The Fashion Curve

The plus size clothing sector is seeing some serious growth as of late. While traditional plus size specialty stores like Evans and Lane Bryant have been around for almost a century, most of the current boom can be credited to cutting edge retailers like Modcloth, ASOS, and Forever 21 who have expanded their offerings to include a more diverse size range. This market shift suggests that no matter what a customer's shape or size is, they still demand clothing that is on trend and makes them look and feel good.

photo via Buzzfeed

Modcloth, which has doubled the size of its plus size business since June 2013, recently hired Paradigm Sample to conduct a survey concluding that more US women wear a size 16 than 0, 2, and 4 combined. According to an article from the Associated Press, "The average American woman is about 25 pounds heavier than she was in 1960. Yet women's plus size clothing, generally defined as size 14 and up, still makes up only 9 percent of the $190 billion spent annually on clothes." This is major and explains why overall sales on plus size apparel has increased by about 5% and over a billion dollars from just last year, with most of that coming from the baby boomer generation.

photo via Refinery29

The popular and super trendy Aussie plus size brand, City Chic is coming to the US with six new stores openings in California. Kicking off on August 1st, the first will open its doors in Culver City with the rest launching throughout the end of September. Currently they ship internationally and are available at select Nordstrom stores as well as online, but their official brick and mortar entrance into the US will mark a major accomplishment for the specialty plus sized retailer.

photo via Nicolette Mason

However, it doesn't end at retail. Today we have magazines like Full Blossom as well as a plethora of famed blogs like GabiFresh, Girl With Curves, and Nicolette Mason aimed to fight stereotypes and inspire women to embrace their bodies. Not to mention, full figured fashion has spread across mainstream media sites like Refinery29 and Marie Claire pinpointing key trends, fashion tips, and advice articles. These companies are finally opening their eyes to reality and understanding their audience goes beyond sizes 0-12.

photo via Huffington Post

If you remember correctly, Rick Owens made fashion history almost a year ago when he replaced traditional models with a step dance team, whom were of a variety of shapes, sizes, and races. Then in February during London Fashion Week the second annual British Plus-Size Fashion Weekend (BPSFW) launched as well, which is specifically aimed towards size 14 and up. While the event is not actually affiliated with LFW, it is a huge leap for promoting positive body image and the beauty of diversity.

photo via Redbook Mag

Despite, things are still trickier in regards to the luxury market with very few high-end brands designing for above size 14. Actress Melissa McCarthy caused some controversy during an interview in June's issue of Redbook over her troubles finding a gown to wear to the Oscars explaining, "I couldn't find anyone to do a dress for me." And now due to her first hand struggles as well as her background in clothing and textiles, she's collaborating on her very own line called Pearl to help fuller sized women feel good about themselves.

While the high-end market may have some catching up to do, there's no getting around the potential of plus size apparel. With the help of technology and the internet, full figured women finally have access to brands that sell clothing fit for their body types without having to sacrifice their style in the process. As mid-market retailers continue to make it a priority, we will see more brands expand size selections, support diverse body types, drop stereotypes, and most importantly, challenge the current pressures of the fashion industry to reflect what real women look like.

Fashionable Incentives

In January at Invista, we spoke of how performance fabrics are crucial to the fashion industry as well as what all the present athletic hype is about. Just a few months later and activewear has made some significant leaps specifically concerning wearable technology and how we apply these innovations to our high energy lifestyles. It's all about getting healthy and fit, causing sports apparel to be fully integrated into our entire wardrobes.

photo via WWD

We're seeing so many unexpected brands branch out into activewear. Urban Outfitters has unveiled an in-house apparel and accessories line called Without Walls and Net-A-Porter looks to introduce a new department featuring brands that target yoga, running, and spin classes. Aimed at customers 18 to 28, Without Walls indulges in edgy designs, bright colours and vibrant patterns to be anything but basic workout gear. Currently allocated in more high-profile stores throughout New York, California, and the cities of Portland and Seattle, these casual in-store shops combine UO's new collection with a variety of other third party labels both big and small, including the likes of Vans, Patagonia, The North Face, Columbia, Onzie, and Newline, among many others.

photo via fashionista.com

Also with fitness on the brain, Betsey Johnson has launched a fall collection inspired by performance focused pieces including high-stretch nylon spandex leggings, moisture wicking t's and heat sustaining fleece lined jackets. The designer hopes to "liven up other people's workout routines" with fishnet details, jacquard patterns, open exposures, peplum shapes, piping, and bows. The new line will be available at Nordstrom, Macy's, and Betsey's website later this year.

