I am meeting more and more of my friends and acquaintances who proudly shop for their clothing from Costco, me included! Good name brands with quality standards in the choice of fabric and the construction methods. Costco mark-up percentage must be a lot smaller than the traditional retailer of 120% on top of wholesale. Their merchandise is mostly practical to match 2024 casual workout clothing. From the bed to workout, to lunch with a clean top with those same tight leggings and then maybe throw on a jacket for dinner. From children’s, men’s, women’s and even pet clothing they are typically well constructed and made from good quality long-lasting washable fabrics. With the NO real TRENDS that historically used to be dictated from the runways of Paris, London, NY and LA, but no more, people are wearing what feels comfortable and practical. This trend became accelerated when Covid hit and we were much more likely to be working from the comfort of our own homes in clothing that could be worn while working out or sitting by a computer working.
I often ask myself how they can sell these products at such a cheap price. You must appreciate and understand the process from creating the fabrics, dying or printing, creating the styles, cutting sewing, then make a profit on a garment selling for approximately $14.99! Even if produced offshore with cheaper labor there is also shipping to take into consideration, which has become much more expensive over the last few years.
COSTCO NEW CLOTHING ARRIVALS FOR OCTOBER: DKNY, GAP, HALARY RADLEY, CURVEADREAM, SPIDER, & many more.
Check this informative video explaining Costco’s new products
Kirkland – Costco’s apparel brands spans men’s, women’s and kids, and includes Kirkland and discounted third-party brands like Levi’s and Orvis.
Frances Harder is the Founder, President and Owner of Fashion for Profit. She was recently selected as Empowered Woman of the year for 2024 by the International Association of Top Professionals (IAOTP) for her outstanding leadership, dedication, and commitment to the industry.
With more than four decades of experience in the industry, Ms. Harder has certainly proven herself as an expert in her field. As a dynamic, results driven leader, Ms. Harder started Fashion Business Inc., (20 years) the first of its kind, industry specific, business educational not for profit 501c3. They provided entrepreneurial training, displaced workers retraining, resources and networking. Through their webinars and seminars globally they serve both the US apparel market and internationally. She is also a curriculum advisor of fashion programs and an adjunct professor at California Polytechnic State University. She has advised numerous colleges, which has included sitting on the dean’s advisory board for the merchandising department at California Polytechnic State University. With an expert’s eye, she provides clients and students with experienced, helpful overviews and insights into the latest happenings in the fashion industry as it relates to design, product development, marketing, manufacturing, and almost everything that goes into producing garments. She also started her own publication company, Harder Publications, where she self-published Fashion for Profit, now in its 11th edition, along with Costing for Profit 3 edition, and Brand Building for Profit 3rd edition. All publications address the business side of starting an apparel business.
In addition, she is a consultant with the International Trade Centre, the World Trade Organization, the United Nations, and an apparel business and design consultant with various companies in England. Ms. Harder also serves as an expert witness regarding industry-related issues such as chargebacks, trademarks, copyrights, trade dress, trade secrets, patent infringement issues, and research and development.
Some of her professional accomplishments include having her name under license in Japan, designing sportwear for the Royal House of Brunei and designed two lines for Priscilla Presley sold on Home Shopping Club. Some of her teaching positions include 9 years as a full time Associate Professor at Otis College of Art and Design (9 years), Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (FIDM 8 years), Woodbury University, LA Trade Tech, Pasadena City College, Seattle Central College, Munich International School, Germany. High Wickham London School of Fashion, Salford University of Art & Design, UK.
Ms. Harder is also an international presenter, organizer and moderator as she has shared her knowledge through creative works at various trade shows in the United States, England, Canada, Australia, Hong Kong, Nepal, Peru, Egypt and other worldwide locations. She is a Consultant to the United Nations assisting small businesses: Peru- Alpaca products, (women owned businesses), Nepal – Cashmere products and assisting Egyptian apparel manufacturer enter the U.S. market. She recently assisted a U.S. sponsored group of Ukrainian designers marketing their brands into the U.S. market.
She consults and speaks internationally on product development, branding, merchandising, sustainability, costing, production and entering the US market.
