Material Exchange

Material sourcing uncovered

There’s lots to talk about when it comes to sourcing fabrics. We’re here to help you get the information you need to operate your business in this dynamic industry. Browse through our posts below and get inspired!

drivers and challenges of fashion's digitization
Dejan Zvekic

The drivers and challenges of fashion’s digitization

Fashion is slowly making the shift from analog to digital processes – but it’s not an easy transition. Strong traditions across global industry players as well as a heavy reliance on physical interactions make the change a challenging one. Learn more about what’s driving the shift versus hindering it.

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Fashion industry goes digital
Katie Syk

Fashion’s digital transformation

The fashion industry is in the midst of some big changes right now – and for good reason, too. For decades, the apparel and footwear market has been laden with inefficiencies and practices that harm the Earth. Thankfully, that’s starting to change now. Here, we dig in to what’s happening when it comes to digitization in fashion today.

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Sustainability inspiration from Barbie fashion icon
Andrea Kennedy

Sustainability inspiration from a childhood fashion icon

The holiday bustle is here, and with it, our sustainability team is taking the opportunity to reflect on where they draw their inspiration. This season, inspiration is coming from what is perhaps an unexpected place – and one which encourages us to allow the playfulness of childhood to influence what we do.

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Textile workers vs chickens
Meg Fisher

Why do chickens have more rights than humans?

Consumers who purchase a carton of eggs at the grocery store are given clear options about their options with labels like “free-range” and “caged.” The clothing industry has no such labels, meaning it’s up to the consumer to do their own research. Perhaps it’s time for the fashion industry to take a page from the food industry.

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Sourcing smart with your heart with colorful thread
Andrea Kennedy

Sourcing smart with your heart

Is the sourcing we’re doing today smart enough? Is keeping up to date with sourcing strategies, landed costs, duty rates, global trade regulations, and economic conditions sufficient? Does staying in the know of all your sourcing data, analytics, time and action charts, vendor contract details, efficiency, and lead times make you better? Has all this smart sourcing caused anything that isn’t smart?

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Repairing jeans for circular fashion
Katie Syk

Creating circularity in the world of fashion

Circularity can be applied to a number of industries, but the clothing industry – worth USD 1.3 trillion – may be one of those most in need of this change. Read more on circularity and fashion, and why it’s up to all of us to make some changes.

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Amy Leverton of Denim Dudes
Katie Syk

Making better jeans for a healthier planet

Trend forecaster, jean expert, and mastermind behind Denim Dudes: Amy Leverton knows what she’s talking about when it comes to denim and all that’s happening in the world of indigo. In a recent chat with Leverton, we got a glimpse of where the industry is today, and where it’s going from here. Click here for our insightful conversation.

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