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!

Wheeling Forward

Cross industry-wide there is a new standard for omni-channel retailing: SO (online), LO (brick and mortar) and MO (mobile technology). As we continue to move towards a globalized economy, companies need to think about how to remain as accessible as possible to customers. However, as of late, businesses are getting even more proactive as they bring themselves straight to their consumers by hitting the streets, literally.

photo via bangstyle.com

If there's one thing we've noticed this summer, it's the food truck-crazed phenomenon striking New York City during lunch hours. From creative boutiques to gourmet food, a large mix of companies are evolving to reach new markets by creating nomadic businesses on wheels. An idea that has since advanced from the traditional trunk show or door to door salesman is giving new meaning to pop-up shops. With a majority of these so called traveling vendors being start-ups and smaller businesses, they encompass more power to be flexible and accommodating to their clientele based on the day, weather and demand.

photo via The Boston Globe

One of coolest things about these on-the-go stores is that many have been completely revamped into mobile paradises from old delivery vans, potato trucks and even former school buses. Not to mention, while most of the time these vagabond businesses can be found parked in their regular whereabouts, many do offer traveling tours as well as private shopping events, video game parties and personalized services like hair cuts depending on the type of business.

photo via wsj.com

So it was only a matter of time until the fashion world caught on and now it's bringing style directly to you, when and where you want it. Mobile (not to be confused with mobile technology) retail is the latest innovation to reshape the way we shop by offering customers everything from clothing to accessories to gifts from both mainstream brands to independent designers to vintage. This new way of doing business allows retailers to create an intimate shopping experience on wheels and cut down overhead costs in the process. Right here in New York alone we have The Styleliner in the Hamptons, the Celebrities Mobile Boutique in Harlem, The Nomad frequently in SoHo and The Mobile Vintage Shop in Brooklyn. However, these on the go fashion boutiques are launching all over the country with Fashion In Motion based in Chicago, The Fashion Truck in Boston, and Le Fashion Truck in LA so keep an eye out in a city near you!

video via The Sketchbook Project

A few weeks ago, we came across The Sketchbook Project, a traveling crowd sourced art exhibition based in the heart of Williamsburg. The best part about this initiative? Anyone can contribute to their ever-growing collection of art by simply purchasing a sketchbook via their website, filling it up with whatever you like, and sending it back. Besides their brick and mortar Brooklyn flagship and mobile library, the project is also available digitally. So far 70,000 participants from 135 countries have submitted work, which is currently on tour for the summer around the U.S. and Canada.

photo via supermarketnews.com

The online grocer Peapod continues to communicate to their customers "shop anywhere, anytime" by taking things one step further and combining the idea of "mobile billboards" with mobile technology. Customers can now scan and shop for groceries on the side of Peapod's delivery trucks using their smartphones. To cater to their east coast clientele, the trucks will be parked at things like ball parks and concert venues this summer.

photo via untappedcities.com

In Portland, also known as a mecca for cyclists, it's no wonder businesses on bikes are booming. From florists to coffee shops on-the-go to a traveling farmer's market, entrepreneurs are on the move and in a fun, cultured and conscious way. Even the city's number one tour company happens to be operated on pedal bikes, further deeming Portland, "America's Bicycle Capital."

The future success of almost any business relies on its accessibility, as more and more retailers become available online, in person and on the go. These entrepreneurs are leading the pack by experimenting with on-wheels strategies. While costs may be low and business responsive to where the market is, as with everything else, there are still challenges. For this nomadic concept to work, a firm understanding of one's customer and the ability to keep shoppers informed about where and when you will be somewhere is crucial. Many of the solutions to these obstacles lies in the fusion of social, local and mobile technology with a dynamism that allows businesses to be adjustable in this new age of global business and consumer driven industries. At this point, it's looking like the best way to figure out what works is to take it to the streets because sometimes you have to work your way up, or in this case around. 

The Object of Desire

With the events in Bangladesh all over the media, questions of what, where, and how to shop have moved to the forefront of our attention. These disasters have sparked the approval of a European-led safety accord which proposes obligatory factory inspections in Bangladesh over the next nine months. Overall, we are becoming more transparent, because there is no other way, with information and scandals so readily available to the public. Companies have a choice to either continue making a quick buck and risk damaging their brand's reputation or start to revolutionize the way they are doing things by making smart decisions and listening to their consumers.

