# data[].attributes.headline
Making my own Plaid Print for CAD designs 

# data[].attributes.subject
Making my own Plaid Print for CAD designs 

# data[].attributes.body
I found a website that allowed me to enter the Hex Codes I created on Pantone for Project 2 to create a plaid pattern for my Academia trend. I will use this for items such as my trench coat, handbag, trousers and blazer.

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Now That Chloé Is A B-Corp, Will Other Major Fashion Brands Follow Suit?

# data[].attributes.body
This article by Zoe Ghertner explains that Chloé is first luxury brand to achieve B Corp certification. B Corp assesses a company’s impact in five key areas – governance, workers, community, environment and customers. In my brand report I will explain how this is strength for the brand in the SWOT analysis.

Good Quote:  Chloé CEO Riccardo Bellini said in a statement. “It is our strong belief that we need to take full accountability for the impact we have on people and planet, injecting purpose across everything we do, transforming how we do business and actively participating to build a better world. By becoming B Corp, we reinforce our commitment to continuously challenging ourselves to use our brand and our business as a force for good.”
Dounia Wone, chief sustainability and inclusion officer at Vestiaire Collective : “Fashion brands are increasingly recognising the importance of providing customers with more visibility behind [their] values and operations,”

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Chloé became the first luxury brand to achieve B Corp certification earlier this week, cementing its status as a purpose-driven company under the helm of creative director Gabriela Hearst. For the uninitiated, B Corp assesses a company's impact in five key areas - governance, workers, community, environment and customers - with brands required to meet a minimum standard based on their answers to 300 questions in order to get the certification.

"It is our strong belief that we need to take full accountability for the impact we have on people and planet, injecting purpose across everything we do, transforming how we do business and actively participating to build a better world," Chloé CEO Riccardo Bellini said in a statement. "By becoming B Corp, we reinforce our commitment to continuously challenging ourselves to use our brand and our business as a force for good."

"It makes me very proud to work for the first luxury maison to achieve B Corp certification," Hearst tells Vogue. "Why is this important? It's because in fashion, there is no real governing body or regulating body as you would have in the food industry. One of the most rigorous certifications that there is is B Corp, because you basically have to prove what you say and what you do."

While the process to become a B Corp began before Hearst joined Chloé, the designer has undoubtedly had a huge impact on the brand's environmental credentials. Fifty-eight per cent of materials used in the spring/summer 2022 collection are low-impact. Autumn/winter 2021, meanwhile, was described as four times more sustainable as the previous year's collection.

The focus on social impact is also evident at Chloé, which worked with women's organisation Agir Pour La Santé Des Femmes (ADSF) this season, as well as Mifuko, which supports basket weavers in Kenya, and Ocean Sole, a social enterprise that upcycles discarded flip flops in Kenya.

Pursuing B Corp status is a growing trend in fashion of late, with Vestiaire Collective becoming the first resale site to achieve the certification last month. Other early adopters within the industry include the likes of Patagonia, Allbirds and Eileen Fisher.

"Having this status signifies our commitment to our founding mission and allows us to enter a community of companies who align profit, people and the planet to become a force for good collectively," Dounia Wone, chief sustainability and inclusion officer at Vestiaire Collective, explains.

As many of us become increasingly conscious about our purchases, B Corp certification is a helpful signal for consumers that a company is carefully considering its environmental and social impact. "Fashion brands are increasingly recognising the importance of providing customers with more visibility behind [their] values and operations," Wone says.

While B Corp status brands readily admit that there's always more work to be done, an increasing number of fashion companies achieving the certification - as well as signing up to the likes of Science Based Targets - is undoubtedly good news for the industry, which still remains largely unregulated. "I think there is a responsibility for the larger groups and luxury brands to go through this accountability process [...] it's important," Hearst concludes. Here's hoping that we see more fashion B Corps moving forward.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Now That Chloé Is A B-Corp, Will Other Major Fashion Brands Follow Suit?

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Chloé became the first luxury brand to achieve B Corp certification earlier this week, cementing its status as a purpose-driven company under the helm of creative director Gabriela Hearst. For the uninitiated, B Corp assesses a company's impact in five key areas - governance, workers, community, environment and customers - with brands required to meet a minimum standard based on their answers to 300 questions in order to get the certification.

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
These Are the 11 Biggest Trends for Fall 2022

# data[].attributes.body
This article mentions ‘corporate dress codes’ as an upcoming trend, something that will fit in very well with academia-inspired clothing. I will mention this when I talk about key products for the trend such as oversized structured blazers and the straight leg trouser.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Designers gave us a lot to look at in the fall 2022 collections and a glimpse into where fashion is headed this year. On one side of the spectrum, brands showcased light, pretty things. Among them were gauzy sheer dresses at Fendi, exposed silky lingerie layered underneath embellished cutout pieces at Miu Miu, high-glamour satin dresses at Saint Laurent, and romantic full skirts at Bottega Veneta.

On the other side, there was an angsty undercurrent that ran through the collections. Leather got edgier and more heavy-duty at Diesel. Grungier vibes were present at Khaite and Givenchy with moody looks centered on layers of black. Even bridal looks had a strong alt bend, with skimpy, voluminous gowns at Off-White and 3D feathers at Richard Quinn.

With so many contrasting ideas on the runways, it's difficult to neatly wrap up the season, but one thing is certain: Creativity is percolating, and we're entering into an exciting moment in fashion. Ahead, we'll dive deeper into what is on the horizon with the 11 biggest fall/winter fashion trends for 2022 and the key buys to add to your closet now if you're an early adopter.

Leather for fall isn't exactly breaking news. But this season's selection of leather-wear hardly resembles the kind we've been in the thick of for the past few years. Rather, with a little help from Miu Miu, ACNE Studios, Diesel, and more brands seeking out an alternative approach for the popular fabric, leather will be getting the heavy-duty treatment come fall 2022. Think thicker, perfectly worn-in materials that, rather than looking dainty, have an edgy sensibility to them.

With shades of pale pastel pink at Burberry, slip dresses with layers of lace and sequins at Bottega Veneta, and lingerie visible underneath layers of transparent chiffon at Fendi, fall marks the return of hyper-pretty things. It's a rethinking of romantic dressing, and there are many interpretations on the table. With all of the inventive pretty newness, it's time to upgrade the simple slip that's already sitting in your closet.

Moody, angsty fashion manifested itself in the fall collections with looks that tap into '90s grunge, with a dark, mostly black palette and pieces that embody an inherent edginess. Blumarine moved away from spring's high-octane color into darker territory. Khaite debuted gritty looks centered on pieces such as draped maxi skirts. Givenchy even showcased heavy metal-inspired tees. The message is clear: Fall will be the time to embrace the grunge aesthetic.

Until this season, calling something as basic as a white tank top or a pair of black trousers a trend would have sounded bizarre. After all, the glory of basics is that they don't come and go in the same way that trends do. Rather, they're always in style. But that all changed when Mrs. Prada and Raf Simons sent models down the runway in tanks made special by Prada's well-known triangular logo. Suddenly, everything we thought we knew about basics went out the window. After seeing elevated takes on the wardrobe essentials we once bought in bulk on Amazon on the runways at The Row, Bottega Veneta, and more, it's now clear that the basics of yore are gone-replaced by their high-fashion counterparts.

While spring has seen the rise of leather biker jackets in a huge way, thanks in large part to Prada, bomber jackets are the major outerwear piece to know about for fall 2022. Louis Vuitton opened its show with an oversize leather bomber jacket, Loewe showcased super-puffy versions, and Versace debuted styles in bold hues and upsized proportions. The common thread? Reimagined bomber jackets that are tweaked with directional proportions and unexpected details.

If work-from-home life drew you to donate all your pantsuits, pinstripes, and poplin shirts way back in 2020, the fall 2022 runways will have you buying them back-in triplicate. Showcased at Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Ferrari, among countless other F/W 22 shows, were styles that were once only fit for a day at the office, ranging from neckties and eyeglasses to pencil skirts and three-piece suits. Oh, and briefcase bags are back (thanks to Prada's S/S 22 handbag collection).

We haven't seen the last of retro, sporty aesthetics on the runway it seems, a point proven by the number of sport references that were included in the F/W 22 collections. From soccer-sorry, football -scarves and jerseys at Off-White and David Koma, respectively, to motocross gloves and inflatable vests at Dior, fashion is continuing to lean into its sporty side, making styles seemingly created for extracurricular activities and fifth-period gym class.

Oh, you thought over-the-knee boots were gone for good? Think again. After a handful of years outside of the sartorial spotlight, extra-tall boots made a roaring comeback this season, showing up in nearly every single show on the F/W 22 calendar. But of all the various boot styles showcased, one stood out in particular: waders. Seen at Chanel, Dion Lee, Alaïa, and more, these wide-leg boots were akin to high-fashion fishing-wear-a look we're prepared to get hooked on.

Designers are going the opposite direction of this season's micro minis with the floor-sweeping silhouettes that were everywhere on the runways. Maxi hemlines have already been on the rise, and designers made a strong case that all things long will be front and center this fall. Saint Laurent debuted a strong collection of long, flowing dresses paired with tailored jackets, and Ludovic de Saint Sernin dropped skirts to the floor, while Rokh made a case for the ground-grazing duster jacket. And who can forget the cascading blue gown set inside a winter tundra at Balenciaga? You won't want to skimp on length next season.

If you're one of the many people who had to postpone their weddings over the last few years, here's a reason to celebrate your delayed wedding date-that is, if you're interested in a dress that's slightly unconventional. On the F/W 22 runways, brands such as Off-White, Marine Serre, and Richard Quinn sent models (one being Bella Hadid clad in a high-low bridal gown and sneakers) down their runways wearing dresses fit for a bride who doesn't do things the traditional way.