photo via Quartz

Then there is Gap who is directing it's current strategy towards the art of soft dressing. Already deeming fitness oriented clothing "the new denim," CEO Glenn Murphy has decided to move Gap Body's athletic wear straight to the front of store. With the success of Athleta blowing Banana Republic, Old Navy, and Gap sales out of the water, Murphy explained how so many of us are not just working out in our comfy sweatpants and yoga pants, but wearing them throughout the day to run errands, work from home, and even commute to work in. Hence, the success of Lululemon and all the fuss about looking fashion friendly while working out.

photo via WWD

Sending warning signals to all retailers, Amazon has embarked on the wearable technology movement. Just this spring, the online powerhouse debuted a wearable technology focused storefront promoting things like fitness and wellness trackers, smart watches, health care devices, and wearable cameras. John Nemeth, the director of wireless and mobile electronics at Amazon, foresees rapid expansion of this category which includes brands like Jawbone, GoPro, Polar, Garmin, and Nike.

photo via Naked Sports Gear

Summer is upon us and lucky for you, founders Reilly Star and Katie Sue Nicklos have perfected a range of sun-friendly apparel. Made in NYC of moisture wicking, tan through fabrics, Naked Sports Gear is a collection of sports bras, shirts and tanks that erase the fate of tan lines forever.

photo via The Business of Fashion

If it's not obvious yet, fashion and fitness pretty much go hand in hand and with athletic wear being classified just as essential to our wardrobes as denim, this is just likely the beginning. In the early 2000's the leggings fad surged and since then we've only grown to adopt more casual pieces into our everyday attire. Not to mention, we've already seen the shift among high and low brands like H&M, Uniqlo, Forever 21, and Lululemon 's sportswear pieces to Chanel and Dior sneakers and Tory Burch who will launch a line in 2015. With denim being the only category that has grown remotely similar to activewear, it will be interesting to see if it has the same long lasting success as the premium denim market. 

video via springwise.com

Today we'd like to leave you with this inspiring video explaining a new revolutionary concept initiated by the Alfa-Bank in Russia granting higher interest rates based on how much you exercise. It's trendy to be fit and just as important to look it as well. Right now, with such a spotlight on being healthy and so many companies getting active, will you? 

Access Granted

We all want we can't have, or at least what we think we can't have. However in today's world with the onset of technology, the internet, and globalization, this is practically irrelevant because we can have it all, no matter where we are. While Australia may be thousands of miles away and a 20 plus hour flight, it is finally catching up to the rest of the world and becoming a hub for both imports and exports of the hottest internationally recognized brands.

What we know is, Australian shoppers prefer to shop online and reportedly contributed to over $15 billion in online retail sales over the last year, and that only continues to strengthen. E-commerce not only gives access to these foreign labels, but also the power to choose among an endless array of products that were never available to them before. With most big and small name brands offering shipping around the world, retailers have been able to experiment across the Australian market and understand the growing potential, causing some to expand into the Southern Hemisphere.

photo via Australian Vogue

Stores that were once filled with solely Australian labels, are now being exposed to a plethora of cutting-edge fashion labels from around the world that offer entirely new shopping experiences. Not to mention such global hard hitters like Uniqlo, H&M, and Tod's have just opened up shop and Sephora is next. At the moment, there is no real beauty chain of its kind present in Australia, apart from department store cosmetic counters, pharmacies, and independent brands. With an expected launch date in early 2015, two of Australia's biggest department chains are already keen to do what JC Penney has done with Sephora and integrate it into its stores. In lieu of such success in Asia, the one-stop makeup haven has instead decided to open up standalone stores and it's really going to shake up the market.

photo via The Syndey Morning Herald

However, shopping these overseas retailers comes with a fee as a new survey exposes the discrepancies in pricing between Australian brick and mortar and retailers' international online stores. By comparing fast fashion brands like ASOS, Gap, Topshop, and Zara, it's pretty clear that Australians are paying as much as a 35% premium on merchandise. Meanwhile, retailers are blaming price increases on local taxes, freight, and labour expenses. To make matters worse, these e-commerce sites are equipped with geo-blocking features that direct shoppers to a specific online store based on their location so they are unable to shop at a fairer price from a different country.

