May 31st, 2017
Contacting a factory isn’t always easy. So, here are some tips to make sure your first message is perfect! Ready to connect with the perfect factory who can take your designs to production?…
February 20th, 2017
When searching for the suppliers you need, from packaging vendors to sewing contractors to furniture makers, it’s crucial to use the…
January 23rd, 2017
Checking references is a crucial part of the supplier vetting process. I’m always surprised at how many people fail to ask for them, or take the step to request references, but then don’t…
July 16th, 2016
Every year, we team up with SOURCING at MAGIC to give designers and entrepreneurs exposure to American factories and suppliers. We love…
May 5th, 2016
Quality Control is a very important criteria in vetting factories. Ensuring quality production means managing the production process by…
February 7th, 2016
This season, we’ve teamed up with SOURCING at MAGIC to give designers, small business owners, and creative entrepreneurs…
January 25th, 2016
Last year we launched our online Academy. This month, we expanded our educational series to in-person events. The first course was led…
December 30th, 2015
Fibre Athletics creates versatile apparel that is built for a variety of activities and adventures. Our materials are ethically sourced and…
December 15th, 2015
Rule of thumb Before we get into this, I want to make one comment. An arsenic tee shirt made in a factory that is local leaves less of a carbon footprint than the occasional organic…
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 30th, 2015
Lauren Cecchi began her adventure as a designer and entrepreneur at a young age. Cecchi’s namesake brand, Lauren Cecchi New York, launched in 2014 to remind women that every day deserves a…
October 28th, 2015
As any entrepreneur will tell you, holding your first prototype is one of the most exciting moments in your business journey. Many people…
October 27th, 2015
You have an idea for an apparel line. You have been waiting for your vision to take off. How do you budget for product development? If this…
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 16th, 2015
We sat down with Professor Sonja Chapman from the Fashion Institute of Technology to get her take on the logistics side of supply chain…
October 15th, 2015
Building a clothing business and brand is challenging even for the savviest of industry…
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…
October 4th, 2015
As an Industry Specialist at Maker’s Row, one of the questions I’m asked almost daily…
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 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 5th, 2015
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,…
July 31st, 2015
Transitioning to a product-based business Before starting Project Repat in 2012, Ross Lohr and I both spent a lot of time attempting to…
June 11th, 2015
He designed a ‘New York’ inspired sneaker for Nike back in 2005 and has spent the…
June 6th, 2015
When it boils down to sourcing fabric and manufacturers for your production run, there are several variables to consider. We hosted our…
June 4th, 2015
If you’re just launching your brand, obstacles like production budgeting, minimum order…
June 2nd, 2015
Transforming your design from a sketch to a sample can be incredibly exciting, but it can also be a challenging part of the process. This…
June 1st, 2015
You’ll spend countless hours working alongside your manufacturer. But like any…
May 28th, 2015
Lingerie design is a whole philosophy in itself. This article will help anyone interested in starting a lingerie brand understand some…
May 16th, 2015
Don’t you love riding high on the energy of a great new idea? That’s how I felt a few years ago after running my concept for…