Dr. D'Wayne Edwards

From sketching sneakers as a kid to revolutionizing footwear design, Omar Bailey is forging paths and breaking molds with FCTRY LAb. This founder is reshaping the industry from LA, championing diversity and creating opportunities for minority designers. Omar's ethos? Don't wait for permission—create your own opportunities. Check out this article by Essence to get an in-depth look into his world of design and how he’s transforming the future of footwear, one shoe at a time: https://lnkd.in/gYccRXWB 

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4 Key Considerations for Activewear that Performs & Feels Great As an apparel sourcing & manufacturing specialist,  I understand what factors are most important  for the buyers when choosing activewear. Sustainable Materials:  ↳ Fabrics made from recycled materials are a  growing trend. Breathable Comfort:  ↳ Staying cool and dry during workouts is essential. Durable Build:  ↳ Activewear should withstand intense activity and  frequent washing. Fashion-Forward Style:  ↳ Looking good can boost your confidence and  motivation to stay active. DM me to discuss sourcing or manufacturing of high-quality garments for your business. Follow Sohail Ahmed

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Footwear brands Sustainable commitments? Many brands have leaned into utilizing Bio based polymers, recycled upper materials and making efforts to lessen the footprint! Too many will only step into utilization of better options if its at the same price- and there will surely be a growing push back for ‘Green washing’ of products! There are brands ( both UK based) such as Vivobarefoot and Hylo Athletics who are making those margin sacrifices to build and roll out authentic, sustainable concepts. One product that has traditionally seen recycled elements utilized is rubber soles! It used to only be targeted for low end products! Abrasion resistant, oil resistant safety and duty shoes use factory off cuts- recycled rubber products mixed in alongside virgin rubber. I made shoes in Nigeria a few years ago, and their rubber tech ( the best ever) who was in his 70’s, said every day he compounded he was still using some small part of the first rubber product from his start 50 years early! That’s more likely when you make 1.5-2 M pairs a day- it’s a lot of rubber! This multi colour mixing has been utilized for decades, and now with additional additives like G, synthetic rubber and various polymers- the quality does not suffer and can be processed to perform under stress! Outsoles are an important part of athletic shoes and with rubber plantations suffering the pressure of climate change effects, it’s essential alternatives and research of new ideas are enacted, and wider usage of recycling (accepting black outsoles) becomes the norm- Plus it really is a beautiful, momentary artwork until it all disperses and goes to black! Daily artwork to gain advantage- not a bad thing !! #recycle #CMG #rubberoutsoles #mixitnow @DougS888 #sustainability #

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In the pursuit of flawless lines and wonderful colors, every detail is a reflection of inspiration. As a designer, I know it’s the little things that make the perfect piece. Every stitch, every cut and stitch is designed to give you the best experience and expression. Beauty and creativity are everywhere in this world, but bringing them together and shaping them into a one-of-a-kind garment is a challenge and an adventure. I look for inspiration in design and strive to perfectly integrate the elegance of nature, the weight of history, and modern innovation. Every work is an exploration of beauty and a relentless pursuit of perfection. You deserve designs like this - not just clothes, but a soothing soul and a tool for self-expression. Here, every design carries a story, and every choice is a statement of self-style. Because we believe that perfect design can inspire and enhance life. Join us and let this crystallization of beauty and wisdom become a part of your daily life.

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Understanding the basics of yarns is crucial in textile manufacturing. Learn about the differences between spun yarn, monofilament, and multifilament in our latest infographic. #fittDesign

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As evenings last longer and the temperature rises lightweight, durable, moisture-wicking, and expandable garments are key for summer sports. Compression apparel meets all of these needs and more; often used during the season by runners, triathletes, cyclists, etc. Compression garments can expand beyond their original size when being used and still maintain the original shape and form afterward. Not just any ink can meet the performance demands of such a flexible garment. Having a team of experienced printers is always valuable, particularly when using silicone ink. Silicone ink can be very tricky to use but unlike other inks, it can expand with the material while maintaining the integrity of the design. Here at Wee's Tees, we do our best to meet our customer needs. Being able to successfully print with silicone ink is one of many ways that we rise to the occasion. 