Proportions are getting wider and even more oversize for fall. Suiting was defined by genderless, upsized proportions and dropped shoulders at Peter Do and Louis Vuitton, full skirts reached new widths at Bottega and Brandon Maxwell, and Simone Rocha sent out a collection heavy on all things big and packed with volume. No matter what category you look at, the new proportions apply. It's time to take up space.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
These Are the 11 Biggest Trends for Fall 2022

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Designers gave us a lot to look at in the fall 2022 collections and a glimpse into where fashion is headed this year. On one side of the spectrum, brands showcased light, pretty things. Among them were gauzy sheer dresses at Fendi, exposed silky lingerie layered underneath embellished cutout pieces at Miu Miu, high-glamour satin dresses at Saint Laurent, and romantic full skirts at Bottega Veneta.

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Dark Academia Fashion Is Booming In 2021 (+ 30 Brands & Styles)

# data[].attributes.body
This post explained how the dark academia trend came about and why it’s so popular with gen-z. The post focuses on dark academia however, I have decided to complete my trend report on the academia subculture as a whole (including dark,light and modern academia) so that the trend can fit in more cohesively with Chloé’s current brand image which tends to favour lighter colours and materials.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Dark Academia fashion is one of the trendiest topics right now.

Right now, there are over 160,000 #darkacademia posts on Instagram, and over a million posts on Tumblr.

The topic is growing fast on Reddit as well.

However, the most significant wave of interest comes from the 'TikTok generation', with almost 25 million views to date.

So if you're interested to know more about Dark Academia fashion and the best places to shop for Dark Academia plus size clothing, this article is for you.

What The Heck Is Dark Academia?!

Dark academia refers to a new aesthetic style that draws inspiration from the classic Greek arts, writing, architecture, deeply infused with Gothic elements and concepts of death.

Dark academia fashion style is designed to reflect a subculture that emphasizes education, learning, reading, writing, and hence the 'academic' touch.

However, what makes Dark Academia fashion look so distinct from the classic academic fashion style is the 'dark', gothic aesthetic influence.

To best picture the 'dark academia fashion', imagine someone wearing a pair of vintage tweed pants.

Add to that image a slubby thick yarn cardigan and a worn satchel, packed with academic papers and books.

The Dark Academic fashion style is filled with nostalgic vibes.

That is because the Dark Academia subculture aims to recreate the vibes of the 19th century of private English boarding schools and Ivy League colleges in New England.

Dark Academia Aesthetic

Right now, the Dark Academia fashion aesthetic draws a lot from the Greek culture and arts, but also from the Harry Potter films.

Popular with the teenagers posting on social media, the Harry Potter series made wool sweaters, rich textures cardigans, and chocolate brown pants, fashionable again.

Dark Academia Fashion

To fashion critics, the Dark Academia aesthetic is similar to the classic preppy style.

Preppy became famous for its chinos, argyle, and crewneck sweaters.

Yet, Dark Academia fashion is more Autumn-Esque, with duller and darker color palettes.

Given its apparent heavy and Gothic constructs, just like goth clothing brands, Dark Academia fashion is not that suitable for countries with long summers and hot weather all year round.

Dark Academia Outfits

Some of the most popular Dark Academia styles right now are built on three core things:

First, the garments you put together must be vintage, from thrift stores, or online websites selling secondhand fashion, with a gothic vibe.

Second, the overall style must augment the intellectual look. For that, try to complement the leather-bound books, handwritten notes, and rolled maps coming out of your handbag.

Third, each popular Dark Academia style relies on some of the staples I enumerate below.

Dark Academia Blouses & Tops

Choose blouses that have cuffed sleeves - it helps to create that extra touch of British heritage.

You should also choose blouses with large bell sleeves, to achieve that unique academic look.

For a more sophisticated Dark Academia look, go for tops that you can button up.

I personally wear a lot of versatile wrap tops made of silk.

Not only silk is super cool and breathable in the summertime, but distressed silk tops confer me with a rebellious, unique style.

Dark Academia Skirts & Trousers

For a super stylish and refined Dark Academia look I recommend you to go for long skirts.

Easier and more comfortable when compared to trousers.

Also, if you live in a hot country, long skirts are preferable to trousers.

Why? Because skirts protect your legs from the sun while allowing ventilation at the same time.

However, if you decide to wear trousers, remember that wool-blends and corduroy materials are best for this style.

I also wear trousers and I often cut them at the ankle height for an extra bit of a nonconformist look.

But, if you don't know how to cut and sew back trousers, cuff them up to create that kind of sailor, tapered look.

Dark Academia Outerwear

Remember the glorified tweed blazer of the 50s?

The tweed blazer is by far the best outerwear for the Dark Academia look.

Just make sure you put it over your shoulders, without the sleeves on.

Dark Academia Shoes

When it comes to which shoes are best for the Dark Academia look, the opinions are split.

Some prefer open shoes, just like the ancient Romans and Greeks.

Others argue that there are no sandals in Harry Potter movies and insist on boots and low chunky heels.

Personally, I prefer boots as it allows me to emphasize on the Gothic look that I love so much.

Yet, regardless of what shoes you choose, make sure you do not match flip-flops with the Dark Academia style. Seriously, don't ever do that!

Dark Academia Summer Outfits

A perfect example of a dark Academia summer outfit is a white t-shirt with oversized check linen blazer and brogue lace-ups.

Dark Academia clothes are great for cities with a colder climate.

Nevertheless, some of you insist on wearing this style in the summer as well.

If that's your case, there are some ways around as I'm going to explain below:

To start with, you must pick only all-natural fabrics.

Avoid polyester and plastic blends at all costs.

Compared to blends, natural fibers absorb moisture fast.

Especially if you sweat a lot, these organic fabrics will let your body ventilate with ease.

From all-natural fibers, these are the top 4 you should wear:

Linen - it offers excellent ventilation and it is much better for the environment as well.

Organic cotton - it is a light material that's also easy to wear. Moreover, organic cotton has minimal impact on the environment.

Silk - There's something magical about vintage silk. It is light, cool, easy to wear. Preferably, if you buy new garments, go for cruelty-free silk.

Wool - Apart from being very suitable in the colder days of winter, wool is an excellent alternative to cotton, in the summer as well, thanks to its increased breathable capability.

Why Is Dark Academia So Popular Right Now?

This spring saw schools from all over the world come to a halt.

There aren't any more classes or studies abroad.

There are no more graduations, proms, or fashion show-offs.

Moreover, what's going to happen in September remains somehow unknown.

However, teenagers missing school - because of the Coronavirus lockdown - have chosen a style that keeps them somehow connected.

True, the concept of Dark Academia fashion precedes the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, it was during the lockdown, when the 14 to 24 years old have started to flood social media platforms with school-like outfits.

And, the gloomy feel of COVID-19 brought the Gothic vibe out, and people started to tag pics with the 'Dark Academia' moniker.

However, the Dark Academia subculture is most popular amongst three groups in particular:

1. Students

The idea behind any Dark Academia style is to construct a look that's reflecting and accentuating your 'cultural self'.

Rocking this style does not require you to have a countryside mansion with a big kitchen for baking and a field of flowers.

In fact, some of the best representatives of the Dark Academia style are students such as Laura Piszczatowska, a history graduate from Norway.

"My favourite academia outfits consists of tweed pants, black turtlenecks, elegant boots, and long thrift coats," she said.

Laura also runs 'Geminnorum', a Dark Academia Instagram account with over 28,000 followers.

2. LGBTQ+ Community

" Dark Academia fashion styles suit the LGBTQ+ community as well ", says Evelyn Meyer, a supporter of Dark Academia male looks and creator of 'Dark Academia Check Sound'.

Evelyn's views are reinforced by Dilara Scholz, a researcher in fashion history at Royal Holloway, University of London:

"Androgynous vintage blazers are representative for the Dark Academia aesthetic," said Dilara

Dilara considers herself an adherent of the Dark Academia subculture.

"Most Dark Academia silhouettes remind of the 1940s men's look. It is a style that can be worn by anyone who does not fit into any gender definition," she completes.

The success of the style with the LGBTQ+ community is, in part, credited to books that feature LGBTQ+ characters, such as ' If We Were Villains' by M.L. Rio and ' Kill Your Darlings' by Allen Ginsberg.

"A good part of Dark Academia is aesthetics. But, the more you explore the styles, the more you connect to other people like you. The main point here is a common desire to learn," said Declan Lyman, 15, who posts Dark Academia videos on TikTok.

Even though it's about classics and styles, Dark Academia is a very open community," said Lucien K, 21, who posts about Dark Academia styles on TikToks, or about himself reading books and doing makeups. "It's also about breaking stereotypes regardless of gender or sexuality."

3. Plus Size

To date, the Dark Academia subculture has shown the same openness towards plus-size people.

"I was afraid to wear anything that would accentuate my body shapes and weight. However, after falling in love with the style I've realised that if I wear clothes that make me feel happy and confident, any fear goes away," told us Helen Belfort, a student at the University of Oxford, UK.

However, it still remains difficult to find suitable dark academia outfits for plus size.

And, just like Helen, I am also falling into this category.

In the past, I've tried to find complete Dark Academia outfits.

It was so hard. In fact, my struggle to find suitable garments is one of the main reasons I am writing and sharing this article with you.

In time I've discovered that it is much easier to buy individual pieces rather than whole outfits.

Moreover, I love the process of creating my special looks as I put the parts together, one by one.

Here are the best places to shop Dark Academia plus size right now:

1. Online Thrift Stores - the best places to shop Dark Academia Plus size from are the vintage and online thrift shops, especially if you're looking for rare pieces. Above all, right now this is the most sustainable fashion you can buy.

