Yong Chong

Navigating Recruitment Challenges in Fashion: Insights from a Recent Exchange and Understanding the Value of Quality Service Over Cost in Fashion Recruitment! Yesterday, I had an enlightening email exchange with the newly appointed leader of a prominent fashion brand struggling to find suitable candidates for key roles. I congratulated them on their new position and offered Karen Collier Careers' recruitment services. Their initial response focused on our fees and the clients we have worked with rather than our approach. I explained that we prefer to discuss fees after having a detailed conversation about the specific needs and requirements of the roles. This approach ensures we can deliver a tailored service that perfectly meets their expectations. Additionally, we uphold strict client confidentiality and do not disclose our clients' identities. They responded with a succinct request for our fee structure. While I understand the importance of budgeting, it is disheartening to see cost prioritised over quality service. Our fees are industry standard, and choosing an agency based on lower fees often means less time and effort are invested in finding the perfect candidate. Just as investing in a higher-priced garment ensures durability and long-term value, selecting the right recruitment partner ensures access to the best candidates and long-term success. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions about our services or if we can help you find the ideal candidate for your organisation. Email: karen@karencolliercareers.co.uk #agencyfees #fashionrecruitment #fashionrecruitmentuk #fashionrecruitmentlondon #fashionrecruitmentagency #fashionrecruitmentagencies #fashionindustry

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#TheOutsidersPerspective partners, The Business of Fashion, spoke to Luisa Cicchetti, Chief People Officer at Alexander McQueen amongst other global industry leaders to understand the current employment market within fashion - from transferable skills, embracing new technologies and research and development. "Transversal skill sets are becoming more important and critical to employees. Three soft skills that come to my mind are, firstly, the capability to be adaptable and flexible — the fashion industry has changed a lot and will continue changing" Read the full interview. https://lnkd.in/e7qc8pXr

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Happy 4th July! 🦅 While the USA celebrates Independence Day, voters head to the polls in the UK and France 🗳️ The political landscapes of both countries are set to impact the fashion industry significantly. In the UK, with a victory for The Labour Party looking likely, they won't repeal the "tourist tax," maintaining challenges for luxury shopping. Labour is also engaging with fast fashion giant SHEIN for a potential IPO in London. In France, Marine Le Pen's National Rally is leading, causing market jitters and impacting luxury brands like LVMH and Kering. Stability in the UK contrasts with potential upheaval in France, making the upcoming results crucial for fashion businesses on both sides of the Channel. Scale Up Search

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WHICH key prints will dominate Autumn Winter 2025-26 womenswear? Deep dive into a world of multi sensory print stories, transformative patterns and rejuvenating artworks that will shape the future of womenswear design. Our unmissable Autumn Winter 2025-26 Print and Pattern Trend Book for women is a visual journey through the new season, and has been meticulously curated to inspire and inform fashion brands and designers, making it easy to translate into your own unique creations. It is a labour of love from our talented team, and we can't wait to share it with our amazing community. Whether you're a designer, fashion brand owner, manufacturer or a pattern enthusiast, we hope you find it as inspiring as we do. Uncover our treasure trove of insights that can transform your design process by aligning your products with future consumer demand. https://lnkd.in/e2tyA8QA #fashion #fashionbusiness #fashiontrends #fashiondesign #fashionbrand #fashionentrepreneur #fashiondesigner #trends #trendforecast #printtrends #printinnovation #designinspiration #textiles #textilemanufacturers #trendanalysis #futurefashion #printdesigner #printdesign #smallbrand #trendforecasting #aw25 #fashioninsights

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There has been a lot of buzz surrounding driesvannoten's SS25 Men's farewell show, with tributes being paid across the industry. Besides being a brilliant and consistent designer, he has also catered to a wide spectrum of ages, a move crucial in today's fashion landscape. In an era of economic turbulence and huge competition, it is more important than ever for designers to be age-inclusive. It's refreshing to witness a shift in the runway dynamics, with younger models no longer dominating the scene. Designers are recognising the importance of catering to the audience they aim to reach. The use of a diverse range of ages is not only inclusive but also strategically vital from a business perspective. Now, it will be great to see more designers also being consistently body positive in their casting choices. #fashionindustry #designerfarewell #driesvannoten #inclusivity

