What is Brainstorming? "Brainstorming is a creative problem-solving technique with the goal of generating as many new and innovative ideas to solve a problem or challenge. Brainstorming often takes place in an informal, relaxed setting, where participants are encouraged to share their thoughts freely, build upon the ideas of others, and explore a wide range of possibilities." How to Facilitate a Brainstorming Session from Mural.co Why take the time for Brainstorming sessions? Creativity Enhancement: Brainstorming encourages the generation of diverse ideas, fostering creativity in fashion design. Collaborative Synergy: Allows designers to collaborate and build upon each other's ideas, leading to innovative concepts and solutions. Variety of Perspectives: Incorporates viewpoints from team members with different backgrounds and expertise, enriching the design process. Problem Solving: Helps identify and address design challenges by exploring various angles and potential solutions. Team Building: Fosters a sense of camaraderie and teamwork among designers, enhancing morale and productivity. Efficiency: Streamlines the design process by rapidly generating multiple ideas and narrowing down options for further development. Risk Mitigation: Encourages experimentation and exploration of unconventional ideas, reducing the risk of stagnation in design concepts. Client Satisfaction: Ensures design concepts align with client preferences and requirements through early feedback and iteration. Innovation Catalyst: Sparks inspiration and facilitates the discovery of unique design elements or trends, setting fashion brands apart. Continuous Improvement: Promotes a culture of constant learning and improvement within design teams, driving long-term success in the industry. In the ever-evolving world of fashion, collaboration is critical. Whether you're working on a new collection, a creative project, or a marketing campaign, bringing together minds from different backgrounds can spark innovation and lead to extraordinary results. However, brainstorming effectively as a team requires structure, strategy, and open-mindedness. This guide will explore collaborative brainstorming tailored explicitly for fashion designers, offering tips and techniques to facilitate successful and efficient sessions. Design How To: Successful Brainstorming Steps: 1. Define Clear Objectives: Before diving into a brainstorming session, defining clear objectives is crucial. What specific problem are you trying to solve? Are you seeking inspiration for a theme, fabric choices, or marketing angles? By outlining your goals beforehand, you provide focus and direction to the brainstorming process, ensuring everyone is aligned and working towards a common purpose. 2. Curate Diverse Perspectives: Fashion thrives on diversity, and the same applies to brainstorming sessions. Invite individuals from various backgrounds and disciplines to participate, including designers, marketers, stylists, and even consumers. Each person brings a unique viewpoint and set of experiences to the table, enriching the brainstorming process with fresh ideas and insights. 3. Create a Stimulating Environment: The setting in which you conduct your brainstorming session can significantly impact its success. Choose a space that fosters creativity and encourages collaboration, whether a bright studio, a cozy café, or an outdoor garden. Consider incorporating visual stimuli such as mood boards, fabric swatches, and fashion magazines to inspire creativity and spark conversation. 4. Embrace Divergent Thinking: Brainstorming is all about generating many ideas, no matter how wild or unconventional they may seem. Encourage participants to think outside the box and explore various possibilities without judgment or restraint. Remember, the goal is to quantity ideas during this phase, deferring judgment until later stages of the design process. 5. Foster Open Communication: Effective communication is essential for a successful brainstorming session. Create a safe and inclusive environment where all participants feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and contributing to the discussion. Encourage active listening, respectful dialogue, and building upon each other's ideas to fuel momentum and creativity. 6. Utilize Brainstorming Techniques: There are several brainstorming techniques that fashion designers can employ to generate ideas effectively. Some popular methods include: Mind Mapping: Visualize ideas and their connections using a central concept or theme as a starting point.. Check out our "star" tool in article; 3-Steps of Mind Mapping for Successful Design Thinking Role Playing: Step into the shoes of different personas (e.g., a celebrity or a historical figure) to generate diverse perspectives. Storyboarding: Create a visual narrative of your ideas through sketches or collages to visualize the design concept. Experiment with different techniques to find what works best for your team and the specific objectives of your brainstorming session. 7. Document and Evaluate Ideas: As ideas flow during the brainstorming session, document them systematically. For later reference, capture critical points, sketches, and insights on a whiteboard, flipchart, or digital platform. After the session, evaluate the generated ideas based on relevance, feasibility, and alignment with your objectives. Refine and prioritize the most promising concepts to advance in the design process. 8. Follow Up and Iterate: A successful brainstorming session is just the beginning of the creative journey. Follow up with participants to review the outcomes, gather feedback, and iterate on the ideas generated. Keep the momentum going by scheduling regular check-ins and refining the concepts collaboratively as you progress toward bringing your vision to life. Collaborative brainstorming is a powerful tool for fashion designers seeking to innovate and push the boundaries of creativity. By defining clear objectives, curating diverse perspectives, fostering open communication, and utilizing effective techniques, you can unlock the full potential of your team and generate groundbreaking ideas that resonate with your audience. Embrace the process, trust in the collective wisdom of your team, and prepare to embark on an exhilarating journey of creative exploration and discovery.