photo via Refinery29

In the interim of this Northern Hemisphere invasion, Australians are beginning to make a name for themselves elsewhere. Besides well known Sass & Bide, Dion Lee, and Zimmerman who have already paved the way north, a fresh group of talent is following right in their footsteps. While many of Australia's best kept secrets still remain stateside like uber trendy fashion labels Witchery, Finders Keepers, and Cameo, a few are making their way over to us here in the USA.

photo via Oneteaspoon

A favorite among many and available at hot spots like Revolve Clothing, ASOS, and Free People, Oneteaspoon is the epitome of Australia's rebellious spirit. The label made its official debut in 2000 after designer Jamie Walsham caught a bus from Queensland to Sydney at age 18 and set the precedence for its signature rock'n'roll attitude. Fast forwarding to today, Oneteaspoon is now stocked in 32 countries across the globe, worn by Emma Roberts, Vanessa Hudgens, Alessandra Ambrosio among many other "it" girls, and has even expanded into homewares.

photo via Refinery29

Bec and Bridge is the brainchild of Sydney duo Becky Cooper and Bridget Yorston and is about to change the way you wear denim. The pair initially launched the label well over a decade ago and their sexy body-con dresses and skirts are finally picking up speed in the US. Their most recent collection entitled "Indigo," bears the same name as their source of inspiration, a coffee table book by Catherine Legrand. With a modern take on denim, the line is full of patchwork jackets, raw edged chambray and indigo tweed that is polished off with additions of 3D mesh, silk pinstripes, and gorgeous batik patterns.

photo via Business of Fashion

So despite news that the Australian market is undergoing a fashion crisis, it's really just more of an overall shift. For the Aussies, shopping domestically just isn't cool. While that will eventually change as they gain the same access as the rest of the world, the fashion industry down under has a lot of development ahead of it first. As with everywhere else, brands move in and out depending on the demand and right now going global is the thing to do, the only thing to do. 

Two Names Are Better Than One

It seems to be the season for fashion collaborations as brands from high to low seek a high profile name to pair up with. The idea of bringing luxury labels and celebrity designed wardrobes to the masses has become practically the norm in the eye of retail and it's not changing anytime soon. So get your agendas ready because these are some fashion collabs your wardrobe will not want to miss.

photo via Elle

Kate Moss x Topshop
She did it again! After 4 years, Kate Moss has returned for yet another collaboration with the fast fashion retailer Topshop, and this time it's shoppable in 39 countries worldwide as well as in Nordstrom stores, Nordstrom.com, and Net-a-Porter.com. The collection ranges from $76 to $1,200 and most of it adorned with fun details like beading, fringe, and sequins so you can get your statement Kate Moss on. As expected last week's launch at Topshop's Oxford Circus drew in enormous crowds and of course London's A-list ladies which included Cara Delevingne, Suki Waterhouse, Sienna Miller, and Naomi Campbell at a private after party event.

photo via Vanity Fair

Proenza Schouler x MAC
Fashion and makeup go together like well, designers Lazaro Hernandez and Jack McCollough. Available now, this makeup range emulates Proenza Schouler's bold clothing and iconic prints with a super vibrant colour palette of lipsticks and blushes that pair with dark eyeliners and dramatic nail polishes. The collection is all about being effortless and balances beauty with fashion in the most downtown cool of ways. All those in favor of looking like a Proenza girl, say yay!

photo via Fashion Trends Daily

Banana Republic x Marimekko
Earlier this year, Banana Republic announced a collaboration with Finnish designer Marimekko and lucky for us the first sneak peek of the 22-piece collection is finally here. Arriving in stores on May 22, this limited edition capsule is full of Marimekko's artistic prints that grace the likes of signature Banana silhouettes like midi skirts, cropped skinny pants, maxi dresses, tunics, rompers, and other separates. Full of uniquely patterned pieces that will surely stand out from the rest of your wardrobe, you may just have found your summer statements.

photo via fashionista.com

Karlie Kloss x Warby Parker
Although the capsule collection doesn't launch until June 10th, Karlie has already been building major buzz by wearing the 70's inspired sunnies around NYC with bestie Taylor Switft. The sunglass range includes three metal frames with ombre lenses and all sales of the $145 specs benefit the nonprofit Edible Schoolyard NYC, which encourages healthy eating for kids in low income public schools.