Ms. Harder’s areas of expertise include but are not limited to fashion design, product development, marketing, trends, styling, global business development, brand management, sustainability training, fashion illustration, public relations, graphic design, and branding.
Before embarking on her career path, Ms. Harder planned on a career in graphic design, however she earned a Bachelor of Arts in fashion, with honors, from the University of Salford in the United Kingdom. She was heavily influenced by her father, a textile engineer, and her mother, a fashion designer for her uncle who owned a factory.
Throughout her illustrious career, Ms. Harder has received many awards and accolades and has been recognized worldwide for her accomplishments. Recently she was selected as Top Founder/President of the Year by IAOTP and she will be featured on the famous Nasdaq billboard in Times Square NYC during fashion week. She will be honored at IAOTP’s annual awards gala at the Gaylord Opryland Resort in Nashville this December for her selection as Empowered Woman of the Year.
In addition to her successful career, Ms. Harder also emphasizes that the most important thing to her is her family. She is married with two grown, professionally successful children and has two grandchildren. In her personal time, she paints, presents art exhibitions, and exercises.
Looking back, Ms. Harder believes her success is the result of enjoying her work, being open to networking, her willingness to change especially when opportunities arise, recognizing opportunities and striving to do her best to make them work for her and others. Looking forward, she expects to continue consulting with new companies to help them flourish, conducting seminars, and serving as an expert witness for industry-related legal issues.
Just when I thought fashion trends had reached the literal bottom of all trends with the all-day leggings trend that stays on from the gym to changing tops for lunch and dressier tops for dinner! Now we have the fall out of bed in PJ bottoms and shrunk tank top and out the door! For me, the plaid PJ bottoms that don’t match on seams are THE WORST!
Even Chanel has joined this casual trend that @KrisJenner has endorsed. Jenner was spotted wearing the colorful two-piece set, which features splashy purple, blue and pink flowers, and the famous double-C logo while stepping out for Paris Fashion Week. She wore the round-necked Embroidered Printed Neoprene Jacket buttoned up, while she showed off matching shoes in the same print, which peeked out below the wide hem of her matching pants.
@KimJenner
But, I must be getting old as my granddaughter gave me a very dirty look when I voiced my opinion on this over-casual trend. On these models the style doesn’t really look as bad as my daily views of this overly casual trend. Many who do choose to adopt this trend should really get some styling advice from an expert to see the most advantageous way to wear this overly casual style. I have lived through wearing miniskirts, hotpants, wide puffed-up shoulders and each trend had their own draw backs. These days you can wear whatever you feel comfortable wearing as today’s trends are much more a casual choice and for the most part, good and bad you can merchandise yourself in your own stylish manor to create your own fashion trend! This also means that vintage is also incorporated into styles.
All this means that there are no real trends that are being dictated and faithfully followed as years past, besides these stylish PJ’s. This and other changes have resulted in the collapse of many brands and brick and mortar stores. Buying online direct from brands has also impacted the bricks and mortar stores who are scrambling to recreate and adjust to these evolving industry trends and challenges. For the buyer it is a positive change as buying direct from a brand cuts the normal retail mark up of 120%.
But the good news is that second hand and vintage are good stories for the recycled and upcycle sustainable trend. Bottom line is that we can choose to wear whatever we feel like wearing each day.
70’s Hot Pants and 60’s Mini dress. Both could and are being worn today.
The history of the Patchwork Quilt, or at times referred to as simply quilting can be found in many cultures going back to ancient Egypt, ancient and medieval India, and Chinese civilization among many other cultures. The word “quilt – can be linked to the Latin word “culita”, meaning a type of cushion that seems to have been first used in England in the 13th century. There are many examples of this very sustainable artistic form of upcycled expressionist. The patchwork tradition is found in many different cultures that go way back to ancient times and have derived in many separate forms of expressionism in these very remote cultures. Bedouin women joined fabrics strips together to make tents. West Africa patchwork can be found made into umbrella and ceremonial clothing for festive occasions. Patchwork quilts were also made to be included in the trousseau of Indian brides and battle dress of North Africa warriors.
