# data[].attributes.body
NEUTRALS

# data[].attributes.body
This week i started to look into my project and what i would like to focus on. During lockdown in December i started up my own online clothing brand 'La Mode Couture' and decided i wanted to focus my inp on my brand to develop it in real life as well as bringing it into my collage work. For the concept i decided to focus on the idea of a collaboration for Autumn Winter 21, focusing on a upcycled range with the main focus being upcycled jackets and then pieces to go with them using vintage pieces and recycled fabric and materials.
I decided to focus on an upcycled range as the sustainable fashion industry has become a main growing part of the industry and is a massive factor for people when buying in the industry. My brand LMC does not have a sustainable range at the moment i just work on a supply and demand base so there is no overstock and only buy in when i know they will sell, therefore this will be a great next step for the brand.
i started to research the chosen influencer and add in information about my brand.
i also started my planning document.
When putting together my padlet i decided to have the collum 'brand information' instead if 'brand research' as its my brand i do not need to research the brand itself however i will include all the necessary information.

# data[].attributes.body
My brands website link:

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
UK Online store ~ "𝙐𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙛𝙖𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙩𝙤 𝙞𝙣𝙨𝙥𝙞𝙧𝙚 𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝘾𝙤𝙪𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚 𝙂𝙞𝙧𝙡 𝙩𝙤 𝙘𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙤𝙬𝙣 𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝 𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙗𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙇𝙖 𝙈𝙤𝙙𝙚 𝘾𝙤𝙪𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚".

# data[].attributes.body
This week we focused on competitor research for brands that are similar. Even though my brand is online only i still need to compare it to competitor high street brands such as Zara, Bershka, Primark... As i want my brand to grow to a level that is similar to the highstreet stores that do well online as well. To do this research i went to Oxford street to go around the stores, i visited Zara to see the layout of the store and to see how customers shop, i asked a few of the other customers if they prefer to shop online or in store and the majaority said online. They said online as it is quicker and easier to go online and purchase something that will arrive at your house instead of finding the time to go out into the shops. There is also a bigger selection of clothing online than in the stores.

# data[].attributes.body
This week i am going to focus on finishing my planning document and uploading it to canvas.
i will also complete my brand summary.
we listened to a sustainability talk so i took down helpful notes that i can bring into my project as i am including sustainability in my range. - covid has not put the sustainability agenda on hold it has encouraged it more.
Worked on my competitor research for the comp shop part of the project as well as the influencer research.

# data[].attributes.body
i have chosen to work with the social media influencer/ content creator, sophie murray, she has 125k plus followers on her instagram where she showcases her outfits and style, her autumn/winter posts focus on her jackets and coats, she has a lot of statement pieces too.

# data[].attributes.body
she also has a youtube channel where she regularly posts outfit hauls

# data[].attributes.body
The main go to jackets this season:

# data[].attributes.body
Competitor brand - found on ASOS marketplace.
small business.
PRICING-  £5-£60
PRODUCT RANGE-
SIZING- majority of products are size s-xl, or up to a size 12.
SUSTAINABILITY- no mention of sustainable fashion.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Welcome to the new SheSins.

We're 2 years into our journey and what a long way we've come. Our latest 2 collections, 'Baesics' & 'Baesics: Comfort', embody our own personal style for the season ahead. We really listened to you guys with these ones. For the first time, we've stepped away from the classic festival and streetwear style, bringing you a combination of wardrobe staples, neutral colours and 'model off-duty' fits. We're so excited to be on this journey with you - make sure you sign up to our mailing list to be the first to know what's happening next! We hope you love our new collection.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Welcome to the new SheSins. We're 2 years into our journey and what a long way we've come. Our latest 2 collections, 'Baesics' & 'Baesics: Comfort', embody our own personal style for the season ahead. We really listened to you guys with these ones.

# data[].attributes.body
Competitor brand - found on ASOS marketplace.
small business.
PRICING-  £13-£50
PRODUCT RANGE-
SIZING- S,M,L on majority of items.
SUSTAINABILITY- no mention of sustainable fashion.

# data[].attributes.body
Competitor brand - found on ASOS marketplace.
small business.
PRICING- £10-£35
PRODUCT RANGE-
SIZING- xs- xl (majority of products are size s-l).
SUSTAINABILITY- no mention of sustainable fashion.

# data[].attributes.body
WEBSITE: https://shesins.com/
INSTAGRAM: @shesins
FOLLOWERS- 45K plus
FEED- very aesthetic and pay a lot of attention to the look and theme, a clear theme throughout.
TIKTOK: @shesins, 17.8k followers.

# data[].attributes.body
Here is an example of a youtube video she made showing her AW wardrobe from 2020.
She also has a whole series of "what's in my wardrobe" videos where she regularly shows her subscribers and followers her new pieces and the clothes she's wearing.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
AUTUMN WINTER STYLING HAUL | ASOS, ZARA, MOTEL ROCKS

# data[].attributes.headline
EXAMPLE 'WHAT'S NEW IN MY WARDROBE VIDEO'

# data[].attributes.subject
EXAMPLE 'WHAT'S NEW IN MY WARDROBE VIDEO'

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
WHAT'S NEW IN MY WARDROBE | 2021 | MOTEL ROCKS, ZARA, ASOS

# data[].attributes.headline
PINK & FLARE ONLINE PRESENCE & SOCIAL MEDIA

# data[].attributes.subject
PINK & FLARE ONLINE PRESENCE & SOCIAL MEDIA

# data[].attributes.body
WEBSITE: https://www.pinkandflare.com/
(found the website very slow and difficult to use)
INSTAGRAM: @pinkandflare
FOLLOWERS: 9k plus
FEED: has a clear theme throughout the page, gives of cute summer vibes.
TIKTOK: @pinkandflare, 11 followers (doesn't use the account much).

