Joanna Williams

Apparel manufacturing gap between buyers & sales teams? ⤵ (Learn to ALIGN your sales vision and the realities of apparel manufacturing.) The complex processes and variables in the apparel industry can create a communication GAP between buyers and sales teams on one side, and manufacturers on the other. As your Apparel Sourcing Specialist, I'm on a mission to bridge this gap by: Empowering Apparel Buyers: ↪ Learn the "why" behind manufacturing challenges and understand the variables that impact them. UNDERSTAND production challenges and set REALISTIC expectations. Building Savvy Sales & Marketing Teams: ↪ Learn to CALCULATE fabric needs for different products, estimate costs and present accurate quotes to clients, and build trust through INFORMED communication. Streamlining Communication: ↪ Promote understanding across teams, OPTIMIZE collaboration, prevent misunderstandings, and deliver a successful experience for everyone involved. Let's connect to help you with ongoing support tailored to YOUR needs. Book a 1:1 call with me NOW!

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📢 Excited to share this insightful article from Vogue Business addressing the challenges faced by freelancers in the fashion industry and potential solutions. 🌟 Fashion's freelancers are under increasing pressure, navigating the complexities of the gig economy while striving for fair compensation and timely payments. This piece highlights how platforms like Ubooker are important support creative professionals effectively. Kudos to Vogue Business for shedding light on this important issue! 🔗 https://lnkd.in/g7icrQBY #Freelancers #GigEconomy #FairCompensation #Ubooker #VogueBusiness Claudia Wagner MATTER Maliha Shoaib

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Did you know? By 2026 sustainable apparel market will make up around 6.14% of the overall fashion market. While still in its infancy, the sustainable fashion market is experiencing exponential growth. As of early 2023, the industry boasted a global worth of $11.2 million, with expectations soaring for the years ahead. Let’s take a closer look at latest consumer trends to understand better: Studies indicate that 25% of customers have shown a preference for sustainable fashion crafted from eco-friendly materials. 75% of Gen Z consumers have opted for second-hand clothing to reduce environmental impact. 72% of these consumers consider a company's environmental impact in purchase decisions. Millennials, in particular, are driving change, with 73% willing to pay a premium for items from sustainable brands. 55% of US consumers interested in sustainable clothing; 48% unsure where to find sustainable brands. 68% prioritize sustainability in fashion choices; 38% of consumers rank reducing environmental impact as a top concern when choosing fashion products. The sustainable fashion market is not just growing in value but also in consumer consciousness. As awareness rises and values align with purchasing decisions, the industry is poised for further expansion, driving us towards a more ethical and eco-conscious future. Sustainable fashion urges you to embrace conscious consumerism, i.e, to make informed choices, prioritize sustainable brands & to minimize individual carbon footprint. Take the first step towards a greener, more ethical future by joining our Buy Better Forever community dedicated to encourage you to limit your annual purchases to 20 or less clothing items that’ll help you in embracing a mindful consumption pattern. Follow now to connect with others who care about sustainability and get more tips on living a greener, intentional lifestyle. #sustainablefashion #fashionindustry #sustainableluxury

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The investment on becoming more sustainable in the fashion industry is still extremely small. Even a brand like Ganni whom many consumers see as sustainable published in their report for 2023 that they spent 0.60% of total revenue on responsibility down from 2022 1.10%. This week seeing the closure of brands such as Mara Hoffman is also depressing. The only effort to move the needle has mainly been driven by a combination of legislation and more mindful production of goods. The system is still flawed due to its drive for continuous projection of double digit sales increases. The saddest part is the huge increase of product thru Shein and Temu flooding the market with cheap, questionable labor and possible toxic product at an accelerated rate never seen before. For those who are not aware From 2017 through to the first half of 2023, Shein revenues grew 20x, from $1.5 billion to $40 billion, surpassing Amazon as the single most downloaded shopping app in the US while racing past Zara for the overall number one spot in US fast fashion.  The fair wage and abuse of garment workers is another problem created by low priced fast fashion. The take away sadly from this years Global Fashion Summit is that though there is some investment in innovation we simply are not moving as an industry fast enough to reduce emissions nor improving the system to produce less. I wish on this Friday I had better news but sadly we need consumers and leaders to drive real change.

