#Apparel Sourcing Week 2022

[notaschoolblog]

The Slow Fashion Movement (Week 6)

The fashion industry is one of the most significant sources of pollution (Domingos, Vale & Faria 2022, 2860-1), from the rapid rate at which clothing is produced to how quickly it is disposed of. This is emblematic of the broader issue with fast fashion: its prioritisation of consumerism over ethics, which has become increasingly detrimental not only in pollution, but also notably in carbon emission, landfill (cheap synthetic materials) and poor working conditions (sweatshops). 

‘The goal of fast fashion companies is to produce the most amount of fashionable and trendy apparel in the shortest amount of time, so consumers can keep up with the fast and ever-changing trend cycles and want to consume more products’ (Mehrjoo & Pasek cited in Chi et al. 2021, p. 101).

To counter this, the slow fashion movement has been gaining traction. Slow fashion refers to the ‘change in core values in the fashion industry’ (Domingos, Vale & Faria 2022, 2860-1) to be more sustainable. This is evident through the idea of Corporate Social Responsibility, in which companies ‘help modify behaviour by raising awareness and generating consumer pressure on other companies to follow the higher ethical standards’ (Brewer 2019, 1902-6). For instance, The Common Good Company has a portion of their website dedicated to sustainability, and backs it up with verifiable evidence.

The discussion surrounding sustainability largely takes place online between digital citizens. This includes Corporate Social Responsibility as well as consumers who tend to emphasise the ‘humanitarian’ (Ladstatter 2019) aspect of slow fashion, as they are aware of the consequences of fast fashion. Special focus is placed on the quality and timelessness of their clothing purchases, in an attempt to ensure that the clothes that these consumers do buy will be sufficiently worn and used. A topical way this is addressed is through the ‘thrifting’ trend in youth culture, as clothes are given another chance to be used instead of ending up in landfills. Furthermore, finding long-lasting, quality ‘vintage’ clothing is heralded, as these pieces are often unique—and thus more valuable (Domingos, Vale & Faria 2022, 2860-9).

Hopefully, the awareness surrounding fast fashion and the subsequent push for slow fashion will create a higher standard of ethics for clothing production.

>REFERENCES ARE UNDER THE CUT<

Brewer, M.K., 2019, ‘Slow fashion in a fast fashion world: promoting sustainability and responsibility’, Laws, vol. 8, no. 4: 1902.

Chi, T, Gerard, J, Yu, Y & Wang Y, 2021, ‘A study of U.S. consumers’ intention to purchase slow fashion apparel: understanding the key determinants’, International Journal of Fashion Design, Technology and Education, vol. 14, no. 1, pp. 101-112.

Domingos, M, Vale, V.T., & Faria, S, 2022, ‘Slow fashion consumer behavior: a literature review’, Sustainability, vol. 14, no. 5: 2860.

Earth.org 2022, Fast Fashion: The Danger of Sweatshops, Earth.org, viewed 14 April 2023, <https://earth.org/sweatshops/>. 

Ladstatter, K, 2019, Thrifting: a growing trend in sustainable fashion. Uloop, Inc.

Sustainable Jungle 2023, Synthetic Fabrics: An Environmental Fashion Faux-Pas?, Sustainable Fabrics, viewed 14 April 2023, <https://www.sustainablejungle.com/sustainable-fashion/synthetic-fabrics/>.

The Common Good Company 2023, Sustainability, The Common Good Company, viewed 14 April 2023, <https://www.thecommongoodco.com/pages/sustainability>.

[kicksaddictny]

Nike x VA Securities to Present “Virgil Abloh: The Codes c/o Architecture”

According to NIKE

What to Know

This December, Nike and VA Securities will honor Virgil Abloh’s creative legacy with a four-day experience during Miami Art Week.  

In extended collaboration, Nike and VA Securities continue to build upon the culture of innovation that underpins the Nike x Virgil work past, present and future. 

Celebrating Abloh’s working Codes, the events position the co-created Architecture platform as a driver for expanding Abloh’s creation ethos across future projects.  

“Virgil Abloh: The Codes c/o Architecture” includes exhibition, discussions and workshops. 

From December 1 through 4, 2022, Nike and VA Securities will present “Virgil Abloh: The Codes c/o Architecture” at Miami’s Rubell Museum. The exhibition honors Abloh’s creative legacy, highlighting his long-term partnership with Nike, and shares design methodologies that were central to his creative identity. The exhibition and its related programs are designed to showcase his methodological principles — known as Abloh’s Codes — which are meant to be applicable to any medium, product or space. The Codes made his work, and particularly The Ten with Nike, both easily identifiable and translatable.  

“Virgil and Nike thrived together because he understood the brand’s role as a cornerstone of culture while Nike understood the importance of truly supporting creatives and their visions,” says Shannon Abloh, the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Virgil Abloh Securities. “This beautiful four-day experience at Miami Art Week will honor their legacy together and champion both Virgil’s open-source methods and his genuine commitment to collaborating with and inspiring others.” 

As Nike’s partnership with VA Securities evolves, the Codes will guide and shape future collaborative output led by the platform Abloh co-created with Nike, Architecture. Through Architecture, which is helmed by Mahfuz and Chloe Sultan, each future project is expected to reflect on and reinterpret the Codes.   

The goal is to further Abloh’s legacy beyond an individual practice and to establish a framework for an enduring open-source institution and invitation to design anchored in inspirational storytelling. 

“Virgil’s influence was so outsized and impactful,” says Serena Williams. “Not only did he inspire and empower my approach as a designer and collaborator, he did so with every partner, product and person he touched.” 

That includes Leo Sandino-Taylor, Nike’s Vice President of Global Catalyst Brand Management. “The depth of Nike’s partnership with Virgil materialized far beyond our iconic collaborations. His transparent design approach influenced our teams and inspired a new generation of young design talent to find their creative voice and share it with the world,” says Sandino-Taylor. “Championing Virgil’s Codes allows our community to take a deeper look into his practice, celebrate his legacy and evolve how his ethos can continue to empower fresh voices and perspectives. Ultimately, Virgil’s work with Nike invited more people into sport and design and created the future. This moment is a celebration of a true partnership showcasing what we’ve created together while also providing a peek into what’s next.” 

The Codes exhibition is also the formal introduction for the Off-White™ x Nike Terra Forma, the first original Nike sneaker designed from scratch by Abloh and Nike designers in 2022. The Terra Forma is part of a to-be-released catalog of Virgil-designed apparel and footwear collections. The shoe, along with an associated apparel line, releases later in December. 

For information on opening hours and programming of “Virgil Abloh: The Codes c/o Architecture,” follow @arch___itecture.  

[wengyan]

Week 7: The Slow Fashion Movement

Hi, welcome back to yet another blog post of mine! In this blog, I’ll be discussing the slow fashion movement.

