The Business of Fashion
Agenda-setting intelligence, analysis and advice for the global fashion community.
Agenda-setting intelligence, analysis and advice for the global fashion community.
LONDON, United Kingdom — A few weeks ago, we posted a provocative Op-Ed by BoF reader (and founder and publisher of Sourcing Journal) Edward Hertzman, who wrote that 'Made in the USA' is more hype than reality, arguing that "only a small fraction of American consumers are willing to pay premium prices for US-made apparel" and that country of origin was not top-of-mind when consumers make purchasing decisions.
Edward's point of view generated scores of comments from members of the BoF community on both sides of the argument — and this week the debate continued as Janice Wang, chief executive of global apparel fit and sizing specialist Alvanon, argued that while reshoring manufacturing for volume production might not be viable, the flexibility and responsive of local manufacturing was advantageous for brands aiming to deliver short runs of quality apparel.
Whichever side of the debate you take, it's these kinds of rigorous and informed conversations that we love to encourage on BoF, as we can all learn from the experience and intelligence of our amazing global community. Thank you to both Edward and Janice for sharing their thoughts. And, if there is a topic that you feel strongly about, please feel free to submit an Op-Ed of your own to: contributors@businessoffashion.com.
Of course, there was lots more on BoF this week, so don't miss our top stories:
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BoF Exclusive | WGSN Debuts Revamped Platform in Growth Drive
Trend forecasting agency WGSN Group will launch a new website that unites its capabilities with those of its rival Stylesight, which it acquired last November, as part of a £50 million initiative to drive growth and expand its global reach.
Op-Ed | Reshoring Garment Manufacturing is Viable and Scalable
There is a real opportunity to rebuild local manufacturing in a commercially viable and scalable way, argues Janice Wang.
Has Private Equity Learned Its Lesson on Fashion Investments?
Current market reports indicate that private equity firm Permira Advisers is aiming to sell its majority stake in Hugo Boss and re-opening talks to invest in Roberto Cavalli. What lessons can private equity firms learn from the company's last major fashion investment?
For Chris Gelinas, Going Slow Keeps Him Steady
Set to present his third CG by Chris Gelinas collection at New York Fashion Week, the Canadian-born, New York-based designer speaks to BoF on how he's balancing early critical success with the challenges of running a fashion start-up.
Op-Ed | Finding My Next Move: Lessons Learned and Why Customisation is the Future
Just over a year after leaving Moda Operandi, entrepreneur Áslaug Magnúsdóttir reflects on lessons learned, her new venture Tinker Tailor and why customisation is the next wave in fashion e-commerce.
And don't forget to check out BoF Weekly, a week in review published with Flipboard and updated every Saturday.
Imran Amed Founder and Editor-in-Chief
From analysis of the global fashion and beauty industries to career and personal advice, BoF’s founder and CEO, Imran Amed, will be answering your questions on Sunday, February 18, 2024 during London Fashion Week.
The State of Fashion 2024 breaks down the 10 themes that will define the industry in the year ahead.
Imran Amed reviews the most important fashion stories of the year and shares his predictions on what this means for the industry in 2024.
After three days of inspiring talks, guests closed out BoF’s gathering for big thinkers with a black tie gala followed by an intimate performance from Rita Ora — guest starring Billy Porter.