Index 2005 Tech Conference [TC]² Activity Member Profile - Liz Claiborne, Inc. Important Dates A Look Ahead

2005 Tech Conference

The 2005 Tech Conference held on Thursday, November 10, at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York, NY, attracted almost 500 attendees. The conference, produced by Apparel Magazine and [TC]², was opened by Dr. Mike Fralix and Jud Early of [TC]². In the keynote presentation entitled The State of Actuality versus the State of Reality, Fralix and Early shared their collective insight into present and future technological trends in the sewn products industry. From extensive travel and discussions with key industry executives, Fralix and Early have amassed years of knowledge on a variety of key issues ranging from cutting and spreading to digital printing.

After the keynote presentation, attendees had an opportunity to either visit vendor exhibits where they could  meet one-on-one with company representatives or attend an educational seminar. Achieving greater efficiency and accelerating speed to market were the predominant topics at this year’s conference. A variety of solutions such as product lifecycle management (PLM), improved color management, unique fabric finishes, and 3-D technologies were offered.

PLM presentations were given by at least four software solution providers in half hour overviews. In each presentation, a number of common themes were stressed. In order for PLM to be successful, pertinent data needs to be available to all parties within the supply-chain — from concept, to line development, to style modifications, to sourcing, and to product delivery. To be successfully implemented, users must be committed to using the system and understanding its value. The importance of knowing how PLM can be aligned with the client’s business goals (like reducing cycle time or saving design time) was also emphasized. The system should be web based, move information automatically, automate the key processes, use industry standards, and work with existing base systems. Finally, the solution providers agreed that PLM is a long term project that should be implemented in pieces or functional areas.

The importance and challenges associated with color management were addressed at the 2005 Tech Conference. Color matching is essential in the apparel industry, and yet can be difficult to communicate. Representatives from both Datacolor and Lectra demonstrated how new software products along with a spectrophotometer could greatly improve color communication within the supply chain.

In a seminar entitled Active Textiles for Fashion Apparel, Cognis Corporation introduced the recently developed microencapsulation technology. Microencapsulated ingredients that can combat everything from dry skin, insects, odor and cellulite are built into the fabric. After multiple home launderings, the ingredients can be “reloaded” so they can continue to impart the unique property.

Innovative 3-D technologies designed to increase efficiency via better visual communication were showcased.  Blue Fox Porini demonstrated software in which a 3-D virtual model of a retail store was created according to the user’s specifications.  After choosing the floor design, wall and ceiling colors, the user drags and drops fixtures, filling them with products from the most recent line. The software allows for the control of the retail floor design and store inventory. 

Optitex gave a sneak preview of their newly developed software featuring new animation capabilities for the 3-D Runway software. The 3-D fashion program has the ability to produce realistic cloth simulation, enabling designers to evaluate fit and appearance before prototypes are made.

For a comprehensive list of the participating vendors at this year’s Tech Conference as well as a detailed description of their products, see the November issue of Apparel Magazine.

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[TC]² Activity

A Dynamic Association for Challenging Times

Armed with four main marketing initiatives,  SEAMS continues to demonstrate that there is demand for Made In USA textile products.

As evidenced by its fall networking conference in Winston-Salem, NC October 14-15, sharing innovative solutions that benefit resilient U.S. textile manufacturers remains a focal and worthwhile mission at The National Association of the Sewn Products Industry (SEAMS). “Our message over the years has remained the same,” said Sarah Friedman, the executive director of SEAMS. “Always be willing to diversify, continue look for niche product opportunities, don’t say ‘no’ to customers and, most of all, stay aggressive and you still can still be successful. We see it all the time.”

A diverse group of about 50 member companies were represented at the Association’s fall conference, ranging from U.S. textile pioneer Milliken & Co. to fledgling upstarts, including Christi’s Pure Fashion, a Ohio-based company established by two women seeking to produce fashionable but more modest clothing for women aged 13-18 with a side mission to donate proceeds to causes that combat eating disorders and other issues afflicting women of that age group.

