I’ve been thinking a lot about how fast things have changed in the fashion industry since we started SupplyCompass – obviously no more than last year.
Seasons are over.
I wrote this short article on the rise (and rise) of the Drop and why the most successful brands are droppin’ collections non-stop. (For those who haven’t heard of a Drop or have been living under a rock. The BBC has even got a new show on it)
Drops are exciting and all, but if the concept of seasons has irreversibly changed forever, what is the implication for manufacturers and how production is managed?
Conscious, connected commerce
There’s an insane amount of pressure on brands and their factories to delight and meet the expectations of this digitally savvy, increasingly climate-conscious, and ever-evolving fashion consumer. They’re reacting by designing and producing smaller collections faster – launching lines way more frequently. Exhausting stuff. They’re doing all of this muddling through on old tools (excel) and legacy systems (crazy list of businesses with acronyms) that have been designed for a bygone era.
A fresh approach to selling requires a fresh approach to producing…
I can feel a shift in the way DTC brands are approaching sustainability
Sustainability is finally on the common agenda – not enough, but it’s there, and it’s not going anywhere. We are all part of a growing movement of individuals and businesses that give a shit and are accelerating change.
I’ve definitely noticed how brands are evolving in their approach to sustainability. They realise it’s not enough to swap out cotton for its organic alternative and put a sustainability tab in the footer of a website with a nice photo of a cotton plant.
Systems thinking is critical.
To transform this industry (which is required), it’s got to be a holistic, equitable and system-wide approach. It requires a progressive mindset, an approach where brands collaborate and work with their factories to drive mutually beneficial change together. Shared goals, working together – thinking long-term…
This month, we’re working on something new that will help brands reach their revenue goals more regularly and reduce anxiety for everyone involved in production.
Email me direct – [email protected] and I’ll tell you more.
Thanks for reading.
– Flora
P.S. Here is what I’m reading right now. What is on your must-read list?
To get be thinking about how to think about sustainability and production in Fashion and as part of a much bigger (eco) system.
Why we all need to be 0% busy a bit more so we can reflect and set long-term goals.
