlines left and right; from the backlash about Ralph Lauren’s 2012 Olympic uniforms (the company quickly learned its lesson—the 2014 ones were made in the US) to retail beast Walmart’s declaration to increase its purchase of American-made goods by $50 billion during the next 10 years. It’s a hopeful story—fostering patriotism while supporting the return of jobs to US soil. There are those who say that domestic manufacturing is simply not feasible at certain price points, …
Something New, in the Right Hue, That Fits, Too!
In our most recent article, we discussed the newest trend in retail — going hybrid. The reality of the marketplace makes having control over the value chain a necessity for fashion brands, retailers and manufacturers; and this has evolved into what we call the hybrid business model. Today we’ll expand on how retailers can stand out from the crowd and develop a competitive advantage by using elements such as fashion design, newness and fit to support their overarching brand strategy. Design In an oversaturated marketplace, compelling designs …