December 22nd, 2015
One of the trickiest categories to source includes buttons, zippers, and other hardware. As always, the devil is in the details. Jay…
November 1st, 2015
If you’re looking to start a knitwear line or incorporate wool into your designs, you need to make sure you understand what to look for…
October 22nd, 2015
Finding a factory is the first big step to your sourcing process. Before you begin this search, make sure you have an idea of your budget and the kind of capabilities you need your manufacturer…
October 10th, 2015
Iris van Herpen has hooked us. I’ve spent lots of time drooling over the artistry of her structural wonders. Experimental, technically…
October 9th, 2015
I have a friend who was an indie designer. She started back in 2004. Dynamic vision. Highest standards. Gorgeous prototypes. A designer with allure and personality to spare. What happened? Right…
September 27th, 2015
In the current design landscape, where there’s a trend in limited pieces and customized one-offs, it’s nearly impossible for designers…
September 24th, 2015
Let’s get into the time machine and fast forward to the point where you’re going to a factory and putting your ideas into work. If you don’t have EVERYTHING available and ready to go for…
August 15th, 2015
Sure, you might not be running your own factory. But what you can take into your own hands is quality control. As you get started, you’ll…
August 13th, 2015
Sourcing at MAGIC is looming again! We’ve taken you through survival tips for the trade show, but now we’ve got a whole other kettle of fish: How To Kill It At Sourcing at MAGIC. Here’s…
August 10th, 2015
New to the fabric sourcing game, or maybe you just need a refresher? Here are some key things to keep in mind before you get to the…
August 8th, 2015
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 5th, 2015
Want to avoid major production disasters and those small, niggling design flaws that keep you up at night? Of course you do –…
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 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…
November 7th, 2013
I used to own a leather accessories line with Matthew, and we would source locally produced leather from various distributors, but I’ve always wanted to VISIT a tannery, where the leather gets…
October 24th, 2012
Join our daily blog mailing list to receive a new post in your inbox each day! When I was hired on to be part of the marketing team for…