Hello Dear Friends, Sometimes, it can be disheartening to take a closer look at the industries we love, including fashion. Wage equity, waste, environmentally harmful practices — almost every industry has players who weigh profits over all else, to the detriment of the planet and its inhabitants. That’s why this speakers panel at Oregon’s Women’s Entrepreneurship Day was a breath of fresh air! We are filled with positivity and excitement about what the future holds. Every tiny step we make towards better practices creates a ripple effect, leading to positive change! Have Wings, Will Travel: WEDO Panel Event Have Wings, Will Travel was led by sustainable sourcing expert Angela Dean, Director, Ethical Sourcing at ARCHE. Panelists include Prabha Rathinasabapathy, founder of SOMO London, Kelly Peyton, founder of Ma Wovens, and Georgia Lee Hussey, CEO, and founder of Modernist Financial. All innovators in their respective industries gathered to discuss mission-driven sourcing and socially responsible ways of running a business. They covered topics from the ethics of sourcing, the impact of production waste, money management, making headway in male-dominated industries, and more. Ma Woven Yoga Mat Watch our recording of this educational and inspirational panel talk from these amazing women. Get ideas and your own wheels spinning for the future of your work and business endeavors. There’s also a light look at what it means to be – and what it might take to become — a B corporation business (a Benefit Corporation, aka B Corp). Certified B Corporations are businesses that meet high and verifiable standards of social and environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability to balance profit and purpose. Learn tactics from women entrepreneurs who are striving to make a positive social impact in areas like racial wealth inequality, environmentally-sustainable sourcing, and other mission-driven business practices. Discover how their real-world businesses are managing the delicate balance of people, planet, and profits. Women's Entrepreneurship day! November 19th, 2022. Here's how you can participate this year. Join the virtual event HERE (scroll down to find the free RSVP) Who Should Join? Are YOU passionate about making the world a better place for WOMEN? If yes, we invite you to join this year’s #WEDO2022 Summit IN-PERSON as well as you can VIRTUALLY from the comfort of your own home! You will be inspired by wonderful speakers and experience a priceless networking opportunity to mingle with the most wonderful people in the world! Your participation will bring awareness to the importance of economically empowering WOMEN globally, as well as taking action to support the following United Nations Six Sustainable Development Goals! At IFD we love socially-minded businesses! If you have a favorite environmentally and/or socially responsible business in the fashion industry, let us know! We’d love to hear and share the story.

Lajeans Top Career Tips Lajean Lawson is the world’s leading expert in sports bra science and design. Her career has spanned over 3 decades of consulting, biomechanical research, prototyping, and development, and over the years she’s learned a few life lessons. As part of the 40th birthday of the Jogbra, the first commercial sports bra, we thought we’d ask a few questions of the woman whose sports bra career has lasted nearly as long. LaJean offers tips for obtaining skills that can get you into the apparel science game and help keep you there! You’ve had an amazing career in research and development for sports apparel and wearable technology. What skills do you feel are necessary for your type of career? A really strong sense of curiosity and tenaciousness about problem-solving. A strong background in all things apparel—design, development, production, marketing, and consumer behavior. Solid science background in areas that help to understand how the body moves and works. Good writing skills—I spend as much (or more) time writing to communicate valuable information as anything else. Basic drawing skills to communicate ideas. Skills as a ‘tinkerer’ to be able to prototype stuff: running a drill and a Dremel tool, cutting and joining plastics and all kinds of materials; soldering electronics; a wide range of construction methods besides sewing (gluing, laminating, riveting, etc) and skill in sewing unusual fabrics. My dad taught me a lot, and I’ve self-taught much more. A strong marketing sense. Public speaking skills, including the ability to think quickly in stressful media situations! What additional advice would you give someone entering into the apparel field, or wanting to get into a similar type of work? Start with a really solid academic program that teaches you history, art, culture, writing, and ‘thinking’ skills in addition to all aspects of apparel design, development, and marketing. Courses that give you a sense of the political, artistic, and cultural past are a rich source of inspiration about design and human behavior and how it evolves. Cultivating analytic skills helps you evaluate strategy and the soundness of your ideas, and writing/speaking expertise will give you the power and ability to communicate them. Have a really strong personal passion for the apparel category you work in. Me, as an enthusiastic life-long athlete I quickly encountered problems with sports bras that propelled me into studying them seriously so all women could have better bras and enjoy all the considerable mental, physical and emotional benefits of working out with less discomfort. That still motivates and drives me. Find mentors to guide, inspire and challenge you. Connect with industry groups and apparel/design alumni groups from your college/university. Network, network, network! Learn as much as you can from working within a larger company before going out on your own—make your mistakes and gain your insights on their dollar! Really go the extra mile in developing a compelling portfolio/resume. Find industry pros willing to seriously critique and help you refine and improve it. Thank you LaJean for more words of wisdom! Thank you, readers, for stopping by!