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The Dark Side of Luxury: Time to Reclaim Quality and Ethics in Fashion! Recent raids on major fashion brands, including Dior, expose a truth many consumers would rather not face: the high price tag of "luxury" often masks an ugly reality. Bags costing thousands are reportedly being produced for a mere $57 (excluding raw materials) in factories with brutal working conditions. This is the dark side of fashion, where the illusion of luxury shrouds average-quality items marked up by exorbitant margins. But it doesn't have to be this way. My brand, Mykelis Campbell, is on a mission to rewrite the narrative. We believe true luxury lies in impeccable quality, ethical production, and perfect fit. We're bringing back the era of custom-made clothing, where garments are meticulously crafted to meet your individual needs and flatter your unique silhouette. No more settling for "off-the-rack" mediocrity. Join us in rejecting exploitative practices and reclaiming what luxury should truly represent. Together, we can redefine fashion as an industry built on sustainability, ethical sourcing, and exceptional craftsmanship. #EthicalFashion #CustomMade #LuxuryRedefined #MykelisCampbell# Let's spark a conversation! Share your thoughts on the current state of fashion in the comments below.

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It’s recommendations like these that make our work at ARD Fashion Consulting so fulfilling. We take pride in helping clients make their dreams a reality- with or without fashion experience. “Having never worked in the fashion world, Amanda's expertise and guidance was highly valuable. She took the time to listen to me and what my dreams were and then helped create a beautiful product with the utmost quality.” Take a look at our testimonials to hear what our clients and business partners are saying about ARD Fashion Consulting. Read our reviews by visiting Amanda Rango's profile and scrolling down to the recommendations section. #ARDFashionConsulting #fashiondesign #customersatisfaction #clientappreciation

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On-Demand Manufacturing 👗 On-demand manufacturing is revolutionising the fashion industry. Unlike fast fashion’s mass production, clothes are only made once purchased This approach tackles many issues of fast fashion – poor quality, limited personalisation, and lack of sustainability. 👚 New brands are entering the made-to-order market, focusing on sustainability and ethics. 🍃 For example, the slow fashion marketplace uses on-demand manufacturing to offer ethically and sustainably made fashion for all body types. The clothes are made-to-order with precise body measurements, ensuring a perfect fit, reducing waste, and minimising emissions. 🌍✨ #OnDemandManufacturing #SustainableFashion #SlowFashion #EthicalFashion #InnovationInFashion

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Introducing Hyper Drive. The latest feature on Diamnet to revolutionise your in-store experience and boost sales. https://lnkd.in/euYQXT8H

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In recent years, there has been a remarkable evolution in the concept of size inclusivity within the fashion industry, marking a significant departure from its exclusionary past. This article explores the journey of size inclusivity in fashion, from its roots in exclusion to its current trajectory of empowerment and celebration of diversity. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐄𝐫𝐚 𝐨𝐟 𝐄𝐱𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 For much of fashion history, the industry has perpetuated a narrow definition of beauty, privileging thinness, and specific body proportions. Models and mannequins were predominantly sized to fit a standard ideal, leaving little room for diversity. Plus-size clothing, when available, was often an afterthought — limited in style, relegated to a separate section, and poorly constructed. This approach sent a clear message: fashion wasn’t designed for everyone. The rise of the body positivity movement in the early 2010s, fueled by social media, challenged these outdated notions. 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞 In response to growing consumer demand for diversity and representation, fashion brands began to rethink their approach to sizing and marketing. A new wave of brands has emerged, designed from the ground up to be size-inclusive. These brands offer a refreshing approach, designing stylish pieces in a wide range of sizes from the very beginning. Slowly but surely, we witnessed the emergence of size-inclusive collections, featuring a broader range of sizes to accommodate diverse body types. By offering a wide range of sizes and styles, brands like Patrorna are empowering individuals to express themselves through fashion, regardless of their size. 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 While significant progress has been made in the realm of size inclusivity, challenges remain. Many brands continue to struggle with inclusive sizing, either offering limited options or failing to provide adequate representation in their marketing efforts. Furthermore, the fashion industry is still grappling with issues of tokenism and token diversity, where inclusivity efforts can sometimes feel performative rather than genuine. However, the growing demand for size-inclusive fashion and the rise of inclusive brands indicate a promising shift towards a more equitable and diverse industry. 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 While there is still work to be done, the progress made thus far signals a promising future where fashion is truly inclusive, empowering individuals of all sizes to feel confident, represented, and celebrated. This is why brands like https://patrorna.in/ empower you to dress for your confidence with their extensive size range, ranging from XS to 10XL and trendsetting designs. Shop now and discover a world of fashion possibilities! #ethicalfashion #sizeinclusive #sustainableclothing #womensempowerment #ecofriendly #fashion #style #love #india #patrorna #plussizefashion Read more at https://lnkd.in/ecCJHBZC