photo via www.buro247.com

CFDA and Amazon
In further efforts toward world domination, Amazon's MyHabit private sale website will now host an online designer shop to benefit the CFDA foundation. Starting this July, fashionistas alike will be able to shop their favorite designers at a discount AND contribute to a good cause with all proceeds going towards disaster relief, HIV/AIDS and breast cancer charities. So far, everyone from Tommy Hilfiger, Ralph Lauren, and Michael Kors to Marc Jacobs, Alexander Wang, Tory Burch and Oscar de la Renta, among many others, have already joined the initiative.

photo via telegraph.co.uk

Mary Katrantzou for Adidas

After confirming a long term partnership with Pharrell Williams, Adidas Originals has announced a another capsule collection with the famed London Fashion Designer, Mary Katrantzou, set to hit stores this November. Katrantzou is best known for her eye popping use of colour and digital kaleidoscope-esq patterns which we're hoping will translate into the exclusive sporty apparel and footwear line.

photo via Alexander Wang

Alexander Wang x H&M
This highly anticipated collection is definitely one to mark your calendars for. H&M's latest designer collaboration was announced just two weeks ago via Wang's Instagram account drawing in over 11K in likes. The collection which will include men's and women's clothing as well as accessories is set to launch in early November and will be available in over 250 H&M stores worldwide. According to Wang, H&M is very open to "pushing boundaries" so we can't wait to see what the two masterminds come up with!

Responsible Investments

With Earth Day next week and the not-to-be-missed Copenhagen Fashion Summit starting on April 23rd, we thought we'd update you on what is happening regarding conscious shopping and its influences on the apparel industry.

photo via Media Post News

In an effort for the two leading fast fashion retailers H&M and Zara to continue to go "green," this time they have joined forces with the nonprofit Canopy to support their "Fashion Loved By Forest" campaign which seeks to eliminate traces of endangered forest fibers like rayon, viscose, and modal in clothing which all use pulp. So far the anti-deforestation initiative is already backed by the likes of Eileen Fisher, Quicksilver, and Loomstate, so with the help of these mega-retailers it will hopefully send a powerful message that the market is shifting.

photo via Refinery29

Now that they've launched their 3rd conscious collection as well as a new labeling system called Clever Care that provides environmentally friendly cleaning instructions, how sustainable really is H&M? While these new policies are definitely showing progress and of course a complete turn-around for such a major company takes time, we can't help but wonder how they still manage to sell clothing at such a steal. How these prices include everything from fabric costs to wages, shipping, etc is unbeknownst to us but at least they are ethically aware of what they are doing and among the first of many to implement such innovative initiatives.

While its been over 10 months, there is finally word of improvement coming from Bangladesh. The first factories have been inspected and reports show they are in much better shape concerning fire and electrical safety and potential structural issues. You can now access the inspections by factory via the website, bangladeshaccord.org which breaks down all the issues, recommended and proposed action plans, timelines, reference photos, and even contact information. This model is so far proving successful and could eventually serve as a blueprint for other countries that produce apparel and fashion products.

photo via The Guardian

Despite better conditions in Bangladesh, there is so much talk of 'Made in the USA' especially here in NY but is bringing manufacturing back stateside really a more sustainable practice? According to experts like Greg Berteisen of the National Association of Manufacturers, by re-shoring production and supporting American made products, we are not only reducing our environmental footprint but creating healthier and safer workplaces. He also explained how "US manufacturers are the world's most energy efficient." By producing right here on our own soil we can better monitor what we are making and how much which drastically reduces overproduction, a major form of waste.

photo via Milwaukee Business Journal

Walmart has recently repositioned themselves as one of the largest supporters of domestic manufacturing with initiatives to buy an additional $250 billion in American made products as well as back growing businesses by offering grants of $100,000 or more to nonprofit organizations. With their continued commitment to bringing 'Made in the USA' back to our cities we will see an estimated growth of 1 million jobs, a stronger and more self-sufficient run industry, and hopefully a chain reaction among other major retailers in the near future.

photo via shannonwhitehead.com

We are excited to see what the rest of 2014 has to bring for sustainability developments. Just this month there heaps of eco-conscious events to look forward to from the US to Europe to Canada, Israel, Japan, and Mexico. Now that such mega retailers and fast fashion powerhouses are now investing in more responsible measures, we are hoping it takes off across the board from big to small, high-end to mid-market. Sustainability is finally being regarded as an obligation and as it continues to evolve into a world-wide phenomenon, this global fashion awareness revolution isn't going to slow down anytime soon. 