Although the many forms of patchwork art is global, the American pioneer women of the 19th Century have won the fame of achieving its place as maybe having the honor of being the richest. But there are many other cultures that have also created their own patchwork art form. My big favorite is the Mole– reverse applique from Cuna Indians, San Blas Islands. The Bottle top quilts are also amazing examples of the intricate art of recycling fabrics.
1. Traditional Patchwork: This involves sewing together fabric pieces to create geometric patterns or designs. Common techniques include piecing squares, triangles, and rectangles together to form blocks, which are then assembled into a quilt top.
2. Crazy Quilting: Originating in the Victorian era, crazy quilting involves stitching together irregularly shaped fabric pieces in a random or asymmetrical manner. Embellishments such as embroidery, lace, beads, and ribbons are often added to enhance the design.
3. Appliqué: In appliqué patchwork, fabric shapes are cut out and stitched onto a background fabric to create decorative motifs or designs. Appliqué can be done by hand or machine and allows for endless creativity in incorporating various fabrics and shapes.
4. English Paper Piecing: This technique involves basting fabric around paper templates and then hand-sewing the pieces together along their edges. It’s commonly used for intricate designs with small pieces, such as hexagons or diamonds. (Bottle Top uses this technique)
5. Foundation Piecing: Also known as paper piecing or flip and sew, this method involves sewing fabric pieces onto a paper or fabric foundation. It’s particularly useful for achieving precise angles and complex designs.
6. Improv Patchwork: Improvisational patchwork encourages free-form design and spontaneous piecing without the use of patterns or templates. It allows for experimentation with color, texture, and shape, resulting in unique and modern quilt designs.
7. Quilt-As-You-Go: This technique involves quilting individual blocks or sections separately and then joining them together. It’s a great option for quilters who prefer to quilt smaller sections at a time or want to simplify the quilting process. This method is often used in knitted patchwork. Crochet quilts can also be created through this method.
8. Strip Piecing: In strip piecing, fabric strips are sewn together to create larger units, which are then cut and rearranged to form blocks or quilt tops. It’s an efficient method for creating quilts with repeating patterns or designs.
9. Fusible Appliqué: Similar to traditional appliqué, fusible appliqué involves adhering fabric shapes to a background fabric using fusible web instead of stitching. It’s a quicker alternative that’s often used for appliqué projects with simple shapes.
10. Patchwork Embellishments: Beyond traditional patchwork techniques, embellishments such as fabric painting, stamping, or stenciling can be incorporated to add unique details and textures to patchwork projects.
Each type of patchwork offers its own set of techniques, challenges, and opportunities for creative expression, allowing quilters and crafters to explore a wide range of artistic styles and aesthetics.
Many retailers are working to include recycling and to eliminate plastic waste with non-plastic use. One of the newest retailers to embrace this in-depth topic is IKEA, who is collaborating to promote Eco use of recycling/upcycling with Nigel Xavier who has designed and created patchwork clothing and patchwork coverings for chairs and other furniture. Then Nasim Lahbichi, who created plant-based IKEA dishes. So, we are entering another period of the art of patchwork.
These are some of the very exciting and innovating actions being introduced to try and prevent the massive textile and clothing waste that is discarded Globally. The results of which are not only polluting our earth but the amount of plastic waste that is discarded and then the billions of plastic particles are poisoning our fish and livestock, plus causing all types of cancer in humans. Hopefully, things will change for the better!
Here are a few of my own patchwork quilts in my possession. I have to say my big favorite at the Moles from the Cuna Indians from the San Blas Islands. Incredible hand work that are sewn by these native Indians using reverse Applica. Cutting a design and sewing contrast fabric below. I fell in love with their amazing work when sailing around their islands. I could not stop myself from investing in quite a few of which I have framed some and made cushions from others.
In the fast-paced world of fashion, where creativity meets commerce, the importance of cybersecurity can often be overshadowed by design and marketing concerns. However, as the industry increasingly embraces digital platforms for design, production, and sales, it becomes a prime target for cyber threats. In this article presented by Fashion for Profit, we’ll explore essential strategies for fashion businesses to safeguard their digital assets, ensuring that their flair for fashion isn’t dampened by digital disasters.