Fashion plays an important role in our lives because it not only makes us more presentable but also a way to express ourselves. Fashion has always been sustainable and clothes are made to be worn as long as possible. However, in recent years, the fashion industry has appeared to be more fast. What does it mean to be fast in this context? Well, fast fashion, is a segment of the fashion industry producing trendy clothes at a low cost in high volumes. This may sound like a positive thing because of the low cost and all but that is not the case. It is causing an environmental impact that may bring harm in the long run. “It dries up water sources and pollutes rivers and streams, while 85% of all textiles go to dumps each year. Even washing clothes releases 500,000 tons of microfibres into the ocean each year, the equivalent of 50 billion plastic bottles.” (Maiti 2024)

The main purpose of this blog post is to encourage slow fashion to achieve a more sustainable fashion industry and to do our part in being more environmentally friendly. So, what is slow fashion? Slow fashion is the exact opposite of fast fashion. According to Hill (2023), slow fashion involves an understanding of and attitude towards fashion that gives considerable thought to the methods and materials needed to produce clothes. It promotes the purchase of longer-lasting, higher-quality clothing and maintains the principle of treating people, animals, and the environment fairly at every turn. 

There are plenty of advantages in slow fashion but the biggest factor is to save and improve the environment before it’s too late. The impact of fast fashion may not seem huge at the moment, but it surely is slowly contributing to global warming. Slow fashion should be encouraged because it is beneficial in the long run. Slow fashion clothings are produced at a higher quality which is made to be more durable. When our clothes have better durability, naturally we purchase fewer clothes and help reduce consumption. (Kulczycki 2021) 

Shopping and purchasing from sustainable brands are way more ideal. One recommended brand would be Nudie Jeans. Nude Jeans’ denim is 100% organic and crafted by one of the finest denim mills in the world, which has produced high-quality fabrics for over 70 years.

In summary, the fashion business has significance to our lives since it serves as a means of self-expression and presentability This blog post promotes slow fashion as a more environmentally friendly option. We can lessen the negative effects of fast fashion, contribute less to global warming, and encourage well-made, long-lasting apparel by opting for slow fashion. A useful step towards achieving this aim is to support eco-friendly companies like Nudie Jeans, which is well-known for their premium, organic denim. Ultimately, adopting slow fashion techniques helps the environment and promotes a more environmentally friendly fashion industry.

References

Hill, M 2023, What Is Slow Fashion? - Good On You, Good On You, viewed 17 May 2024, <https://goodonyou.eco/what-is-slow-fashion/>.

Kulczycki, P 2022, 10 Slow Fashion Benefits & Fast Fashion Disadvantages | Infographic, SANVT, viewed 18 May 2024, <https://sanvt.com/blogs/journal/advantages-of-slow-fashion?country=MY>.

Maiti, R 2024, Fast Fashion: Its Detrimental Effect on the Environment, Earth.Org, viewed 17 May 2024, <https://earth.org/fast-fashions-detrimental-effect-on-the-environment/#:~:text=It%20dries%20up%20water%20sources,of%2050%20billion%20plastic%20bottles>.

[giangrua]

Week 6. Slow Fashion

"What you wear says something about you, right? Yeah, you wear that shirt it says you like that band. You wear those combat boots, it says you're edgy. 

Fashion is a huge part of our culture. "

1. Setting the scene: The Glamour Facade 

Fast fashion, like a fast-food version of high fashion, characterized by its cheap prices and rapid turnover of trendy clothing, has become a dominant force in the apparel industry (Nguyen 2023). However, the allure of fast fashion hides a darker reality of environmental harm, exploitation, and unsustainability. 

One defining aspect of fast fashion is its affordability. Brands like Zara and H&M achieve this by mimicking designer styles at a fraction of the cost, making fashion trends accessible to the masses (Nguyen 2023).

While this democratization of fashion may seem positive, it comes at the expense of quality. Fast fashion garments are often made from low-quality fabrics that are difficult to recycle and end up in landfills or polluting waterways (Hanson 2019). Synthetic materials like polyester contribute significantly to environmental degradation, emitting large amounts of carbon during production and shedding microplastics when washed (Hanson 2019). 

Moreover, the production processes involved in fast fashion are environmentally damaging. From the extraction of raw materials to textile dyeing, toxic chemicals are used and often disposed of improperly, polluting water sources (Drew & Yehounme 2017). Additionally, fast fashion relies on cheap labor, often in developing countries, where workers are subjected to poor working conditions and low wages (ABC News (Australia) 2023). 

Economically, the fast fashion industry is booming, with the global apparel market valued at over 1.53 trillion U.S. dollars and predicted to reach nearly 2 trillion U.S. dollars by 2028 (Smith 2023b; Smith 2023a). However, this economic growth comes at a cost. The environmental impacts of fast fashion are severe, with the production of synthetic fabrics alone consuming vast amounts of oil and contributing to pollution, as seen in the case of the Citarum River in Indonesia, where factories associated with fast fashion brands have polluted the water, causing health issues such as chemical pollution for local children (Java Discover 2022). 

Furthermore, the fast fashion industry's reliance on social media exacerbates its environmental and social impacts. Social media often glamorizes a lifestyle where clothes are worn once or twice for the perfect photo (Netflix Is A Joke 2020). This mentality fuels a "disposable wardrobe" attitude, leading to more clothes ending up in landfills. In addition, the constant stream of new trends promoted by influencers pushes people to buy on impulse without considering quality or long-term wear, contributing to the cycle of waste and exploitation (Netflix Is A Joke 2020). 

2. The Rise of Slow Fashion 

Amidst the challenges posed by fast fashion, the movement towards slow fashion is gaining popularity. Slow fashion emphasizes transparency, sustainability, and ethical practices, offering an alternative to the wasteful and exploitative nature of the fast fashion industry (Domingos, Vale & Faria 2022). The global secondhand clothing market was valued at $177 billion in 2022 and is expected to nearly double by 2027, reaching a staggering $351 billion (Smith 2023c).

As awareness of the environmental and social impacts of fashion grows, consumers are demanding more transparency and accountability from brands (Domingos, Vale & Faria 2022). They are seeking out companies that prioritize sustainability and ethical production methods (Domingos, Vale & Faria 2022). This shift in consumer behavior is prompting businesses to innovate and adopt greener practices to meet the expectations of their customers (Choi & Han 2019). 