Where are we standing today with our consumption patterns? What technologies, innovations, and initiatives exist in the textile industry to help consumers make a better choice and diminish waste? As we ask ourselves these questions, we become more conscious and continue to demand more sustainable, ethical products made available.

photo via Los Angeles Times

Let's face it, we all have way too much stuff and reusing, remaking, and buying less have been key topics in the industry for a while now. It's about time retailers tailor their retail models to adapt to these changing ideals.

video via Yerdle

One method is a collective consumerism approach like that of the website, Yerdle, which shares underused items like clothing and electronics to friends free of charge. Others like Hello Rewind, sell goods reworked from scraps by making t-shirts into laptop sleeves. Rather than necessarily reducing an item's footprint (which we have still yet to fully comprehend), the idea is to extend not only a product's life cycle but overall value for as long as possible.

photo via ecouterre

The fast fashion retailer, Topshop has upcycling on the mind as they collaborate with Orsola de Castro to release their second "Reclaim to Wear" Collection. The capsule collection is constructed from production offcuts and surplus stock to create items like delicate floral printed silks, sleeveless dresses with lace panels, and matching camisole and culotte separates. According to Topshop's head of sourcing and technical services, Stephen Mongan, "The inspiration behind the collection was to turn away from disposable fashion, giving a new lease of life to disregarded prints from previous seasons." Hopefully Topshop will keep these efforts up and challenge themselves to further integrate this design method into more of their core collections by reworking both fabrics and prints.

photo via USA Today

For most, it's all about recycling, which is deeply engrained in social responsibility initiatives across the board. From curbside pickups to clothing collection bins, many local governments around the nation are supporting this recycling boom by instilling more accessible channels in cities, towns and apartment buildings. Even some major retailers like The North Face and H&M are promoting in-store containers for donating clothes by offering shopping incentives.

video via Gustin

However, in today's day and age, it's just as much about fortune 500 companies as it is about startups, which are leaving traditional means behind, experimenting, creating, and most importantly, directly connecting with consumers. Gustin, a premium menswear denim brand, is one company making changes as they operate an entirely online, direct-to-consumer, crowdfunded business model. Not only are all jeans produced right in San Francisco, but the label really focuses on giving the customer what they want by letting them decide what actually goes into production. In other words, rather than producing what they think will sell, they only make what their customers actually want and sell it to them at a lower price point in the process.

video via Fashion United

Whether we like it or not, the best thing to help us move forward towards a more sustainable and ethically minded industry is nonetheless through technology. From technically enhanced fabrications to innovative gadgets to a continued commitment to sustainability, Nike has got to be the most cutting edge company out there. They are making huge strides in the industry once again with their new Making app which assists designers by evaluating materials based on four environmental components including water, energy, chemistry and waste. By pulling data from Nike's Materials Sustainability Index (MSI) from the past seven years, the app can offer comparisons based on how various textiles rank on a sustainable level. This tool will not only further educate designers but give them the accessibility to make better choices about what they use and how.

photo via Continuum Fashion

We've talked about the digital printing revolution before but we can't emphasize enough how revolutionary this is. As 3D printers become more and more affordable and reach businesses on a large scale, they will continue to be another major factor pushing sustainability forward. With techniques that precisely cut patterns and molds, these printers enormously reduce excessive waste. Not to mention, they can create products on demand which could ultimately eliminate manufacturing minimums. We highlighted Continuum Fashion's Constrvct in the past, but we have to mention some of their more recent accomplishments which include a 3D printed shoe collection, a wearable bikini and software which allows a LBD to be created in mere minutes. 3D printing is here and it may be coming to a home near you sooner than you think! 

Despite everything being at our fingertips, we still need to be mindful about what we are buying and where it is coming from, even if it requires a little extra research of our own. Even though we as consumers are demanding sustainable and ethical products, the overall industry is just beginning to learn how to adapt to this. Unfortunately you really can't believe everything you hear, and hopefully as we move towards a more transparent lifestyle, with more unified standards in place, we will be able to depend on retailers and brands to administer smarter and safer practices. When tragedy strikes, people come together so we really hope (and firmly believe) that the industry can fully join forces and make it a better place for everyone, everywhere. 