2. Cato - this is one of my favorite places to find pleated dress pants. They also have button-down shirts, vintage blazers, and pencil skirts. I also like Cato because they have special offers very often and I never spent more than $20 on any piece.

3. Everlane - this is my other favorite, particularly for blazers. More expensive than Cato, but the quality is great.

4. Torrid - for their excellent corduroy creations and pants.

5. H&M+ for some rare gothic pieces.

6. Target - In particular their Ava + Viv line.

7. - For some absolute cheap dark academia clothes and bargains.

Other similar aesthetics are Light Academia and Cottagecore, which are taking over the internet, in particular, TikTok and Instagram in 2021.

Now it's your turn...

What is your favorite Dark Academia clothing brand?

What are your favorite Dark Academia summer outfits?

What is the biggest problem you've faced when choosing the Dark Academia style?

Is there any other similar style you would like us to cover?

Would love to hear your thought and comments below!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Dark Academia Fashion Is Booming In 2021 (+ 30 Brands & Styles)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Dark Academia fashion is one of the trendiest topics right now. Right now, there are over 160,000 #darkacademia posts on Instagram, and over a million posts on Tumblr. The topic is growing fast on Reddit as well. However, the most significant wave of interest comes from the 'TikTok generation', with almost 25 million views to date.

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Do you buy clothes from sustainable brands? This is how you can be sure

# data[].attributes.body
The article explains how difficult it is for brands to obtain the B corp certification due to the high criteria set. This means that brands who earn the certificate have made detailed and thorough changes to their ethical, sustainable and sourcing practises. Whilst B Corp is currently only popular in Europe, the US and some parts of Asia, it is set to become global in years to come.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Do you buy clothes from sustainable brands? This is how you can be sure

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
On Earth Day 2022, we look at how ‘B Corp’ certification is helping fashion brands like Chloe, Patagonia, Veja and OnTheList prove their sustainable credentials for Gen Z consumers.

# data[].attributes.body
. In class , we watched a video about the retailer Primark, their sourcing strategy and how they keep prices so low for customers.

. Created in Dublin

. Serves around 1 million customers every day, with annual revenue of over 5 billion

. Low prices is Primark’s unique selling point

Primark stores have doubled over the last 15 years (over 400 now)

. Less people are involved in decision making- less time consuming and more responsibility is given to buyers at a junior level

. Predict trends themselves months in advance

. Have strong positive relationships with suppliers, allows them to keep track of cost at each stage of production

. High amounts of stock allow cost to be kept low

. Design, fabric, Labour costs, trims keep price low e.g. made in China, looser knits, more basic designs, synthetic materials, using all the material.

. Primark clothing is typically a high quality for the low price is it sold at.

. Buy huge bulk, with clothing leaving countries such as China already on the hangers, so staff simply need to take clothing out of box and put in store.

# data[].attributes.headline
Masterclass - Richard Price - Managing Director at M&S 

# data[].attributes.subject
Masterclass - Richard Price - Managing Director at M&S 

# data[].attributes.body
Richard’s career path -
1. Studied Business at a degree level
2. Merchandise Manager- Next Group PLC

Sep 1989 - May 2005
3.   Trading Director- Marks and Spencer’s

2005 - 2012
4. Managing Director - BHSBHS

Oct 2012 - Mar 2015
5. CEO - F&F Clothing

Jun 2015 - Jul 2020
6. Managing Director Clothing - Home and Beauty

Marks and Spencers
July 2020- PRESENT

# data[].attributes.body
Clothing and Home have been troubled over the last decade - brands need to make products interesting (cultivating want over need).
. M&S campaign - ‘Anything but ordinary’
. M&S:
22 million sized audience
Previously only catered to really old or really young.
. Has had good post-pandemic turn out especially in central London stores.
Richard was the first external head of merchandising
. 40% market share of US bra market
. 11%  akrksg share in denim
Advice from Richard:
Create your own destiny.

To be in retail you must :
Understand your customer well
Provide quality products
Present products well to customers
Track customer behaviour to know what to market to them
Common sense is key

M&S  - only 2% market share in home
Kids wears size well lagging behind - huge opptuinity for growth nor
Robots and humans are taking stock to find it what ris doing well and what doesnt.
M&S may go into branding where appropriate e.g.  Trainers and Glassware
Digital samples and avatar fit models  are the future

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
M&S’s Richard Price: ‘Customers said we weren’t stylish enough’

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
M&S’s Richard Price: ‘Customers said we weren’t stylish enough’

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Richard Price, managing director of Marks & Spencer clothing and home, says the retail stalwart is “reshaping the future” of its clothing offer with

# data[].attributes.body
I attended the FRA careers fair and was able to send my CV and cover letter to Selfridges. Although they have no current Buying Admin Assistant Roles, they will have my information for future opportunities.

# data[].attributes.body
I also connected with the Buying Recruitment Consultant at the fair and later connected with her on LinkedIn to express my interest in future buying roles.

# data[].attributes.headline
Flannels Buyer Admin Assistant Application 

# data[].attributes.subject
Flannels Buyer Admin Assistant Application 

# data[].attributes.body
I made it to the second round of interviews at Flannels on Oxford Street and will attend an in-person interview with one of the Buyers on Monday 6th June 2022.

# data[].attributes.headline
Initial Flannels Interview for Trainee Buyer Admin Assistant 

# data[].attributes.subject
Initial Flannels Interview for Trainee Buyer Admin Assistant 

# data[].attributes.body
I applied for the role of Trainee Buyer Admin Assistant at Flannels in Oxford Street London, and was invited to an intial virtual interview.

# data[].attributes.headline
Liberty Entry Level Buying Roles Application 

# data[].attributes.subject
Liberty Entry Level Buying Roles Application 

# data[].attributes.body
I sent off my CV and Cover Letter to the recruitment centre at Liberty.

# data[].attributes.headline
Harvey Nichols FRA Career Fair Application 

# data[].attributes.subject
Harvey Nichols FRA Career Fair Application 

# data[].attributes.body
After attending the FRA careers fair, I sent my CV and Cover Letter over to Harvey Nichols to express my interest.

# data[].attributes.body
By Julia Darlington

. Julia Darlington hosted a virtual seminar which allowed us to learn the process involved when prioritising tasks and sticking to deadlines. I will try to use these techniques in future projects particularly for the final project.

Techniques for time management:

. Understand why you need to complete the tasks you have to do

. Your deepest motivation will be what fuels you

. Why am I in this room? I want a soft life surrounded by luxury

. We all do more to escape pain than to seek pleasure

. Think about your consequences for negative behaviour

. Be real with yourself about your behaviour

. Cause and effect - take personal responsibility for your actions

. You are what you do, not what you say you do

. Responsibility can be the difference between succeeded and not succeeding

. Critical path is the latest date you can complete a task to get it done on time

. Don’t be afraid to ask for help and motivation

. Time is your most valuable asset

# data[].attributes.body
. Suppliers who sell jeans from Bangladesh
. Selling to Asos
. Sold a trail of 300 units at £8
. For this exercise we want to sell at our highest possible price (possibly £8:50) to see how much profit we can make
. The lowest we can go is £7.30 so as not lose any money
. Preparation and strategy is key
. Be empathetic
. Unforeseen circumstances e.g. hurricanes can happen
. All details e.g. fob or ddp, fabrics, units etc must be agreed explicitly and confirmed formally after.
. Be firm but not rude.
. Know what the other side wants
. Be mindful that you will have to work with the same people in one way or another so make a good first impression.

# data[].attributes.body
Communication
Compromise
Intonation
Reasonable
Logical
Sensitivity/Empathy
Networking
Collaboration
Persuasion
Rapport
Assertive

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
New study shows consumers taking digital habits in-store

# data[].attributes.body
Merchants clearly need to create seamless journeys from digital to store as consumer behavior is leaning into this form of shopping, says the report. To optimise revenues, stores must elevate experience.

Retailers that are bringing mobile experience inside the store enjoy an even wider advantage, with research finding that allowing shoppers “to use a mix of mobile and brick-and-mortar shopping channels earn an average Index score of 139.”

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
New study shows consumers taking digital habits in-store

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
U.S. consumers are four times more likely to use online ordering and curbside pickup in comparison to other regions, but less likely to use mobiles.

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Chloé Sustainability & Equality Program | Chloé US official site

# data[].attributes.body
Chloé’s official website explains that their clear commitments to sustainability. I will pull out some of these to directly compare to the competition and how this gives them an advantage.
The brand has board with external advisors, Amanda Nguyen and Elisabeth Laville to hold it accountable.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.provider_name
Chloé Sustainability & Equality Program | Chloé US official site

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Chloé Sustainability & Equality Program | Chloé US official site

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Chloé brand values embrace sustainability and fairer future with women forward: 4 pillars and a new mission by Chloé in the luxury fashion industry

# data[].attributes.body
This article looks at The Inditex and their dive into the digital fashion world. Zara entered the metaverse with a capsule collection on the Zepeto app.  Pull&Bear used virtual reality by creating a surfing game and virtual showroom/fitting room. Stradivarius is now the third chain of the company  to launch itself into the virtual fashion world by creating a new collection entitled 'Digital Fashion: wear the future now' aimed at "offering an immersive experience to the consumer through the purchase of digital garments". As explained by the brand, the endeavor’s objective is to "adapt to the dress codes of the future". This is something that all brands may want to consider in the future

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Stradivarius enters the metaverse with a digital fashion line

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The young chain of the Inditex group is launching a new digital fashion line that will be gradually presented in its mobile app through drops. The first drop will be free of charge.

