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 celebration of Black history and creativity at Neiman Marcus in St. Louis, the 2026 red carpet looks at the Grammys, the return of Bridal wear closing out Spring 2026 Couture Week, and more.

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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.

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

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

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

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

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