American designer Asher Levine is known internationally for his distinct aesthetic, particularly for menswear, and his custom work has been ordered by everyone from Lada Gaga and Beyonce to Cirque du Soleil. His work is a mixture of structural, technical design and draping techniques always with a future-forward lean, often creating silhouettes with a bit of sci-fi appeal. We are thrilled to announce Asher Levine is joining Inside Fashion Design for a special panel presentation for Design Week Portland 2019. Asher Levine Future Frontiers Crossing Boundaries of Innovation, Technology and Design What does this mean for the future role of designers, makers, and brands? Asher Levine understands innovation. Early in his career, he embraced fashion technology. He collaborated with MakerBot Industries to create the first-ever pair of 3D printed sunglasses, which then appeared on the runway during NYFW. Currently, his reimagining of the iconic biker jacket is now on display in The Museum of Modern Art’s “Items: Is Fashion Modern” Exhibit in New York. The jacket design includes safety aesthetics that wirelessly transmit the rider’s turn and brake signals, allowing the clothing to signal the rider’s movements. Light is diffused by textures inspired by microscopic images of butterfly eggs. Asher Levines Sketch His work is a combination of technological advancements and textile innovation. In a recent collection, Levine used cutting-edge body scanning technology and featured draped boiled wools, molded leather scales and accessories, exotic furs, and laser cut crepe silks for a mad-scientist-meets-luxe aesthetic. A few of his design hallmarks are intricate construction, molding and sculpting techniques. Asher will be joining IFD for Design Week Portlands event; Future Frontiers. Come join us to mix and mingle, see Ashers work and hear the discussion around Fashion and Technology The night will offer a showcase of design tools, creations, innovation, education and future technologies that enhance and empower designers, makers and brands. Who are some of the pioneers innovating in this space and how can they inspire and educate us? Will fashion and product design require creatives to work more closely with developers and engineers? Or will design tools be more diverse and accessible to all? How does technology inform sustainability? How can designers and makers stay competitive in the face of these trends? What education is needed to adapt to these evolving roles and responsibilities? Be sure to mark your calendar for: Future Frontiers Crossing Boundaries of Innovation, Technology and Design April 9, 2019 5:30pm–9:00pm Including exhibit, Cocktail Hour, networking, models, Vodka Infused Ice Cream, NightWood Society food & Panel discussion. Come join us for a chance to meet and greet these talented industry leaders. Ziba 810 NW Marshall St Portland, Oregon 97209

What is the handbag brand that’s innovating the industry? Meet behno. behno, which means “sisters” in Hindi, is an NYC-based handbag label whose mission is to redefine and bring sharp awareness to sustainability and ethics to fashion and to set a new standard for manufacturing for the garment trade that revolutionizes the way garment workers and artisans are treated, viewed, and employed. behno designs each collection to promote slow-fashion where consumers buy what they love for the years to come. The label also creates curated capsule RTW collections upon request and on a project basis to promote artisan and ethical techniques. behno is an innovator, launching initiatives like developing a textile that upcycles plastic bags and open-sourcing single-use plastic bags from New York City residents to make it. Setting the Standard behno works with Indian factories that incrementally implement The behno Standard at each one. The standard is broken down into six categories: health garment worker mobility family planning women’s rights worker satisfaction & benefits & eco-consciousness Learn more about the behno Standard and their philosophies here. OUR MISSION IS TO REDEFINE AND BRING SHARP AWARENESS TO SUSTAINABILITY AND ETHICS TO FASHION. WE ARE SETTING A NEW STANDARD FOR MANUFACTURING FOR THE GLOBAL GARMENT TRADE THAT REVOLUTIONIZES THE WAY GARMENT WORKERS AND ARTISANS ARE TREATED, VIEWED AND EMPLOYED. OUR AIM IS TO BECOME PART OF A GLOBAL MISSION THAT INSPIRES CHANGE, IMPROVES FACTORY CONDITIONS, QUALITY OF LIFE, AND SAFETY OF INDIVIDUALS IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES BY WORKING WITH INTERNATIONAL FACTORIES THAT ADHERE TO RIGID COMPLIANCES. OUR OBJECTS ARE MADE IN FACTORIES THAT INCREMENTALLY IMPLEMENT “THE BEHNO STANDARD,” A SET OF SIX GUIDING PRINCIPLES: Meet behno’s Founder Shivam Punjya is the founder and creative director of behno. Punjya founded the brand with the goal of addressing poverty and global health through traditional and non-traditional enterprise channels. Punjyaʼs professional experiences include luxury hospitality conglomerate InterContinental Hotels Group in London to GreatNonprofits.org, a tech-based nonprofit in the Silicon Valley. He oversees the brandʼs overall social and creative direction and positioning. Hear Shivam Punyja speak in person, at IFD’s Ethical Fashion Festival Nov 5-7 Get your all-access pass for $25.  $5 from every thicket goes to the United Nations Ethical Fashion Initiative.  Ticket holders gain access to the event for 6 months.

