What if the future of luxury fashion starts on a sheep farm in Missouri? In this fascinating field episode, Bret Schnitker and Emily Lane visit Mesta Meadows Ranch with founder Ed Crowley to explore why Merino wool may be one of fashion's most undervalued premium materials. From live sheep shearing to fiber science, sustainability, traceability, and American manufacturing opportunities, this conversation connects agriculture directly to the future of apparel.

Ed breaks down why Merino wool outperforms synthetics through thermal regulation, moisture wicking, odor resistance, durability, and softness. He also shares how genetics, climate, and responsible farming improve wool quality over time. The episode expands into bigger industry conversations around rebuilding U.S. textile processing, farm-to-skin brands, and why American-grown luxury fibers deserve more attention.

As a bonus, Ed shares how dairy sheep inspired a new sheep milk ice cream brand made on-site, proving innovation can come from every part of the value chain.

Connect with Mesta Meadows: https://mestameadows.com/

In this enlightening episode of Clothing Coulture, hosts Emily Lane and Bret Schnitker delve into the intricate dynamics of fashion policy with Hilary Jochmans, the founder of Politically in Fashion. The conversation navigates the complexities of advocacy within the sector and the crucial role of legislative education in the evolving landscape of fashion. With the congressional session in full swing, the timing is perfect for brands and individuals to engage in dialogue about sustainable practices, labor rights, and the global supply chain.

Hilary Jochmans spotlights the necessity for deeper industry involvement in public policy discussions, emphasizing education as a tool for empowerment. Despite historical disengagement, the fashion industry finds itself amid regulatory and legislative changes that cannot be ignored. From tariffs impacting apparel to calls for reshoring production facilities, the multifaceted challenges require strategic advocacy and informed collaboration. Jochmans argues for the creation of a 'fashion czar' to holistically address legislative issues impacting the industry, urging stakeholders to adopt a unified front in political advocacy.

Connect with Hilary:

https://politicallyinfashion.com

Technology is transforming retail faster than ever, but the brands that win will be the ones that combine innovation with human connection.

In this episode of Clothing Coulture, Bret Schnitker and Emily Lane welcome back Deborah Weinswig, CEO and Founder of Coresight Research, to explore how AI, supply chain shifts, and evolving consumer behavior are reshaping the retail landscape.

Drawing on insights from her work at Coresight Research, Deborah reflects on the biggest takeaways from 2025 and what brands and retailers should prepare for in 2026. From tariffs and major retail bankruptcies to the continued growth of value retailers, the industry is navigating both volatility and opportunity.

For brands navigating a complex global market, this episode offers practical insights into where technology is delivering real results and where experimentation will define the future of retail.

Resources: Deborah Weinswig: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborahweinswig/

Coresight Research: https://coresight.com

Date: 12/9/2025

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 changes at Versace, Stella McCartney x H&M, and Pantone's Color of the Year.

#clothingbrief #fashionnews

Date: 11/25/2025

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 changes at Zegna Group, Black Friday, Human Made IPO, and more.

#clothingbrief #fashionnews

As part of a special relaunch of Clothing Coulture and in celebration of Women's History Month, we're revisiting this inspiring conversation with Eva Hughes, former CEO of Condé Nast in Latin America and Mexico.

Eva joins Bret Schnitker and Emily Lane to discuss her experiences as a woman in leadership and the challenges she faced in a male-dominated industry. She emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, personal growth, and confidence, while sharing insights on managing personal and professional life, embracing uncertainty, and the power of vulnerability.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation with a true powerhouse in the fashion world.

Date: 11/11/2025

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 end of Teen Vogue, Balmain, and layoffs at Target.

#clothingbrief #fashionnews

Date: 11/4/2025

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 Tariffs, Korean Giant Sae‑A Trading, and 3D printed shows.

In this episode of Clothing Coulture, hosts Bret Schnitker and Emily Lane break down why fashion brands must rethink their economic strategies for 2026 as growth slows and costs rise. Instead of chasing volume and expansion, they argue the new winning playbook is margin protection, operational efficiency, and resilience.

They explore how consumer behavior is shifting toward fewer purchases, higher quality, and stronger alignment with brand values, pushing companies to rethink pricing, storytelling, and product strategy. The conversation covers practical ways to improve profitability without cutting quality, including smarter assortment planning, tighter SKU counts, supplier negotiation, and better demand forecasting to reduce overproduction and markdowns.

The episode also highlights the rise of seasonless collections, modular design, and smaller, more frequent drops as strategies that reduce inventory risk while keeping customers engaged. Bret and Emily close with a reminder that long-term success in 2026 will come from building systems, empowering mid-level teams, and staying focused on adaptability instead of growth for growth's sake.

Join hosts Bret Schnitker and Emily Lane as they celebrate the 100th episode of the Clothing Coulture podcast.

Reflecting on five seasons, they share memorable moments with industry icons like Stuart Weitzman, Nicole Fishelli, and innovative leaders like Andrea Ferris of CiCLO. The episode highlights the podcast's evolution, its global impact, and meaningful connections formed through engaging discussions about fashion innovation and sustainability. Listeners also contributed favorite moments, showcasing the podcast's influence and reach within the fashion industry.

Tune in for a heartfelt journey through their podcast milestones.