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Investing in People within the Luxury Sector: The Role of Retail Academies… In the ever-evolving luxury fashion industry, a brand's success is not solely determined by its designers and products but also by the people who deliver exceptional client experiences. Investing in people through specialised retail academies can elevate a brand's market position, retain top talent, and drive growth. The Importance of Human Touch. Luxury fashion is synonymous with exclusivity, quality, and exceptional client experience. The human touch is crucial, with every individual from sales to executives shaping the brand's identity and client perception. Continuous development ensures they possess the skills, knowledge, and passion needed to maintain the brand's presence and advance their careers. The Role of Retail Academies. Retail academies are specialised training programs designed to enhance retail professionals' skills. In luxury fashion, these academies focus on: Product Knowledge-Craftsmanship: Training on luxury products' intricate details, including materials, design processes, and heritage. This empowers employees to authentically convey the brand's story and value to clients. Service Excellence: Developing advanced service skills to create personalised and memorable experiences. Luxury consumers seek a deeper connection with the brand. Sales Techniques: Teaching innovative techniques tailored to the luxury market, ensuring the brand exceeds high-end clientele's unique needs and preferences. Brand Culture: Instilling a deep understanding of the brand's ethos, storytelling, history, and vision, ensuring every team member embodies the brand’s identity in client interactions. Benefits of Investing in Retail Academies. Enhanced Client Loyalty: Well-educated employees create exceptional experiences that foster client loyalty and repeat business. Increased Sales Performance: Employees with comprehensive product knowledge and refined sales skills convert inquiries into sales, boosting revenue. Employee Retention: Investing in employee development shows a commitment to their growth, leading to higher job satisfaction and retention rates, crucial for a stable and experienced workforce. Brand Identity: In a competitive market, a team of highly skilled and knowledgeable professionals sets a brand apart, reinforcing its commitment to excellence and quality. Conclusion. As a headhunter observing brands that invest in people through development programs, I see that nurturing talent and fostering a culture of continuous learning not only attracts but also retains the best talent in the industry. #MODUM #LUXURY #RETAIL

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WHAT'S NEXT for men's colour? Dive into a world of multi sensory themes, transformative palettes and rejuvenating harmonies that will shape the future of menswear design. Our Autumn Winter 2025-26 Colour Trend Book for men is a journey through the new season and includes rich visuals, detailed descriptions and practical applications, making it easy for designers to translate into their own unique creations. It is a labour of love from our talented team, and we can't wait to share it with our amazing community. Whether you're a designer, fashion brand owner, manufacturer or a colour enthusiast, we hope you find it as inspiring as we do. We empower brands and designers to adapt to new realities and ultimately create fashion that resonates with the new moment. https://lnkd.in/eB7QkcAd #fashion #fashionbusiness #fashiontrends #fashiondesign #fashionbrand #fashionentrepreneur #fashiondesigner #trends #trendforecast #colourtrends #colourinnovation #designinspiration #trendanalysis #futurefashion #colour #smallbrand #trendforecasting #aw25 #fashioninsights

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The Luxury Wardrobe Dilemma: To Buy or To Rent? Over the past year, a multitude of brands and retailers have ventured into occasionwear and eveningwear, unveiling stunning new collections and boutique experiences. Harrods, the epitome of luxury, joined this wave by opening a dedicated womenswear haven for occasionwear in response to a staggering 50% surge in eveningwear demand since 2021. This exclusive space boasts over 38 top-tier occasionwear brands, some making their Harrods debut. Moreover, the UK witnessed a remarkable 18% increase in newly introduced formal dresses & gowns in the last month alone compared to Q1 last year. Meanwhile, Rent The Runway, a trailblazer in the fashion rental arena, is making waves with its bet on occasionwear. Their new luxury occasionwear category, The Vault, features esteemed designers like Zac Posen, Oscar de la Renta, and Giambattista Valli, offering exclusive gowns at a fraction of their retail price. Picture this: a breathtaking Giambattista Valli gown originally priced at £3,000 can be rented for just £240—less than 10% of its retail value—opening the doors to luxury for a wider audience. So, when it comes to your next formal affair, will you opt for tradition by purchasing, or explore new horizons through renting? The choice is yours.

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