To qualify as sustainable, fashion labels are adopting four guiding principles:  

(1) Child labor-free production  

(2) Environmentally friendly materials  

(3) Ethical production processes  

(4) Long-term relationships across the supply chain 

3. First Steps of A Conscious Journey 

I'd prefer to call it "slower," knowing that many young people, like myself, occasionally purchase fast fashion items. 

a. Evaluate & support slow fashion brands: Look for brands that use environmentally friendly materials and promote fair labor practices throughout their supply chain. 

b. Explore thrifting and clothing swaps: Embrace thrifting as a fun and sustainable way to refresh your wardrobe. Visit thrift stores or participate in clothing swaps with friends to give new life to pre-loved garments. Platforms like Big Sister Swap is a prime example. The concept behind Big Sister Swap is simple yet powerful: it's a clothes-swapping platform that is size-inclusive, environmentally conscious, and chic. Users can participate by purchasing a Swap option based on their willingness to donate clothes and their preferences for receiving items in return (Nast 2022).

c. Get creative with DIY: Tap into your creativity by engaging in DIY projects or clothing modifications. Transform old garments into new, trendy pieces through sewing, painting, or embellishing techniques.  

d. Utilize social media for inspiration: Social media platforms can serve as valuable resources for sustainable fashion inspiration. Follow influencers like Annika Victoria, an Australian Youtuber who shares insights and tutorials on sustainable fashion practices (YouTube n.d.). Her main claim to fame is her 'make thrift buy' series where she recreates weird internet fashion and does her best to sew it, giving full, in depth tutorials so people can have the mega trendy but done more sustainably and purposefully. (She is retired from YouTube now, but there are plenty of other younger influencers, such as bestdressed or Ally Purugganan. Find the style of thrift you love and let the algorithm shower you with content, hehe.) 

A crucial question remains: How can we support young people in embracing themselves and resisting the harmful influence of consumerism? It's evident they desire many things: they understand the negative effects of fast fashion, yet may not afford slow fashion or may not enjoy thrifting. They seek something that combines the sustainability of slow fashion with the trendiness and convenience of fast fashion. 

The answer is clear: With every purchase we make a decision that impacts nature and society. If today we prioritize running after toxic trends, tomorrow we will suffer inside and out. Promoting the idea that sustainable consumption leads to a very positive and effective image could be a potential solution for achieving an increase in sustainable fashion (Domingos, Vale & Faria 2022). However, if one cannot fully embrace slow fashion, at least reduce fast fashion consumption and engage in more eco-friendly activities and habits. Fashion is among the most environmentally harmful industries, so every effort counts. 

Reference list

ABC News (Australia) 2023, ‘The dark side of Shein’s success | China Tonight | ABC News’, www.youtube.com, viewed <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eIuM6lykHxc>.

bestdressed 2020, ‘here are some things i thrifted in nyc :)’, www.youtube.com, viewed <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nihjDIczdCA&list=PLTfSzFnwTcWS7PvVG5FM0Uaz5CMLdnVH4>.

Choi, D & Han, T-I 2019, ‘Green Practices among Fashion Manufacturers: Relationship with Cultural Innovativeness and Perceived Benefits’, Social Sciences, vol. 8, no. 5, p. 138, viewed <https://www.mdpi.com/2076-0760/8/5/138>.

Domingos, M, Vale, VT & Faria, S 2022, ‘Slow Fashion Consumer Behavior: a Literature Review’, Sustainability, vol. 14, no. 5, p. 2860.

Drew, D & Yehounme, G 2017, ‘The Apparel Industry’s Environmental Impact in 6 Graphics’, World Resources Institute, World Resources Institute, viewed <https://www.wri.org/insights/apparel-industrys-environmental-impact-6-graphics>.

Hanson, M 2019, ‘Fashion Contributes to 10 Percent of Humanity’s Carbon Emissions’, Big Think, viewed <https://bigthink.com/the-present/is-fashion-bad-for-the-environment/>.

Java Discover 2022, ‘The Fashion Industry’s Dirty Secret: the World’s Most Polluted River in Indonesia | Documentary’, www.youtube.com, viewed <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZHOuJXbZtsk>.

Nast, C 2022, ‘It’s time to get to know Big Sister Swap, AKA the personalised clothes swapping service that everyone is talking about’, Glamour UK, viewed <https://www.glamourmagazine.co.uk/article/big-sister-swap?utm_source=onsite-share&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=onsite-share&utm_brand=glamour-uk>.

Netflix Is A Joke 2020, ‘The Ugly Truth Of Fast Fashion | Patriot Act with Hasan Minhaj | Netflix’, www.youtube.com, viewed <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xGF3ObOBbac&t=1430s>.

Nguyen, HN 2023, Fast Fashion & Greenwashing: the Worst Combination for Sustainability, ResearchGate, pp. 1–7, viewed <https://www.researchgate.net/publication/373632703_Fast_Fashion_Greenwashing_The_Worst_Combination_for_Sustainability>.

Smith, P 2023a, ‘Global Apparel Market - Statistics & Facts’, Statista, viewed <https://www.statista.com/topics/5091/apparel-market-worldwide/#topicOverview>.

Smith, P 2023b, ‘Revenue of the Global Apparel Market 2014-2027’, Statista, viewed <https://www.statista.com/forecasts/821415/value-of-the-global-apparel-market>.

Smith, P 2023c, ‘Secondhand Apparel Market Value Worldwide 2012-2023’, Statista, viewed <https://www.statista.com/statistics/826162/apparel-resale-market-value-worldwide/>.

YouTube n.d., ‘Annika Victoria - YouTube’, www.youtube.com, viewed 27 March 2024, <https://www.youtube.com/@AnnikaVictoria24>.

[linhnguyen232]

[Week 6] Slow fashion and Communication Strategy of Fashion Brands on Instagram.

Slow fashion? What is that?

Slow fashion refers to a more eco-conscious strategy within the fashion sector, taking into account environmental and societal consequences, advocating for ethical and transparent manufacturing, and urging consumers to minimize waste while investing in durable, superior-quality products (Minney, 2016).

The Development of Slow Fashion Movement

The slow fashion movement traces its origins back to the slow food movement, which emerged in Italy during the 1980s as a response to the fast-paced, mass-produced food culture. Just as the slow food movement emphasized local sourcing, community connections, and a more mindful approach to eating, slow fashion similarly advocates for local production, transparency, and thoughtful consumption (Fletcher, 2010; Holt, 2009b; Johansson, 2010). This connection underscores the movement's holistic view of fashion, recognizing it as more than just clothing but as a reflection of values and lifestyle choices.

Although the concept of slow fashion has gained traction relatively recently within the textile and apparel industry, scholars have been actively engaged in defining and distinguishing it from related concepts such as sustainability and social responsibility (Clark, 2008; Fletcher, 2010). This ongoing discourse reflects the nuanced nature of slow fashion's principles and objectives, highlighting its multifaceted role in promoting ethical fashion practices.

At its core, slow fashion prioritizes local resources and economies, transparent production systems, and the creation of durable, long-lasting products. By emphasizing quality over quantity, slow fashion seeks to counteract the culture of overconsumption perpetuated by fast fashion (Clark, 2008; Fletcher, 2010; Johansson, 2010). This ethos resonates with a growing consumer awareness regarding the environmental and social impacts of fashion, driving interest and engagement in the slow fashion movement (Fletcher, 2010; Henly, 2010; Siegel et al., 2012).