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Augmented Reality in Retail: Benefits and Use Cases of AR Retail Apps

# data[].attributes.body
This article explains how augmented reality can increase customer engagement and reduce returns/waste. On the field trip I saw an example of this in Selfridges at the Charlotte Tilbury Magic Mirror which used augmented reality to allow customers to preview makeup. This could be applied to the gold chain which could be virtually altered and added to before a made-to-order purchase is made.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.provider_name
Eastern Peak - Technology Consulting & Development Company

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
The retail industry has been among the most eager adopters of cutting-edge tech, pioneering the transformation in warehousing, logistics, marketing, and customer service. Consumers, however, are getting more demanding.

In 2021, they are expecting immersive technologies to be a part of their shopping experiences. As much as 69% of customers today expect to use AR\VR as they shop, and retailers are doing their best to adjust and implement this immersive tech. Before the pandemic, the market for augmented reality in retail had reached and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 46,6% until 2027.
In this blog, we will talk about the impact of AR in retail, explore the examples of AR-enabled eCommerce apps, and uncover the important aspects of AR app development. Read on to learn more!
How augmented reality works

Augmented Reality can be experienced across a wide range of hardware: handheld devices (smartphones and tablets), wearables, PCs and laptops, TVs, digital mirrors, connected devices such as glasses, head-mounted displays, lenses and even AR fitting rooms. The difference between Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality is that AR doesn't replace the real world but "augments" it with additional virtual objects.

In the case of handheld devices, AR uses the device's camera, computer vision technology, GPS, compass and accelerometer to gather information about the surrounding real-world environment and then overlays additional contextual information (in 2D or 3D) on top of that environment image.

AR benefits for retailers

AR application in retail offers a lot of opportunities for businesses to increase customer satisfaction while reducing expenses.

Below is the list of benefits that AR shopping has for businesses.

Boosting sales

AR technology enables customers to try out products virtually before they buy them - that is, they can see exactly how clothing will fit them or how new furniture will look in their home or office environment. Regardless of whether the customer shops online or offline, AP helps reduce the customer journey and increases store conversions.

Minimizing returns

AR helps customers avoid disappointment and choose the products that suit them best. Hence, the return rates tend to plummet for both online and brick-and-mortar stores.

Increasing customer engagement

The virtual experience that augmented reality in retail offers ignites customers' interest in products while providing all the additional product details they might need. Informed customers tend to come back and shop for more products whenever they get the chance.

Creating social media content

The AR experience gives customers something to talk about and share on social media. The social media comments and discussions that ensue help increase product and brand awareness.

Collecting data on customer preferences

The info about the products that customers choose to try through AR-enhanced shopping speaks volumes about their interests, preferences, and patterns of shopping behavior. Retailers may use these insights to deliver personalized advertising and marketing campaigns.

Delivering a contactless experience

In a post-pandemic world, the applications of AR in retail serve to eliminate the contamination risks and the concerns about hygiene.

Reducing staffing expenses

AR app offers users exhaustive information about the items they are interested in. Moreover, augmented reality in retail helps them with store navigation, which reduces the need for human shop assistants to a necessary minimum.

Building customer loyalty

A better customer experience accounts for higher customer loyalty and helps audiences build stronger relationships with brands.

As you can see, there are many ways how companies may benefit from using AR in retail. In the next section, we will talk about the applications of AR in retail stores and online.

Use cases for AR in retail

There are two fundamentally different approaches for implementing AR in the retail industry: in-store and out-of-store. The first would involve a consumer actually being in the store or just outside it and experience AR through handheld devices, wearables such as AR glasses, or special AR hardware including smart interactive mirrors, fitting rooms, shop windows, etc.

The Out-of-store approach involves experiencing AR from another physical location via e-commerce mobile or web apps. Of course the best strategy would be to combine both in-store and out-of-store approaches, the so-called "omnichannel" strategy. Not all retailers, however, can afford to install in-store AR hardware, such as mirrors, and many rely solely on an online presence without the hassle of running a traditional "brick-and-mortar" store.
Let's now explore how both approaches work, by taking a closer look at the examples of augmented reality in retail.
1. Space visualization and virtual tours

AR technology enables customers to walk through a store or a property before paying a physical visit to the location. The use of augmented reality enables them to get a feel of the place and learn about the essential details beforehand.

2. Color matching

3. Outfit visualization

4. In-store displays

In order to enable augmented reality in retail stores, some brands are installing in-store displays offering shoppers a plethora of interactive experiences.

Charlotte Tilbury , a cosmetic brand, uses AR displays designed as mirrors to showcase how shoppers' faces will look with different lipstick colors and makeup.

5. AR fitting rooms

6. AR-enabled try-on

7. Large products shopping

The augmented reality retail apps are especially helpful in shopping for large products, for example, furniture shopping. Instead of trying to figure out how a piece of furniture will look in their living room, customers can see exactly how it will fit in using an AR app. When developing an AR retail app for furniture shopping, many people look at Ikea, but other furniture brands offer equally interesting solutions.

8. Brand engagement

9. Building customer loyalty

10. Helping customers make informed decisions

Sometimes, especially before buying an expensive product, customers have to go back home and consider all the aspects of their future purchase. A brochure that customers can scan to access the AR visualization of products and other valuable information could help them make an informed decision.

11. Merchandising in retail stores

Many brands don't sell their products in dedicated stores. Instead, their products appear on the shelves of retail stores alongside other merchandise and need some memorable features to make them stand out.

Regarding AR app development

AR application development may be split into several distinct categories:

Web-based AR development involves creating apps that will enable AR experiences through a browser interface.

Native AR app development provides the same immersive experiences, but the AR app must be installed on a user's system.

None of these development types is better than the other, so your choice will depend on the audiences you would like to reach, as well as on your business model.

Fundamentally, all AR apps require two core elements: a 3D model and a marker, which is, essentially, an anchor you will tie your 3D graphics to. Anything can act as a marker: in the examples above, Starbucks placed one on a holiday cup and Philips is using AR tags to mark their products on the store shelves.

This brings us to other segments of AR application development: marker-based AR and markerless AR.

Marker-based AR needs a physical marker to tie an AR object to it. There are several types of commonly used markers:

AR tags (the ones with large dark frames, easy to read and detect);

Images, such as product logos; and

Faces, used as AR markers by cosmetic brands.

Markerless AR uses technologies like SLAM, digital compass, and computer vision to insert AR content into a digital representation of a real-life environment. Markerless AR is currently used mainly by furniture brands, which aims to provide customers with an opportunity to see how the items they choose will look when placed inside their homes. Admittedly, this technology is more advanced although it still needs improvement.

Developers also use native libraries like ARKit and ARCore for iOS and Android respectively.

Side note: The capabilities of modern web browsers allow the delivery of AR content without the need to create and support native applications. So, if you decide to restrict yourself to web app development only, there are a lot of web frameworks, libraries and APIs that provide the ability to add AR to web applications: awe.js, argon.js, three.js, etc.

Augmented reality in retail: Final words

This game-changing trend will revolutionize the retail industry and transform the way people shop. The AR locomotive is quickly gathering momentum, and those who won't manage to hop aboard - will be left behind!
Has AR aroused your curiosity? Are you interested in adding AR functionality to your retail platform (business, store)? Book a free consultation from our specialists!
Frequently Asked Questions
Read also:
About the author:

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Augmented Reality in Retail: Benefits and Use Cases of AR Retail Apps

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The retail industry has been among the most eager adopters of cutting-edge tech, pioneering the transformation in warehousing, logistics, marketing, and customer service. Consumers, however, are getting more demanding. In 2021, they are expecting immersive technologies to be a part of their shopping experiences.

# data[].attributes.body
WWW:
. Both sides showed empathy to each other’s needs
. Active listening and strategic silence was present
. Planning - as a group of suppliers we prepared for a multitude of possible situations and results to these to make sure we were prepared for any scenarios the buyers might bring up.

# data[].attributes.body
Date: 02/06/22

Dear Lena,

On behalf of Blue&Co I would like to say that it was great to meet with you and the rest of the buying team from ASOS today.

I am emailing to confirm your order for 5000 units of jeans that will arrive in 8 weeks. The details are as follows:

. Item: Flared Jean
. Units - 8000
. Price per unit (in GBP) - £7.40
. Fabric composition - 99% Cotton, 1% Polyester
. Arrival date: 28/07/22 (8 weeks from today)
. Delivery method: F.O.B

If there are any questions or queries about this please do not hesitate to contact me.

We look forward to hearing back from you and growing our business with you in future endeavours.

Have a great day,

Yours Sincerely

Brittany Davy
Manufacturing Manager
Blue&CO

# data[].attributes.body
I wrote a cover letter for the role of Trainee Buyer Admin Assistant at Flannels and applied along with my CV. I had my first interview on Monday 30th May 2022 and made it to the second round which will take place on Monday 6th June 2022.

# data[].attributes.body
I used the online FRA Careers Platform to help tailor my CV for entry-level buying roles. It was previously catered to Fashion Retail jobs.

# data[].attributes.body
I used the CV Score check on the FRA Careers website to improve my CV as much as possible. I found it helpful as there were small issues such as font size and spacing that I would not have noticed without the system.

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Brittany Davy - Brand Ambassador - DAI | daiwear.com | LinkedIn

# data[].attributes.body
I improved my LinkedIn profile using materials from lessons, peer-assessment and help from fashion industry professionals at work, in order to make it as professional as possible. My LinkedIn now lists all of my relevant experience, key skills and the fact that I am open to work on my profile. I have since used LinkedIn to connect with a number of industry professionals, including those I met at the FRA Careers Fair.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
EXPERIENCE:
Dai - Brand Ambassador
B-Corporation Certified Luxury Womenswear Company
* Provided a seamless service to customers using personalised solutions to cater to each individual need, e.g., assisting with body measurements and clothing alterations.
* Provided technical product knowledge, using this to cultivate relationships with customers to increase brand loyalty and sales revenue.
* Conducted inventory management, including weekly stock takes and daily customer data, in close relation with the Fulfilment and Operations team.
* Conducted styling appointments and after work events.
* Assisted with visual merchandising and window dressing in store.