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The A.B.Cs of Real Footwear Design? Always Be Cutting. There's no better way to learn real footwear design than to cut up a reference sample. Because if you can't design it if you don't know how it's made. --- I’m the owner of The Directive Collective footwear design consultancy. We make great footwear, not just great sketches. #design #footwear #footweardesign

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Your Guide to Different Types of Leather Jackets Cowhide Pros: Durability: The undisputed champion. Cowhide jackets are incredibly tough and long-lasting, perfect for heavy use and rugged environments. Structure: Holds its shape well, creating a classic and defined silhouette for biker jackets and bomber styles Affordability: Generally the most cost-effective leather option. Versatility: Available in a wide range of finishes, from smooth to distressed, offering a variety of looks. Develops a patina: Ages beautifully, acquiring a unique character over time. Cons: Stiffness: Can feel stiff initially, requiring a break-in period for a comfortable fit. Weight: Due to its thickness, cowhide jackets tend to be heavier and warmer, making them less ideal for spring and summer. Lambskin Pros: Softness: Unmatched buttery feel, providing exceptional comfort and a luxurious drape. Lightweight: Perfect for spring and summer jackets due to its light weight. Fine Grain: Offers a smooth and visually appealing texture. Cons: Durability: Less durable than other leathers, requiring careful handling to avoid scratches and tears. Cost: Typically more expensive due to its premium quality. Sheepskin Pros: Balance: Offers a good compromise between the softness of lambskin and the durability of cowhide. Texture Options: Can be found in various textures depending on the finishing process, making it suitable for different styles. Shearling Jackets: Commonly used for jackets with a warm and cozy wool lining, ideal for colder weather. Cons: Grain: May have a slightly coarser grain compared to lambskin, impacting the visual appeal for some. Buffalo Leather Pros: Durability: Exceeds even cowhide in terms of toughness, making it ideal for heavy-duty and long-lasting jackets. Unique Aesthetic: Develops a rugged and distinctive look with a pronounced grain. Cons: Stiffness: The thickest and stiffest of the bunch, requiring a significant break-in period for comfort. Flexibility: Less flexible than other options, restricting movement slightly. Weight: Similar to cowhide, buffalo leather jackets tend to be heavy. Goatskin Pros: Suppleness: Offers a good balance between softness and durability, making it comfortable to wear with good resistance to wear and tear. Lightweight: Lighter than cowhide but slightly heavier than lambskin, providing versatility for different climates. Natural Grain: Possesses a distinctive pebbled grain texture that adds visual interest and hides imperfections well. Breathability: Known for being breathable, allowing for better air circulation and comfort during warmer weather. Cons: Price: Can be more expensive than sheepskin but generally less costly than lambskin. In Summary: Choosing the right leather type depends on your priorities: Durability: Cowhide or buffalo leather for the toughest jackets. ........ ........ LEARN MORE 👉 https://lnkd.in/dyKFwW53 👈

To effectively navigate the shifts and transformations in the apparel industry driven by retailers and trading offices over the next five years, manufacturers should consider the following initiatives: 1. Sustainability and Ethical Practices - Adopt Sustainable Practices: Implement eco-friendly production processes, use sustainable materials, and reduce waste. -Transparency: Ensure transparency in the supply chain to build trust with consumers who are increasingly concerned about the environmental and social impact of their purchases. 2. Technology and Innovation - Automation: Invest in advanced manufacturing technologies like automation and robotics to improve efficiency and reduce labor costs. - Smart Factories: Develop smart factories with IoT (Internet of Things) to optimize production processes and real-time monitoring. - Innovation in Materials: Explore new materials and textile technologies, such as biodegradable fabrics, smart textiles, and performance-enhancing materials. 3. Digital Transformation - Digital Platforms: Utilize digital platforms for seamless communication and collaboration with retailers and trading offices. - Data Analytics: Leverage big data and AI to analyze market trends, consumer preferences, and optimize inventory management. 4. Agility and Responsiveness - Flexible Production: Implement flexible manufacturing processes that can quickly adapt to changes in demand and fashion trends. - Shorter Lead Times: Focus on reducing lead times through efficient logistics and production planning. 5. Collaborative Partnerships - Retailer Partnerships: Strengthen partnerships with retailers to co-create products and align closely with market demands. - Innovation Hubs: Collaborate with innovation hubs, universities, and research institutions to stay at the forefront of industry advancements. 6. Consumer-Centric Approach - Quality Assurance: Maintain high standards of quality to build brand loyalty and reduce returns. - Sustainable Branding: Promote sustainability and ethical practices as key brand values to attract conscious consumers. 7. Workforce Development - Skill Enhancement: Invest in training and upskilling the workforce to handle advanced technologies and new production methods. - Employee Welfare: Focus on improving working conditions and employee welfare to retain skilled labor and improve productivity. 8. Regulatory Compliance - Stay Updated: Keep abreast of evolving regulations and standards in different markets to ensure compliance and avoid disruptions. - Proactive Measures: Implement proactive measures to address potential regulatory changes related to sustainability, labor laws, and trade policies. By adopting these initiatives, manufacturers can better align with the evolving demands of retailers and trading offices, ensuring resilience and competitiveness in the dynamic apparel industry. SMF #smf #mascogroup #rmg #retailers #trading #buying #apparelindustry #shifts #trasformation #improvement

