Lessons From 26 Years in the Fashion Industry

Lessons From 26 Years in the Fashion Industry

What does it really take to build a successful apparel company that can solve problems across every corner of the fashion industry? In this season five finale of Clothing Coulture, hosts Emily Lane and Bret Schnitker pull back the curtain on the story behind Stars Design Group and the lessons learned from nearly three decades in apparel manufacturing, sourcing, product development, and consulting. From launching the company after leaving a major retailer to building a global manufacturing network spanning multiple product categories and countries, Bret shares how adaptability, expertise, and long-term relationships have fueled the company's growth. The conversation dives into real-world case studies that showcase the complexity of apparel production, including fabric failures, dye issues, fit challenges, performance testing, and large-scale manufacturing problems that brands face every day. Bret also discusses how consulting has become a natural extension of Stars Design Group's mission, helping brands, retailers, and entrepreneurs navigate an increasingly complicated apparel landscape. As Clothing Coulture wraps up its fifth season, the episode also reflects on the growth of the podcast as a global educational resource and offers practical advice for apparel professionals on embracing feedback, adapting to change, and staying connected to their customer communit.

Clothing Brief Ep 34 | Valentino, Pitti Uomo and Couch x Sims 4

Date: 1/20/2026 Designed to keep you informed without the fluff, this series delivers sharp, essential updates to help you stay ahead in fashion and business. This week, Bret and Emily discuss the death of Valentino, this year's Pittio Uomo, Couch x Sims 4, and more. #clothingbrief #fashionnews

Clothing Brief Ep 33 | NRF Summit, High Profits, and Saks

Date: 1/13/2026 Designed to keep you informed without the fluff, this series delivers sharp, essential updates to help you stay ahead in fashion and business. #clothingbrief #fashionnews

Clothing Brief Ep 32 | Fabletics, Louis Vuitton, and China Tariffs

Date: 1/6/2026 Designed to keep you informed without the fluff, this series delivers sharp, essential updates to help you stay ahead in fashion and business. #clothingbrief #fashionnews

How Fashion Brands Source Overseas the Right Way

Why do so many apparel brands manufacture offshore, and what does it actually take to do it right? In this episode of Clothing Coulture, Bret Schnitker and Emily Lane break down the realities of global sourcing, from shrinking U.S. production capacity to the hidden costs and risks brands often overlook. They explain why offshore manufacturing remains essential for many brands due to labor costs, infrastructure, scale, and consumer price expectations. The conversation also dives into how different countries specialize in different product categories, why diversification across sourcing regions matters, and how shifting politics, tariffs, and economics continue to reshape the supply chain. Listeners also get practical guidance on vetting factories, understanding MOQs, timelines, FOB vs DDP pricing, and why chasing the cheapest quote can create serious quality, compliance, and delivery issues. This episode is a valuable roadmap for emerging brands and established companies looking to source smarter. Understanding Origins For Production Minimums Document [https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/624c95aba46ea34bc526309f/649b6858903a96098ac8fc47_Stars%20Design%20Group_QA%20QC_Overview.pdf]