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Our latest insight on Artisans Advisory comes courtesy of a number of recent conversations about the future of pricing - especially for African Fashion businesses operating on the continent. When yesterday's price isn't todays price - Here's an article that covers the most important internal considerations when pricing your product for its true value.

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The apparel industry in 10 years will be....? It is at a pivotal point, with rapid changes in consumer preferences, technological advancements, and a heightened focus on sustainability. #Nanfang finds these key trends that are shaping the future of fashion and sparking important conversations among industry leaders. 🌱 Sustainability and Ethical Fashion Consumers today want more than just style—they demand sustainability and ethical practices from their favorite brands. This shift is driving the rise of circular fashion, eco-friendly materials, and initiatives to cut down on carbon footprints. How are companies tackling these challenges? What innovative practices are you seeing that promise a greener future for fashion? 🤖 Technological Innovations Technology is revolutionizing the way we design, manufacture, and sell apparel. From AI and blockchain for supply chain transparency to smart fabrics and wearable tech, the possibilities are endless. How is your organization leveraging technology to enhance efficiency and meet customer expectations? What tech trends do you think will have the biggest impact? 🛒 Changing Consumer Behavior Online shopping has skyrocketed, especially post-pandemic, pushing e-commerce to the forefront. Personalization and on-demand fashion are no longer just buzzwords—they're what today's consumers expect. What strategies are you employing to engage and retain this new wave of digital-savvy customers? 🌍 Globalization vs. Localization While globalization has broadened market reach, there's a growing trend towards localization—producing and selling closer to home to reduce environmental impact and boost local economies. How are you balancing these dynamics? What are the benefits and challenges you've encountered? 💬 Join the Conversation We'd love to hear your thoughts on these pressing issues. How do you see the future of the apparel industry evolving? What strategies are working for you, and where do you see opportunities for innovation? Share your insights and let's drive this discussion forward! At Nanfang International, we’re committed to embracing these changes, continuously innovating and striving for excellence in sustainability and quality. Together, let’s shape the future of fashion. #ApparelIndustry #Sustainability #TechInnovation #ConsumerTrends #CircularFashion #SupplyChain #Ecommerce #Localization #FutureOfFashion #apparel

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As a leader in the fashion industry, staying ahead of global trends isn’t just a part of the job—it’s a passion. At Roperro, we leverage insights from top trend forecasters like WGSN to ensure that our designs not only meet but anticipate consumer desires. Why do global fashion trends matter? They are the pulse that drives our creative processes and helps us align with our consumers' evolving lifestyles. Our customers are our driving force and are constantly compelling us to innovate continuously in how we source materials and manufacture our products. Another exciting trend is the fusion of technology and fashion. From AI in design to virtual reality in marketing, the possibilities are endless. Lastly, the beautiful effect of cultural influences shaping today’s fashion landscape is something we are particularly proud of. Our latest collections feature designs inspired by global traditions, bringing diverse cultural aesthetics to our mainstream audience. Understanding and anticipating these trends is crucial for us to stay relevant and competitive. I’m interested to hear your thoughts on these movements or any other trends you see shaping the future of fashion. #fashion #fashionindustry #collection #futureoffashion #globalfashion

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What is your AIQ? How can you raise it?? Read on the learn how.