Fundamentally, slow fashion represents a departure from the growth-driven values of fast fashion. It calls for systemic changes across the fashion industry, advocating for sustainable practices in design, production, distribution, and consumption (Fletcher, 2010). By challenging traditional norms and promoting responsible practices, the slow fashion movement offers a compelling vision for a more ethical and environmentally conscious approach to fashion.

Slow Fashion Brands Collaborate with Influencers on social media as Communication Strategy? 

In today's digital landscape, social media influencers are reshaping consumer perceptions and behaviors within the slow fashion movement. These influencers play a crucial role in amplifying the reach and awareness of slow fashion brands, effectively communicating sustainable fashion values to a broader audience (Castillo-Abdul et al. 2021). 

However, integrating influencers into marketing strategies raises concerns regarding authenticity and relevance, as issues like a lack of control over messaging and the potential for a "vampire effect" challenge their efficacy (Velasco-Molpeceres et al. 2022).

Moreover, influencers drive a shift in communication strategies, favoring dynamic and engaging content formats on platforms like Instagram and TikTok (Sanz, Perez-Curiel & Velasco, 2020). While this approach captures the audience's attention, slow fashion brands must balance it by emphasizing their values to stand out amidst the content noise.

Despite their potential to promote sustainability, influencers must be more consistent within their business model. While advocating for sustainable practices, they may inadvertently encourage consumption through brand partnerships and product endorsements, undermining the core message of slow fashion. In navigating these challenges, influencers and brands must uphold principles of transparency, authenticity, and environmental responsibility to ensure the continued progress of the slow fashion movement.

References:

Minney, S 2016, “Fashion influencers,” Slow Fashion, Perseus Book LLC (Ingram), United Kingdom.

Castillo-Abdul, B, Romero-Rodríguez, LM & Balseca, J 2021, ‘Hola Followers! Content Analysis of YouTube Channels of Female Fashion Influencers in Spain and Ecuador’, SAGE Open, vol. 11, no. 4, p. 215824402110566.

Fletcher, K 2010, ‘Slow Fashion: an Invitation for Systems Change’, Fashion Practice, vol. 2, no. 2, pp. 259–265, viewed 8 March 2024, <https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.2752/175693810X12774625387594>.

Holt, T 2009, Is the time right for Slow Fashion?, Christian Science Monitor.

Johansson, E 2010, ‘Slow fashion - the answer for a sustainable fashion industry?’, Slow Fashion—An Answer for a Sustainable Fashion Industry?

Pookulangara, S & Shephard, A 2013, ‘Slow Fashion Movement: Understanding Consumer Perceptions—An Exploratory Study’, Journal of Retailing and Consumer Services, vol. 20, no. 2, pp. 200–206, viewed 8 March 2024, <https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jretconser.2012.12.002>.

Slow Fashion Award 2010 2010, Cast Your Art, viewed 8 March 2024, <http://www.castyourart.com/en/2010/04/21/slow-fashion-award-2010-wien-aga%20dez/S.>.

Velasco-Molpeceres, A, Zarauza-Castro, J, Pérez-Curiel, C & Mateos-González, S 2022, ‘Slow Fashion as a Communication Strategy of Fashion Brands on Instagram’, Sustainability, vol. 15, no. 1, p. 423.

Wood, Z 2009, Tips for Sustainable Wear, Eartheasy Guides & Articles, viewed 8 March 2024, <https://learn.eartheasy.com/guides/tips-for-sustainable-wear/>. #MDA20009 #SlowFashion #Influencer #SocialMedia

[khanhngoswh00880]

Week 6: Digital citizenship case study: Social Media Influencers and the Slow Fashion Movement

Week 6: Digital citizenship case study: Social Media Influencers and the Slow Fashion Movement

Definition of slow fashion: 

Slow fashion, a term coined by Kate Fletcher, a professor of Sustainable Fashion at the London College of Fashion in 2007, refers to an approach to fashion that prioritizes quality over quantity. It encompasses traditional craft techniques to create durable clothing that lasts longer. In stark contrast to fast fashion, which revolves around rapid trend cycles and focuses on producing inexpensive, disposable garments, slow fashion aspires to produce clothing that is better for the environment and the workers involved in the production process.

The slow fashion movement incorporates various principles, including sustainability, fair trade, local manufacturing, and a strong emphasis on quality craftsmanship. By adhering to these principles, it aims to establish a more ethical and sustainable model for the fashion industry.

In recent years, there has been a notable increase in awareness regarding environmental concerns and the detrimental impact of the fashion industry on the environment. The industry has been criticized for contributing to water pollution and the use of toxic chemicals. However, the rise of the slow fashion movement signifies a shift towards a more sustainable and environmentally friendly approach to fashion.

So how does slow fashion help the environment?

In numerous ways, sustainable fashion brands contribute to a more environmentally friendly industry. These brands prioritize sustainable practices, such as the utilization of organic and natural materials, recycling fabrics, and minimizing water consumption. As a result, they reduce the amount of clothing that ends up in landfills, as well as the release of toxic chemicals into the environment. Sustainable fashion brands also frequently support local craftsmen and artisans, which not only stimulates the economy but also aids in reducing one's carbon footprint. By adopting these practices, sustainable fashion brands strive to create a positive impact on both the planet and society.

Some examples of brand “slow fashion”:

Artknit workshop

A sand-colored organic cotton dress made to order by Artknit Studios.

Organic cotton dress – International shipping from Italy

Artknit Studios creates timeless knitwear with 100% low-impact materials, responsibly produced by Italian manufacturers. The company's partners are committed to anti-waste measures using only certified and locally sourced fibers, true to the brand's "buy less, buy better" motto.

Moon + Sun

Luna + Sun is a wicked Australian fashion line, creating stunningly feminine designs. The company's factory is certified by Ethical Clothing Australia and its products are OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 certified.

Little Emperor creates unique, functional and easy-to-wear clothing for children. The company's affordable clothing is made from eco-friendly organic cotton, each product is designed in Sydney, Australia and manufactured in a Sedex approved factory, ensuring a living wage and safe working conditions for workers. From materials and packaging to energy suppliers and banks, Little Emperor does its best for the environment. Named in honor of the adorable emperor penguin, Little Emperor is a member of 1% for the Planet, meaning 1% of sales are donated to environmental nonprofits, helping to protect penguin's house.

Reference list

‘What Is Slow Fashion?’ n.d., State of Matter Apparel, viewed <https://stateofmatterapparel.com/blogs/som-blog/what-is-slow-fashion>.

Wolfe, I 2022, ‘These 15 Slow Fashion Brands Will Help You Ditch Fast Fashion’, Good On You, viewed <https://goodonyou.eco/slow-fashion-brands/>.