Athletic Hype

Well it's a New Year and you know what that means...a rise in gym memberships as people strive to fulfill their annual resolutions to get fit. Not only will the gyms be packed these first few weeks of January, but we've been having a lot of mainstream conversations concerning athletic wear. It's now a lifestyle more than ever, especially as fashion and fitness begin to merge.

photo via MBF Trend Consulting

Over the past few seasons, things have been getting much more active, especially with the most recent Spring/Summer 2014 shows. From sneakers on the runway at DKNY to tennis influences at Lisa Perry and Tommy Hilfiger's scuba fabrications, this sporty attitude is getting us hyped up. All you have to do is look around and you'll notice the influx of technical fabrications in clothing, people interchanging their wardrobes from gym to work and back again, and the onset of athletic gear influences hitting Hollywood like in "The Hunger Games." Everyone has fitness on the brain and the industry is catching on to the craze as well.

photo via NY Daily News

It's not only on the runway but hitting mass market retailers as well like H&M with their new activewear collection. The fast fashion mega-giant has announced that it will be dressing the Swedish Olympic and Paralympic teams at the fast approaching 2014 Winter Games as well as the Summer Games in Rio de Janeiro in 2015.

photo via NY Times

In other news, the cutting-edge brand, Under Armor is planning to open its first NYC location early this year in SoHo, which will also be its largest store to date. This neighborhood is really heating up especially with the already existing Adidas, Sweaty Betty, Athletica, and Lululemon shops. In addition, rumors have been circulating about the opening of a Niketown which would really create some competition. 

video via Nike

As far as the marriage between fashion and athletics goes, it all stems from the obvious: wearable technology. Nike leads the pack with the introduction of its Fuelband SE that measures your whole body's movement to give you better insight into how active your everyday life is. This innovative limited addition gadget nearly sold out following the most recent holiday season. And with the launch of Samsung's Galaxy Gear smart watch, Google Glass, and of course, Burberry's former CEO moving to Apple, who knows what the future will bring.

photo via ft.com

So whether you're into the athletic thing or not, fashion is proving that fitness is an important aspect of our current lifestyle. Wearable technology is getting smarter as new applications allow us to track and predict behaviors via clothing, watches, and footwear. What we wear tells says a lot about who we are already, but with these new innovations, we will learn how to live both fashionably and healthy. 

MBF PROFILES: Maxine Bédat

As the onset of a more conscious consumer and curated shopping experience takes over the retail world, the ethically-minded e-commerce site, Zady helps combat the rise of fast fashion to help bring the slow-fashion movement back into style. This platform is dedicated to indulging in the story and heritage of a brand, connecting and creating authentic relationships, and truly recognizing the value in quality craftsmanship and innovative design. So today, we'd like you to meet Maxine Bédat, co-founder of the site and a key leader revolutionizing the way we sell and shop.

photo via zady.com

MBF: Please tell us a bit about your background. How did your e-commerce side concept come about? What are the thoughts behind it?

Maxine Bédat: While I have always been interested in fashion and art, my career prior to The Bootstrap Project and then Zady was in international law and development.

The concept for The Bootstrap Project was first developed in Tanzania where I was working at The International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, the court set up to try the Rwandan genocidaires.

The tribunal work seemed so far off from the people with whom I lived, that I took every opportunity to visit the surrounding areas. This meant that I saw a lot of markets. I soon realized that many of the products, even those pieces that looked “African,” came from half-way around the world. And as I spoke to the people at the markets I learned for the first time how local craft was systematically dying out. While for hundreds of years prior a mother would pass down her skills to her daughters, the chain was forever being broken as cheap imitation imports flooded the markets. The products that were left were shoddily made, created with inferior material and did not represent the local culture.

During this time, I was also lucky enough to meet a woman named Rose. Rose was both a cunning entrepreneur and a highly talented artisan. She still carries on the craft traditions of her family. I instantly fell in love with her work and the idea dawned on me that if I could just expand this woman’s market and connect her with folks from around the world who would appreciate her time-honored skills, she could seek out a more sustainable future for herself and her children.

It was then that The Bootstrap Project, the non-profit helping artisans in the developing world was born. While much of the work of Bootstrap is in training programs, helping artisans train a new generation, and teaching business skills, a significant part of our work is telling the story of the artisan to the international market. I was so moved by the story of Rose and her incredible beautiful work that I wanted everyone to have the opportunity to meet her, or at least feel that they had.

While I was setting up the ecommrece chanel for Bootstrap I reconnected with a high school friend Soraya Darabi. We both were moved with storytelling and together we became very interested in product supply chains. We had built such a close connection with the Bootstrap Project products that we wanted to have that same connection with all of the things in our closets.

