Inside Fashion Live

Dr. Stephen Patton, regional sourcing director for Liverpool Department Store, shares his best insights on sourcing in India.

India offers so much more than just another place to source apparel - if you understand the opportunities and know how to work with the market.

You can find the interview with Dr. Patton - and so much more - in the March issue of Inside Fashion.

website: https://insidefashionlive.net

It was a pleasure meeting with the team at MATRADE.

There are so many great things happening in Malaysia. Definitely a country to watch for new developments and innovation.

www.linkedin.com

This week both freight rates and materials costs continued to fall

Good news for brands and suppliers who have been struggling to offset higher interest rates.

But overall, a signal that market demand is not where anyone would like it to be.

Read this week's SUPPLY CHAIN STRATEGIST newsletter

https://insidefashionlive.net/supply-chain-strategist-oct-12-2023/

Supply Chain Strategist | Oct. 12, 2023 – Inside Fashion Live! OpenAI, the developers of ChatGPT, said it is “beginning to roll out new voice and image capabilities in ChatGPT. They offer a new, more intuitive type of interface by allowing you to have a voice conversation or show ChatGPT what you’re talking about.”

So cute

Little birdy rolls!!!😍

http://www.ambrosiasoulfulcooking.com/2021/01/bird-bread-rolls-breadbakers.html

The Right Product for the Right Market is the Key to Driving Retail Sales

If consumers don't like the product, they won't buy. Regardless of the price.

The old days when retailers could simply lean into promotions are leaving the building.

Today, smart brands are focusing on understanding what their customer want - and delivering on it.

That is increasingly meaning better quality - in materials, workmanship and design.

Bestselling Fabrics for AW '24-25

If brands can develop fabulous collections for AW '24-25 then they're not really trying.

Seriously, the fabrics on offer for the season give designers plenty to work with.

Fabrics are the foundation of great collections. And this season we're spoiled for choice.

Have a look at INSIDE FASHION's new 'A RETURN TO ELEGANCE: Bestselling Fabrics for AW '24-25" - and be inspired!

This 6-page snapshot of the season includes over 70+ fabrics.

Plus a summary of the key directions for the season.

You can find it at: insidefashionLive.net

Supply Chains Continue to Adjust to Shifts in Demand

Order volumes remain painfully low as brands are still trying to clear excess inventory - and are being very careful about get back into a situation of having to carry stock, especially with interest rates at a near 20-year high.

Cambodia is stepping into the spotlight on the back of its mega commitment to much needed infrastructure development. This is could be a game-changer for the nation as it carves out its unique role in ASEAN sourcing.

Read the full report in INSIDE FASHION

August just got a little hotter ...

💡 The August issue of Inside Fashion just dropped and it's packed with important market insights.

📈 We're talking about the outlook for the second half and of the year and how C-suite execs are looking to position their companies to navigate what could be a challenging season.

❇️ We're also looking at opportunities to for retail expansion. Retail expert Chris Igwe (featured on our cover) talks about what brands need to know to enter the EU market successfully. There's never been a better opportunity to enter this key market - so check out what Chris has to say.

But that's not all.

🗞️ The August issue of Inside Fashion features our AW '24-25 Fabric Bestsellers and our Inside Sourcing executive summary.

Access all this - and more!

Head on over to:
https://insidefashionlive.net

When You're Looking to Source Sustainable, High Quality Fabric ...

Cotton Council International's fabulous Sustainable Sourcing Fair in Vietnam featured leading mills and manufacturers from ASEAN nations.

It was an outstanding opportunity for brands to meet with a wide range of suppliers - all in one venue.

I was honored to invited to be a speaker at this outstanding event!

Congratulations to the team at CCI for your hard work in organizing this event!

Understand What's Influencing Consumer's Purchasing Decisions

As we head into the heart of another season, one of the questions our industry colleagues keep asking is "What do consumers want? What's going to turn a product from a 'maybe' to a 'must buy'?"

So the Inside Fashion team put together a comprehensive yet concise (we know you're busy) guide to the top need-to-know consumer attitudes that will influence what's likely to sell at retail.