# data[].attributes.headline
MISSIMI LONDON ONLINE PRESENCE & SOCIAL MEDIA

# data[].attributes.subject
MISSIMI LONDON ONLINE PRESENCE & SOCIAL MEDIA

# data[].attributes.body
WEBSITE: https://missimi.co.uk/
INSTAGRAM: @missimi.london
FOLLOWERS: 39k plus
FEED: looks visual and appealing but doesn't have much of a theme like the other accounts.
TIKTOK: @missimi.london, 850 followers.

# data[].attributes.body
@lamodecouture_
Carry out a theme throughout the page - important aesthetic to appeal more people to the page and then the website.
FOLLOWERS: 1050 plus
High impressions on each post and good interaction with the page.

# data[].attributes.body
Blazers are on of the majority trends.

# data[].attributes.body
@lamodecouture
FOLLOWERS: 168 (still a new account).
https://www.tiktok.com/@lamodecouture?lang=en
Posts behind the scenes content of photoshoots and new collection launches as well as new in stock.

# data[].attributes.body
Ranges from a size 6- 14 in most items but will also see sizes xs- l instead of numbers on some items.
Every item states in the description what size the model is in the photos for reference.

# data[].attributes.body
Starting price of £12 (not including sale).
Most expensive item on the website is £50, this is a puffer jacket.

ENTRY: £12
MID: £25
EXIT: £50

# data[].attributes.body
No dedicated sustainability information on the website but we run on a need to buy basis. This means we do not overstock on anything and can minimise having too much stock as once.
We buy in small amounts instead of bulk to insure we only stock on demand and then purchase more if it is needed and wanted.

# data[].attributes.body
Continue to work on the comp shop and customer profile, adding to my padlet for all research on each brand.
Cover pricing, product range, sizing, sustainability and online presence for each brand in the comp shop.
(my laptop broke and stopped working last week so it set me back a week in progress of work done).
After comp shop and customer profile are complete start to work on the trend/ mood board and SWOT/ PESTLE.

# data[].attributes.body
When making my customer profile for the range i went onto Acorn to research what types of people live where so i could choose an appropriate location. It came up that young professionals live in London

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Wrapped by the Thames and a riverside running and cycling track that passes the wetlands of the Peninsula Ecology Park and Greenwich Yacht Club, but just one stop from Canary Wharf, Upper Riverside mixes urban ingenuity with the pull of nature. Greenwich Peninsula is emerging as the capital's most boldly modern quarter, providing 15,000 new homes and 13,000 jobs.

# data[].attributes.body
Indeed jobs in pr management and communications.
Salary ranges from £25,000 to £45,000

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Fashion PR Jobs - April 2021 | Indeed.com

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Apply to Fashion PR jobs now hiring on Indeed.com, the worlds largest job site.

# data[].attributes.body
AW21 JACKETS & OUTERWEAR REPORT:
This report shows the key jacket trends that will be in for aw21 and the "relaxed blazer" is one of them. For my range i will be focusing on relaxed style blazers for the upcycling aspect.

# data[].attributes.body
"the relaxed blazer"

# data[].attributes.body
Even though this report is from aw 19/20 is shows that upcycling is being introduced meaning this year it can be developed more and made better.

# data[].attributes.body
NEUTRALS

# data[].attributes.body
my first choice for a print to include in the range is soft stripes. it is an upcoming trend that is being seen a lot by brands.

# data[].attributes.body
my second choice for a print is to include branding on some statement pieces. Branding is being seen a lot on brands this season including designer. Small businesses are also using branding to stand out from other similar businesses.

# data[].attributes.body
examples of fashion brands swots.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
A SWOT analysis is an evergreen technique to evaluate your company's status. As we've seen, it can be part of a vaster analysis scenario, the GAP one.

Why after more than 80 years since its first use, the SWOT analysis is still so crucial for businesses and industries all over the world?

Firstly, because of its simplicity. In fact, you don't need tools or complicated techniques to carry out one. A SWOT Analysis is a straightforward way for everyone in your organization to evaluate the current status of the enterprise, to appraise a product or a service or to set a future goal. In other words, a SWOT analysis assesses whatever you find most necessary for your business to achieve a certain objective.

Second, it is an excellent way of internal confrontation. In fact, for a SWOT analysis to be successful, it's better to collect the opinions of your employees, and managerial figures in order to understand the general sentiment towards a specific topic. It will be very rare to receive the same opinions, but still, it's a very useful way to cluster some collective visions.

So, does a fashion brand/business need a SWOT Analysis? The short answer is YES.

Now let's have a look at the long one.

Why a fashion business should carry on a SWOT Analysis

The Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats matrix is a useful tool for brands who operate in the fashion field.