As we dug into the research, we began to realize the horrible implications our fast-fashion ways were having on society – from a health, environmental, not to mention worker rights perspective. At the same time however, we saw an emergence, introduced first by Whole Foods and the slow food movement, of our society’s deep interest in connecting with our things. And since there was no destination that we could find that curated beautiful products where we could build a connection with the makers, we decided to make it ourselves.

photo via zady.com

MBF: Zady is an ethical minded e-commerce site. What is the core mission and what does ethical minded mean?

MB: The core mission of Zady is to build a connection between maker and consumer. We are developing a slow-fashion movement, where focus is on quality over quantity. It’s interesting since moving away from fast fashion, my wardrobe is now much more highly edited. I have a better sense of my own style, each piece that I own is much higher quality than I ever had, and with all of that I end of spending much less than I did before. And that is all due to the switch from fast fashion to slow fashion.

MBF: You are working with an amazing brand portfolio. Can you tell us about the vetting/curating process?

MB: Thank you! The beginning of every conversation with a brand starts out with where the product is made. You would be shocked to know that the vast, I mean vast majority of brands, do not know where their product is made. So we always begin with this, because if you don’t know, down to the atelier or factory, then we’re not going to be interested. However, those that do know, tend to get so excited about the process of manufacturing and the care that is put into production, and you can so clearly see it from the products themselves, they just look more beautiful.

Everything that we do is aesthetic driven, we care about the factory because we care about the quality of the design and of the end product. We as ourselves for every piece, would be comfortable wearing this for over a decade. If the answer is yes, then it's a fit.

MBF: You launched on August 27th of this year and were immediately successful. What is the recipe?

MB: I know this is not a glamorous answer, but just plain hard work is a big part of it.

MBF: What differentiates Zady from other e-commerce sites? Do you see your company as a niche market? Who would you say are your competitors?

MB: We’re developing a whole new way of purchasing and interacting with products. We’re developing a brand that is being built with our community and we are presenting a lifestyle, through product but also more importantly through engaging content that is quite different from brands of the past. In that way we don’t see ourselves as having competitors. There are brands like Whole Foods and Patagonia that we admire, but do not compete with.

photo via zady.com

MBF: Do you experience that the consumer is becoming a more conscious consumer who demands transparency, integrity and beautiful design? Can you give us an idea of who your customers are?

MB: It has been a lot of fun having our pop-up shop at the airport because we have been able to get a really solid understanding of exactly who our customer is. It’s not an age range or even a socio economic bracket. What we are seeing are those folks who you can tell just by how they are dressed care about each item that they purchase. Even in the way they interact with the sales associates, they are looking to build a small connection. They are thoughtful, stylish people.
 
MBF: Storytelling is such an important part of marketing and branding nowadays. What is your way of storytelling?

MB: We have stories of each of our products and tell stories through our Features section. The features are articles that have nothing to do with product, but speak to the Zady lifestyle. We’re also looking to expand into video storytelling, which can be so powerful, as well as other more dynamic forms like google hangouts, where we can connect our community directly with the makers.

MBF: Zady is a curated personalized e-commerce site. What metrics are you using to harness the data and analytics to not only grow your customer base but also to anticipate what your customer is looking for?

MB: We focus on metrics, of course, but more importantly at this stage is the qualitative data. We’re looking to build an engaged community and that means asking them questions, listening to their responses and acting for them. For example we asked right at the outset what was missing, product wise, from our site, and of all things we were asked for a sustainable brand for pets. We went out and searched for that brand, and now those pieces are doing phenomenally well. We would never had known if we hadn’t just asked!

photo via zady.com

MBF: You launched a pop up shop at La Guardia. How is that going? Would you consider any other brick and mortar ventures in the near future? Anything in the making?

MB: We are having the best time at La Guardia. Airports are a completely overlooked and amazing opportunity to meet people from across the country and around the world. Since New Yorkers tend to segregate themselves by neighborhood, the airport provides a great melting pot to gauge customer reactions from a broad range of people.

Engagement has been terrific and it is beyond all of our expectations. We have learned an enormous amount and will apply those learnings to our next brick and mortar experience.

MBF: Is there a demand from the consumer side to take the Zady experience into a physical shopping experience – similar to what for example Warby Parker, Bauble Bar and Etsy have experienced?