A Perfect Getaway

Last weekend we took off to the Connecticut side of the Long Island sound to scout out the area and get a much needed break from the hustle, bustle and heat of New York. This spot is accessible by train and upon getting off, you immediately feel as if time has stopped. Full of fresh air, fantastic views and hospital people, if you're looking to escape the crazed city life, this could be your chance at the perfect getaway. Since we had such a great local retreat, we'd like to share our weekend itinerary with what to do, where to eat and of course our favorite shops from along the way!

photo via Lily Juliet

First stop was a charming little town located at the Southeastern end of New Haven County called Madison. Before we hit the beach, we popped into the whimsical shop, Lily Juliet, which is quickly becoming the destination for unique items from gifts to home, entertaining, wedding or "just for me" merchandise. Besides introducing new designers whose products tell a story, many of what's sold in the store is designed by Lily Juliet exclusively for the store. If you explore further, you'll find a quaint cottage behind the shop called Lily Juliet Too that is hosting yoga workshops, designer trunk shows, art openings, you name it! We were lucky enough to get a personal tour from one of the co-owners, Joanie Horton, who took us around to show us more of the magic of the area.

photo via cultureandtourism.com

Known for Connecticut's largest shoreline park, Hammonasset, is a two mile stretch offering it all! Whether you're feeling active with saltwater fishing, camping, hiking, and boating or more relaxing activities like going for a cool swim, having a quiet picnic, taking a stroll along the boardwalk or simply soaking up some sun with a good book, this may just quickly become your new favorite beach escape.

photo via G-Zen

From here we continued to Branford to grab a healthy and extremely delicious bite to eat. Handcrafted daily from scratch by the dynamic Chef duo, Ami and Mark Shadle, the elegant and relaxed, G-Zen offers entirely plant-based cuisines consisting of vegan/vegetarian and raw foods. The menu even includes a strong selection of wines, beers and sakes that are organic, vegan and biodynamic. Decorated with a communal take on dining, this eco-conscious, zen inspired business, brings freshness to the local eating scene and it's not just in the food. The restaurant values a lifestyle that takes a responsible approach towards one's health and they are dedicated to nourishing both the body and soul.

photo via The Lovet Shop

Nestled further down Main Street, Lovet is another really cool shop to check out that designs and produces its own clothing and accessories, as well as features a plethora of other designers. Owned by a former model, Lovet's style is classic with a twist, and offers merchandise that not only makes you feel good but want to wear time and time again.

photo via Linden Point House

Home to the Linden Point House, Stony Creek was our next and final stop for the day. This beachfront property has a breathtaking view of the Thimble Islands and is a marvelous place to stay overnight that neighbors both Branford and Madison. In addition to the unforgettable landscapes, this luscious estate is a haven for relaxation with hammocks, a gazebo, and an array of aged trees adding to the ambience.

photo via Taken For Granite

Before you leave the village of Stony Creek, you can't miss the standalone shop, Taken For Granite. This peaceful sanctuary sells an array of treasures, antiques, and gifts, some new, some old, but all filled with a special piece of history.

photo via Chester Sunday Market

On Sunday morning, we had to visit the town of Chester for its infamous farmer's market. The Chester Sunday Market is not only a weekly festivity, but a community driven celebration that focuses on the locally-produced and regionally-made, right here in Connecticut. Located at the center of the market is the Chester Sunday Market tent full of volunteers who are there to answer any questions, give advice or just offer a friendly hello. Additionally, the event highlights musicians and chefs from the area as well as different neighborhood businesses.

photo via Dina Varano

As our weekend drew to a close, we couldn't resist stopping at one last spot, Dina Varano. This gallery of curated jewelry and artisan crafted gifts has been an inspirational destination for visitors for more than 20 years. Many of Dina's pieces reflect the beauty of nature at its finest, much of it drawn from local Connecticut scenery and the surrounding New England. It's the perfect place to end your weekend with a special keepsake that will forever remind you of the peace and magic across the sound.

Know of any other great getaways in the area? Please feel free to share! And no matter what you do or where you go, make sure to have a Happy Fourth Everyone!

One more thing...please check out the banner on the side of this blog for more information on FIT's Sustainable Fashion & Beauty Symposium.

Calendar of Events

We know we aren't the only ones that wake up in the morning and have no idea how to dress ourselves. So it's about time the industry is finally addressing this hot fashion conversation as some look to transition towards a seasonless calendar. Categorizing fashion into a Fall, Spring, Pre-Fall and Resort model is so passé, especially with seasons being less and less distinct between one another. With that said, the rules of fashion are drastically changing, if any even still exist. Things are not only being affected by changing weather patterns but our attitudes are shifting as we move away from the traditional and familiar.