Our 3 Key Consumer Attitudes Influencing Purchasing Decision takes you from mindset through to silhouettes and materials insights.

Concise, Easy-to-interpret ... and Actionable!

☑️ Key consumer mindsets

☑️ The touch points that define each 'attitude'

☑️ Important silhouettes and style details

☑️ The fabrics and fibers that support each 'attitude'

☑️ Yarn and knitwear for each 'attitude'

☑️ Trims and accessories

Learn more:
https://insidefashionlive.net/3-key-consumer-attitudes-influencing-purchasing-decisions/

Carriers struggle with excess capacity while uncertain demand challenges suppliers

Ocean rates remained at near 2019 levels but carriers are doing their level best to boost them up.

For manufacturers the challenge is what looks persistant low order volumes - and that's if they get orders at all!

Meanwhile, materials prices have leveled off. Not surpising considering that demand is generally week.

Read this week's SUPPLY CHAIN STRATEGIST newsletter
https://insidefashionlive.net/supply-chain-strategist-may-18-2023/

Retailers face more headwinds ... More rate hikes .. Overlooked opportunities in the Metaverse

You know times are tough when even Apple reports disappointing quarterly results - for the second quarter in a row!!

It's not only apparel and home that are feeling the pain of economic uncertainty and inflation.

Still, US unemployment remains at historic lows. However although most people have jobs, more people are feeling less confident about the future.

In the UK even resilient retailers are warning that Q2 is likely to be challenging.

Read this week's WEEK IN REVIEW newsletter
https://preview.mailerlite.com/z9f7t9g3m5

Retailers report strong sales, but profit pressure ... Anxious investors want bottom line performance ... US, Italy and Spain show market improvements

Brands and retailers reporting Q1 results this week showed strong sales, but profits remain under pressure.

Investors are turning sour on DTC brands that show no signs of becoming profitable any time soon. Suddenly top line growth at any cost has fallen out of favor.

Despite banks warning of a looming recession in key consumer markets, core inflation is cooling and consumer spending remains better than expected.

Read this week's WEEK IN REVIEW newsletter
https://insidefashionlive.net/week-in-review-apr-29-2023/

Week in Review | Apr. 29, 2023 – Inside Fashion Live! Amazon’s Q1 first party (1P) sales were $51 billion – exactly the same as in Q1 2022 and Q1 2021. Combined 1P and 3P sales grew 8% in Q1 year-on-year.

Ocean rates spike ... Are we actually wrong about supply chains? ... Wealthy consumers spending less

Ocean carriers are making an all out effort to support freight rates. It's a tough battle as imports remain weak and consumer demand is flagging (even the rich are starting to cut back!!!!)

While many industry players are looking to a rebound in demand as early as peak season, there's a strong case that says 2023 will remain a challenging year for the entire apparel supply chain.

Read this week's SUPPLY CHAIN STRATEGIST newsletter
https://insidefashionlive.net/supply-chain-strategist-apr-27-2023/

These 3 Consumer Attitudes are Influencing What People are Buying

As we head into the heart of another season, one of the questions our industry colleagues keep asking is "What do consumers want? What's going to turn a product from a 'maybe' to a 'must buy'?"

So the Inside Fashion team put together a comprehensive yet concise (we know you're busy) guide to the top need-to-know consumer attitudes that will influence what's likely to sell at retail.

Our 3 Key Consumer Attitudes Influencing Purchasing Decision takes you from mindset through to silhouettes and materials insights.

Includes

Key consumer mindsets
The touch points that define each 'attitude'
Important silhouettes and style details
The fabrics and fibers that support each 'attitude'
Yarn and knitwear for each 'attitude'
Trims and accessories

Learn more:
https://insidefashionlive.net/3-key-consumer-attitudes-influencing-purchasing-decisions/

Ocean rates have found a floor ... New Tech: Digitizing fabric with only a simple camera ... Materials prices remain relatively stable

It looks like shipping rates have finally found a floor - or maybe carriers simply decided to put a floor under rates to stop them from falling to below-2019 levels.

The question will be whether volumes pick up in time for peak season. If not, rates could realistically fall further.

Meanwhile, materials prices remain flat in the face of weaker demand.

Find out what else is happening ...