Finsbury Glover Hering- PR and Strategic Marketing Trainee
* Attended several in-depth masterclasses including apparel and retail consultancy, data and trend analysis, and stakeholder and competitor mapping.
* Developed numeracy and analytical skills when monitoring interactions on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn, interpreting relevant data into Key Performance Indicator reports.
* Used written/oral communication skills when writing press releases and pitching stories to journalists.
* Presented weekly presentations and media monitoring summaries on different mainstream UK newspapers to colleagues.
* Took part in media training sessions, learning how to improve client and stakeholder relationships.

DavySimpson LTD -Part-time Administrative Assistant
* Involved in the general upkeep of the office, including updating files and databases, managing diaries, and booking deliveries.
* Collated materials and resources used to present idea to clients.
* Created and kept track of company purchase orders and shipping arrangements, ensuring that all materials were delivered on time.
* Intuitively flagging problems on company systems, resolving issues through root cause analysis, and bringing more complex queries to the CEO.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Brittany Davy - Brand Ambassador - DAI | daiwear.com | LinkedIn

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
EXPERIENCE:Dai - Brand Ambassador B-Corporation Certified Luxury Womenswear Company * Provided a seamless service to customers using personalised solutions to cater to each individual need, e.g., assisting with body measurements and clothing alterations. * Provided technical product knowledge, using this to cultivate relationships with customers to increase brand loyalty and sales revenue.

# data[].attributes.body
The reflective blog is something that I have found extremely useful since joining the FRA. It has allowed me to keep track of my work load within assignments as well as provided direction for subsequent projects. I will use all of the feedback I have given myself to help me with the final project that is due in July.

# data[].attributes.body
Project 3 allowed me to think about the direction I wish my career to go in after I enter the industry at entry-level. I have decided that I eventually want to work my way up to becoming a Fashion Director at a Department Store. Creating this mind map has allowed me to research the key skills and years of experience needed for this role. One target I have set for myself is to consistently keep up with industry related news: something that is necessary for a Fashion Director who requires a sound knowledge of fashion events and strong commercial awareness.

# data[].attributes.body
I completed a Swot Analysis for the luxury brand Chloé. This was helpful as it allowed me to understand how to prep for Buying interviews where I may be asked about strengths, weaknesses and competitors of the business I am interviewing at. It also gave me ideas on future opportunities regarding sustainability, expanding target markets and the rise in technology for a brand or retailer.

# data[].attributes.body
I completed a PESTLE analysis for the brand Chloé which was helpful in providing me with talking points for future interviews, particularly when it comes to sustainability and the current political climate that will affect different retailers.

# data[].attributes.body
I completed the Myers-Briggs quiz on the 16Personalities website. It outlined my strengths as well as keep weaknesses to look for in a professional setting. For example, the quiz was accurate in understanding that I am an extroverted individual who values teamwork and empathy. It also allowed me to realise that in a professional setting I need to equally value both empathy and logic, particularly as emotional intelligence is becoming an increasingly important trait to have to showcase to potential employers.

# data[].attributes.body
After receiving feedback from Sarah on our range plans, Daisy and I partnered up to discuss our feedback and help each other with any issues.
It was helpful to get a new perspective on my work as a fresh pair of eyes could spot out any mistakes that I would not have been able to.
I was able to help Daisy refine her colour palette to make her range more cohesive. We decided that it was best that she got rid of two of her colours (red and green), allowing for a much more seamless visual display.
After this, Daisy and I worked together to add the plaid print that I made to some of my garment CADs using photoshop. Daisy was able to teach me a shortcut to adding print onto images on photoshop that I will continue to use on this project and in the future.
Finally we discussed what of the project we had left and created individual checklists to keep us on track.

# data[].attributes.body
I completed the strengths questionnaire to work out which areas I need to work on as well what to highlight on my CV. The results showed me that multi-tasking, giving feedback and asking questions are still skills that I need to continue to work on. I found this helpful as it allowed me to pick up buzzwords that will be good to include in my CV as well as talk about in interviews.

# data[].attributes.body
This article explains the steps that Vietnam (my chosen long lead country) are taking towards a more sustainable manufacturing industry. The Vietnamese Government have signed a pledge to attempt to decrease the country’s overall carbon footprint, giving way to cleaner production processes. I will outline this as an initiative the country has adopted to increase awareness surrounding the sustainability issues the garment manufacturing industry often runs into.

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Moving Your Manufacturing Company from China to Vietnam: The Pros and Cons

# data[].attributes.body
This article explains the pros and cons of manufacturing from a long lead country like Vietnam vs China. The article explains that China is becoming too expensive as well as difficult to navigate due to the high tariffs on Chinese exports. Although I am not focusing on China in this assignment, the resource is still useful in explaining how manufacturing in Vietnam can be advantageous to Chloé as a brand.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
CMC and our parent company, MTG Global, have seen many companies moving out of China into Vietnam. Reasons for the move vary from China becoming too expensive to confusion on what is going to happen with the tariffs on Chinese exports.

Should you move your manufacturing company to Vietnam? The answer to this question is yes, no, and it depends. To make it easier, we have developed a list of pros and cons you need to consider.

1. Vietnam Is Cheaper

It is a fact that Vietnam is cheaper than China. On average, Vietnamese labor costs half as much as Chinese labor ($2.99 per hour compared to $6.50 per hour). Furthermore, gas, electrical, and lease prices per square meter are lower. Considering all this, a factory with the same level of productivity will be more profitable in Vietnam than in China. If your product is labor-intensive, then the lower land and labor costs are a significant draw.

2. Your China Supply Chain Will Still Be Useful

Many companies collect all the components and materials they need and send them to their assembly factory by truck from China to Vietnam. For example, the assembly centres that Samsung and Foxconn have recently set up are just a few hours away from the border. This location is ideal since the supply in Vietnam is still in its infancy compared to China.

3. Better Environmental and Intellectual Property Protection

Vietnam is not the China of 25 years ago. From our experiences, we see the Vietnamese government consciously trying not to repeat the same mistakes of the Chinese regarding environmental and intellectual property protection.

4. Exporting to the USA

America and Vietnam enjoy mostly good relations due to a shared concern over China and the desire of Vietnam to find a good export market. Vietnamese exports to the USA have risen by 41% from 2018 to 2019.

Cons

1. Finding Local Suppliers Is Difficult

Finding local suppliers in Vietnam is much more complicated than in China. And, since there are fewer options, their costs will generally be higher. If the supplier is far away from your factory, receiving incorrect or damaged components has a much higher impact as sending them back can be difficult.

2. You Might Have to Set Up Your Own Factory

If you are a start-up or small producer, you will likely have to build your own factory. Big conglomerates are only interested in large-scale projects. Selling your products to them might be difficult.

3. Lack of Skilled Labor

Vietnam has a relatively large shortage of skilled technical labor compared to China. This is especially evident outside of Ho Chi Minh City, where electricians, pipefitters, robotics engineers and plumbers are difficult to come by. As a result, tooling often has to be made in the Shenzhen/Dongguan area and then sent to Vietnam for testing and approval. Generally, higher-end manufacturing in Vietnam is more complex than in China.

4. Manufacturing Capacity and Infrastructure

Vietnam is not nearly as large as China (only about a tenth of China's population). So the ability to absorb manufacturing capacity is not as great as China's. Therefore, there may be a rapid rise in wages as companies rush to Vietnam. Additionally, Vietnamese infrastructure is still significantly behind compared to China, especially as you go further from the coast.

Bottom Line

Whether your company should move to Vietnam depends on if the pros of the relocation are more significant than the cons. A move to any new location carries substantial risks and should be considered in-depth (not just from a cost perspective).

Any move to a new manufacturing location should only occur after planning and considering all the relevant factors. If you would like to know more, please contact us, and we can help you understand what your options are and how to proceed.

Tired of product defects in your factory? Discover mistake-proofing best practices with the examples below.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Moving Your Manufacturing Company from China to Vietnam: The Pros and Cons

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
CMC and our parent company, MTG Global, have seen many companies moving out of China into Vietnam. Reasons for the move vary from China becoming too expensive to confusion on what is going to happen with the on Chinese exports. Should you move your manufacturing company to Vietnam?

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
All You Need to Know about Manufacturing & Sourcing in Vietnam | Sourcify

# data[].attributes.body
This source contains a full overview on sourcing garments from Vietnam. This will be extremely helpful when deciphering the pros and cons of sourcing from the country as well as comparing it to my chosen short lead country, France.

Great Quote ; “Vietnam has the potential to lead the way to greener practices in Asia.” The DBW factory was a green project completed in 2016 in the province south of Ho Chi Minh City.”

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Country Overview
The small nation to the south of China is rising in the manufacturing industry and quickly becoming one of the largest exporters of garments and textiles in the world. It's considered a developing nation, but Vietnam is capable of high quality manufacturing while providing lower production costs at the same time.

Want to Learn How to Launch a Six Figure Product?

Bordering the manufacturing giant that is China, Vietnam benefits from the manufacturing expertise that continues to spill over as existing factories in China become more and more overcrowded.

Chinese manufacturers have been moving their factories to Vietnam since the early 2000s because sourcing from Vietnam offers refuge from the brutal competition of Chinese businesses. This is turning a large portion of Vietnam's manufacturing industry into an extension of China's industry.