Author:  Derek Goodman, Contributing Writer & Entrepreneur The last 15 to 18 months have been disruptive for many people: family life, careers, personal lives were all turned upside down. As restrictions are being eased and life is opening up again, this is the perfect time to reboot your life. Inside Fashion Design (IFD) shares how to go about it. Start Small Living your best life sounds like a tall order but the secret is to start slowly and make small changes. Over time, all the small changes add up to a big life shift. Start by identifying areas of your life you would like to improve. This can become your roadmap towards living your best life. Keep on Learning How about gaining the confidence you need to step up your career a notch? One of the best ways to increase your confidence in your professional skills is to add to those skills. Learning something new and perhaps earning a formal qualification does not have to be stressful. Online learning is the answer. You can fit your courses around your schedule and start at a level that’s comfortable for you. For example, if you were working as an admin assistant before the pandemic hit, start by listing the additional skills you have already gained. Chances are that you can handle video conferencing software, manage several people’s schedules remotely, and keep the team together with the help of various collaboration tools. A great starting point would be to gain formal qualifications that recognize those skills. Take Your Career to the Next Level You will see results during your next performance review when your new qualifications help make your case for a promotion, a pay raise, or both. If you choose to leave your current job, newly gained qualifications improve your resume and your chances to be selected for an interview. If you are already familiar with online learning, consider studying for further qualifications that contribute to expanding your job opportunities. Adding skills like bookkeeping, business communication, and social media management to your repertoire can pave your way from admin assistant to executive secretary, as an example. Finding a course that is right for you may take some time. Consider your budget – there are plenty of free options available at the moment but it is often worth investing some money if you can afford it. With a budget in mind, look at the institutions offering the qualifications you are interested in. IFD offers some valuable resources for learning to get you started. Online-only learning facilities may have a curriculum that is built on the flexibility and convenience of learning at your own pace. Established institutions may add to the reputation of the qualifications you earn. Be More Confident As you are learning new skills, your confidence will grow. Confidence is not the same as arrogance, and if you feel that you are at a low ebb, it may take time to rise up. Investing this time is worth it. Where do you start? Mark your small achievements. This will help you believe in yourself and stretch your limits gradually. Next, you can set the bar a little higher and challenge yourself. Remember to recognize even small victories. You will notice that they outnumber the times when things don’t go your way. Most importantly, keep an eye on your goal whilst enjoying the journey towards it. Living your best life is a process rather than a target. Thank you Derek Goodman for contributing this article and advice. You may find Derek at: www.https://www.inbizability.com We appreciate you! Peace, Love, Blessings and Confidence to you! Reach out to share with us: design@insidefashiondesign.net #Liveyourbestlife #MentalHealth #SelfDevelopment #SelfConfidence

Can't make it live? Register and get access to the full replay for one week! New York Adventure Club | www.AdventureClub.com Did you know that the first photographic fashion layout in a magazine was instigated because of a dare? Fashion photography has come a long way since its introduction at the turn of the 20th century, but only thanks to a cadre of incredible photographers throughout the generations who've pushed the limits of technical capabilities and creativity. From mastering the staged photoshoot to capturing fashion "in the wild" on crowded city streets, it's time to explore the world of fashion photography starting from its humble beginnings. Join New York Adventure Club for the second of a two-part series surrounding the art of fashion photography — in Part II, we'll explore the evolution of fashion photography between the late 20th century to present day, through the lens of DSLR cameras and photo software that allowed fashion photographers to achieve new creative heights. Led by professional photographer Julien McRoberts, this virtual and educational experience will include: A deep dive into the transition of film photography to the digital age, thanks to a suite of revolutionary new tools The impact and contributions of some of the world's greatest fashion photographers in the digital era, including Annie Leibowitz, Stephen Maisel, Patrick Demarchelier, David LaChapelle, Bill Cunningham, and more A look at the era of glamorous mega shoots and productions A discussion of internal rifts within the fashion photography community, from the heavy use of photoshop