[thxnews]

Nike Takes a Stand for Animal Welfare: Switches to Certified Non-Mulesed Wool

Major Step Towards Animal Welfare

21 June 2023 - In a significant move towards improving animal welfare, global sportswear giant Nike Inc. has announced a major shift in its corporate social responsibility policy. The company has committed to using only certified Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) in its product range, marking a milestone for animal welfare organization FOUR PAWS. For years, FOUR PAWS has been campaigning against the cruel practice of mulesing, and their targeted efforts towards Nike since 2022 have finally paid off.   Public Demand and Industry Influence Following in the footsteps of Adidas and Puma, who have already committed to certified wool, Nike's decision comes after over 80,000 sports enthusiasts joined the FOUR PAWS campaign, urging the brand to take action. The campaign, known as #StopCruelWool, continues to call on textile brands to phase out mulesing, a cruel and outdated procedure.  

A Shift in Nike's Approach

Nike's public statement declares that the company will exclusively use certified wool sourced with the Responsible Wool Standard (RWS), effectively eliminating the brutal practice of mulesing. Mulesing is primarily practiced in Australia, the largest global supplier of Merino wool. In 2022, FOUR PAWS orchestrated a protest mail that garnered over 80,000 signatures, and athletes participated in marathons in Vienna and Hamburg to raise public awareness about mulesing. As Nike Inc. celebrated its 50th anniversary last year, FOUR PAWS projected their call to end mulesing onto the brand's main European Logistic Campus in Belgium.   Commendations and Implications Rebecca Picallo Gil, Head of the wool campaign at FOUR PAWS, commended Nike on this crucial commitment, emphasizing the positive impact it will have on millions of lambs. With the upcoming mulesing season in Australia approaching, this announcement comes at a critical time and sends a strong message to wool producers. As an influential brand with the potential to inspire the entire apparel market, Nike's decision marks a significant win for animal welfare in the sports apparel industry.  

Collaboration for Change

To further efforts in ending mulesing in Australia, FOUR PAWS, Humane Society International Australia, and RSPCA Australia have formed a strategic partnership. This partnership prioritizes regular engagement with major international brands like Nike, as well as numerous wool growers across Australia, in response to the growing demand for non-mulesed wool. The three organizations encourage the wool industry to accelerate the transition away from mulesing by adopting better genetics for producing non-mulesed wool, aligning with global brand expectations and satisfying consumer demands.  

Background: The Cruelty of Mulesing

Merino wool, known for its breathability and odorless qualities, is extensively used in sports apparel by major global brands, as highlighted in a report by FOUR PAWS. While competitors such as Adidas and Puma had already made public commitments to exclude mulesed wool, Nike, the world's largest sportswear manufacturer at the time, had not responded to public demand until now.  

A Call for Change

FOUR PAWS has been campaigning for an end to the cruel practice of mulesing for many years. Mulesing involves cutting off large chunks of skin from lambs, aged between two to ten weeks, without proper pain relief. This procedure causes fear, stress, and intense pain that can last for days. Pain-free alternatives, such as breeding sheep that are naturally flystrike resistant, exist. Additionally, certification systems enable traceability from the shop floor to the farms, ensuring the exclusion of mulesing.

An Industry-Wide Movement

Over 350 brands globally have already published anti-mulesing policies, and more than 70 brands have signed an open letter to the Australian wool industry, demanding an end to the mutilation of lambs.   Sources: THX News & Nike Inc. Read the full article

[dougbaudinettemda]

WEEK 6, SLOW FASHION AND SOCIAL MEDIA THRIFTING

This week's point of discussion was the ‘slow fashion’ movement, explained in the weekly reading as “the need to adopt sustainable performance and a change in core values in the fashion industry” (Domingos, p.1) the term branches out into multiple areas that link with social media.  

The slow fashion movement is a direct combatant of fast fashion, which is a business model that seeks to “produce the most amount of fashionable and trendy apparel in the shortest amount of time” (Ting Chi et al, p.101).  

The biggest contributors to fast fashion are companies such as Shein and Zara, which have been exposed numerous times to have poor working conditions and wages in order to mass produce clothing that can be sold for cheap.  

Where does social media come into slow fashion? TikTok holds a massive number of creators who popularise thrift store ‘hauls’, putting out videos that display items they’ve purchased from thrift stores as a way of promoting slow fashion. On TikTok, #thrifting has over 8.3 billion views  

Once again returning to the topic of the influencer, a commonly provided example was Emma Chamberlain, a YouTube and Instagram influencer who found popularity in posting videos about thrift store hauls, this in turn reaches out to her large audience, promoting slow fashion and influencing them to do the same.  

Despite giving thrift stores a type of ‘trendiness’ amongst youth on social media, this also appears to create a form of commercialisation, in where resellers on platforms such as Depop are seen buying up large amounts of thrift store clothes in order to make money reselling, defeating the purpose of the stores as a place where low socioeconomic people can shop for clothing.  

Sources  

Domingos, M, Vale, VT & Faria, S 2022, ‘Slow Fashion Consumer Behavior: A Literature Review’, Sustainability 14, no. 5: 2860.  

Chi, T, Gerard, J, Yu, Y & Wang, Y 2021, ‘A study of U.S. consumers’ intention to purchase slow fashion apparel: understanding the key determinants’, International journal of fashion design, technology and education, 14:1, pp. 101–112. 

[90363462]

Kanye West Claims He’s Terminating His Deal With Gap For Violating Their Contract

September 15, 2022

Kanye West has spent the past several weeks agitating against his business partners at Gapand now accuses the company of violating their contract with him in a letter sent to the company by his lawyer. According to CNBC, Kanye now wants to terminate the deal altogether, despite having four years left to go on the original term of the partnership. The main sticking point, according to West’s lawyer Nicholas Gravante, is the distribution of Yeezy products by the second half of 2021 and the creation of dedicated Yeezy Gap stores.

Per the original deal, Yeezy would be solely owned by Kanye, who would receive royalties and equity based on the sales. Pending the sales meeting certain targets, Yeezy stood to earn up to 8.5 million shares, with some sources valuing the partnership at nearly $1 billion. Although some Yeezy products were made available in Gap’s Times Square store in New York, Ye’s lawyers claim that they don’t count toward the terms of the partnership because they were a collaboration with Balenciaga — a separate deal altogether. 

When the deal was signed with Yeezy back in 2020, Gap believed that the famous rap star’s cosign would boost slumping sales, but the quarterly earnings report released this August revealed disappointing results for the first half of 2022. Earlier this month, Kanye said he planned to continue the Yeezy apparel brand without Gap once the contract expired, but now it appears he’s trying to force that to happen sooner rather than later.