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The US leather industry is experiencing a fascinating shift in its export landscape & here is the surprising shift you need to know about. While Q1 2024 saw a decline in rawhide exports (particularly to China), there's a surprising rise in wet blue leather demand. Key Takeaways: ✔ Raw Hide Exports Down: Fresh & salted rawhides exports fell 11%, with China significantly reducing purchases. ✔ Italy Steps Up: Italy increased its raw hide purchases by 17% (volume) and 35% by (value). ✔ Brazil's Surprise Move: Traditionally self-sufficient, Brazil is now a major importer of US raw hides (volume up 130%, value up 109%). ✔ Wet Blue Leather Demand: Exports of wet blue leather (partially processed hides into wetblue) grew 29% in volume and 22% in value, driven by Vietnam (+123% volume) and China (+87% volume). ✔ Brazil's Wet Blue Imports Rise: Brazil's wet blue imports skyrocketed (volume +112%, value +263%), suggesting changes in their domestic processing or export strategies. ✔ Europe's Wet Blue Import: Italy, a key European player, reduced wet blue imports by a whopping 44% (volume) and 42% (value). What does this Mean to US Leather Industry?: The global leather market is realigning. While traditional markets like China are buying less, new opportunities are emerging in Asia (Vietnam) and surprisingly, Brazil. Looking Ahead: For US exporters, I believe capitalizing on this shift and adapting to regional market dynamics will be crucial. Maintaining agility and strategic thinking are key to navigating these changing tides. But its too soon to say anything, since it is just the First Quarter's results, lets wait and see how the upcoming quarters perform. ----- Comment down below and let me know your thoughts on these US Leather Export trends? #leather #tannery #cuoro #cuir #leatherindustry #export #trade #US #BrazilLeather #China #Vietnam #manufacturing #globalmarket

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🚀 Why COCO FOFO Stores Must Be Our Focus in Retail Business 🚀 Before expanding our product reach to Large Format Stores (LFS) or other partners, it's crucial to prioritize our Company Owned Company Operated (COCO) and Franchisee Owned Franchisee Operated (FOFO) stores. Here's why: Customer Experience 🌟 Direct control over customer service ensures a superior shopping experience. Immediate feedback loop for continuous improvement. Brand Consistency 🏷️ Uniform brand messaging and merchandising standards. Enhanced control over planograms, ensuring optimal product placement. Data-Driven Decisions 📊 Access to real-time sales data to understand customer preferences. Insights to refine inventory management and product assortment. Operational Excellence 🛠️ Streamlined processes for inventory, staffing, and training. Ability to implement and test innovative retail strategies swiftly. Customer Loyalty Programs 🎁 Directly manage and personalize loyalty initiatives. Strengthen customer relationships and increase retention rates. Financial Health 💹 Better margin control and profitability through direct sales. Reduced reliance on third-party distribution channels. 🔍 Next Steps: Focus on enhancing store layouts and visual merchandising. Invest in staff training to elevate customer interactions. Leverage data analytics to optimize product offerings and inventory. 🌟 By concentrating on our COCO FOFO stores, we build a robust foundation for our brand, ensuring sustainable growth and readiness for future expansions. #RetailExcellence #CustomerFirst #BrandConsistency #OperationalExcellence #RetailStrategy #COCO #FOFO #RetailGrowth #Leadership #Management #Growth #DemandPlanning #SupplyChain #supplychainmanagement

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In this Expert Analysis #3E's Cassidy Spencer stitches together the details of the Fashion Environmental Accountability Act, a.k.a. the New York Fashion Act. What does the Met Gala have to do with supply chain best practices for sustainability? Read our blog to find out: #supplychain #nycfashion #NewYorkFashionAct