programs to overall lack of diversity in models Peek behind the curtain to see what it takes to set up a fashion shoot for Vogue The great disruptors — a debate on the effect smart phones and social media has had on the photography industry Stick around afterward for a Q&A with Julien — any and all questions about fashion photography are welcomed and encouraged! Can't make it live? Don't worry, you'll have access to the full replay for one week! See you there, virtually! *Immediately upon registering, you will receive a separate, automated email containing the link to join this webinar **For the best possible viewing experience, please ensure you're using the latest version of your internet browser — Google Chrome is the most compatible. Exact technical requirements and a webinar user guide will be shared in the automated confirmation email upon registration. ***A full replay of the experience will be available to all registered guests for up to a week About Julien Julien McRoberts is a lifestyle brand and editorial photographer/producer based in New York City. Her unique ability to capture intimate cultural moments, places, and people has garnered her a wide variety of clients, including National Geographic Traveler, Calvin Klein Home, USA Today Magazine, Sunset Magazine, Variety, Marie Claire UK, and more. Much of Julien's work conveys a sense of the stolen glance, from the bustle of the streets of New York City to ancient Native American rituals. Born in the American West, this world is hardly foreign to Julien. “I have the West in my blood but feel equally as home in a fast-paced city environment,” she says. Her website is www.julienmcroberts.com. The Art of Fashion Photography Series Part I: 1850s to 1990s Part II: The Digital 2000s Testimonials "Julien has a great balance of detail and approachability. I love her clear, upbeat presentation style. I appreciated how she pointed out the details of what makes the photograph good or bad, and I also enjoyed the supplemental videos." -Jessica "I love more information regarding early photography." -Michael Disclaimer By attending a New York Adventure Club experience, you accept our terms of service. Photo Credits: Main Photo - Egor Vikhrev, Top Right - Jean Beller, Middle Right - Ben Scott, Bottom Right: J. Balla

Tips for Getting the Right Salary for You March 24th, 2021 is Equal Pay Day in the US, the day when women on average finally catch up to what men earned in a prior year (find out more about Equal Pay Day here). We know what a challenge getting paid your worth can be, which is why we’re sharing tips to help you negotiate the right salary for you. Do you have your own salary story or tips for advocating for yourself and getting paid? If so, we’d love to hear them. Tag us on social media @insidefashiondesign with your stories or email them to design@insidefashiondesign.net. Do A Salary Deep Dive You might start with the basics, using online tools like Glassdoor’s Know Your Worth or PayScale’s Salary Calculator. Sites like these can give you a pretty good idea of what to seek out in compensation. But to ensure you’re not going in with a salary ask that’s too low or too high (both bad!) you want to dig deeper into your industry. What skills does this particular job require and value? Can you speak with anyone in a similar position at this or another company? You don’t have to pry into what they make, simply ask, “What could someone in this position expect to make?” Be sure to ask multiple people if you can, as salary gaps exist between men, women, POC and more, and could affect the numbers you are hearing. Know Your Worth It’s time to get real with yourself and make a frank assessment of your own skills and experience. Your past performance reviews can reveal how managers have viewed your work. Notice your strengths and weaknesses then think about what you’ve done to work on these weaknesses since then. Seek endorsements from previous employers — If you left on friendly terms, ask your former manager what makes you a desirable candidate so you can share that with the new hiring manager. Showcase your work with a fabulous portfolio. Building a great portfolio deserves a deep dive of its own, but the basics include inspiration moodboards that show your research and process, sketches if you have them, digital fashion flats, and a sample of your tech pack work if you have it. Good quality photos of finished garments are a plus. Think of your portfolio as a way to show not just what you can create but how you do the work. Talk it Out Whether you’re negotiating salary at a new job or hoping for a raise at your current one, think of it as a collaboration. Everyone is looking to get value on both sides of the equation. You might ask a hiring manager what the most valuable skills are to have for this position. Ask questions about how pay is determined and what you can work on to create opportunities for advancement in the future. Find out more about the ideal starting expectations and eventual goals for the role. This will help both you and your manager discover the right fit for you as well as what you can bring to the position. I hope this article is helpful to you- have your own tips on equal pay and salaries within the industry? May peace and plenty bless your world With a joy that long endures And may all life’s passing seasons Bring the best to you and yours.  An Irish Blessing Enjoyed this article?  Share with a friend! Have a comment or a story to share?  Please send us a note- we love to hear from our readers! Design@insidefashiondesign.net