As we've said, a SWOT Analysis is a great way to evaluate, for example:

your brand recognition in a more expanded fashion marketplace

the pros, and cons of growing your business globally

costs of labor and quality of the raw materials which you need

a new product, its market positioning, its production costs.

Moreover, you can really use a SWOT analysis to evaluate every aspect of your business.
Fashion, like other industries, consists of different operation fields, including creative departments, sales, distribution, production, logistics and so on. Each of these might face fluctuations and instability for an infinitive number of reasons.

A SWOT Analysis helps to:

prevent unpleasant situations

invest one's efforts to strengthen the business

embrace new opportunities

work on internal weaknesses

prevent external threats such as competitors or social or political factors, for example.

Let's see an example of how to perform a SWOT analysis for a fashion brand.

Examples of how to perform a SWOT analysis for a fashion brand

In general, a SWOT analysis is divided as follows:

Strengths are internal factors of the organization. They are positive elements that help the business to achieve its goals and objectives. These things are good for the company, and they have to be enhanced and maintained.

Weaknesses are also internal factors of the organization, but, clearly, they're harmful elements that somehow block the business from within to reach its goals. The negativity of these factors has to be stopped.

Opportunities are external factors over which the company doesn't have control but has to prioritize them, invest in them and capture them.

Threats are also external factors but negative ones. The business has to manage to avoid them or to mitigate them.

So, let's have a look at the below SWOT Matrix that sums up all these elements.

To better understand a SWOT Analysis in the fashion industry let's use a practical example. Let's take into consideration H&M and use the SWOT Matrix to analyze the overall brand's status and how it may improve its international presence, for example.

Let's make another example. Let's consider that you're a medium fashion brand, originally from the USA, but you're planning to expand your business in Europe, starting with the SER (South European Region) area.

You're doing great in the States, but after doing your research, you realized that your brand might be successful overseas.

You have an e-commerce, and your target groups are Millennials and Gen Z.

Let's have a look at how the SWOT grid might look like considering this scenario.
SWOT, GAP, Analytics, and grids are a bit too much for you? No worries!
Request your free consultation with our team. We'll be glad to analyze the current status of your company, the opportunities you shouldn't miss and how to generally improve your brand's presence and collect qualified leads thanks to inbound marketing.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
How a Fashion Business Can Perform a SWOT Analysis

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
A SWOT analysis is an evergreen technique to evaluate your company's status. As we've seen, it can be part of a vaster analysis scenario, the GAP one. Why after more than 80 years since its first use, the SWOT analysis is still so crucial for businesses and industries all over the world?

# data[].attributes.body
i went on the gov.uk website to check my business for the new brexit laws to see what might need to change.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
We use some essential cookies to make this website work.

We'd like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services.

We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Brexit checker results: what you need to do

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
We use some essential cookies to make this website work. We'd like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services. We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services.

# data[].attributes.body
This week was cut down to one day at college. I worked on developing the research for my influencer by including slide for her past A/W looks based off outfits that show similar items that will be included in the range. I also added in past LMC ranges that show our previous items.
We had a half way check in where we uploaded what we have completed so far.
Created my trend and mood boards along with chosen colour pallet and prints to go with the range.
I then started WGSN.

# data[].attributes.body
This week i am going to carry on developing my range and getting the range finished so i can start to work on the sourcing and merchandising part once the range is complete.
I will also work on my marketing plans for the range, including the 4 P's and different marketing methods.
We also had an industry insight session this week which i can use to add to my store knowledge.
On tuesday i finished making my range by adding the chosen colours

# data[].attributes.body
My chosen cads.

# data[].attributes.body
Adding colour to the cads.

# data[].attributes.body
I chose to put this pattern on the cropped utility jacket.

# data[].attributes.body
Using photoshop i chose to edit the cropped puffer jacket by removing the sleeves to create a puffer gilet for the range.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
What Is Polyester Fabric?

Polyester is a synthetic fabric that's usually derived from petroleum. This fabric is one of the world's most popular textiles, and it is used in thousands of different consumer and industrial applications.

Chemically, polyester is a polymer primarily composed of compounds within the ester functional group. Most synthetic and some plant-based polyester fibers are made from ethylene, which is a constituent of petroleum that can also be derived from other sources. While some forms of polyester are biodegradable, most of them are not, and polyester production and use contribute to pollution around the world.

In some applications, polyester may be the sole constituent of apparel products, but it's more common for polyester to be blended with cotton or another natural fiber. Use of polyester in apparel reduces production costs, but it also decreases the comfortability of apparel.

When blended with cotton, polyester improves the shrinkage, durability, and wrinkling profile of this widely-produced natural fiber. Polyester fabric is highly resistant to environmental conditions, which makes it ideal for long-term use in outdoor applications.

The fabric we now know as polyester began its climb toward its current critical role in the contemporary economy in 1926 as Terylene, which was first synthesized by W.H. Carothers in the UK. Throughout the 1930s and 1940s, British scientists continued to develop better forms of ethylene fabric, and these efforts eventually garnered the interest of American investors and innovators.

Polyester fiber was originally developed for mass consumption by the DuPont Corporation, which also developed other popular synthetic fibers like nylon. During World War II, the Allied powers found themselves in increased need of fibers for parachutes and other war materiel, and after the war, DuPont and other American corporations found a new consumer market for their synthetic materials in the context of the postwar economic boom.