[australiantextilemanufacturers]

Explore the Stunning Collection with the Help of Australian Suiting Fabric Manufacturers

The homes use textiles provided by suiting fabric manufacturers in Melbourne to shield them from temperature variations. We eat and sleep on furniture that is constructed of various textile components. Textiles are a component of roofing materials, wire coverings, wall panels, shutters, air ducts, and window coverings.

The development and production of all stock fabric, especially textiles for interior spaces, is based on design elements. Throughout history, artisans and architects have employed design elements in a variety of ways to attain a certain style.

Benefits of Shopping at Wholesale Clothing Manufacturers

This is a question that fashion-conscious entrepreneurs ask themselves while they are looking for products to sell or getting ready to launch their first online store or store. Collaborating with garment companies provides various advantages for smaller purchases. Let's let them know about this.

Customizing generic products- Customized clothing manufacturers may send you hundreds of catalogues for items that have been sold in stores all around the world. This explains why, when you shop, you frequently find identical items of apparel at different places.

Quick turnaround time from order to shelf- Buying products for your store from distributors' suppliers is typically more efficient than creating the products yourself with your own brand products. It's simple to order items from the catalogues, pay for them, and receive your order a few weeks later.

Less Control over Price- Since you are providing a manufacturer's specially created products, increasing the price at which they sell them may enhance your profit margin or enhance the cost to the consumer. It is best to steer clear of one of these options since people become sick of price hikes.

When working with a custom manufacturer, you should also take into account wholesalers that sell you their products online at a lower cost than retail. When your manufacturer offers retail sales, like in this case, you should be informed of this before deciding to partner with them.

Source: https://australiantextileindustry.blogspot.com/2022/11/explore-stunning-collection-with-help.html

[kicksaddictny]

The Second Annual Abloh Invitational Honors Virgil Abloh’s Dedication to the Global Skate Community

Last December in Miami, Nike and VA Securities honored Virgil Abloh’s enduring creative legacy with a four-day experience during Miami Art Week, rooted in events and exhibitions that manifested Abloh’s Codes, or his methodological design principles that made his work instantly recognizable. Beginning December 9, Virgil Abloh Securities and Architecture c/o Virgil Abloh ™ follow last year’s breakthrough programming with the second annual Abloh Invitational in Miami, which brings together a diverse community of skaters, artists and cultural figures to further Virgil’s mission to support the culture of skate.

Presented in partnership with Nike, the 2023 Abloh Skateboarding Invitational builds upon last year’s event by hosting freeriding sessions, a best trick competition, a free public skate session and more.

“Virgil was dedicated to skate from his youth, immersing himself in skate culture’s magazines, brands, and film parts,” says Shannon Abloh, Virgil Abloh Securities CEO and Managing Director. “Skateboarding shaped his interest in culture, community and creativity, and throughout his life, Virgil brought together athletes from various generations, backgrounds, skate styles, and brand affiliations, using his cultural influence to support them and to continue to build the surrounding community.”

“It’s great to come and celebrate such a special person and get all these people together, and that’s the one thing that Virgil really did – He brings a lot of different people that you didn’t think would necessarily come together,” says Eric Koston, Nike SB Athlete. “Skateboarding is about community and you always want to bring up that next generation and help them out the best you can. Hopefully they take it from there and do what they want with it.”

Community service was integral to Virgil’s creative philosophy. He actively dedicated his time, knowledge and resources to foster the younger generation of creatives around the world. In line with this belief, a full day of the Invitational will be dedicated to community programming. The initiative, titled “FREE GAME,” is based upon Virgil’s open-source principles and is designed to help grant young creatives exclusive access to prominent figures, creators and innovators in skate. The program includes a series of workshops, clinics, tutorials, training sessions and moderated discussions with leaders at the intersection of global design, art and skate.

“Virgil blended the worlds of art, fashion, culture, music and sport in ways that were dynamic and true. At this intersection, he and Nike inspired and invited more audiences to be a part of the conversation, and in turn, fostered a community where participation and partnership went hand in hand,” says Leo Sandino-Taylor, Nike’s VP of Catalyst Brand Management. “The Second Annual Abloh Skate Invitational is a celebration of this community, through skate – the sport Virgil most identified with - and is an invitation for new generations to lift, riff, and carry forth Virgil’s legacy, whether on a deck or in the open canvas of one’s mind.” 

The two-day Invitational precedes the launch of two new colorways of the Off-White™ x Nike Terra Forma footwear, alongside a corresponding apparel collection, on December 21. The Terra Forma silhouette, originally launched in December of 2022, was the first original Nike sneaker designed from scratch by Virgil and Nike designers. Follow @arch____itecture for more.  

[governmentagencynews]

WASHINGTON – As the 2022 World Series presented by Capital One gets underway this week, fans are heading to Houston and Philadelphia to support their teams and purchase officially licensed gear and memorabilia. With high demand for merchandise during the Series, the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center (IPR Center), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), join MLB in cautioning fans to be on the lookout for counterfeiters attempting to sell unauthorized, knockoff products and tickets.“Criminals who exploit baseball fans by selling counterfeit jerseys, hats, and other sports-related merchandise cause undue harm to our economy at local and national levels. Fans who spend hard-earned money to support MLB and their favorite team can be confident the IPR Center and our partners are working around the clock to ensure they are getting high-quality, officially licensed merchandise in return,” said Jim Mancuso, IPR Center director. “Remember, counterfeit products are meant to be deceptive – while they might display seemingly legitimate trademarks of trusted brands, they were likely not made to specifications of the original manufacturer and profits off these illegally produced goods usually fund other criminal activities.” Federal authorities crack down on the illegal importation and sale of counterfeit sports apparel and entertainment products through Operation Team Player, a year-round effort developed by the IPR Center. MLB has a comprehensive anti-counterfeiting program, including official MLB holograms affixed to all officially licensed MLB products to protect fans looking to purchase genuine MLB merchandise. Counterfeiters target major events, such as the World Series, where fans are eager to take home memorable keepsakes. To avoid being victimized by counterfeiters, the IPR Center and MLB encourage fans to: Shop at MLB-authorized retail locations, such as the Minute Maid Park, Citizens Bank Park, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Lids, and MLBShop.com, rather than street vendors, flea markets or other questionable sources. Look for the official MLB hologram sticker or holographic hangtag and a sewn-in or screen-printed label identifying the name of the MLB licensee (e.g., Nike, Fanatics, New Era, 47 Brand, Mitchell & Ness). Check for ripped tags, irregular markings, or misspellings on apparel. Beware of vendors offering counterfeit paper tickets for sale. Only digital tickets will be issued to the 2022 MLB World Series in Houston and Philadelphia, and tickets should be purchased directly from Astros.com, Phillies.com, Tickets.com or StubHub, or MLB’s Official-Fan-to-Fan Marketplace. Throughout this year’s World Series, the IPR Center is joining MLB and working closely with federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to enforce the laws that prohibit the sale of counterfeit MLB merchandise. Counterfeiting is not a victimless crime. Trademark holder rights are violated, small businesses that purchase vendor licenses to sell official merchandise lose revenue, and consumers spend their hard-earned money on substandard products while exposing themselves to financial schemes. Last year, IPR Center partners seized more than 267,000 counterfeit sports-related items, worth an estimated $97.8 million (MSRP), through a collaborative public-private sector operation targeting international shipments of counterfeit merchandise into the United States. Additionally, based on previous investigations into these fraud and financial schemes, federal agents have seen unsuspecting fans lose between $700 and $1,400 on fake jerseys believed to be authentic. The estimated value of trade in counterfeit and pirated goods is between $710-$970 billion globally per year and is responsible for the loss of more than two million jobs annually, according to a recent INTA/BASCAP study conducted by Frontier Economics. Additionally, a 2020 Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Office of Strategy,