We called it back in March 2012 and whether it be on the runway, in shop windows or your own personal wardrobes, we now have complete freedom to design and buy what we want, when we want. However, that doesn't necessarily make things easier and it's leading to controversy for the entire industry. What does this mean for the future of Fashion Week? And more importantly, as our shopping habits adjust to new demands based on necessity and desire versus routine, how will this affect the entire fashion cycle?

photo via Marie Claire

Fashion Week has been evolving for decades and for many, today's catwalk has become more about exposure and "giving a show" than selling the clothing actually being shown. Buyers, once seated front row, are being replaced by bloggers and socialites. Models are just as important as what they are wearing and backstage access via photo and video content is pretty much customary. Fashion shows are now broadcasted in real time and looks can be pre-ordered straight off the runway. It's all about going viral and giving customers what they want, at an instant.

photo via MBF Trend Consulting

However, the fashion is changing too as many designers begin to rename Resort and Spring to Spring 1 and Spring 2 and the same for Pre-Fall and Fall, being replaced with Fall 1 and Fall 2. Seasonal distinctions are getting less and less clear – just look at how florals and mini hemlines have transitioned into Fall/Winter and fur accents and layering have moved into Spring/Summer. With so much pressure on designers to bring newness to the table and keep consumers interested, brands are experimenting with everything in order to survive. This can only be credited to the rise of the internet, social media and fast fashion, causing everything to turnover at an uncontrollable rate. Not to mention, runway fashion is now available at both the high, low and mid-markets as well as across the globe to any type of culture and climate, practically all at once.

photo via The Sydney Morning Herald

The only way to cater to this rise in globalization is to offer transitional pieces that can be layered and worn year round. Pre-collections are typically much more commercial than Fall/Winter and Spring/Summer and they have gained remarkably in popularity over the years as a growing demand for all types of fabrications becomes more and more essential. Some stores are even devoting as much as 70% of their budgets to these collections. The key here is to not designate a season to these collections but deem them new arrivals because who wants Resort in November and Pre-Fall in June anyways?

photo via colorfully

As competition gets fiercer and e-commerce sites continue to flood the market, consumers are having more of a difficult time making choices about what to buy and from where. Michael Kors said he would prefer to just announce with each new collection, "Look I made new clothes!" We have to admit whether it be hot, cold, sunny or snowing, we love new stuff. However, we do need things we can wear year round and in today's day and age, we need to be ready for anything. 

Interactive Play

Several weeks ago we attended a meetup group discussing how online media and digital technologies are changing the fashion industry and how consumers interact with brands. Here we met Jared Schiffman, the founder & CEO of Perch Interactive, a startup (and spinoff of the award winning firm, Potion) that is changing the way we interact with displays. From engaging customers through photos and video content, to getting them to actually touch, pick up and discover products, Perch Interactive is revolutionizing the way we use interactive technology by helping retailers better understand consumer behavior as well as the overall in-store experience. Luckily enough, we got to sit down with Jared, learn more about the inner workings of his company and pick his brain about where the future of retail stands.

photo via Perch Interactive

MBF: Can you tell us in a couple of words how Perch Interactive works and a brief history of Perch?

Jared Schiffman: We officially founded last June so we’re about to celebrate our first birthday. What Perch focuses on is to create an interactive experience around this kind of masterful shopping experience. As interactive designers, we looked at retail and we saw that there’s this natural interaction, in other words, when people like something they tend to pick it up. It turns out, there’s quite some retail research that says if you touch something or pick it up in a store, you are automatically 60 to 70 percent more likely to buy it. If we can get people to pick up the product, at that moment when they’re holding the product, is the moment they are most receptive to any additional information. As compared to traditional digital, or any type of advertising usually presented, this media is specific to the product, telling you a story and is literally delivered the moment you already expressed interest in it. It is a way for retailers or brands to show how the product is used – you can show online reviews, you can show videos, etc. It is also good for shoppers as well by providing information that may otherwise not be available at the store level, such as user reviews which is pretty much only available online. And again it shows you how the product might fit into your life.

video via Perch Interactive

MBF: Technology is in the process of making the shopping experience very personal. Can multiple people use the technology simultaneously, and can everyone interact with the products?

JS: Yes, absolutely! In fact we intentionally designed it so that multiple people can use it at the same time. For as many products as there are on the table, that is as many people that can be interacting with them. If there are five shoes, five people can be doing different things with them separately.

MBF: Are you planning on connecting social media to the interactive experience?

JS: Yeah we already have actually. We have done some projects that involve Twitter feeds where the tweets are actually brought on to the display. There’s a hashtag next to each product, or a hashtag for the whole display, so when you tweet you can see that tweet on the table until new tweets replace it. We can basically connect to any online service, whether it is your website or anything that supplies media. Facebook as well, even though it gets a little complex because you have to be logged in through someone’s account. In general, we are certainly exploring bringing live media into the store.

MBF: Can you tell us what retailers and brands you are working with?