SUPPLY CHAIN STRATEGIST newsletter
https://insidefashionlive.net/supply-chain-strategist-apr-20-2023/

Ocean rates inch up ... Rethinking supply chain resilience ... Cambodia eyes role as regional hub ... materials prices show slight uptick

Import volumes showed signs off picking up giving ocean carriers encouragement to consider rate increases.

However, most brands and retailers are playing it safe and trying to keep inventories as low as possible.

For now, most stakeholders in the apparel supply chain are feeling cautiously optimistic - with the emphasis on 'cautious'.

Read this week's SUPPLY CHAIN STRATEGIST newsletter
https://insidefashionlive.net/supply-chain-strategist-apr-13-2023/

Everyone wants to add a bit of sparkle to their lives ...

Consumers are ready to get dressed up and shine!

Designers recognized this and turned out Spring/Summer '24 collections that ranged from have just a sprinkling of sparkle to heavily jewel encrusted statement pieces.

The good news for mainstream and mass market is that even basic garments can be elevated by adding a some crystals or stones.

Check out our DIAMOND GIRL trend.

Do you want a FREE PDF of this trend?

Let me know in the comments and I'll send you the link.

Brands report mixed results ... Food inflation is eating up consumer budgets ... Retailers plan more stores

Although headline inflation is leveling off in most key markets, food inflation remains painfully high - and in some markets it is still increasing.

This is taking a bite out of consumers' budgets, even as gasoline prices decline.

Retailers are reporting mixed results, with sales holding up, but profits still under pressure.

Read this week's WEEK IN REVIEW newsletter

https://insidefashionlive.net/week-in-review-apr-02-2023/

Week in Review | Apr. 02, 2023 – Inside Fashion Live! While overall inflation is starting to decline, food inflation remains high in most key markets – and is the biggest pressure on consumer budgets.

Retail sees rocky results ... More profit pressure on DTC brands ... Optimizing your LinkedIn profile

An uncertain retail market, coupled with the recent bank failures, has been a further wake up call to invetors that 'growth at any cost' might end up being very costly indeed.

We expect to see even greater pressure on DTC brands and startups to get to profitabilty - with the same speed that once was focused on scaling up.

Read this week's WEEK IN REVIEW newsletter:

https://insidefashionlive.net/week-in-review-mar-25-2023/

Inflation rebounds .. Next Gen Supply Chains ... Carriers face price pressure .. New warm, lightweight materials ...

There's a lot happening that's impacting global supply chains.

From rising inflation, turmoil in the banking sector and general uncertainty in key consumer markets.

Get up to speed on what's happening with our weekly newsletter:

SUPPLY CHAIN STRATEGIST

https://insidefashionlive.net/supply-chain-strategist-mar-23-2023/

Budget retailers remain resilient ... Brands still bullish on stores ... Central banks move fast to quell a crisis

It's been a hectic week for the apparel industry.

Between more earnings reports and the fallout from what was looking a lot like a rerun of 2008's Global Financial Crisis, there probably been a fair bit of nail biting in C-suites and boardrooms.

Read our snapshot of this week's top developments in:

The Week in Review newsletter

https://preview.mailerlite.com/x2b0p2f4l0

The Ultimate Guide to Materials Developments for SS '2024

Inside Fashion is so excited to launch our new guide to materials developments for the coming season!

This 5 page report sums up the key directions and innovations - in a concise, easy-to-interpret and practive guide.

It includes natural fibers, synthetics, man-mades, and finishings - plus market sentiment.

Learn more:
https://insidefashionlive.net/materials-trends-ss-24/

Materials prices remain weak ... Another Crisis ... Bangladesh wages under pressure

Seems that there's always a lot going on that's impacting supply chains - even when we thought things were 'back to normal'.

Well, not so fast ...!!!

Get a concise update in this week's SUPPLY CHAIN STRATEGIST newsletter
https://preview.mailerlite.com/n3h6g3f4u0

Freights faces excess capacity ... Materials prices remain flat ... Textile trends for SS’24

Read this week's SUPPLY CHAIN STRATEGIST newsletter
https://preview.mailerlite.com/t8e2b8c5q6