Initially, consumers were enthusiastic about the improved durability profile of polyester compared to natural fibers, and these benefits are still valid today. In recent decades, however, the harmful environmental impact of this synthetic fiber has come to light in great detail, and the consumer stance on polyester has changed significantly.

Nonetheless, polyester remains one of the most widely-produced fabrics in the world, and it's hard to find consumer apparel that doesn't contain at least some percentage of polyester fiber. Apparel that contains polyester, however, will melt in extreme heat, while most natural fibers char. Molten fibers can cause irreversible bodily damage.

How Is Polyester Fabric Made?

The production processes used to make polyester may vary depending on the type of polyester is made:

Ethylene Polyester

Ethylene polyester (PET) is the most commonly-produced form of polyester fiber. The primary component of PET is petroleum-derived ethylene, and in the process of creating polyester fiber, ethylene serves as the polymer that interacts with other chemicals to create a stable fibrous compound.

There are four ways to make PET fiber, and the polyester production process varies slightly depending on which method is used:

1.Filament: Polyester filaments are continuous fibers, and these fibers produce smooth and soft fabrics.

2.Staple: Polyester staples resemble the staples used to make cotton yarn, and like cotton staples, polyester staples are usually spun into a yarn-like material.

3.Tow: Polyester tow is like polyester filament, but in polyester tow, the filaments are loosely arranged together.

4.Fiberfill: Fiberfill consists of continuous polyester filaments, but these filaments are produced specifically to have the most possible volume to make bulky products like pillows, outerwear, and stuffing for stuffed animals.

The process of creating polyester fiber begins with reacting ethylene glycol with dimethyl terephthalate at high heat. This reaction results in a monomer, which is then reacted with dimethyl terephthalate again to create a polymer.

This molten polyester polymer is extruded from the reaction chamber in long strips, and these strips are allowed to cool and dry, and then they are broken apart in to small pieces. The resulting chips are then melted again to create a honey-like substance, which is extruded through a spinneret to create fibers.

Depending on whether filaments, staple, tow, or fiberfill fibers are desired, the resulting polyester filaments may be cut or reacted with various chemicals to achieve the correct end result. In most applications, polyester fibers are spun into yarn before they are dyed or subjected to other post-production processes.

PCDT Polyester

The process of creating PCDT polyester is similar to the process of creating PET polyester, but this polyester variant has a different chemical structure. While PCDT also consists of ethylene glycol reacted with dimethyl terephthalate, different production processes are used to make these two common polyester variations.

Plant-Based Polyester

Most types of plant-based polyester are also made from ethylene glycol reacted with dimethyl terephthalate. While the source of the ethylene used in PET and PCDT polyester is petroleum, however, producers of plant-based polyester use ethylene sources like cane sugar instead.

How Is Polyester Fabric Used?

It's important to recognize that the PET used to make polyester fabric is the same type of petroleum-based plastic used to make many of the synthetic consumer products we use in our daily lives. For instance, this plastic is used to make food containers, water bottles, and a variety of other types of industrial and consumer products.

In its fiber form as polyester fabric, however, PET is used in hundreds of different consumer applications. Traditionally, PET has been used as an alternative to cotton, and in some applications, it may also serve as a reasonable alternative to other natural fibers like wool and silk.

Essentially, anything made from cotton can also be made with polyester. From everyday shirts and pants to glamorous eveningwear, the apparel applications of polyester fabric are endless. Manufacturers use polyester fabric to make suits, jackets, socks, underwear, and pretty much anything that you can wear for casual, business, or formal occasions.

Additionally, manufacturers also use polyester to craft various homewares. In particular, a type of polyester called microfiber has gained prominence in the bath and kitchen homeware categories. Consumers value the softness and absorbency of microfiber in applications like bath towels, face towels, and kitchen towels. Manufacturers may also use polyester to make homewares like blankets, rugs, upholstery, and curtains.

Polyester fabric may be used as cushioning for chairs, sofas, and pillows, and due to the impressive stain-resistance of this material, many parents and pet owners prefer polyester products. Industrial applications of polyester include LCD displays, holographic film, boats, tarps, and bottles.

Where Is Polyester Fabric Produced?

According to a 2006 study, China is the largest producer of polyester fibers. China is also the world's largest polyester market, which makes this nation the hub of the international polyester industry.

Taiwan, Korea, India, Japan, and Indonesia are also major manufacturers of polyester, and some polyester production still occurs in the United States. Once polyester fibers are produced in China and other Asian countries, they mainly remain in Asia to be made into apparel and other polyester-based consumables. From there, these finished pieces of polyester apparel are exported to various nations in the Western world and beyond.

How Much Does Polyester Fabric Cost?

The current price of raw polyester fiber is approximately $1 per pound, but this price rises and falls on a daily bases. Even accounting for minor fluctuations, polyester remains one of the most inexpensive textile products in the world, and this factor contributes greatly to its global popularity.

Once manufacturers have made polyester into fabric, its price rises to approximately $10 per yard. Producers of apparel and other polyester consumables then turn this fabric into final products, and these products are marketed to the consumer.

While the price differences between polyester and other fabrics equalize significantly by the time this fabric reaches the consumer market, low global prices of polyester have traditionally contributed to the overall popularity of this fiber in consumer apparel applications. The continued affordability of polyester keeps apparel prices down, but it also disincentives consumers from trying natural fibers with less harmful environmental impacts.