JS: We’ve done quite a bit of work with Cole Haan. We worked with Kiehl’s several months ago. We’ve done a lot of work with Story, which is a great boutique/store on the Westside near the highline. They change their whole storefront every month so we generally create a new purchase layout for them with each passing month. We are talking to a lot of retailers and brands — I just can’t say which ones yet...

video via Perch Interactive

MBF: What was your experience when you first introduced Perch to potential clients? And what are the stumbling blocks?

JS: The responses mostly have been very positive! For the most part when people see Perch, especially in person, they are excited by it. It’s really easy to then instantly think how they can use it in-house with all the media they already have. With any client work there’s always a lot of going back and forth in terms of what the intentions are for the designers verses what the clients want, you always have to find a happy medium between the two. We had some stumbling blocks early on just in terms of getting our technology together, but at this point everything is good to go.

MBF:  How do you market your product? And how do you reach out to get new clients on board?

JS: We’ve been really fortunate for getting some really good press out there. We also have a lot of people come who have seen us on the web and decided to visit. The fact that we are in New York really helps us also to reach a variety of stores. There hasn’t been a whole lot of direct sales yet, it has been just you know, people come in and we do whatever we can to support them.

MBF: Is there anybody out there that has similar technology or you would consider as your competitor? If yes, how do you differentiate yourself from them?

JS: I think there are a lot of things out there that are in some ways similar to what we’re doing. Certainly there are digital signs out here, there are ipads in stores, and there are sensors tracking where people are moving in and out of the store, but liability there is quite high. As far as I know I think we’re the only ones who are looking at media directly around products and manipulations directed at the products. We also provide some tracking ability in that way. We are one of the only companies that can sense the interaction with the product itself. With Perch, you pick up the product and interact with it, there’s no way you can ignore what’s right in front of you.

video via Perch Interactive

MBF: Okay, this led me to the next question: you've mentioned your collecting analytics, what kind of data are you collecting as part of the interaction and how is this data used?

JS: Essentially what we’re responding to in an interactive perspective is tracking analytics. Every time you touch the product, pick the product up or even touch the table at all, we can track that data. It is reported on a daily basis, which tends to be how retailers like to see things—per product, per day. At the end of the day if there’s five products on the table you can see exactly how many times each was touched or picked up. The information is really useful for Perch itself, it shows how many people are using Perch and give us a clear sense of what it is like on a daily basis. In the long run I think what we will see is Perch being used in a training system. Retailers may develop some media and use Perch to see how people react to it. For the first time in stores, you can have two sets of identical products and the only difference is the slight change in media, so you can have celebrity A and celebrity B and see which one is more effective at encouraging people to touch or pick up the product.

MBF: What about the privacy of the data? The customers don’t really know that this data has been tracked?

JS: Sure, sure. All that we are tracking are just interactions with the product, we are not tracking identity, gender, or age—anything that can identify a person. From a privacy perspective, it's really not that different from the sales data that stores already have; if you buy a shoe, the store knows you bought that shoe. In actuality, the store probably has more information on you at that point—they have your credit card. But for Perch it is just looking at the product, there’s no personal information whatsoever.

video via Perch Interactive

MBF: Last but not least, where do you think the future of retail is going? How is it evolving from the beginning?

JS: Our specific goal is to begin to address the totality of the retail environment, so right now we’re dealing with horizontal surfaces such as a table of a certain size, and we’re working on a number of different factors to be able to address all kinds of different products. There is a natural form factor that exists within retail which is kind of the first step, beyond that I think what you’re going to see is…you talked about omni-channeling before and there’s a lot of talk about stores being the media space. Maybe right now if you are selling a certain shoe or fragrance it’s all about what goes well with that, maybe in the future, media will shift and it will be more about the story. Who doesn’t like a good story? You go to the store, understand the store and the products and make yourself feel better; make the company feel better about themselves. The narrative nature is explicit in shopping anyways: why do you shop in the first place? Why are you buying this accessory? There’s always a story there. It’s up to the brand to make one that relates to you and that takes a certain understanding to their customers. 

Fast Forward

Fast forward to 2020. The office is practically extinct as worker mobility and cloud computing have become key factors pushing businesses to go completely virtual. Women have gained significant ground over men in the job market with increased promotions, a rise in wages, and entrepreneurship opportunities accessible. Meanwhile, men have moved into "pink collared" jobs, as healthcare and social assistance sectors surge due to the aging Baby Boomer Generation. As globalization and technology continue to shape the way we live, a new cluster of jobs have emerged to lead us further towards a "knowledge economy."