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Do you ever notice stripes on your clothes that seem a little off? They might be slightly askew or look mismatched at the seams. This common issue boils down to how the fabric is cut during garment production. In this week's episode of "The Cutting Edge: Leadership in Apparel Development," I am talking all about the nuances required to get this tricky detail just right. Check out the full video, with my top tips for fixing this issue on YouTube: https://lnkd.in/gf6Xv7-B #apparel #productline #apparelmanufacturing #apparelindustry #garmentfitting #garments #fashionindustry #unmarkedstreet #thecuttingedge #womanpreneur

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Textile & garment manufacturer voices are often left "behind the seams". After recognizing how underrepresented manufacturer voices are in the industry, it is refreshing to see projects that put supplier's perspectives in the spotlight. Bravo to INQOVA for this human centered storytelling campaign for Winnitex that puts a face and a name to textile manufacturers, allowing viewers to connect to the people that power the fashion supply chain. Here's why this storytelling piece is awesome: ✅ ESTABLISHES LEGACY: As a family business, this company's story has the advantage of sharing intergenerational perspectives that share the past, present, and future of the company. ✅ DIVERSITY: The campaign not only demonstrates the global reach of the company by featuring team members in different locations, but also showcases perspectives from different roles across the company, offering diverse vantage points as to how the business operates. ✅ THOUGHT LEADERSHIP: Each voice featured in the video offers a range of expertise, reinforcing the company's value proposition from different angles. This engenders trust with their audience. More of this please 👏 cc: Natali Halfdan Andersen

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The dominance of fast fashion is undeniable, but it doesn'thave to spell doom for other apparel retailers. Here are some key strategies to consider: ➡ Focus on Quality & Value: Fast fashion prioritizes speedover quality.Highlight your commitment to well-made garments that last longer, offering true value to customers. ➡ Embrace Transparency: Consumers are increasinglyconcerned about ethics and sustainability. Showcase yourresponsible sourcing practices and commitment to workewell-being. ➡ Cultivate a Brand ldentity: Develop a distinct brand voiceand aesthetic that resonates with your target audience. What makes your clothing unique ➡ Offer Exceptional Customer Experience: From personalized recommendations to a seamless online shopping experience, prioritize customer satisfaction. ➡ Leverage Technology: Utilize data analytics to understand customer preferences and optimize inventorymanagement.Consider offering omnichannel experienceslike click-and-collect. What are your thoughts on how apparel retailers can staycompetitive? Share your insights in the comments! #NKM #fashion #fashionretail #sustainability #fashionindustry #tasrahltd #retailstrategies #sustainablefashion #slowfashionmovement #customerexperience #branddifferentiation #supplychainefficiency #omnichannelretailing #apparel #apparelsourcing #fashionmarketing

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New post up on The unspun Blog! 3D weaving is an astounding technology that has the power to make fashion (actually) sustainable while unlocking greater value in each article of clothing made. Skeptical? Then just consider how convoluted apparel manufacturing is right now. The best opportunity the fashion industry has to offer is correcting its sprawling process for making clothes. Many thanks to Annika Visser for helping bring this topic into focus. 🙌

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