Invest in Employee Training
The first line of defense in cybersecurity is awareness. Regular training for all employees in cybersecurity best practices is crucial. This should cover the basics of secure password practices, recognizing phishing attempts, and safe internet usage. Since the fashion industry often involves a mix of permanent staff and freelancers or contractors, it’s vital to ensure that everyone, regardless of their role, is well-informed about the risks and their responsibilities.
Cybersecurity training should be an ongoing process. New threats and vulnerabilities emerge regularly, and employees must be prepared to recognize and respond to them. Training sessions can be conducted in-house or by hiring cybersecurity experts to provide workshops and seminars. Moreover, it’s important to tailor the training to the specific roles within the fashion industry. For example, designers should be educated about the risks associated with sharing design files online, while retail staff should focus on secure point-of-sale practices.
Wi-Fi and Data Security
Fashion houses and retailers often overlook the security of their Wi-Fi networks. Secure Wi-Fi networks, especially in public or shared spaces like showrooms or retail stores, are critical. Implement encryption protocols like WPA3 to protect sensitive data transmitted over these networks. Additionally, sensitive data stored on computers and servers should be encrypted to prevent unauthorized access, even in the event of a breach.
Public Wi-Fi networks are notorious for their lack of security. When fashion professionals travel for events, they often connect to public Wi-Fi in hotels, airports, or cafes. This convenience can be a double-edged sword, as cybercriminals can easily intercept data on these networks. Therefore, employees should be trained to avoid using public Wi-Fi for work-related tasks unless they are connected via a virtual private network (VPN) that encrypts their internet traffic.
Head Back to the Classroom Online
The fashion industry is no stranger to the ever-changing landscape of cybersecurity threats. To stay ahead, professionals in the field should remain informed about the latest threats and trends. One innovative approach is to explore online cybersecurity programs offered by reputable online universities. This commitment not only cultivates in-depth expertise within the organization but also showcases a dedicated commitment to digital security.
In addition to online cybersecurity programs, attending cybersecurity conferences and webinars, subscribing to industry-specific cybersecurity publications, and actively engaging in relevant forums or communities can further empower fashion professionals to stay updated on the latest threats and best practices. Networking with cybersecurity experts also opens doors to valuable insights and knowledge-sharing opportunities.
Managing Data Access
Implement strict access controls to limit who can access sensitive data. This means setting up user permissions and roles within your IT systems to ensure that only authorized personnel have access to critical information. For instance, design files, customer databases, and financial records should not be universally accessible. Using multi-factor authentication can add an extra layer of security.
Furthermore, you should regularly review and update access permissions. When employees change roles or leave the organization, their access should be promptly adjusted or revoked. Failure to do so can result in unauthorized access and potential data breaches.
Committing to Regular Audits
Regular security audits and assessments are like the critical reviews of a new collection; they help identify potential vulnerabilities in your systems. Engaging external cybersecurity experts to conduct these audits can provide an unbiased view of your security posture. These audits should cover everything from network security to employee access protocols.
Security audits typically involve a comprehensive examination of your organization’s cybersecurity infrastructure and practices. This includes vulnerability scanning, penetration testing, and a review of security policies and procedures. The findings from these audits can help fashion businesses prioritize security improvements and allocate resources effectively.
Preparing an Incident Response Plan
Despite the best preventive measures, cyber incidents can still occur. Developing and regularly updating an incident response plan ensures that your business can respond quickly and effectively to mitigate damages. This plan should include steps for isolating affected systems, communicating with stakeholders, and reporting breaches to relevant authorities.
An incident response plan ensures that employees know what to do in case of a cybersecurity emergency. It should outline the roles and responsibilities of individuals involved, including IT staff, legal counsel, and public relations personnel. The plan should also specify the steps for notifying affected parties, like customers, and comply with any legal requirements for data breach reporting.
Securing Digital Archives
Regularly backing up data and systems is like having a backup for your runway show — crucial for when things don’t go as planned. Ensure that backups are made frequently and stored securely, ideally off-site or in the cloud. This practice not only protects against data loss from cyberattacks but also from physical threats like fires or floods.