Whether a factory in Vietnam is run by a Chinese or Vietnamese owner, the factory still benefits from Vietnam's prime location. Not only can it quickly outsource production materials and equipment from China, but it can also ship finished goods from one of the country's many international trade ports. Shipping by ocean can be 6 times less expensive than by air so manufacturing in a country with several trade ports is a huge cost advantage.

If you haven't considered sourcing in Vietnam, our page will give you insight into the relevant costs and manufacturing dynamics that are special to Vietnam.
Country Specializations

The government has placed strict environmental regulations and protection laws on the manufacturing industry. Since the industry is still growing, it has the potential to move in a sustainable direction with the help of outside investors and international brands.

"Vietnam has the potential to lead the way to greener practices in Asia." The DBW factory was a green project completed in 2016 in the province south of Ho Chi Minh City. It is the first factory in Vietnam equipped with solar panels to provide up to 20 percent of the energy required for operations during dry seasons. It's also one of the only factories in Vietnam providing air conditioning throughout its premises.

Ready to find your factory?

We've helped 100s of companies find the best overseas manufacturers for their products. Get started with a free quote today.

For now, this is one of few factories pursuing green initiatives, but sustainable manufacturing practices have the potential to take off as infrastructure continues to upgrade. eCommerce businesses looking for eco-friendly production should consider sourcing options in Vietnam.
Production Capabilities
Since the manufacturing industry is still growing, Vietnamese manufacturers are more willing to accept smaller order quantities than those in China. At best, factories are willing to produce an MOQ at 250-300 pcs compared to a Chinese factory that generally requires 1000 pcs. This is great for smaller businesses or eCommerce startups requesting smaller production runs.

In the garment and textile industry, factories produce goods such as jackets, pants, coats, towel products, and a wide range of sewn items due to advancing sewing capabilities. Sewing, quality control, and packaging are all done in-house, but many of the raw materials like cotton have to be outsourced. Fabric production only meets 15-16 percent of domestic demand due to lack of domestic cotton suppliers. Every year, garment factories import 80-90 percent of total cotton demand. Any time a factory has to import materials to produce your products, you'll end up paying more per product unit.

Most apparel and home textile factories employ anywhere from 500-2,500 workers. A smaller factory with 500 workers has an annual capacity of about 300,000 pieces. A larger factory with a few thousand workers produces millions of garments each year. The factory capacity is important to consider when you're searching for a manufacturer because a small capacity won't allow you to grow. You may receive better quotes from a smaller factory, but it isn't going to benefit you longterm when you're ready to scale production.

The infrastructure in Vietnam is standard for a country in its stage of development, ranking 79th out of 138 in overall quality of infrastructure. The government is taking steps in the right direction to improve factory structure standards and realizing the positive impact of manufacturing on the economy. The real benefit to manufacturing in Vietnam is the shipping advantage. The country has two international airports, several major ports, reliable power, and easy access to the internet and cellular networks. Since the country is small, most suppliers are located close to an airport or major port. All major freight forwarders and air couriers such as DHL and FedEx have facilities in Vietnam.

The one big thing to consider is the fast trade growth against the slow infrastructure improvements. A major railway connecting Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, where the major international airport is located, hasn't been upgraded in decades. There is also the threat that ports will reach maximum capacity in the face of increased trade volume. A third reality is that only 20% of national roads are paved . When the means of transporting your finished goods from the factory to a distribution center become unreliable, you add risk into your supply chain.

The one aspect of manufacturing that can't be negotiated or changed easily is the skill of labor. The manufacturing industry in Vietnam continues to grow and strengthen for many reasons but mainly due to the abundance of highly skilled workers. The Vietnamese are skilled at hand assembly work and the quality of hand assembly work is very competitive. The workmanship standards are high so low-quality products are rare. Consistent high quality production is an advantage but can turn into a disadvantage if turnaround times are slower. As long as the factory has efficient infrastructure and organization, the high quality production adds value to your product or branding.
Country Cost

Worker salaries have either a big impact or a HUGE impact on your cost per unit depending on your product. Products that require expensive materials or materials that must be outsourced will still have a higher unit price. Wages will make up less than 20% of the final unit price once material costs are factored in. However, you're still looking at an increase of 15-20 percent in savings. This is big. If your product is simpler or the factory has most of the necessary components, you'll definitely notice the HUGE impact of a significantly lower unit price.

Under FedEx international Economy rates, we've compared the shipping costs to send three boxes of apparel with a customs value of $30,000 (1000 units * $30 product value) from different international airports to San Diego, California:

The graph is an example of what it may cost to get a medium size production order of apparel shipped from your manufacturer. In this case, the shipping includes the base rate and any other additional taxes. Shipping from Vietnam, the cost includes an additional charge known as "declared value" which is basically the insured value. The declared value of this shipment makes up over 50 percent of the shipping cost.

Each courier has its own policies regarding additional taxes and surcharges. There are also additional taxes that are imposed by the country of origin, but there are no imposed taxes to ship out of Vietnam.

Depending on where you need your shipment to arrive from Vietnam, you may face duties or tariffs (custom duties) to get them into your home country that will increase your shipment cost. The import duty paid on your shipment depends on the quantity imported. The tariff relates to the harmonized tariff system codes where imported goods are classified. The corresponding tariff would be a taxed percentage at a rate specific to your product.

Custom duties also vary by country of origin so knowing whether your product will be levied with taxes to import from Vietnam is something to find out. When it comes to shipping to the United States, Chinese exports aren't the only goods affected by tariffs. Currently, Vietnam actually faces one of the highest import duties on clothing.

Vietnam contributes to a trade flow into the US, which now imports more than 97 percent of its clothing. But the custom duties on goods from Vietnam are swept under the rug as the news of Chinese tariffs takes the media. Considering policy and duty rates is hard because they are dependent on the economic times. But if you're just starting out, these extra taxes can kill your margin.
Working Legally in Vietnam
Vietnamese suppliers aren't as easy to find online, as many still rely on trade shows to find overseas customers. Some can be found on typical marketplace websites such as Alibaba, but they are few and far between. Access to Vietnam factories requires building connections in the country, or finding a reliable sourcing agent.

A sourcing agent can also help you verify your factory and connect you to quality inspection facilities. Most quality inspection companies have offices in Vietnam so you can ensure your products and processes reach international standards and live up to your expectations for high quality production. That being said, you have to do more than just a quality inspection to complete a thorough due process of your supplier.

Sometimes a manufacturer in Vietnam can accept an order without the resources to make a timely delivery. If you fall victim to one of these manufacturers and express your discontent, they will often close shop without leaving a forwarding address.

It may also be necessary to check on your prospective manufacturer's financial standing. A close examination of their finances will help you understand whether they are capable of handling your order, especially if it's a large order, and indicate whether they can fulfill their end of business. You will also need to verify their status as exporters and their creditworthiness before placing an order. Lursoft is a great search engine for certificates and other information on a potential manufacturer.

The beauty of Sourcify is that we connect you with pre vetted factories located around the world, including Vietnam, so due process is one thing you don't have to worry about. You can also manage production and communicate with your manufacturer through the Sourcify platform. Production is made faster and easier with the platform and factory connections that Sourcify offers.

Want to Learn How to Launch a Six Figure Product?

Finding an overseas manufacturer can take months, with Sourcify it takes on average less than a week to get your first set of bids. Stop wasting time and money when you could have already started production.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
All You Need to Know about Manufacturing & Sourcing in Vietnam | Sourcify

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Country Overview The small nation to the south of China is rising in the manufacturing industry and quickly becoming one of the largest exporters of garments and textiles in the world. It's considered a developing nation, but Vietnam is capable of high quality manufacturing while providing lower production costs at the same time.

# data[].attributes.body
This article explains how DDP shipping has been affected by Brexit when shipping from France to the UK. This will be useful when deciding on the best way to ship my garment and the limitations that may arise from this.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Brexit being in effect since January, 1st 2021, B to B transactions are no longer considered as intracommunity movements. As a result, these transactions are considered as imports and exports between the EU and UK. This means that VAT and duties need to be paid on imports in the country of import. The question arises which of the parties will be taking care of this additional workload and responsibility, specifically regarding transport, insurance, exporter/importer of records (so potential liability and checks with the customs) fiscally and of course financially.

From a commercial point of view, a client would not want to have more administrative burden because of Brexit. Therefore, we believe suppliers should offer to work on DDP basis with their client, as a part of their service. DDP incoterm means "Delivery Duty Paid".

What is DDP incoterm?

DDP incoterm means "Delivery Duty Paid". This means that you will take care of the transport of your goods yourself. Moreover, you will take care of the customs formalities in France and become the "Importer of records" in France. This means (depending of the country of arrival of goods):

This takes the customs administrative burdens and costs away from your customers, but your company will need to appoint a customs agent in the EU so that goods are cleared in your name. Make sure to have this conversation with your customers and have clear agreements on the responsibility of you as a supplier and your client as the receiver of the goods.
Contact us today to find out how we can minimise the effect of Brexit on your business...
What are the possible scenarios?
"I am a UK based business, selling to French clients and to EU customers but France. How can I continue to sell to my EU customers?"
The scenarios here below are based on the assumption that your company does not have a fixed establishment in the country of arrival of the goods. Your business is considered as a foreign company, established in another country if certain criteria are met. This could for example be the case if you have in your warehouses or offices in this country with employees working for your company in this country and / or decision makers present in the country of arrival. A detailed analysis must be carried out on this subject. We strongly recommend that you contact us if you have any doubts about this.