For starters, the explosion of technology is creating countless new positions for mathematic and science geniuses that you wouldn't even believe. From realistically destroying fake buildings to geometric sculptors to mathemagicians, more and more jobs are being adapted from the natural world and brought into the digital space.

photo via Clothes On Film

The field of costume design is even transforming as the focus shifts to animated characters rather than real life actors and actresses. According to Simulation Supervisor, Claudia Chung, from the movie Brave, the garments from the film were modeled in 3D, digitally sewn together and virtually tried on by the characters, similar to how it would actually be done in the real world. They even go as far as making sure the garments hang properly and the grain of the fabrics is going in the right direction. Just as in costume design, it's all about the fine details and these specialists do everything to make it look as realistic as possible. For jobs similar to this, backgrounds in both fashion and technology may eventually be critical.

video via YouTube

Everyone's fallen victim to cyber hacking one way or another. Luckily enough, we now have "ethical hackers" also know as the white-hat hacker. These experts specialize in protecting an organization's networking infrastructure and website. While these moral professionals invade a network much like a hacker would, they use this information to find and fix security vulnerabilities rather than causing them. Overall, whether government or privately owned, security is a major issue so it's no surprise the demand for these specialists exists.

photo via Mashable

We talk about the overload of information all the time and now data scientists will be available to finally make sense of it all by translating data and creating viable predictions from it. Not to mention, as technology continues to accelerate faster than the workforce, 63% of data scientists foresee the profession being severely undermanned over the next 5 years.

video via Clear PR

So as we rewind back to 2013, many of these jobs are already here and others are just beginning, as people start to get qualified and educated in these new roles. Just look at how the careers of storytellers, social media managers, and trend forecasters have evolved from the beginning of the Millennium when they were basically nonexistent. Today, both storytelling and social media are crucial while many predict that trend forecasters will be essential in educating the industry on sustainability.

video via smartplanet.com

The way we do things is changing, plain and simple. What we once thought of as a productive environment, the office, research shows is actually more of a distraction. People want the freedom to work anywhere, at anytime and may work as many as 8-10 different jobs in a lifetime. We are no longer binded to traditional approaches to business and want different things from the companies we work for. Our entire lives, both social and professional, are moving from an offline world to an online one. As a result, all of these things are stimulating a new job market that may eventually lead to future career paths in anything one can imagine. From body part making to space pilots to virtual lawyers, professional sleepers, and virtual clutter organizers, maybe it's time for a career change.

Who's Got Talent?

With the 2013 CFDA Awards taking place last Monday, we thought it'd be the perfect time to post about some of our favorite designers. From those who have consistently reinvented themselves, to up and coming talent, these are the taste and trend makers ruling the runway.

photo via Dazed Digital

The two and a half year old Chicago label, Creatures Of The Wind, have been on everyone's radar the past few seasons. With a prior CFDA nomination and a J.Crew collaboration under their belt, duo Shane Gabier and Christopher Peters are making a name for themselves while still remaining modest to their brand. From shipping to stitching, the designers have expanded their business and manufacturing practices, but continue to do a lot on their own with a DIY approach. They are known for their indie design aesthetic, unique sensibility and Rodarte-esq use of mixed media fabrications. Not to mention, the pair works with three factories based here in New York, produce in Japan, and have even started to make knitwear connections in Hong Kong.

video via YSL

Despite a name change and a super controversial collection, Heidi Slimane is grabbing people's attention and bringing in the money in the process. The former sexy and sophisticated YSL line has now transformed into the modern, grungy Saint Laurent that's flying off store shelves. He's even got the face of model of the moment, Cara Delevingne at the forefront of his Fall 2013 campaign. What's next for the brand as it continues to evolve from its house roots? Well, Slimane has also launched a photographic series called the Saint Laurent Music Project, which is dedicated to portraying rock legends who have been dressed by YSL from its earlier days until now. So far the brand has worked with the likes of Marilyn Manson, Courtney Love, Bowie, Jagger and most recently, Daft Punk, among many others.

photo via Orta Anadolu

Pronounced "Them," THVM Atelier stands for This Here Very Moment. The premium denim label is based in a century old LA factory, home to a collective array of artists, each working side by side on various disciplines. Recently they partnered with William Lemon III to debut a collection of brightly colored avant-garde prints on their tops and jeans which is available at the LA shop Weltenbuerger. For Fall/Winter 2014, they will be collaborating with the Turkish mill, Orta, to produce three stories: Old Loom inspired by the history of workwear, Winter Blues focusing on indigo color blocking, and FitsWell which uses performance stretch to highlight flexibility and high recovery. The progressive denim label even has a magazine, THVM Rag, highlighting the creative process that reflects the inspirations and methodologies of each seasonal collection.