Backups should be automated whenever possible to ensure consistency and reliability. Fashion businesses should consider using a combination of on-site and off-site backups to minimize the risk of data loss. Regularly testing the restoration process ensures that backups are functional and can be relied upon in case of a data disaster.
Cybersecurity in the fashion industry is non-negotiable. It’s not just about safeguarding data; it’s about preserving brand reputation, customer trust, and the essence of creativity that fuels the industry. By implementing these strategies, fashion businesses can not only defend themselves against cyber threats but also gain a competitive edge in an industry where reputation and trust are as vital as the latest trends.
Let’s dive into the world of upcycling – the art of transforming old, worn-out stuff into hip, trendy treasures. If you’ve got a closet full of clothes hanging on for dear life or a piece of furniture that’s seen better days, it’s time to channel your inner DIY maestro. Here are a couple of cool ideas to turn your tired threads and furniture relics into something Instagram-worthy!
Upcycling Clothing Ideas:
1. Denim Revival
Got a pair of jeans that have more holes than fabric? Fear not! Cut them into shorts, add some funky patches, or turn them into a denim tote bag. Denim is like the duct tape of the fashion world – it fixes everything and can be molded into anything. With a bit of creativity and a sewing machine, those old jeans can become your new style statement.
2. T-shirt Transformation
We all have that stack of old t-shirts we can’t bear to part with. Time to break out the tie-dye kit! Whether you go for classic spirals or channel your inner artist with abstract designs, tie-dyeing turns plain tees into vibrant, one-of-a-kind masterpieces. Pro tip: Oversized tie-dye shirts make for perfect loungewear or beach cover-ups.
Upcycling Furniture Ideas:
1. Pallet Power
Pallets are like the Lego bricks of the furniture world. With a bit of sanding and a splash of paint, you can turn these humble shipping platforms into coffee tables, bookshelves, or even outdoor seating. Get creative – stack them, paint them, and voila, you’ve got yourself a custom piece of pallet perfection.
2. Suitcase Shelves
Have an old suitcase gathering dust in the attic? Turn it into a quirky set of shelves! Just attach it to the wall, open it up, and boom – instant storage with a vintage twist. The best part? You don’t need to be a carpenter extraordinaire to pull it off. It’s the kind of DIY project that’s easy, fun, and earns you major style points.
Upcycling is not just about saving money; it’s about giving new life to the things you already own. So, grab those scissors, raid your closet, and get ready to turn the ordinary into the extraordinary. Whether you’re rocking revamped denim or showcasing your DIY furniture finesse, upcycling is all about embracing the beauty of imperfection and making sustainability look seriously cool. Happy crafting!
When it comes to fashion and textiles, the origin of your clothing can be as important as the style itself. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in supporting local industries and choosing products that are made in the USA, as opposed to items made in bulk in factories abroad. If you’ve ever wondered about the fabrics that make up your favorite American-made garments, you’re in the right place!
One notable trend is the increasing emphasis on sustainability and ethical practices within the industry. This shift has led to a resurgence of interest in domestically produced fabrics, with both consumers and businesses recognizing the benefits. In the quest for sustainable fashion, consumers are increasingly seeking out fabrics with a lower environmental impact. This aligns with a broader movement toward mindful consumerism and a desire to make environmentally conscious choices.
Cotton and denim: Staples in American Textiles
Cotton has long been a staple in the American textile industry, and it continues to play a crucial role today. Companies like Red Land Cotton are leading the charge for American-produced cotton. Their products highlight the importance of supporting local cotton farmers and the communities that depend on this age-old crop.
Denim is another notable textile that is proudly made in America. With a rich history dating back to the 19th century, American denim has become synonymous with quality and craftsmanship, often selling for a high price to consumers. The iconic blue denim jeans, a wardrobe staple for many across the world, often find their roots in the denim mills scattered across the United States.
