August 22nd, 2015
After immersing yourself in the world of design, it’s inevitable that the language of the industry will start creeping into your day-to-day conversations. What you need to be aware of, however, is…
August 21st, 2015
This is the start of a 3-part series. I’m the owner and designer of AZMARA ASEFA, a women’s contemporary brand in L.A. I’ve done…
August 17th, 2015
Ready to take things to the next level? Factories deal with countless inquiries from designers hoping to team up to produce their wares,…
August 14th, 2015
Your line’s being carried in stores, and all those late nights sketching and trips to factories have paid off. But it’s important to…
August 13th, 2015
You’re mocking up wireframes, meeting with investors, getting into the weeds of branding and oh, yeah – gotta feed the dog. Maybe…
August 12th, 2015
The world would be pretty boring if we all looked the same, but most designers and manufacturers continue to design and produce clothing…
The bikes of BK are a phenomenon we can’t stop thinking about. Yes, convenience is a player: have you ever tried driving in New York?! But more than that, there’s a pulse behind the bike…
August 11th, 2015
Sure, there’s a natural inclination to think of Bruce Springsteen (hey, Boss) when we say ‘Made in America’. You know –…
August 10th, 2015
Roadtrips have a special place in America’s heart, and we’d take any excuse to get behind the wheel. So did the team at Shaveface, purveyors of American Made strops (yeah, we needed a dictionary…
August 9th, 2015
Here’s a morning hack: cooling your coffee with the Coil Chiller. This bad boy uses ice…
August 8th, 2015
Grown-up games meet lively decor at Fredericks & Mae, a brand that delivers considered pieces emerging from a tumult of color and…
You’re in the weeds of the product details and you’re agonizing over sketches, but there’s another detail to consider, and one that…
August 7th, 2015
Summer sun, something’s begun… They’re saying it’s the end of summer, but we know better. We’re catching waves and skating down streets radiant with heat. The sun’s still bearing down as…
When it comes to samples, we don’t believe in unicorns. Because while it certainly costs more to produce more than one sample, it’s an investment that’s entirely worthwhile when you weigh up…
August 6th, 2015
Next time you’re jumping on a red-eye with a neck pillow in hand, take a moment to check out your surrounds. Sure, you’re probably being given the once-over by TSAs, but you’d be surprised at…
You’ve made vows, exchanged rings and committed to manufacturing in the United States. Mazel tov! Still, there’s a learning curve…
August 5th, 2015
September’s around the corner, and the outlook is strong. Sure, we’re grasping the last of Summer Fridays, but the surfeit of style…
Want to avoid major production disasters and those small, niggling design flaws that keep you up at night? Of course you do –…
August 3rd, 2015
This year, we’ve teamed up with SOURCING at MAGIC to give designers, small business owners, and creative entrepreneurs unparalleled,…
Mavericks, these ain’t. From the laid-back shellfish ‘n’ LL Bean coast of Maine to the adobe warmth of Monterey Bay, here are the top…
Had a flash of brilliance for a hot new footwear collection? You’re off to a great start. However, tackling the footwear business is often a step into unchartered territory, and this is a…
August 2nd, 2015
When you’re first getting started with the manufacturing process, Minimum Order Requirements (MOQs) can throw a spanner in the works….
August 1st, 2015
As a designer, it’s easy to get immersed in the details of a piece or collection, but…
July 30th, 2015
Honing your aesthetic isn’t always shaped by what you learn at school. Whether it’s a creative retreat, a productive routine or…
July 26th, 2015
Your hard work is paying off – you’ve scored a meeting with a buyer! The next steps, though, are about blowing them away to secure…
July 25th, 2015
As customers become more mindful of sustainable production, so too are designers and manufacturers. No longer a niche consumer base, this growing interest in cleaner, greener products has fostered…
July 24th, 2015
Embarking on an entirely new design venture is often straight-up terrifying, but you don’t have to be completely unprepared as you start…
July 23rd, 2015
At ALEX AND ANI, we understand the value of an Instagram fan and wanted to make the user…
July 22nd, 2015
Hardware startups are hard, and require a lot of money upfront for design and tooling….
July 21st, 2015
So, you know the ropes of working with contractors. But what’s the deal with materials suppliers? Do you need an agent or a broker? And…
July 17th, 2015
Being an entrepreneur is an exhilarating roller coaster ride! One moment you’re killing it, and the next minute you are asking…