photo via Surface To Air

Surface to Air, where retail gets creative, literally. The name combines both a clothing line based online as well as with four shops located in New York, Paris and São Paulo, with a Studio for cool projects and films. The company also serves as an ad agency with clients that include Lanvin's Avant Garde scent, Uniqlo, Louis Vuitton Haute Joaillerie and Dom Perignon. For this French luxe brand, an average day can include everything and anything from designing their collections to shooting a music video. However, when it comes to the fashion, we love the effortlessly cool wearability of their streetwear looks. They have even collaborated with Alison Mosshart, the frontwoman of The Kills and The Dead Weather to produce the ultimate leather jacket which is available now.

photo via Ann Sofie Madsen

With an impressive background that includes training at John Galliano for Dior as well as positions at both Peclers and Alexander McQueen, Ann Sofie Madsen first launched her couture-inspired collection in London in 2010. Since then, she has expanded her resume to include work as an illustrator for graphic novels and youth books, with 8 published since 2011. Her fascination with contrasts, like primitive versus civilized, has led her to commonly reveal "the well-known through the unknown" in many of her abstract designs. She constantly experiments with materials and incorporates traditional handcrafted techniques with cutting-edge ones. While her Denmark roots may not be reflective in much of her work, she has still be deemed, "one of Denmark's biggest design talents."

What makes this fresh group of creatives stand out is their eagerness to experiment and challenge fashion's norms. They make their presence known because in today's industry it's about more than just great design. Without a point of view and the ability to take risks, a designer's talent is only as good as it looks. 

The New World

Let's face it, our world is forever changing and in order to survive, it's more than necessary to have a great retail concept. It's no longer just about merging online and offline, but learning to tackle real-time retailing, which is the latest direction the industry is headed. It's becoming more and more clear that in order to be successful, retailers need both online and offline platforms to connect and provide instant gratification through. Mobile and social technologies have revolutionized everything and the only way to keep up is to be cutting edge, innovative, unique and most importantly, able to cater to changing consumer demands in an instant.

From technology to omni-channel retailing to curating, personalization and of course building customer relationships and understanding consumer behavior, we've evolved so much. However, it's time to get even more creative and take things one step further!

video via springwise.com

The King of Fashion is leading the pack as usual with his new Karl Lagerfeld store in Amsterdam. The space not only features iPads throughout the showroom, but each fitting room is equipped with a wall-mounted touchscreen and camera. Customers can take snapshots to create their own digital lookbooks and even add Instagram-style filters before sharing via Facebook, Twitter or through email. This represents yet another concept shop trying to create instant buzz about their brand by intentionally incorporating social media into their strategy and learning to capitalize on growing omni-channel retailing.

photo via The Wall Street Journal

Some look to their customers for inspiration, literally. Whether it be through Twitter, Instagram or the like, retailers are quickly learning that showing their products on real people stimulates engagement as well as increases buying habits. Brands like Lululemon and Coach are just a few to jump onboard as they turn their customers into models by recognizing the power of social media. The fact is people trust other people (whether they know them or not) over brands. While this does raise privacy issues, most customers are readily willing to share and be shared.

photo via mercurynews.com

Others go back to the beginning by investing in technology operations, like Target with its new tech lab in San Francisco. This office set to be visual and "operate at warp speed," has hired a diverse group of approximately 20 developers, designers, data scientists and marketing experts with hopes to take on e-commerce giant, Amazon.

photo via The Business of Fashion

As we continue to experiment and perfect 3D printing technologies, what does it really mean for the future of retail? Well first of all, it will completely revolutionize production as we know it; leading to rapid prototyping, direct digital manufacturing, room for more designs, cheaper products and customization. However, there is a downfall, and that's the growth of counterfeiting as a growing concern of how to handle digital files ensues. The first industry to really feel the impacts is the designer eyewear market, which has been creating 3D printing prototypes to speed up product development for some time. While so far it has found success, we still don't know nearly enough about what our capabilities in the 3D printing sector are and how to deal with the legality of it.

photo via variety.com

Pinterest has been making headlines again as they are quickly learning how to monetize their platform by attracting the likes of advertisers with the addition of "active" pins. With new features to enhance current features, the company has not only added pins that contain embedded information about products, recipes, and movies, but a Pin It button to its smartphone app. To boost its movie element, the company will team up with Netflix, Time Warner's Flixster and Rotten Tomatoes to create pins that offer information on everything from film ratings to cast members. For recipes, publications like Martha Stewart Living and Real Simple will be promoted. And as far as products go, brands ranging from Etsy and Urban Outfitters to Walmart and Home Depot have partnered up to get some new Pinspiration. 