MB: Smart brands have learned that the best experience for the user is omnichanel. The digital world and the brick and mortar world should be seamless. For example, at the airport some folks want to do all of their holiday shopping at the store, but they don’t want to carry it with them on their journey. We make it easy for our customers to make the order in the store and we pack it up and ship it for them.

The brick and mortar experience adds another layer, another dimensionality to the online experience. Customers want to have that level of engagement.

MBF: What are the biggest challenges you encounter to take your company forward?

MB: As we grow our team, we want to make sure that our hyper-active, thoughtful, passionate culture stays with us. That will be a top focus of us going forward.

photo via zady.com

MBF: What is the most amazing item on your site right now?

We can’t choose our favorite child, but our Mischa Lampert hats have drawn a lot of attention both online and in the store.

Our MBF Profiles ends with a questionnaire that follows in the footsteps of Proust's Questionnaire and American TV show host James Lipton's "10 Questions".

MBF: Your favorite swear word?

MB: Putain de mere, somehow if it's in french I dont really feel like I’m swearing.

MBF: Your least favorite word?

MB: Moist (shudder).

MBF: Your favorite word?

MB: Pamplemousse, which is grapefruit in french. Doesn’t it sound lovely, pamplemouse.

MBF: What turns you on?

MB: People who are passionate about whatever they are doing.

MBF: And of course, what turns you off?

MB: Constant negativity.

MBF: What sound do you love?

MB: Crackling fire.

MBF: If you could pick any profession – what might you be?

MB: Astronaut.

MBF: If you could be anywhere right now, where would you be?

MB: Right where I am.

MBF: If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?

MB: You can go back now, heaven doesn’t need you.

Triple-A Dude Talks BS

Disclaimer: If you are subject to any kind of sensitivity as it relates to the use of 4-letter words and the likes, please accept our apologies and refrain from reading this blog post.

photo via Maxime Ballesteros

Jan, we’ve been die-hard fans since your zero-BS policy from your early days as co-pilot of Uslu Airlines, back when you first took off in NYC in 2001. Wow! That’s history – seriously no BS!

photo via Shukra Cola

MBF: What do you have your sights set on – in addition to the airline business?

Jan Mihm: My currently most rewarding businesses aside from 'ua' are Shukran Cola, a kinda-non-profit venture that invests all profits in Palestine. My personal competitive goal is to push Coke from its #1 postion in the soda market. We shall start in Berlin-Neukölln with this and then take it from there. So far, market response has been phenomenal!

photo via art-is-the-alibi.de

The close second for me in terms of personal rewards is ART IS THE ALIBI, an incubator and boiler plate for discovering international ideas and realizing them as artistic projects. Art is the Alibi's focus is fostering emerging and up and coming regions, both geographically and contextually. Founded in London, Art is the Alibi's headquarters have just been relocated to Berlin, the epicenter of emerging culture.

MBF: Please name your favourite airline…and airport.

Jan: My favourite airline is Virgin Atlantic. I have never flown with them, but I admire smart brand positioning more than recliner seats or tomato juice anyways. My favourite airport is Tegel. Cab to cabin is less than 50 steps there. Genius.

MBF: We can’t but help think of you as a NYC ex-pat. What’s most exciting today in and/or about NYC?

Jan: Honestly, I should answer that question end of October, after my 2013 visit.

photo via morgenpost.de

MBF: And if you had to sum up Germany’s capital Berlin in three to five words? No BS.

Jan: Four dimensional cluster of culture(s).

MBF: Rules are definitely made to be broken. What marketing rules should we be breaking today ensuring products appeal to the very fickle, short attention span, knowledgeable consumer?

Jan: I know very little about marketing rules, so I would not exactly know what to break. To phrase it positively: think of your brand as a playmate for the consumer. And then continuously ask your yourself whether you would want to enter the game with that playmate. Make them laugh, bring them joy. Become their friend. A friend that they want to play with over and over again.

MBF: Can you identify the 5 most interesting people you have recently met?

Jan: No (nobody's biz).

MBF: What’s your connection with them?

Jan: See above.

photo via American Apparel

MBF: If you had to pick a fashion company to admire, which company would you pick?

Jan: Chanel and American Apparel (CC and AA for the B) both for their uniqueness, sexiness, smarts, awesomeness and especially – their particular portrayal of femininity.

video via ACRONYM® x Uslu Airlines Collaboration

MBF: And the most fashion-forward one?

Jan: ACRONYM

MBF: Who do you think is the most engaging technology company?