Your company sells DDP to French companies only :

You don't have the obligation to register for French VAT,

You need to obtain an EU EORI number (as your GB EORI number will no longer be valid within the EU),

You need to appoint an accredited customs agent or broker,

You have to pay customs duties and VAT on import in France

A refund request for the VAT paid can be submitted through the refund procedure (13th directive)

The refund procedure is available on a quarterly basis,

You will invoice your French customers without VAT (mandatory domestic reverse charge mechanism),

"I am a UK based business, selling to French clients and to EU customers but France. How can I continue to sell to my EU customers?"
You can also choose to register for VAT in France if you would like to benefit from the import VAT deferment so that you don't have to make advance payments of VAT to the customs broker. (in this case please see next case).

If you import in France under DDP and sell to companies in other EU countries:
Email us today or call +33 3 20 25 70 70 for a no obligation consultation...

You have the obligation to register for VAT in France

This allows your company to deliver to other EU member states (Intracommunity sales)

You need to obtain an EU EORI number (as your GB EORI number will no longer be valid within the EU),

You need to appoint an accredited customs agent or broker.

You will pay customs duties only.

VAT on import will be reverse charged in your VAT return,

No need to advance payment of the Import VAT.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Brexit being in effect since January, 1st 2021, B to B transactions are no longer considered as intracommunity movements. As a result, these transactions are considered as imports and exports between the EU and UK. This means that VAT and duties need to be paid on imports in the country of import.

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
France company registration - benefits and problems

# data[].attributes.body
This article explains the benefits and setbacks when entering into business with a French company. I will use this to explain the pros and cons of ordering delivering my garment from France.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Benefits and problems of registering a company in France in 2022

Benefits of France company registration

A French limited liability company can be incorporated within 2 weeks with 1 director and 1 shareholder, who can be of any nationality. The minimum paid-up share capital required is €1 and our Clients do not need to travel to complete the engagement.

1. While taxes are high in France, our Clients' sales income can also be high because France boasts i) the 2nd largest consumer market in Europe, with 65 million locals spending €2 trillion annually ii) the world's largest tourism industry with 83 million annual visitors and iii) EU's 2nd and 4th largest exports of food & beverage products and pharmaceuticals respectively;

2. If our Clients meets the required criteria, France can be a good source of funding for their companies because:

The Public Investment Bank offers low-interest loans of up to €1.5 million to finance innovation projects in companies with i) less than 250 employees ii) less than 50 million in annual revenue and iii) operating for at least 3 years;

Equity investment of up to €15 million is offered by the government to unlisted resident companies with i) at least €20 million in annual turnover and ii) one profitable year within the last three years;

Companies with less than i) 250 employees and ii) €50 million in annual revenue can benefit from a public guarantee scheme on bank loans financing i) the design and development of new products/services and ii) R&D investments. Please note that the guarantee may represent up to 80% of the loan value, with a €300,000 cap;

The French government provides low-cost trade credit insurance to all resident companies, covering up to i) 100% of the exports' value for companies with less than €150 million turnover and ii) 95% otherwise;

Global entrepreneurs registering their company in France are able to secure loans at interest rates averaging only 2.2% annually, the lowest figure since 2002;

French banks boast the highest rate of financial advisors per Client among main EU countries, enabling them to provide very efficient costumer service.

3. Resident companies benefit from generous government incentives including:

Business losses can be carried forward indefinitely, up to €1 million annually plus 50% of subsequent profits exceeding that amount;

All SMEs benefit from an unconditional reduced corporate tax rate of 15% of net profits up to €38,120. They are also exempted from an additional corporate tax surcharge of 1.1% paid by large companies;

All limited companies with less than 50 employees can choose to pay income tax in lieu of corporate tax during the first five years after registration, allowing them to significantly reduce tax payments;

Up to 30% of the costs of qualified government-approved R&D projects can be offset against the company's annual corporate tax bill, the maximum annual deduction being €400,000. The OECD ranks this tax scheme as Europe's 2nd most generous for SMEs;

Businesses investing in priority areas will receive incentives including i) 100% corporate tax exemption for up to 7 years ii) reduced social security contributions and iii) grants up to €15,000 per job created for projects with more than 25 employees. Please note that incentives will cover up to 35% of an SME's initial investment value;

Subsidies are available for government-approved employee-training programs which can cover up to 75% of the cost for SMEs and 50% for large companies.

4. Foreign entrepreneurs registering a company in France benefit from strong intellectual property protection laws because:

France is ranked as the 12th best country in the world for registering patents by the World Economic Forum. Furthermore, France is also a signatory to WTO's Agreement (TRIPS) which protects against IP violations;

From 2014 onwards, French companies will benefit from a unified patent registration procedure that provide legal protection in other EU countries, greatly reducing patent registration and translation costs;

The French government actively monitors electronic communication networks to prevent infringements to IP rights, with random checks and fines up to €7,500 per violation.

5. France has a highly qualified workforce and when combined with advanced infrastructure, it reduces the costs of production;

6. France is one of the top ranked European nations for quality of roads, railways, ports, and other infrastructure. The country has easy access to all of Western and Eastern Europe, meaning that goods are diffused throughout Europe easily.

7. English proficiency levels are increasing. In 2021, the country's ability to speak English is 28th out of 100 countries.

Problems with France company registration

1. Together with Italy, France is the most expensive European country to do business in because:

While foreign companies should expect high sales in France, our Clients should expect to pay a whopping 65% tax on net profits including i) corporate tax of 33% ii) VAT on sales of 20% and iii) employer's social security contribution of 41% of gross salaries. Furthermore, it is likely the above taxes will increase in 2015 and 2016 as the French government struggles with its fiscal deficit;

The country also suffers from an impressive amount of taxes and levies including i) wealth tax of up to 1.5% of total net worth ii) property tax of 13% of land registry's rental value iii) fuel tax of 24% iv) tax on insurance products of 6% and v) local economic tax of up to 3% on a company's value added;

Business office monthly rents are i) €38 per sq. meter on average in Paris (up to €70 in Paris center) and ii) €10 to €20 per sq. meter in other main cities;

French labor costs average €32 per hour worked, the highest level in Western Europe;

Paris is ranked as the world's 2nd most expensive city to hire expatriate staff by the Economist Intelligence Unit;

Because of i) the above and ii) current adverse economic conditions, 63,000 French companies filed for bankruptcy in 2013.

2. Foreign entrepreneurs will find starting a France company is difficult because:

50% of French people do not speak a foreign language. All Government documents are in French. All legal contracts must be fully written in French;

Because the French tax system is so complicated, resident companies prefer to hire accountants and lawyers to help them navigate through the system, so as to minimize the tax burden.

3. Our Clients find it difficult to deal with local employees because:

Employee dismissals are costly for an employer, as severance pay averages of 3 months of salary. Even dismissal of an employee for gross misconduct must be duly warranted in case of appeal to the Labour Court;

The Labor Code forbids work on Sundays in most sectors. Overtime must furthermore be paid at an extra 25% rate;

Because the French unemployment rate is currently at 10.2%, it is difficult for employers to secure a work permit for non EU/EFTA staff;

4. The French interpretation of European laws for selling products is more stringent than other EU members;

5. Bureaucracy is another red flag for foreign businesses setting up in France, as the laws regarding licenses and business incorporation are quite complex and might be difficult to understand without the help of a consultant.

Best uses for a France company

1. Our Clients find France a good EU base for manufacturing because:

French resident businesses benefit from the 5th most efficient workforce in the EU, with an hourly labor productivity recorded at €46 against a €32 average in Europe;

France is the leading hub for product distribution within Europe. The World Economic Forum ranks the French roadways and railways as the 2nd and the 4th best in the world;

The electricity cost for industrial use averages 0.15€ per kWh, which is the 2nd lowest in Western Europe after Netherlands, and power supply is highly reliable thanks to nuclear energy.

2. A French holding company enjoys these benefits:

Dividends from global subsidiaries are effectively exempt of corporate tax. The sale of shares of a global subsidiary by its French parent is also quasi-exempt of French capital gains tax. To enjoy these exemptions, the French holding company must have owned at least 5% of the share capital of its subsidiary for at least 2 years;

French dividends, loan interest and royalties paid to global holding companies suffer minimum withholding tax, if paid to one of these 123 countries that have signed a tax treaty with France.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
France company registration - benefits and problems

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
A French limited liability company can be incorporated within 2 weeks with 1 director and 1 shareholder, who can be of any nationality. The minimum paid-up share capital required is €1 and our Clients do not need to travel to complete the engagement.

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
The Pros and Cons of Road Freight | New Horizon Freight Solutions

# data[].attributes.body
This article clearly outlines the pros and cons of road freight as a transportation method, which is my chosen method of delivery for my garment. I will use these in my Infographic as well as add on current political and societal issues such as Brexit and the issue of sustainability.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Road freight is an often-overlooked method of freight, due to the sheer volume of road shippers and the run-of-the-mill impression most people have of a trucking company. However, there are a number of pros and cons of road freight that can help you decide whether it is the right mode of transport for your goods.

Pro: Increased Access to Areas

By using road freight, your shipment can be delivered to any manner of destination, from some obscure location right up to major corporate campuses. The roads allow you unlimited access, which is particularly useful for companies in remote locations that are desperate to receive your materials.

Pro: Personal Touch

Few things are better than seeing your shipment arrive outside your front gate. Whether you represent yourself or a company, seeing your delivery come through the door yields a special sort of joy. Having a road freight fleet can add that personal touch and carry your branding one step closer to the client.

Pro: Change Route at Short Notice

One significant benefit of road freight is that any problems that do arise can generally be solved by changing course. Freight companies can be more flexible in their shipments with road freight, easily making detours when necessary.