Sometimes you just have to brainstorm to get it right. Other times you experiment with actual implementation. The point is, things are changing at this very instant and we have to ask ourselves, "how can we keep up?" Everything is made available at the drop of a pin and as soon as something is new, it's old. However, you can either learn to make it work for you or not. Retailers need to remain open minded and look at everything as an option in order really evaluate how data as well as social and mobile technology can be used as an asset in this new world.

The Art of Looking Good

With the menswear boom currently hitting the market, the art of looking good has become universal. Shopping designer duds, accessorizing, and beauty are no longer just acceptable for women. Whether you're the manly type, feminine or somewhere in between, men now have access to everything woman do and more importantly, they're interested in experimenting with it. While guys still want functionality and practicality in their clothing, they also want to be well dressed and looking sharp. For the average guy, being stylish is the new cool.

We've talked about the growth of menswear before and mentioned one of our favorite brands, Ernest Alexander. However, lately the menswear market has reached a whole new level of popularity as many continue to follow in Ernest Alexander's footsteps and expand from online to offline. If you're looking for some sweet new menswear finds, look no further than Crosby Street in SoHo, which is quickly making a name for itself as a prime destination for menswear.

photo via Daily Candy

Located at 63 Crosby, Carson Street Clothiers was founded by two attorneys and specializes in a rustic All-American look. Upon walking into the store, one can't help but appreciate the custom cabinetry, industrial worktables, brown leather sofas, and vintage trunks. Did we mention they even have a stocked mini fridge full of beer and liquor? With an inventory of private label, domestically produced shirting, trousers, ties, pocket squares, blazers, and made-to-measure suiting, nothing is more important than tradition here. The shop also carries established and emerging labels that include Michael Bastian, Ovadia & Sons, Patrick Ervell and Mark McNairy, among many others.

video via Bonobos

Bonobos, the former online only retailer, has opened a second "guideshop" in New York City this month, but this time they have set up shop right in SoHo. These "guideshops" provide men with try-on samples as well as the opportunity to shop with a complimentary Bonobos Guide who can educate them on fit and provide them with expert style tips for their current wardrobe. This space will be much like its appointment-only Chelsea location where customers can order in store and have merchandise shipped to their homes.

photo via Saturdays

Right next store sits the downtown surf shop/expresso bar, Saturdays which has successfully been around since August 2009. As you step in, the shop begins as a minimalist coffee bar, which eventually makes way to a California cool lifestyle shop, selling rare boards and upscale wetsuits for that inner beach bum Manhattanite. In the back, you'll find a hidden patio surrounded by plants, high-end surfboards and native New Yorkers soaking up some sun.

photo via WWD

It's not only about new designers and brands, but existing ones expanding into the menswear market. For instance, Macy's is set to introduce a new private label for men called the Bar III Carnaby Collection. The British inspired collection is modern and sophisticated, full of tweeds, herringbones, corduroys, checks, florals, and rich colors. Reminiscent of London's Savile Row, this new line is part of Macy's Impulse department and yet another effort the retailer has made to target Millennials.

photo via amazon.com

Amazon is even jumping on the bandwagon with the launch of its men's grooming store. The new addition is broken down into six categories that include shave, skin care, body care, hair care, oral care and kits and gift sets, where men can explore must-have products, read reviews and even experiment with new grooming regimens. Not only is Amazon's take on men's grooming curated, but it takes an editorial approach by partnering with Men's Fitness to offer How-to-Guides such as "5 Steps to the Perfect Shave."

photo via WWD

Mickey Drexler's son, Alexander is the next designer to watch as he debuts his label, Alex Mill, for both men and boys this fall. With a resume that includes work at Gryphon and Steven Alan, his first collection will focus on casual woven shirts, t-shirts and denim. According to the cofounder of Odine, Eddy Chai, "We liked the line. It has some really interesting fabrics and nice details like different buttons and triple-stitch details on some of the shirts. It's very affordable and approachable for most guys."

From the explosion of e-commerce sites to shops popping up all over downtown New York to large companies launching menswear brands, right now men are looking hot! Companies are finally seeing a niche in the market as they shift away from oversaturated womenswear fashions. With new trends constantly emerging, fresh designers and brands popping up daily, and the latest news spreading at the click of a finger, the only thing that will never go out of style is looking good.