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The Fashion Roundtable ORG LTD latest report makes for important reading. Overview of the Fashion & Economic Value Report 2024 Our latest report illuminates the vast contributions of the UK's fashion sector, which generates approximately £60 billion annually—nearly half of the total economic impact from the UK's creative industries. It explores the economic influence, regional growth, and pivotal role in sustainability and innovation of the fashion industry.  Key Findings: Economic Impact: Fashion is the largest of the UK's creative industries, contributing around £60 billion per year to the economy and employing 1.3 million people. Regional Growth: The fashion industry supports regional economies, with notable increases in fashion businesses in Scotland and employment growth in Manchester. Sustainability Challenges: The industry faces significant challenges related to sustainable manufacturing practices and the environmental impact of fast fashion. Recommendations: Prioritise UK Manufacturing: Given the economic contribution of the fashion industry, it is crucial to prioritize keeping and expanding clothing manufacturing in the UK to boost economic growth. Support Regenerative Practices: Introduce tax and financial incentives to support regenerative and sustainable practices, ensuring skilled jobs can be developed to underpin local economies. Increase Responsibilities of Fast Fashion: Implement laws to hold fast fashion companies accountable for their environmental impact, preventing them from skewing the market in a damaging way. Develop Recycling Infrastructure: Work with the private sector to unlock funding and space needed to develop textile recycling centres, creating jobs and supporting local economies. Encourage Fashion Startups: Monitor the success of fashion startups and ensure university curriculums equip students with the necessary business skills to thrive in the evolving fashion industry. Integrate Fashion in Devolved Powers: Consider the role of the fashion industry when allocating funding and powers to devolved areas, ensuring local strategies support regional economic growth. The fashion industry remains a cornerstone of the UK economy, previously the fastest-growing creative industry in the country. Our report provides a comprehensive overview of the current landscape and proposes actionable solutions for leading in sustainability, social justice, increased social mobility, & boosting UK GDP. We urge all political parties to incorporate these recommendations into their post-election strategies. This is a pivotal moment to ensure a sustainable, inclusive, and prosperous future for the UK fashion industry. By highlighting these key findings & recommendations, you can help drive the necessary changes that will benefit the entire fashion sector and beyond. Read here: https://lnkd.in/ePQgxNGK

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“If you look at consumer purchasing decisions, people choose the lowest price for the best perceived quality and style,” said Elena Bridgers, who launched her slow fashion line Hera California. “That’s rational. It’s a really small segment of people who live their values when it comes to sustainable fashion.” Is there room in the market for brands that put sustainability first? Is there a market space for truly sustainable fashion or is it just a dream of a few? Who can change this industry to be more sustainable for all the consumers? Will only the rules imposed by legislators be able to do it? What will be the role of the DPP in the evolution of a more sustainable fashion industry? #Sustainablefashion #sustainability #traceability #circularity Arcangelo D'Onofrio Natasha Franck Laure Betsch Martina Schiuma Romain Carrere Francesco Pieri Guido Mengoni Alois Bertona Gianpaolo Azzini Veronica Monni Amit Gautam Matthieu Hug Shameek Ghosh Jason McIntosh Piero Puttini Carlo Giardinetti, MBA giorgio macor

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The Future of Technical Design I have been having conversations lately about my profession, Fashion Technical Design, and the impact AI could have on what we do.  Will we reach a point where humans are not needed and a computer would be able to create the patterns needed to make garments? That part is already possible.  Will a computer be able to correct a pattern that is not quite right to make it fit better? Possibly, in the near future. This takes me back to conversations I started having years ago when I started in this field, is technical design an Art or a Science? At the time, I leaned heavily on the science side. Using science, you can follow all the standard rules and make a decent pair of pants or shirt that is easily replicable. Sometimes that’s all we want. Basic white T shirt, traditional khaki pants, standard men’s dress shirt. I have worked with many technical designers who function this way. Check off all the boxes, follow all the rules and you’re done. If this is all we want from our clothing, then it is purely science and replacing humans with computers is easily done.  But that is not fashion. Fashion is taking all of those rules and knowing when and how to break them. Creating new rules, understanding how fabric reacts to a body as it moves through the day. Then adapting clothing to work with that. Fashion can be about the length of the sleeve, or pocket details; but at its best it’s also about how clothing makes you feel. When the shoulder fits just right, or the sleeve has an articulation that makes you feel just a bit more special than other clothing you wear. It’s the art portion of the job that cannot be replaced. And that is the part that makes me love this work and why many of us chose this field. Being able to look at a conceptual sketch on a page and turn it into a beautiful garment. Making a 2D idea into a wearable, fashionable piece of clothing, this makes my Technical design heart beat faster! Technical design will always need people to craft the art into the clothing we wear.

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