Technical Textiles and Innovation
Apart from traditional fabrics, the U.S. textile industry has seen a surge in the production of technical textiles. These advanced materials are engineered for specific functionalities, ranging from medical applications to industrial use. This shift towards innovation ensures that the American textile industry remains at the forefront of global competition, staying a step ahead of competition.
By choosing garments made from fabrics produced in the USA, consumers can not only embrace a sense of patriotism but also contribute to the sustainability and resilience of the American textile industry.
Decades after stepping onto the proverbial runway of her career calling, Frances J. Harder is still making multiple strides motivated by her personal motto, “Passion for fashion.” Heavily influenced while growing up by her father, a textile engineer, and her mother, a fashion designer for her uncle who owned a factory, Ms. Harder initially planned a career in graphic design, yet her mother implored her that pursing fashion design would ensure that she’d always know how to sew for her children. Heeding the advice while weaving in a solid educational foundation earning a Bachelor of Arts in fashion, with honors, from the University of Salford, in the United Kingdom, today, Ms. Harder is a curriculum advisor of fashion programs and an adjunct professor at California Polytechnic State University as well as the founder, president, and owner of Fa$hion for Profit Consulting in California.
Ms. Harder thrives in the fashion and education arenas, bolstered by her professional mission to make a difference by educating people and consulting with others working in fashion to make running their businesses less stressful. She has advised numerous colleges, which has included sitting on the dean’s advisory board for the merchandising department at California Polytechnic State University. With an expert’s eye, she provides clients and students with wise, helpful overviews and insights into the latest happenings in the fashion industry as it relates to design, product development, marketing, manufacturing, and most everything that goes into producing garments. Ms. Harder’s prowess has garnered widespread respect, including the distinction of being consistently named to the Los Angeles’ Most Influential People list in California Apparel News, TLM Publishing Corp., between 2000 and 2018.
Having established deep and longstanding relationships at all levels in the industry, she is a consultant with the International Trade Centre, the World Trade Organization, the United Nations, and an apparel business and design consultant with various companies in England. Ms. Harder also serves as an expert witness regarding industry-related issues such as chargebacks, trademarks, copyrights, trade dress, trade secrets, patent infringement issues, and research and development. As a designer, she was tapped to produce two fashion lines for Priscilla Presley working with the Home Shopping Network.
During the past 20-plus years, Ms. Harder has shared her knowledge through creative works in the United States, England, Canada, Nepal, Peru, Egypt and other worldwide locations and as either a presenter, organizer, or moderator at various national and international trade shows. They include, yet not limited to, MAGIC International, the Apparel Textile Sourcing Show, Hong Kong World Boutique, the LA Textile Show, Phoenix Fashion Week, Emerald Exposition, ASD Market Week, and others. Furthermore, as an authority, Ms. Harder educates the public through her own Harder Publications company, which has published titles that she has authored such as “Costing for Profit,” “Fashion for Profit: From Design Concept to Apparel Manufacturing and Retailing – A Professional’s Complete Guide, 10th Edition,” “Brand Building for Profit,” and the “Forms for Profit,” CD-ROM.
Ms. Harder’s extensive experience spanning four decades prepared her well for her current roles. A mere sampling of her previous positions has been as an adjunct Professor at Woodbury University, a consultant with the training center at Microsoft, associate professor at the Otis College of Arts and Design, a freelance technical designer and fashion designer for various entities, designer of her own junior contemporary fashion line, department chair for the fashion program at The Art Institute of California, a faculty member at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising, and many other key positions in the U.S. and abroad. Merging her profession with civic responsibility, Ms. Harder was the founder and president of Fashion Business Incorporated for 18 years and a member of the District Export Council of the Federal Trade Commission for six years. She also often donates to charities.
Ms. Harder believes her success is the result of enjoying her work, being open to networking, her willingness to change especially when opportunities arise, recognizing opportunities and striving to do her best to make them work for her and others. Peering forward, she expects to continue consulting with new companies to help them flourish, conducting seminars, and serving as an expert witness for industry-related legal issues.
While proud of her accomplishments, most important to Ms. Harder is her family. She is married with two grown, professionally successful children and has two grandchildren. In her personal time, she paints, presents art exhibitions, and exercises.