What Different Types of Polyester Fabric Are There?

To further your knowledge of polyester fabric, it's important to learn more details about the three major types of this textile:

1. Ethylene Polyester

Ethylene polyester, also known as PET, is the most popular type of polyester on the market. In most contexts, the word "polyester" is synonymous with "PET" even though other types of polyester exist.

2. Plant-Based Polyester

The main advantage of plant-based polyester is that this fabric is biodegradable. Plant-based polyester, however, costs more to make, and it may be less durable than its PET or PCDT textile equivalents.

3. PCDT Polyester

While PCDT polyester isn't as popular as PET polyester, it is more elastic, which makes it ideal for certain applications. PCDT polyester is also more durable than PET polyester, so this fabric is frequently preferred for heavy-duty applications like upholstery and curtains.

How Does Polyester Fabric Impact the Environment?

Polyester has a generally negative impact on the environment. From its production to its use to its disposal, this fabric has unfortunate environmental impacts at every stage of its use cycle.

To derive the basic materials used in the production of polyester, it's necessary to obtain fossil fuels, which are limited resources that are also used for vital energy and plastics production applications. The process of refining crude oil into petroleum introduces various toxins into the environment, which can harm living things both in the water and on land.

Once refineries have produced petroleum, further refinement processes are required to produce the ethylene that is used to make polyester. These extraction processes are wasteful, and they introduce more toxins into the environment.

The process of transforming ethylene into polyethylene terephthalate fibers produces more harmful synthetic byproducts, and the dyes and treatment processes used by polyester fabric manufacturers may also make their way into the surrounding environment and poison the area's ecosystems.

Furthermore, the manufacture of polyester often has significant social and cultural costs. The vast majority of polyester producers worldwide essentially engage in slave labor, and polyester workers are exposed to toxic chemicals that may cause neurological damage, cancer, or other potentially fatal conditions. Major polyester manufacturing companies are almost always owned by major international corporations, which enrich themselves while exploiting uneducated people in impoverished countries.

The environmentally harmful impacts of polyester continue as this fabric makes its way into the consumer market. According to a groundbreaking 2014 study, washing polyester fabrics by hand or in washing machines releases tiny synthetic microfibers into the water supply.

While acrylic fabric was found to be the worst offender in terms of microfiber pollution, polyester came in as a close second. Microfiber pollution in the water supply harms the health of marine life, and it also contaminates drinking water in locations all over the world.

As they do with all types of apparel, consumers inevitably discard their polyester garments. Unlike biodegradable fibers like wool, cotton, or silk, however, polyester does not naturally degrade in the environment. While it's impossible to know exactly how long polyester will remain in the Earth's ecosystems before it degrades, environmental scientists all agree that synthetic fabrics like polyester may take centuries to fully break down due to natural environmental conditions.

Overall, polyester harms the environment at every stage in its production, and it inevitably accumulates in the world's ecosystems with no viable methods for removing it. The advent of plant-based polyester fiber would seem to be a step toward reversing this unfortunate state of affairs, but it's unclear whether this alternative to petroleum-based PET alternative will gain traction within the textile market significant enough to make an impact on the polluting effects of polyester.

Polyester Fabric Certifications Available

Polyester fabric may be eligible for a variety of certifications, and recycled polyester is eligible for more certifications than new forms of this fabric. For instance, OEKO-TEX provides its Standard 100 certification for certain polyester textiles, and the Global Recycle Standard (GRS) certifies recycled polyester as genuine.

Other organizations, such as Intertek, also certify recycled PET fabric, and consumers may view certified recycled polyester more favorably. Since polyester is a synthetic fabric, however, it is not eligible for organic certification; even plant-based forms of polyester have gone through such significant chemical manufacturing processes that the organic status of the original plant materials is irrelevant.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
What is Polyester Fabric: Properties, How its Made and Where

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Polyester is a synthetic fabric that's usually derived from petroleum. This fabric is one of the world's most popular textiles, and it is used in thousands of different consumer and industrial applications. Chemically, polyester is a polymer primarily composed of compounds within the ester functional group.

# data[].attributes.body
fabrics to avoid and alternatives to use.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Sustainable Fabrics * Guide on the most ethical materials [2020] - SustainYourStyle

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
🌿What are the most sustainable materials? ⭐Check out our textile shopping guide to know what fiber productions have a low impact on the environment.

# data[].attributes.body
example brands that are using sustainable materials, they use recycled denim to help with denim production. As i am including jeans into my range i wanted to see how other brands are using sustainable denim.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
We are putting the leftovers to good use. Recycling reduces waste, saves energy, and reduces unnecessary use of virgin raw material. Here's where you'll find seasonal favorites made with recycled fibers: jeans, jackets, shirts, tees, and accessories.

When you turn your jeans in at your local Nudie Jeans Repair Shop, they either become part of our Re-use program, or they are recycled and become new material, which becomes new jeans.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
We are putting the leftovers to good use. Recycling reduces waste, saves energy, and reduces unnecessary use of virgin raw material. Here's where you'll find seasonal favorites made with recycled fibers: jeans, jackets, shirts, tees, and accessories.