Ca Can't make it live? Register and get access to the full replay for one week! New York Adventure Club | www.AdventureClub.com Practical and frivolous. Primitive and high tech. Refined and monstrous. Since the early days of early human civilization, shoes have not only served as protection for our precious feet, but have also become our most important accessory of self-identity and self-representation. But how did shoe style and construction of the past differ from what we know and wear today? It's time to travel back in time and around the world to see how shoe fashion and function has evolved right under our feet. Join New York Adventure Club as we lace up for a fast-paced exploration through the complete history of footwear and its evolution throughout the ages. Led by NYC Licensed guide Deborah Blau, our virtual journey through 10,000 years of shoe design and cultural will include: Shoe aesthetics and craftsmanship from past eras, including Baroque, Renaissance, and Victorian How shoes purpose and meaning varied throughout different global cultures, from Greek sandals used as walking billboards to the practice of foot binding in Chinese Examples of brilliant shoe engineering techniques and clever uses of raw materials The impact of footwear on feminism, class mobility, and power dynamics A look at some of the wildest shoe designs from ancient to modern times A discussion surrounding the future of shoes and pivotal role technology will play Afterward, we'll have a Q&A session with Deborah — any and all questions about shoes are welcomed and encouraged! Can't make it live? Don't worry, you'll have access to the full replay for one week! See you there, virtually! *Once registered, you will receive a separate, automated email containing the link to join this webinar **For the best possible viewing experience, please ensure you're using the latest version of your internet browser — Google Chrome is the most compatible. Exact technical requirements and a webinar user guide will be shared in the automated confirmation email upon registration. ***A full replay will be available after the experience for all registered guests About Deborah Blau Deborah Blau is an artist and NYC tour guide who loves walking, dancing and shoes. She celebrates the magnificence of human anatomy and the creativity of the human mind. As a licensed tour NYC guide and board member of the Guides Association of New York City, she finds joy guiding visitors through NYC; a place with style in the streets and style in the shops. In her 20s she was a fashion illustrator. In her teens, she taught ballet in a small Canadian town. Forty years later, she performed in a dance movie called Girl Walk All Day. https://www.girlwalkallday.com/chapters-page And now you’ll find her, showing off her beloved city at: www.bigmouthbigcitytours.com Testimonials "Our host was engaging, informed, and shared with us with a really well planned and visually appealing presentation." -Claudia "Delightful, fast paced story telling at its best. Puns included." -Dr Arlene "Brilliant visuals, great exposition on the development and meaning of shoes and their fashions, lots of interesting, previously unknown facts. Well presented." -Linde "Learned a lot....interesting information presented in an entertaining way." -Carol "LOTS of slides! Lots of great information. I am a shoe aficionado and have read several books on shoes but I learned a lot from this webinar." -Sandy "The historical aspects of shoe wearing was very interesting." -Donna "Great history. The presenter was knowledgeable and fun!" -Peter "It was very informative and interesting. The presenter was knowledgeable and clearly enjoys her subject." -Ruth "The subject, the way the leader covered the subject chronologically, the images she used and the nice pace she used so she didn't dwell too long on any image." -Susan "Great content, liked the part of shoes of each decade." -Noelle "Informative and also fun. I learned a lot and the visuals were great." -Marilyn "Amazing researched slides. So much I never saw in my life!" -Joan "So so fascinating, combining shoe fashions with history and even language. The illustrations were fabulous. I think it was brilliant." -Sandra Disclaimer By attending a New York Adventure Club experience, you accept our terms of service. Categories: Virtual, Art & Entertainment Main Photo: Bithin Raj

