Index IAF World Apparel Convention Unique Applications for Body Scanning [TC]² Activity - SEAMS Conference Member Profile - Kitty Casey Important Dates A Look Ahead

IAF World Apparel Convention

“Leveraging Powerful Change in the World Apparel Fashion Chain” is the theme for the 22nd World Apparel Convention to be held in Thessaloniki, Greece June 17-21st. Dr. Mike Fralix, [TC]²’s President, will moderate a Technology Workshop with panelists from Wacoal Corporation, Japan; Herriot Watt University, United Kingdom; The Woolmark Company, Germany; and the University of Geneva, Switzerland. Click here to view the full program (pdf file). A review of the program content indicates the international nature of the program topics and the diversity of featured speakers. For more information or to register to attend, visit www.iaf2006.com.

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New Fit and a New Life
Unique Applications for Body Scanning
By Kim Anderson, Ph.D., writer/reporter for [TC]²

Body scanning technology is energizing the apparel industry. Many see it as the panacea that will finally shed light onto the complexities of body shape and fit. But what many aren’t aware of is the incredible and unique ways the technology is being used in the medical field. Powered by a collective, and very perspicacious vision, Novaptus Systems Incorporated is using a [TC]² NX-12 body scanner to give surgeons insight into a patient's body contours, before and after aesthetic and bariatric surgeries.

Before the advent of body scanning technology, surgeons used crude measurements to evaluate a patient’s pre-op body shape, making it difficult to accurately predict the outcome of a pending surgical procedure. Up until now there haven’t been any 3D evaluation tools, or 3D volumetric control indicators. Now, with body scanning technology, the surgeon can utilize a 3D scan to assess a proposed procedure and the outcome.

Pre-op Scan Image	3 Month Post-Op Scan Image
Breast Reduction Case Example Courtesy of Novaptus Systems Incorporated

Pre-op Scan Image	3 Month Post-Op Scan Image
Bariatric Case Example Courtesy of Novaptus Systems Incorporated

Using the data collected by the scanner, Novaptus Systems Incorporated has developed a variety of valuable tools for the physician and their patients. Images, measurements and parameters are collected and archived, providing the physician with a tool for referencing, patient consultations and educational purposes. Pre-op, post-op and ongoing body scans allow the patient to assess whether their body’s shape is progressing—or regressing. It has been shown that these tools enhance surgical efficiency, surgical accuracy and patient satisfaction.

Currently in the developmental stage, but soon to be released, is a tool that can be used to produce a 3D model that represents the outcome of a potential surgery. The forecasted model gives both the physician and the patient a heads-up on what to expect.

Novaptus is the merging of two Latin words—Nova (new) and Aptus (fit or life, depending on the translation). Together, Novaptus means “New Fit” or “New Life.” There is little doubt that “New Fit” and “New Life” are being infused into the medical field via body scanning technology.  For more information on the company, visit www.novaptus.com.

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[TC]² Activity

SEAMS Spring Networking Conference

The Spring Networking Conference of SEAMS, The National Association for the Sewn Products Industry, hosted the largest attendance in over 6 years, largely due to the growing list of new members and a dynamite group of speakers.  On Friday night, Marty Bailey, Vice President, of American Apparel in Los Angeles dazzled the audience with the story of how American Apparel grew to be the largest apparel manufacturing company in the US with over 3,000 manufacturing employees and sales in excess of $250 million.  A vertical company, American Apparel starts with yarn and produces apparel for their many customers and their own stores (120 and growing).

An ongoing popular SEAMS event is the sharing of ideas by the attendees.  The money saving to money making round-up of ideas has recently been stimulated by the success of the SEAMS Made in USA Catalog and the upcoming activities at MAGIC in Las Vegas in partnership with The Hosiery Association and Hosiery Technology Center.

A textile panel from Contempora Fabrics, JB Martin and the Fabric Stock Exchange gave their ideas for Fabric Solutions for Small Business.  The US Department of Commerce and the South Carolina Department of Commerce described “How to Get into Export Markets.” An eBay trainer from NetSell of Charleston talked about “How to Build eBay into Your Business.”

The weekend was culminated with a passionate presentation by Patti Fralix, President and Founder of The Fralix Group and author of “How to Thrive in Spite of Mess, Stress and Less.”  Patti took the individuals in the audience through a process of identifying what they liked to do and characterized their preferences in terms of connecting with people, action orientation, liking detail work and understanding issues and ideas.  It was an enlightening exercise to see how couples were alike or opposites.

The final event was the presentation of the “Person of the Year Award” for 2005. This award “For Outstanding and Dedicated Service to the SEAMS Association” was presented by Jim Lovejoy, SEAMS President Ex Officio, to Dan St Louis, Director of the Hosiery Technology Center in Hickory, NC.  Dan and his team have been instrumental in the production and distribution of the first two Made in USA Catalogs. He is a strong supporter of the SEAMS and Hosiery partnership for Made in USA products.

For more information on SEAMS, visit www.seams.org.

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Member Profile

Kitty Casey, a unique company with a beginning that sounds like something right out of Hollywood: the story of hard-working friends who turned dressing their own children into inspiration.  The company began as only an idea for classic, fashionable, and modern clothing for little ones.  Kitty Casey started growing out of the sewing rooms of two friends from Raleigh, North Carolina. Both enjoyed sewing and smocking for their children and were frequently encouraged by friends and strangers alike to take their skill and passion and make the most of it. 

Using a combination of maternal family names, Kitty Casey was born and in the fall of 2002, two trunk shows that showcased designs for both little girls and boys were held.  The response the company received to its clothing was overwhelming.  As stay-at-home mothers with three children each, there were many factors to consider before making the jump to business owners, but any doubts they had were quickly put behind them and they began working closely with a manufacturer in eastern North Carolina.  They were then able to bring to life adorable creations quickly to fill the orders that were flooding in.  Over three years later, they continue to see tremendous growth and their new Spring 2006 line is featured with full-color pictures on their website. 

Kitty Casey focuses on unique, timeless designs with a current flair and great attention to detail. It’s this detail that has customers from all over the United States requesting Kitty Casey originals.  Each piece is custom made-to-order in their North Carolina workshop. Each customer meets with a designer and chooses fabric, pattern, and trims. Trunk shows are held in more quiet settings, such as private homes, allowing for more one-on-one attention.  This gives the customer time to make selections and go over design elements for each piece.

Kitty Casey wants its customers to see something fresh and new, while still finding the timeless styles and designs they loved from past seasons. Most of all Kitty Casey wants to be the company customers return to, not just for the clothes, but also for the high level of customer service it believes everyone deserves.  The owners of Kitty Casey talk further about this mission and how the relationship as a member of [TC]² helps them follow through. “As a small and growing company we feel fortunate to have found an organization such as [TC]² that has been eager to help us in so many ways and genuinely wants us to succeed.  They came and helped as we transitioned to more mass production and they have been great at putting us in touch with other companies that they thought could help us as well.”

For more information please visit www.kittycasey.com.

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Important Dates

May

June

July

For detailed information about industry events, visit www.techexchange.com

Thanks to the techexchange site sponsors Apparel Magazine, Gerber Technology, Intentia, Lectra and Methods Workshop.

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A Look Ahead in the Newsletter


IMB 2006
FESPA Digital 2006

View previous editions of this newsletter

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