# data[].attributes.body
For this week i focused on completing my range by making a washing line showing the products that i believe are the core, fashion and trend pieces in my range to help with my excel document. i also completed pricing architecture for my pieces to see which items are in the entry, mid and exit sections of my range. Once i completed the slides for my range plan i started to work on the excel document and got that finished on tuesday. in the excel spreadsheet i covered the colours, costs delivery dates etc. i also went into detail about  the colour mix, sizing and COO's.
I also need to go through the checklist to check what i have left to do before submission.

# data[].attributes.body
ideas for upcycling items.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Viewed from the outside, the fast-paced fashion industry appears to be all glitz and glam. There's a new trend to jump on every day, and that means store shelves are constantly being restocked with plenty of tantalizing new looks. Unfortunately, it's not so shiny behind the scenes. By keeping an eye on what you wear and the environment, learning how to upcycle clothes allows you to showcase your style and keep up with the latest trends without hurting the planet.

Upcycling creatively transforms the products you already own in order to cut down on waste. It's nothing new, but with global warming threatening the future, there's no better time to start doing it yourself. Creating a more sustainable closet requires little more than a few pieces of clothing you already own. A cozy old sweater can quickly be updated with a little imagination. Those jeans you haven't worn in years are just begging to be transformed into a cute pair of shorts or a denim skirt. A smattering of creativity can revive your tired wardrobe.

Plastic and material waste is a problem that plagues a variety of industries-and retail is no exception. More than 75 percent of the plastic produced in 2015 ended up in a landfills and more than 270 million tons pollute the world's oceans. In the same year, the fashion industry was responsible for 92 million tons of waste sent to landfills. That's just the beginning of the negative impact it has on the environment, though. Past studies have shown a ridiculous amount of waste is involved specifically with so-called "fast fashion." A garbage truck's worth of textiles is discarded every second. Yes, you read that correctly. That's 86,400 garbage trucks full of trash every day headed straight to the landfills.

Beyond the environmental impact that caused by discarded or unwanted articles of clothing, the process of producing enough clothing to keep up with demand is similarly damaging. According to the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe, the fashion industry produces 20 percent of global wastewater and 10 percent of global carbon emissions. To put that into perspective, that's more than the amount produced by all international flights. That wastewater, which can be incredibly toxic, is often dumped right into natural bodies of fresh water, hurting the aquatic life-and the people who depend on that water-due to the high amounts of lead, mercury, and arsenic, according to Sustain Your Style. Basically, when it comes down to it, the fashion industry isn't pretty.

Upcycling your clothing benefits the Earth and your wallet. Just think about how much money you can save when you DIY your latest style obsessions. Plus, you can't beat a craft night (to create something chic that doesn't feel the least bit crafty) when it comes to relieving some pent-up stress, right? When you're ready to give your closet a makeover, start with these 15 upcycled clothing ideas that are ready to for you to rock.

Upcycle clothes with these 15 genius DIYs

With the return of summer, we'll gladly welcome off-the-shoulder tops. But instead of splurging on the designer version and draining your bank account in the process, raid your own closet. In this DIY from A Pair & A Spare, all you need is a button-down shirt of your choice. Move around a few buttons, make a snip here and there, and you'll have a casual look you can pair with high-waisted jeans or your favorite shorts.

Side-stripe pants have been everywhere lately. Luckily, it's likely that you already own most of what you need to get the look. This DIY from Paper & Stitch teaches you how to create your own version on the cheap at home. Just grab an old pair of jeans, a 1-inch velvet ribbon in your choice of color, and some iron-on adhesive tape. After securing everything together, they'll look so fresh that everyone will be asking where you got them. (And probably begging you to make them a pair, too.)

If you have an old jacket you've been thinking about getting rid of, transform it into an on-trend sherpa jacket using chunky faux fur fabric. In this DIY from The Sorry Girls, you just need to use fabric glue to hold it all together. After making sure everything is secure, you can pair your new jacket with a pair of jeans and a cozy tee for brunch with friends.

Now, this upcycle clothes project is definitely a little more involved than others. But for little to no money at all, you'll wind up with a new-looking pair of flats that are sure to impress. In the tutorial from Shrimp Salad Circus, you just need a pair of plain shoes, pre-strung seed beads, acrylic paint, waterproof glue, and some tools. Oh, and-her words!-a glass of wine and some Law & Order for a night of craft therapy.

Why spend $70 on a new distressed denim jean skirt when you can just make your own in minutes? In this tutorial from YouTuber MeeraMeera, all it takes is a pair of oversized jeans. After removing the back pockets and cutting up the back of the center seam, then taking in fabric on the sides for a perfect fit, all it takes is some sewing to secure everything back together again. The final result is just like the staple you loved wearing in the '90s but better. (And, you know, also much cheaper.)

Who doesn't love pom-poms? You can easily give your sweater a fun upgrade with this DIY from Merrick's Art. Grab some yarn in your color of choice and embroidery thread, then use a fork to create the fluffy accessories quickly and effectively. After you reach the number you're looking to secure, you can attach them to your sweater. What was once a boring piece of clothing is now a quirky item people spend way too much money on for no reason.