Article written by  Guest Contributor, Sofia Burner for insidefashiondesign.com Trends Aren’t Everything 2020 was all about figuring out what’s essential and what isn’t — and that includes the way we dress. Before the pandemic, fast fashion was king. Instead of seasonal fashion collections, brands like Zara were releasing 24 collections per year, with H&M putting out anywhere between 12 and 16. Clothes went out of style every two weeks or so, which kept consumers buying and disposing of garments just as rapidly. The pandemic upended the fast fashion model. 2020 was the year of comfortable clothing that can be worn around the house. Sweatpants and athleisure were big winners, as well as what’s since been dubbed ‘Zoom fashion’ — or clothing that looked professional on a webcam but are still comfortable enough to lounge around the house in. Loungewear may be basic but these trends are expected to continue, according to the research firm NPD Group. Designers can create with an eye on durability and comfort as consumers continue to buy long-lasting loungewear in place of fast fashion garments. Fashion influencers were quick to jump on this bandwagon. Many began posting images of themselves in loungewear, some even putting out an entire clothing line of comfortable house wear. The amount of engagement these influencers received suggests that there are still homebound fans interested in the current fashion trends — of which there’s been a clear shift from style and design to comfort and practicality. And it’s safe to say that, these days, many people are more interested in pajamas than designer tops. E-commerce is King The NPD Group also predicted that online sales will make up 30% to 35% of industry sales over the following months. This highlights that while physical stores are closing e-commerce is very much alive. Platforms like Shopify have been instrumental in moving fashion products for small and independent brands. Meanwhile, major retailers have set up their own e-commerce platform to try and win back sales they have lost to the pandemic. With a smooth digital transition, rapid adaption to change, and an ever-growing market, fashion brands can be poised to weather the pandemic. The pandemic has changed the way we advertise On a related note, the growth of e-commerce highlights the growing need for digital marketers. In the digital landscape, promoting goods and services can go largely unnoticed if not done efficiently, which is why digital marketing has very quickly climbed the ranks of the most sought after skills in the post-COVID-19 world. This is reflected in how widely the subject is now taught, with top universities around the country offering it as an online course. Those who pursue an online marketing degree are able to blend innovative new strategies with the latest technology, which is seen in how retail is finding new ways to connect with consumers. One example of this is Nike. Instead of advertising a new product, they opted to share a post on social media that urged people to stay in their homes. Other brands, like Allbirds, announced that for every item a customer bought, they’d donate the same item to a health worker. These are just a few examples of how brands are adapting their marketing campaigns to fit the times. Fashion can be kinder to the planet The fashion industry is one of the biggest contributors to global carbon emissions. Clothing production has multiplied over the last two decades because of the growing demand in fashion. But manufacturing the garments themselves is not the only way the industry harms the planet. Disposal, too, is a major culprit to environmental destruction. Landfills are overflowing with clothing, which are then burned. This practice emits harmful gases and worsens climate change. But because of the decreased industrial activity, the planet was given a temporary respite. Greenhouse gas emissions declined by 7% since 2019, which is equivalent to 2.4 billion tons. The pandemic exposed how current practices are nowhere near sustainable, and they need to change All of these takeaways underscore that major changes need to happen within the fashion industry. The pandemic exposed how current practices are nowhere near sustainable, and they need to change. What consumers can do to help are support ethical brands like Hecho por Nosotros, opt for long-lasting garments, and be conscious of whom they support. https://www.hechoxnosotros.org/programs-and-initiatives Read more about Hecho for Nosotros here “You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you. What you do makes a difference and you have to decide what kind of a difference you want to make.” —Jane Goodall

Ethical Fashion Festivals participant, High Society Collection is a women-owned, small business creating highly designed jewelry for cannabis lovers. Most of the pieces are dual purpose and function as joint holders (or blunts). Each piece is made with love in Portland, Oregon. The potency of handmade jewelry stems from its connection to the designer and the maker. HSC creates slow and intentional jewelry in a world bombarded with fast fashion, love it or leaf it! HSC also uses thoughtful Sourcing and Production — Design, material purchase, and production processes have been carefully thought out to lessen harm to workers and to the environment. Check out some of our favorite pieces! MADE BY HAND “We value design and artisan-made slow fashion. Each HSC design is crafted in small batches by real hands (with love) in our Portland, Oregon studio. We source domestic made raw materials, chain and components with sustainability in mind. We employ healthy studio practices with minimal waste.” Shop High Society here Follow High Society Collection on Insta here! Join us this holiday season as we celebrate and support Ethical Fashion designers & brands. Just pop-in to our IG: insidefashiondesign and follow us to see all the posts & happenings In Portland? Stop by our in-person Holiday Pop-Up shop to hang out with us, see designer products and support small businesses RSVP here to receive announcements, updates and coupons!