Policy and Plans report indicates that law enforcement investigations have uncovered intricate links between the sale of counterfeit goods and transnational organized crime groups; and that criminal organizations use coerced and child labor to manufacture and sell counterfeit goods. About the National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center For more than two decades, the IPR Center, working collaboratively with its public-private sector partners, has led the effort in the government's response to combating global intellectual property theft and enforcing intellectual property rights violations. The center was established to combat global intellectual property theft – and, accordingly, has a significant role in policing the sale and distribution of counterfeit goods on websites, social media, and the dark web. To report violations of intellectual property rights, including counterfeiting, IP Theft and piracy, to the National IPR Coordination Center, visit: https://www.iprcenter.gov/referral/report-ip-theft-form.

[mariacallous]

Shortly after Russia invaded Ukraine, in February, nearly 40 countries responded with coordinated sanctions against the aggressor. They had three aims: to cripple the Russian economy by limiting the ability of banks to access dollars and the US financial system; to curtail exports of hi-tech goods and services to reduce Russia’s ability to fight the war; and to target allies of the Kremlin and businesses. This unprecedented economic coercion has not been able to obliterate the Kremlin’s resolve for war or its economic capability. Nor have the sanctions crushed Russia’s standard of living. But look closely, and you will see that they are succeeding in systematically crippling the country, and remain necessary in order to bring the war to an end.

Russia’s isolation now that its supply chains are decimated, along with the mass exodus of an estimated 1,000 foreign firms, threatens its future growth and power projection. By limiting Russian imports, export controls have created a trade surplus. High energy prices have also raised demand for rubles. As a result, the ruble has appreciated 29% against the dollar..

Annual inflation peaked in April following supply disruptions, and then declined to 13.7% in September when the ruble appreciated on the back of petrodollars, lower consumer spending and import renewal. Russian growth is expected to fall by 3% in 2022, significantly less than the IMF’s earlier forecast of an 8.5% decline, which underestimated the cushioning effect of the surge in energy prices.

However, better-than-anticipated forecasts mask lower living standards due to trade barriers and divestment. For example, consumer spending on apparel, footwear and accessories fell by roughly 40% in the first week of October. Car production dropped by 37%, a casualty of the chips ban.Spending on required goods such as groceries was 15% higher than in 2021, while at the same time median salaries increased by only 7% between the end of January 2022 and the end of August 2022.

Continued receipts from oil and gas are keeping the economy humming along. The US and the EU plan to reduce oil revenues through a cap, limiting the price at which Russia can sell oil. The cap will work by denying insurance and other services to carriers shipping Russian crude oil unless it is sold at the price limit. However, Saudi Arabia has thrown a wrench in these plans by colluding with Russia to cut supply and increase prices. The impact of the US/EU plan remains to be seen.

But sanctions are having a demonstrable effect on Russia’s strength in Ukraine. A recently released report by the US treasury and commerce department shows that since last autumn semiconductor imports have fallen 70%, slashing Russia’s production of hypersonic ballistic missiles, surface-to-air missiles and other precision weapons. Chokepoint technologies such as bearings, vital for aircraft, tanks, automatic firearms, heavy artillery and submarines, have also been targeted and are in short supply with few substitutes.

Alternative suppliers with the necessary technological sophistication are hard to come by, according to the treasury deputy secretary, Wally Adeyemo. The broad coalition supporting sanctions means Russia is forced to source from technologically weak countries such as North Korea and Iran. China’s largest chipmaker, SMIC, says it has never supplied Russia and will not flout sanctions. By June, the global Russian Elites, Proxies and Oligarchs (Repo) taskforce had frozen $30bn of elite assets, and restrictions were subsequently expanded to military, finance, parliamentary officials and their families. Alongside this, there is a concerted effort to strip Russia of human capital. Many foreign institutions have stopped collaborating with scientists in Russia, and the Biden administration has invited Congress to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act in order to encourage Russians with advanced degrees to emigrate to the US. Some Russian elites, including oligarchs, want to stop the brain and money drain. But the structure of Russian oligarchy, divided between business and politics, limits influence over Putin. Following the Russian leader’s money trail is also notoriously hard, because it is either scattered across a network of enablers or is hidden in offshore tax havens or state-owned enterprises.

Hurting Putin may be beyond the reach of current sanctions, but hurting elites still hurts the Kremlin if the underlying economy or the country’s ability to wage war is damaged. While individually each of the sanctions has its weaknesses, they work through force multiplication. Restricting access to finance makes it less lucrative to operate and live in Russia, encouraging companies, prospective soldiers and Russian elites to leave. Cutting off access to global supply chains for cutting-edge technology makes it harder to attract foreign investment and foster research and innovation. Squeezing elites through asset freezes and property confiscations diminishes funding for homegrown alternatives to foreign technology. Striking at talent and science dooms Russia’s economic prospects and decreases the likelihood of military renewal via its industrial base.

Nearly eight months after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, these concerted measures have not been able to bring an end to the war – a predictable outcome that remains better than the alternatives. They have, however, drastically reduced Russia’s influence over the west (short of its commodity leverage and nuclear threats). Doing nothing, or negotiating a diplomatic solution, as during the 2014 invasion, would only embolden Russia in making further land grabs, while military confrontation with Nato countries risks generalised war.

Using economic coercion to deter and fight great powers is hard but not futile. Sanctions are a potent instrument for policing international order when deployed by the world’s first financial superpower and its allies. The chipping away will take time, but time is not on Russia’s side. The cocktail of sanctions, trade measures, travel and research prohibitions will spoil Russia’s war effort in Ukraine and ultimately its great-power status.

[apparelsourcingweek]

ASW is the only sourcing fair in India that brings together apparel manufacturers from Asia and retailers/brands from around the world on to one comprehensive sourcing platform.