Grab an old T-shirt to create a clever choker T-shirt. After you try this DIY from A Beautiful Mess and realize how flawlessly it can be done with a pair of scissors, piece of craft paper, a pen, curve ruler, and a handful of pins, you'll wish you would have gone the upcycle clothes route sooner. "I adore the built-in choker on tees as both a softer way to wear a choker (especially if you always feel like "real" chokers are, well, choking you) and a different way to show a little skin like you would with a scoop neck or v-neck tee," writes Laura Gummerman.

Yep, a pair of oversized pants can turn into a top this cute by taking the time to do it yourself. The wrap style looks great on every body and you can easily recreate this look using Paper Michey 's tutorial. After cutting the pants into the right pieces, it just takes some pins and basic sewing to transform it into a shirt. "This breezy wrap top pairs perfect with high waisted pants and skirts for a flawless look," she writes on her blog. "I was never a crop top kinda person until now. With this wrap top, I'm able to control how high or low I chose to wear it, which to me is versatility at it's finest."

You know those silky bomber jackets? It turns out all you need is an old oversized blouse to make one. In this tutorial from The Sorry Girls, transforming the piece of clothing involves a few snips, sewing on a zipper, and adding on some elastic cuffs. The final result looks nothing like what it started as. And, you probably saved yourself well over $100 by creating your own version.

Here's a shirt that certainly makes a statement. Another easy way to upcycle a plain T-shirt is to grab some embroidery thread and channel the beloved brand Read Receipts. After choosing the message you want to convey, use this tutorial from Look What I Made to perfectly stitch it onto your shirt-even if it takes a little practice to make it look how you want it. And don't worry: If you use a fabric market to trace out what you want before going for it, like this DIY project recommends, it makes it a lot easier to get a final result you adore.

How cute is this pleated dress? What started with an unflattering garment transformed into the ultimate closet staple for girly girls everywhere. There's quite a bit of sewing in this tutorial from YouTuber Sarah Tyau, but if you start with something that's already in your size, you can cut out a few steps.

To upcycle clothes with a method that couldn't be easier, just go to the craft store and grab some iron-on letters. This DIY project from A Pair & A Spare simply involves taking a plain old sweatshirt and making it feel new by ironing on your word of choice, like this French girl-inspired "bonjour." "Although I love a long, complicated DIY that involves a zillion steps, there's often something really really satisfying about a simple project that only takes a few moments but completely changes the look of something you already own," writes Geneva Vanderzeil.

The distressed, ram hem jeans look is so in right now and doing it yourself only takes about five minutes of prep. To upcycle a pair of jeans that's been hanging out in your drawer, this tutorial from Merrick's Art involves tracing your desired length, cutting off the bottoms, then running it through the washer and dryer for a natural fray.

There's really no reason to splurge on an expensive shirt with simple detail on the placket you can replicate yourself. It's so easy to upcycle something eye-catching from an item you already have on hand. In this DIY from A Beautiful Mess, a simple white button-up just needed a little fabric puff paint for total renewal. "I saw a photo of this really cute button-up shirt that had lashes embroidered over the top of each buttonhole, and I thought it would be such a fun DIY to add to my own shirt," writes Gummerman.

15. Cross front sweater

Once the weather gets a little warmer, this twisted sweater will become a must-wear. In this DIY from Paper Michey, you need an old baggy option that has a flat knit and is lightweight. After making some cuts and stitching things up, you'll wind up with a top that looks so good you'll forget you made it yourself.
These vegan winter coats are totally sustainable. Or, check out the private island that could become the sustainable wedding destination of your dreams.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
15 upcycled clothing ideas you'll actually want to wear

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Viewed from the outside, the fast-paced fashion industry appears to be all glitz and glam. There's a new trend to jump on every day, and that means store shelves are constantly being restocked with plenty of tantalizing new looks. Unfortunately, it's not so shiny behind the scenes.

# data[].attributes.body
VINTED - a website that sells second hand clothing listed by people who no longer want their clothing items. We could purchase our blazers off here for the upcycling.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Join a second-hand fashion community of more than 37 million members. Give pre-loved fashion a second life and make money selling items you no longer need.

# data[].attributes.body
We can include our upcyling aspect by purchasing from reselling platforms such as depop and vinted.
https://www.depop.com/

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Vinted | Sell and buy clothes, shoes and accessories

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
One community, thousands of brands, and a whole lot of second-hand style. Ready to get started? Here's how it works.

# data[].attributes.body
the pros and cons

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Made in the UK? The pros and cons of outsourcing clothing manufacture overseas

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Alison Lewy, author of Design Create Sell , our new guide for fashion start-ups, has already talked about how you go about selecting the right manufacturer for your fashion business. But should you use a UK supplier or one based overseas?It is usually practical and cost-effective to produce goods overseas if you are ordering large quantities, writes Alison (right).

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.provider_name
Elite Centre for Manufacturing Skills (ECMS)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
A PESTLE analysis is a very useful tool to analyse the key factors (Political, Economic, Sociological, Technological, Legal and Environmental) influencing a manufacturing organisation from the outside. It offers great insight into the external factors impacting their business. The analysis is relatively simple and flexible, so organisations can use it in a range of different scenarios. Managers and business improvement teams can use the results to guide strategic decision-making and also for developing new products. (example diversification).

