I recently discussed the sustainability issues in fashion that are plaguing the industry in The Zero Waste Revolution. Priorities to shift thinking and operations include adopting circular business models and decelerating overall production. Now my focus is on one of the most impactful solutions—implementing new technology in each stage of the fashion supply chain. From using AI for accurate forecasting to managing returns, there are tech solutions available to fashion retailers to make achieving zero waste more attainable. Building A …
The Zero Waste Revolution
Before the mid-1700s, new clothing wasn’t easy to come by. Garments were worn for years, enduring the repair process on more than a few occasions and, in most cases, outliving the original owners. Fashion wasn’t a powerful influencer because in those times longevity was key due to the long production process and costs required to create just one piece. One style tended to stick around for decades, rather than a season, and the fate of each piece ended with purpose. Repurpose. Dresses became quilts. Jackets became coverlets. Blouses became …
Living Icon: Serena Williams’ Legacy
This year is such a bittersweet moment for the legendary Serena Williams. In a cover story for Vogue magazine, she announced that she would be stepping away from her first love, tennis, after this year’s U.S. Open Tournament. The game of tennis has opened an innumerable number of doors for the 40-year-old superstar -- with the most notable being fashion and a major cultural influencer. Williams decided to announce her exit in the most famous fashion magazine in the world, and that alone speaks volumes about who she is and her impact. Plus, she …
African Fashion Is the Next Wave
For decades, the continent of Africa has been lurking in the shadows of the fashion industry. From textiles to intricately woven fabrics, mainstream designers across the globe have found inspiration deep within the rich African culture. However, the innovators on the continent have not received the much-needed support they deserve. But what does that mean for retailers globally? Big Shifts in the Motherland Currently, Africa holds the largest group of millennials and GenZers. The United Nations reports that 70 percent of the …
What Happened to Authentic Streetwear?
Everywhere you look, you see the same jogger outfits with predictable brand logos on display for the world to see. If you stop and ask the wearer about it, they’ll harp on the fact that they waited for hours in a digital waiting room just to have their chance to purchase it for the insane price of $250. What makes this even more bizarre is that the same jogger set will be available in a few more weeks in a different color. Streetwear Loses Its Luster Consumers are being snowed into believing streetwear is only about exclusivity. They’ve …