Written by Contributing writer: Alyssa Strickland. Alyssa created millennial-parents.com for all the new parents on the block. On Millennial-Parents, she shares tips and advice she learns through experience and from other young parents in three key areas -- Education, Relationships, and Community. Starting your own business is an exciting step—especially if it's your first time. As a new entrepreneur, you can increase your odds of success by focusing on easy-to-implement business models that are low-investment and low-risk. There are also certain steps you should follow to help get your business off on the right foot. This guide covers everything you need to know. Select a low-risk business idea Look for low-risk business models that won't require a lot of upfront investment. Examples include consulting, drop shipping, and online tutoring. Starting an ecommerce store is another option. If you have a knack for fashion, you can even launch your own fashion design brand. Inside Fashion Design is a community of creative independent fashion designers where you can find support and inspiration. Define your brand To stand out from the competition, it's important to define your brand. This is especially true if you enter the flooded field of fashion. What makes your products different from the rest? General Assembly provides a guide to defining your brand, explaining that your brand should have emotional impact and espouse your values. Write a business plan Once you've defined what makes your brand unique, get it in writing. Create a business plan detailing your products and services, management structure, and marketing plan. You can use free online templates to write the document. A business plan will also be useful if you are planning to seek external funding, as anyone giving money to your company will want a concrete overview of what it does. Determine how to get the funding you need Traditional bank loans are one way to fund your business. However, you also have many other options, including crowdfunding, angel investors, and peer-to-peer lending. Before you start searching for funding, determine exactly how much you need. This involves tallying up all your foreseeable operational costs, including materials, supplies, staff, marketing, rent, utilities, and more. Get the necessary business technology You'll also need some tools and technology to maintain your business operations. For example, say you're planning to start a fashion brand and are opening an ecommerce store. Useful technologies include an ecommerce web building platform, an email marketing tool, and digital asset management software. A customer relationship management tool is also a must-have. Hire a support team It's important to have a supportive team to help you realize your business vision. Online marketplaces like Upwork make it easier than ever to find talent you need. You can browse profiles quickly based on skill set, price, and experience. In creative fields like fashion, it's especially important to view people's portfolios. This will give you a sense of what they're capable of. Invest in marketing Once the essentials of your business are in place, it's time to attract clientele. Marketing is the answer. If you're in a creative field like fashion, focus on visually-driven marketing techniques. Magento offers ideas like taking stunning photos of your products and partnering with relevant bad ambassadors who reflect your values. It's also important to ensure your website is mobile-friendly since many consumers rely on mobile. Starting your own business while pursuing your creative passion can be a dream come true. These tips can help you take the first steps towards achieving your goal. Thank you Alyssa for sharing your words of wisdom! We love hearing from our readers; Have a feature you would like to recommend? RECOMMEND A FEATURE STORY Want to be a featured maker or brand? SEND AN INQUIRY HERE Curious about advertising with us? SUBMIT AN INQUIRY HERE Curious about Design and Development services? REACH OUT TO US HERE Want to learn about our annual Ethical Fashion Festival and how you can get involved? EFF INQUIRES Want more content like this? Check out the Inside Fashion Design blog. You'll find resources covering everything from the creative side of the industry to business practicalities.