A PESTLE analysis is a review of six external influences on an organisation:

Political: Tax policies; Grants, environmental regulations; trade restrictions and reform; tariffs; political stability, Brexit, Government policies, Local government policies, etc

Economic: World tariffs, Economic growth/decline; interest, exchange, inflation and wage rates; minimum wage; working hours; unemployment (local and national); credit availability; cost of living, cost of borrowing, etc

Sociological: fashion changes, Cultural changes; health issues; population growth rates; age distribution; career attitudes; health and safety, etc

Technological: New technologies are continually emerging (for example, in the fields of robotics and artificial intelligence), and the rate of change itself is increasing. How will this affect the organisation's products or services? New materials, new processes, etc

Legal: Changes to legislation impacting employment, international law, access to materials, quotas, resources, imports/exports, and taxation, UK, Local and International law changes, etc

Environmental: Climate change and the increased need to switch to sustainable resources; ethical sourcing (both locally and nationally, including supply chain intelligence), cleaning up the environment, (oceans, forests, air quality, etc).

Companies should analyse all these factors in order to gain insight into the external influences which may impact their strategy and business plans. Senior management need to assess any risks specific to their industry and organisation, and use that knowledge to inform their decisions and make policy changes.

The term PESTLE has been used regularly in the last decade or so and its true history is difficult to establish. Various other similar acronyms have been used, including ETPS, STEP, PEST, and STEEPLE (where the extra E stands for Ethical).

How to start

PESTLE analysis should start with thinking through and planning the process. This could take many steps. A senior team should be established composing all departments (multi-functional).

Identify the scope of the research. It should cover present and possible future scenarios, and apply to areas of the industry in which the business operates.

Decide how the information will be collected and by whom. Data gathered is often more rich in content when more than one person contributes to collecting it.

Identify appropriate sources of information. These could be stakeholders looking for people professionals to address specific issues or current policies that require updating.

Gather the information - it's useful to use a template as the basis for recording the information.

Brainstorm ideas.

Analyse the findings.

Identify which of these factors listed above are most important or could cause issues.

Identify the business specific options to address the issues, as demonstrated in the example template.

Write a discussion document for all the people involved.

Disseminate and discuss the findings with all decision makers.

Decide what actions need to be taken, and which trends to monitor on an ongoing basis. Develop an ACTION PLAN.

PESTLE analysis should be done on a regular or ongoing basis. Organisations that regularly and systematically conduct such analyses often spot trends before others, thus providing competitive advantage.

Some applications of PESTLE:
Workforce planning
Workforce plans is a process that aligns business and people strategies. A PESTLE analysis can help to identify disruptive changes to business models that may have a profound impact on the future employment landscape. Organisations are facing huge changes in their workforce from increased skills gaps, the creation of job roles that did not exist 10 years ago, and job reductions or displacement. This pace of change will only increase.
Marketing planning
As with business planning, a PESTLE analysis provides the essential element of 'climate' in the situation analysis phase of the marketing planning process. It can help prioritise business activities to accomplish specific marketing objectives within a set timeframe. For example Huge changes in how to market products using Social media have emerged in the last few years.
Product development
By offering insights on what's happening externally to an organisation, a PESTLE analysis can help you decide whether to enter or leave a route to market, determine whether your product or service still fulfils a need in the marketplace, or when to launch a new product. The idea generating phase using for example Brainstorming techniques could assist in coming up with new product ideas.
Organisational change
A PESTLE analysis can be a powerful activity for understanding the context for, and the potential areas of focus to make change successful. In this situation, PESTLE is most effective when used in association with SWOT analysis to provide information about potential opportunities and threats around labour changes; for example, skills shortages and current workforce capabilities.
People strategies
A PESTLE analysis can also be used as a framework for looking outside the organisation to hypothesise what may or may not happen in future.
Advantages:

It's a simple framework tool.

It helps with encouraging teamwork amongst the participants

It facilitates an understanding of the wider business environment and the competition.

It encourages the development of strategic thinking - linking it to business plans.

It can enable an organisation to anticipate future business threats and take action to avoid or minimise their impact. (Link to SWOT analysis).

It can enable an organisation to spot business opportunities and exploit them fully.

Disadvantages:

Some PESTLE analysis users oversimplify the amount of data used for decisions - it's easy to use insufficient data. Teams must collect full data before starting to analyse.

The risk of capturing too much data may lead to 'paralysis by analysis'.

The data used may be based on assumptions that later prove to be unfounded.

The pace of change makes it increasingly difficult to anticipate developments that may affect an organisation in the future.

To be effective, the process needs to be repeated on a regular basis, and this can be time consuming for some organisations.

PRIMO BUSINESS SOLUTIONS - PESTLE WORKSHOPS

Primo Business Solutions will be running online and classroom based practical workshops with the ECMS. The workshops will provide guidance and templates to make each session very hands on and related to each organisation. Workshops will concentrate on coming up with new product ideas to meet the changing environment (PESTLE).

The workshops will ideally be running throughout the upcoming 3 months. So please contact ECMS by email enquiries@theecms.co.uk if you're interested in attending.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Using PESTLE Analysis To Develop New Products In The Manufacturing Industry - Elite Centre for Manufacturing Skills (ECMS)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
A PESTLE analysis is a very useful tool to analyse the key factors (Political, Economic, Sociological, Technological, Legal and Environmental) influencing a manufacturing organisation from the outside. It offers great insight into the external factors impacting their business. The analysis is relatively simple and flexible, so organisations can use it in a range of different scenarios.