[bunkershotgolf]

Major No-Shows at PGA Show

By ED TRAVIS

Planning for the 69th PGA Merchandise Show is well underway, but a list of those renting exhibit space reveals several top companies are missing. The list dated Nov. 18, 2021 does not include the two largest golf equipment companies, Callaway Golf (NYSE: ELY) and Acushnet Holdings Corp. (NYSE: GOLF) nor well-known smaller makers Tour Edge Golf and Wilson Golf.

Missing as well are PXG and TaylorMade Golf though in the case of PXG they have never had a presence at the Show and TaylorMade has not taken booth space for the last three years.

Also on the no-show list are subsidiaries of the big two. Callaway’s Odyssey (putters), Jack Wolfskin (apparel), TopGolf (entertainment), OGIO (bags) and Travis Mathew (apparel) which at past Shows had made the company the largest exhibitor. Acushnet is the maker of Titleist (balls and clubs), FootJoy (shoes and apparel) plus the brands Scotty Cameron (putters) and Vokey Wedges.

When asked for a comment Joe Gomes, Director of Communications for Titleist responded, “Due to the uncertainty of the ongoing pandemic, and with an abundance of caution for the health and safety of our associates, we will not be exhibiting in January of 2022. While we continue to be major supporters of the PGA of America and Reed Exhibitions and are disappointed to not attend this important event on the golf industry calendar, we look forward to returning in 2023.”

The Show is scheduled Jan. 25-28 in Orlando’s Orange County Convention Center after a one-year hiatus when events were held virtually due to the worldwide pandemic. It is the golf industry’s largest annual gathering and serves as a primary source of continuing education for PGA Professionals.

Sponsored by the PGA of America and tagged “The Major of the Golf Business,” in recent years it has occupied 1 million square feet of exhibit and meeting space while drawing 40,000 industry members including PGA Professionals, suppliers, and media. Early estimates for 2022 indicate the numbers attending may be one-third less than in 2020 while the number of exhibitors will be substantially fewer than the 1,000 on the floor for the past several years.

An Oct. 25, 2021, media release from PGA Golf Expositions who run the Show partnering with the PGA of America cited, “A recent survey completed by PGA Professionals and top buyers who frequently attend the PGA Show revealed that 70 percent of PGA Professionals and top buyers currently plan to attend the 2022 PGA Show; 19 percent are undecided with plans to be made within two months prior to the event.”

Concerning the 2022 Show PGA Golf Exhibitions Vice President Marc Simon was quoted, “While we anticipate a temporary contraction in participation this year, we are pleased to share that we are on course to welcome more than 600 golf brands and thousands of industry stakeholders to the 2022 PGA Show.”

Reflecting Simon’s comments there is no doubt people have become more cautious regarding travel and personal interaction, but tradeshow industry experts often point out while online or virtual meetings have their uses businesspeople know personal contact is the best way to build lasting mutually beneficial relationships.

For large companies exhibiting at the PGA Show requires a multimillion-dollar budget and some observers believe justification for this expense may be being reevaluated due to the experience of the 2021 virtual Show. Costs for a floor exhibit include renting space, furnishings and setup plus staff travel and expenses for a week in Orlando not to mention the possibility other projects having to be postponed.

Marketers know current customers may be served via the telephone, email, and evermore effective online software to handle everything from catalog showings to order processing. Face-to-face meetings may then be significantly reduced if not eliminated entirely.

In the past a strong inducement for companies to attend is the Show affords exposure to potential customers, but modern technology can provide a solution to this need also. Using sophisticated algorithms to match computer IP addresses with purchase-intent data lists possible buyers may be identified. Marketing departments can then place customer-specific advertising on viewed websites and initiate email or telephone contact.

On the other hand, some in the industry have repeatedly pointed out no matter the sophistication of virtual meetings or marketing, face-to-face relationship building will never be replaced. It would seem for the golf industry the solution remains to be figured out.

While no one is saying the PGA Merchandise Show is dead organizers will have to find better ways to generate an appropriate return on investment for attendees and companies of all sizes.

[charlotteswebbbbb]

What's the vibe? #2

Okay I'm back.

Yesterday (8 Sept 2022), Queen Elizabeth II died at age 96. Our new monarch and head of state is King Charles III. The country is in a period of mourning until the 20th of September with many brands like Raf Simons and Burberry cancelling their LFW shows. Hackney Carnival and the Premiere League games scheduled for this weekend are also cancelled. The Queen's funeral on the 19th of September (which is a Monday) is a public holiday.

New Burberry? They want Daniel Lee of former Bottega fame to head up and refresh the brand. Isn't that a bit controversial considering how he left? Who knows.

Apple, this week have announced the new iPhone 14 in their various sizes (Pro and Max) and new iterations of the Apple Watch. Interesting technology evolution is that the phone can be used in emergency SOS situations where there is no cellular or wifi coverage by connecting to the satellites in space.

A few things to read:

The Thrill Is Gone: An Interview With Blackhaine - The Quietus

How restaurants became dinner parties - Grub Street

I thought dinner parties would be more in but perhaps not now that this post lockdown life is making everyone feel like the world is bigger and better?

Real Life is shutting down - probably one of the best publications with cutting edge thinking no longer had the funding to continue.

Things to look out for:

Bodies Bodies Bodies is out in the UK this week alongside Crimes of The Future. Official Competition has been out for maybe the past week.

The ICA is celebrating 75 years this year and was going to have a party - but now it's postponed to 2023 :(

People I love:

Lyzza - I'll talk more about her in the future but NTS show host and so cool.

Trends:

The energy bills are still going up to a cap of £2500 for the year, which was announced by new Prime Minister Liz Truss (swooping in on her first day on Tuesday).

Housing is still *still* continuing to be a huge situation for young people - and with interest

In Scotland this week Nicola Sturgeon announced rent controls.

With the death of our monarch in combination with "market forces" squeezing the life out of young people, I do worry about the rise of conservatism in social attitudes. We've seen this in the US with the Red Scare girls and the trad Cath moment on TikTok so I'm wondering how far these waves go.

This week a study has come out saying that we are on the way to five irreversible climate tipping points if we reach 1.5 degrees of warming.

Also bigger countries are thinking about giving up on 1.5 degrees as a target? Need to find the source for this but online hate speech increases with temperature. Asos looks to be flailing a little bit financially? Administration soon? Culturally - fast fashion is definitely at a turning point. There’s too much beauty! - Stella McCartney, Kate Moss, kylie baby

Headphones as accessories and retro style? I’ll expand on this next week but TikTok trends….

Celebrities are in disfunction right now? The Don't Worry Darling controversy of last week and celebrities such as Joe Jonas, Gwyneth of Goop and our constantly breaking the 4th wall actress, Julia Fox now talking about a new botox injection called XEOMIN? Please watch the link above, you're in for a ride. Maybe the general public is craving spectacle? Craving something authentically good?

Events:

Haunted Dancehall - 2 October 2022 - Ireland

Unsound Festival - Kraków, Poland - 9-16 October 2022