Jan: Huawei, Kel-Tec, Monkeylectric

photo via art-is-the-alibi.de

MBF: And of course, your favourite watch brand?

Jan: Analog: Raketa, Digital: Casio, Binary: The One

MBF: Have you ever been accused of looking somewhat like Tom Ford?

Jan: Yes, that has come up occasionally. But so have look-a-like comparisons to Ben Affleck and Ethan Hawke.

MBF: If “yes”, what do YOU think?

Jan: He is a very good looking guy. If I was gay, I would certainly bang him.

MBF: If you had to share words of wisdom with Ashton Kutcher – for his role as Steve Jobs – what would you say?

Jan: Drop the role, let Charlie Sheen do it. You suck.

MBF: Not terribly original but all the same fun. We’d like to take a page from James Lipton’s / Pivot’s questionnaire and ask you some questions, no BS…

MBF: Your favourite swear word?

Jan: "Scheisse" for things or mishaps, "Fotze" for people.

MBF: Your least favourite word?

Jan: Hate.

MBF: Your favourite word?

Jan: Love, Jan, charmer.

MBF: What turns you on?

Jan: Passionate brainy hearts, particularly on long legs.

MBF: And of course, what turns you off?

Jan: Abusing your own word of honor as if it was ever fixable

MBF: What sound do you love?

Jan: Laughter, especially that of my kids.

MBF: What sound truly irritates you?

Jan: Phone ringing.

MBF: If you could pick any profession – other than co-pilot – what might you be?

Jan: Certainly neither dentist, nor gynocologist as they both have to look in the same hole all the time. But since I regard my profession not so much as a co-pilot but rather as a hustler, I see no room for improvement = no need for change.

MBF: If you could be anywhere right now, where would you be?

Jan: Right here.

MBF: If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates?

Jan: Why if? And God will say exactly what will make me most surprising welcome, he is god after all. (And would not enjoy to guess him today. Why spoil the surprise?).

FIT's Sustainable Symposium

Last Friday as a part of FIT's Sustainable Fashion, Health, and Beauty Symposium, we attended the "Sustainable Fashion Tour of NYC." Key stops included Eileen Fisher, Nanette Lepore, Stoll Fashion and Technology Center, and even a chat with Tara St James at Washington Square Park.

photo via Amy DuFault

The tour was organized by Amy DuFault, a sustainable fashion writer, editor, and consultant with over 9 years of experience repping eco designers, co-owning a "conscious clothing" boutique as well as holding a position as editor for the online magazine, EcoSalon. Her mission is to unite the sustainable fashion community through events, collaborations and the creation of "Brain Trust," which connects over 100 members from the community, from farmers to investors. Not to mention, she is also selling t-shirts that call to end fast fashion by supporting what's really important, workers' rights.

photo via Amy DuFault

We all are familiar with the brand Eileen Fisher, but how many of you know the fashion house has a green program that takes used cloth back and donates it to non for profits? After speaking with designer Mimi Wong, we also learned about their domestic sweater production constructed in a small family owned knitting factory in Long Island, which is basically nonexistent here in the US. The brand is also extremely conscious from noting garment contents on labels to communicating fair trade fabrics and social responsibility initiatives on their website to auditing factories and offering workers training programs.

photo via Amy DuFault

Nanette Lepore not only works very close to the season, with Fall 2013 production and delivery, Spring 2014 sales, and Fall 2014 sourcing all happening simultaneously, but the label also produces up to 500 plus pieces per month in eight different factories based in New York. Not only is Nanette Lepore a valued member of the Save the Garment District initiative, but Nanette Lepore has expanded her "Made In The USA" mentality by manufacturing quality, handcrafted shoes at a factory in downtown Los Angeles.

photo via Stoll Knitting

Stoll Knitting is a German knitting machine manufacturer whose core business is selling machines. With the new technology of their multi-gage knitting machine, they have created the Stoll-Denim Collection, an entire knitwear line made with either no seams or fully fashioned to reduce waste. Word around the industry is that this new technology may be featured at the Kingpins Show in Amsterdam in 2014 so keep a look out!

photo via MBF Trend Consulting

Tara St James is the owner and head designer of Study New York, a sustainable womenswear label based in Brooklyn which tackles another sustainable component of the production process with every collection. Currently, she takes a seasonless approach to design and releases 3-4 new pieces per month. Through better, more direct communication from start to finish of the supply chain, she believes we can further move forward towards a transparent and more conscious industry. Stay tuned for a full fledged interview with Tara in one of of upcoming blogs!