Con: Slower than Alternatives

Unfortunately, road freight can be a lot slower than other forms of shipping, thanks to traffic jams and speed limits, which are unavoidable. Air freight is probably a more efficient option in this respect.

Con: Restricted by Coastlines

It goes without saying that a road freight vehicle can only take your shipment as far as the coastline. Road access is the defining factor of road freight, and therefore other forms of freight may be needed for international or intercontinental shipping.

Con: Sometimes Expensive

Unfortunately, road freight is not the go-to shipping method for longer distances, with particular regard to cost. Long road hauls can be very pricey depending on fuel consumption and profit margin. Further, inclement weather and road conditions can inflict unexpected damages on your fleet, which will lead to a healthy bill.

Now that you are better equipped with the pros and cons of road freight, you can make an educated decision regarding your next shipment. We offer a complete range of freight services, from consulting to warehousing and everything in between. Contact us to discuss your shipping needs.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
The Pros and Cons of Road Freight | New Horizon Freight Solutions

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
There are many different freight options that you can choose from for your next shipment, but it is important for you to know the pros and cons of your chosen method to vet out the best option for you. Click here to see the pros and cons of road freight and why this shipping might be best for you...

# data[].attributes.body
In class we discussed how we are viewed in our personal life and whether or not this correlates with how we wish to be viewed in professional settings. I used this template to outline my key personality traits, whether or not I want to display these in work environments, and how to re brand my personal traits into useful professional traits that will attract potential  employers in interviews.

# data[].attributes.body
I used WGSN to gain a deeper understanding of the upcoming trends in both S/S and A/W 2023 as well as how certain garments performed in more recent years. This played a huge role in how I developed my Range plan, wanting to include garment that I knew would have a high rate of sale. It also performed as a basis for the justification of my colour palette and garment mix, producing me with key data that would prove the commerciality of my Academia inspired collection.

# data[].attributes.body
WGSN was also used to source my CAD designs that I used to visually represent the range. I also used two of the CADs available (classic button up shirt and a frill long sleeve top) to produce a new garment in order to meet the product development criteria for this project.

# data[].attributes.body
Edited was used to gain key insights into how Chloé currently sells their products. Garment mix, colour mix and pricing strategy were all used to justify the items, colour palette and pricing architecture that I chose for this range. It was also helpful in guiding me when planning my range, allowing me to merge my own ideas of the Academia Trend into a collection that fit cohesively with Chloé’s brand image and positioning.

# data[].attributes.headline
FRA Career Pulse Strength Questionnaire 

# data[].attributes.subject
FRA Career Pulse Strength Questionnaire 

# data[].attributes.body
I completed the self assessment quiz that gave me feedback on which I areas I need to improve on before entering the professional world. I have realised that I am not so confident when it comes to interviews, following up after interviews and which industry skills I should include on my CV and Cover Letter. Because of this i made an appointment with Teresa from the FRA Careers Team to help with this.

# data[].attributes.body
I completed a quiz on my levels of assertiveness. This is because when completing my Brand You template, I attempted to rebrand my personal trait (stubbornness) to assertiveness in  the workplace. The quiz allowed me to see that I do have high levels of assertiveness, something that is important in Buying roles as they have to negotiate with suppliers and brands, making sure that they are assertive enough to draft good deals that will benefit the business.

# data[].attributes.body
I completed a second personality quiz on the FRA Careers website and the results were extremely similar to that of the Myers Briggs test. This reinforces the strengths that I should place emphasis on in interviews and on my CV.

# data[].attributes.body
This quiz allowed me to see what motivates in a professional setting. This will allow me to carefully choose which jobs to apply for based on company culture and work environments.

# data[].attributes.body
Richemont moves entire enterprise IT infrastructure to Amazon's AWS. It should mean more dynamic e-tail experiences, more personalisation, video chat and other benefits at the firm that owns Chloé, Dunhill and Cartier. The company will be using a wide range of “advanced cloud capabilities” that should feed through to a better business overall. These include machine learning, analytics, security, and database capabilities, “to foster product innovation across its physical retail operations and e-commerce offerings”.

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Why Climate Risk Is Moving Up the Agenda for Fashion Investors

# data[].attributes.body
Investors are now looking at companies’ exposure to climate risks when deciding which businesses to buy into. ESG is therefore an increasing important issue for brands to consider. Chloé is B corporation certified which is a strength to the brand as financial regulators now introducing rules that will require brands to provide more information on the subject.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Fashion executives looking to raise money are schooled in talking up their sales projections, brand penetration and sell-through rates. But increasingly, there's a new metric investors want to know about: exposure to climate risk.

The issue's relevance has been fuelled by a potent mix of rising consumer demand, international policy signals and immediate business threats created by increasingly frequent environmental disasters. Now, financial regulators are introducing new rules that will require large fashion companies to publish details about their risk profile and impact.

On April 6, the UK introduced requirements for companies to disclose the financial risk that climate change poses to their business operations. And last month in the US, the Securities and Exchange Commission proposed a similar rule. The EU is planning to expand sustainable finance disclosure regulations introduced last year, and Asian business hubs like Singapore and Hong Kong are pursuing similar initiatives.

While the regulations don't require companies to take any specific action to tackle environmental impact, they're emerging against a backdrop of broader international policy moves taking aim at issues like pollution, waste and labour abuse across the industry. They could put real teeth behind efforts to improve transparency about the industry's contribution to climate change and create more comparable data across brands. Fundamentally, they're designed to make it easier for investors to take environmental impact and climate risk exposure into account when deciding which companies to back.

"There's been a very broad consensus amongst investors that they care about climate-related issues because they create risks to the prospects and performance of business entities," said Ellie Mulholland, director of the Commonwealth Climate and Law Initiative. "And regulators see that as well - not just risks to entities, but risks to financial systems."

Many of fashion's biggest players have already started to prepare for new regulations. Companies including Gucci-owner Kering, Zara-owner Inditex and British luxury giant Burberry have said they are aligning their sustainability reporting with a G20-backed framework that forms the basis of much of the planned regulation. When H&M Group published its annual financial report earlier this month, it embedded its sustainability updates for the first time, a move designed to signal the closer integration of financial and environmental reporting, the company said.

There's been a very broad consensus amongst investors that they care about climate-related issues.

What mandated disclosure will mean for brands more broadly is that they'll need to hire consultants and auditors with climate expertise who can supply information about physical risks and emissions footprints. The UK law covers a range of companies, including those with over 500 employees and a turnover of more than £500 million ($653 million); meaning it will apply to brands like Burberry and Boohoo Group. And in the US, the proposed SEC rule will apply to all publicly traded companies, which means companies like Nike and Tapestry will be impacted.

There are two main categories that a business's climate risks can fall into, noted Mulholland: physical risks and transition risks. For apparel companies, the former might include the way that a warming world increases instability in the supply chain, whether that's the risk that warmer winters pose to global cashmere supply, that drought poses to cotton prices or that flooding poses to Bangladesh, which is both one of the most vulnerable countries to climate impacts and also one of the world's largest garment exporters.

Transition risks, on the other hand, are those that arise from changes in society and policy: think of a future where greenhouse gas emissions are more closely regulated and penalised, or where customers demand lower-impact goods - a trend many brands already appear to be anticipating, at least in their marketing.

While transition risks aren't guaranteed and may be years away, investors of all kinds are taking such risks ever more seriously and they want to be able to include them in their assessments of which businesses are worth backing, said Cynthia Williams, Osler Chair in Business Law emerita at Osgoode Hall Law School at York University.

The companies that figure their supply chains out and understand what's embedded in the products that they sell, and the production processes that they use to make those products, are going to come out ahead.

Larry Fink, CEO of the world's largest money manager BlackRock, made waves in 2020 by telling company executives that " climate risk is investment risk." And investor activism on the subject is rising, with shareholders in companies like Exxon Mobil enacting boardroom shakeups to appoint directors who are more likely to take climate risk into account when guiding the future of the company.

Pressure on fashion companies has been less public, but scrutiny of the sector is growing. For instance, Allbirds had to drop some of its sustainability claims when it went public late last year due to SEC objections. The company said the changes reflected the regulated process involved in going public and that it remains committed to achieving its sustainability goals.

While it will take time for all the implications of these rules to become clear - the UK law just came into effect this month, and the US regulation is currently in a public comment period - long-term, they are expected to empower investors to financially reward companies that are more forward-thinking about climate risks and opportunities.

"Investors are being pretty aggressive about making companies adopt net-zero goals," said Madison Condon, associate professor of law at Boston University. "So these two forces working together means that as companies start to adopt net-zero goals, they're going to start having to make them more real and reflected in their financial statements if they're going to be allowed to keep saying them."

Brands that are slow to take action may find themselves less attractive to investors.

"A smart fashion industry executive probably doesn't want to bet on 'nothing's going to be required of me in terms of thinking about my emissions,'" said Dan Firger, the managing director of Great Circle Capital Advisors and former leader of sustainable finance and climate programs at Bloomberg Philanthropies. "The companies that figure their supply chains out and understand what's embedded in the products that they sell, and the production processes that they use to make those products, are going to come out ahead in the medium- to long-term - and be better positioned for the future."

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Why Climate Risk Is Moving Up the Agenda for Fashion Investors

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Fashion executives looking to raise money are schooled in talking up their sales projections, brand penetration and sell-through rates. But increasingly, there's a new metric investors want to know about: exposure to climate risk. The issue's relevance has been fuelled by a potent mix of rising consumer demand, international policy signals and immediate business threats created by increasingly frequent environmental disasters.

# data[].attributes.body
I completed the online recorded interview which was extremely helpful in outlining what key points I wish to get across in real interviews. It also allowed me to pick up on my weak points and improve them before my real interview on Monday.