Exemplified by the October seminar, SEAMS continues to keep its members abreast of key developments impacting the industry. A main presentation at the conference was made by Jonathan Fee, a prominent trade attorney from Alston & Byrd LLC in Washington DC who shed light on DR-CAFTA’s recent passage and ongoing textile-related trade developments with China (after months of negotiations a comprehensive trade agreement between the U.S. and China was later reached, earlier this month). While Fee noted that passage of DR-CAFTA would provide domestic companies with some key opportunities, he also conveyed that realistic execution of the new trade agreement could take longer to materialize than the January 1, 2006 implementation date, due in part due to slow movement by the U.S. government.

Jim Garner was named the new president of SEAMS at the fall conference. He fills a two-year tenure recently completed by [TC]²’s Jim Lovejoy, who along with Friedman has introduced several new and innovative business concepts  for members to consider as globalization progresses. Garner is president of Creative Outlet a successful Morehead City, NC contract manufacturer of healthcare apparel that also produces wide range of other textile products, ranging from aprons to protective clothing for beekeepers.

The networking conference was dominated by discussion of SEAMS’ four current marketing initiatives. “I’ve always thought the members of SEAMS are good at manufacturing, otherwise they wouldn’t be around anymore,” commented Lovejoy. “What they’re probably weak in is marketing. As we think of these new ideas, we’re trying to offer them up and lead them to the opportunity.”

Of them, a “Made in USA” apparel product catalog project is particularly garnering enthusiasm and increased attention. The organization is currently producing its second catalog this fall, comprised of offerings from member companies wishing to advertise globally.

The inaugural catalog was launched in February and was targeted to retailers who want to avoid inventory and markdown risks by ordering products in small quantities (a dozen minimum) with quick turnaround. Initial response has been extremely favorable, confirmed by interest in catalogs at the recent MAGIC fashion show in Las Vegas. “Several people commented that they thought nothing is made in the USA anymore and were actually interested to find items in the catalog,” Lovejoy says. He noted that, indicative of the early interest, SEAMS catalog items could be especially attractive to the small retail and specialty boutique stores throughout the country who often purchase smaller quantities and are not capable of waiting several weeks for delivery. 

SEAMS members also have hopes of capitalizing on exports, another of its four marketing initiatives. Lovejoy said SEAMS meetings with representatives of the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) have encouraged him that there are plentiful opportunities abroad. “They’ve told us there are people from other countries who would find (the catalogs) very interesting, who are specifically looking for (American produced apparel)…Japanese people, for example, like things with made in the USA status. Like imported wine and caviar, price is not always the primary consideration. The same still holds true for apparel.”

Kathy Edwards, President of Global Business Solutions and an export consultant who spoke at the fall conference, noted that utilizing available DOC data over the Internet, export markets can be found. Edwards also said that favorable loans and other government backed incentives make exporting apparel an attractive option.

Reaching customers around the world is also part of SEAMS’ third marketing initiative, which it classifies as “marketing direct to consumers.” The initiative is led by Jack Stone, who in addition to being Chairman and CEO of Stone International LLC, a 72-year old Mauldin, SC based manufacturer of women’s underwear and activewear, also owns Byte Software, LLC, a solutions provider for apparel companies.

Stone, who is formulating an apparel “business cluster” in South Carolina,  is – like SEAMS  – persuading companies throughout the state that it is in their self-interest to collaborate more closely, identify complementary strengths and implement advanced marketing and supply chain technologies to better reach the end consumer. Collaboration also enables improved brand establishment and fosters e-commerce opportunities, Stone said.

In his presentation at the fall conference, Stone stated that end consumer will often be overseas, pointing to the proliferation of the population base in both China and India.  “Think about the end consumer around the world,” Stone commented, “because that is what represents a unique opportunity for you. You have to look at it that way.”

SEAMS’ fourth initiative is focused on providing training and information for its customers to obtain Department of Defense contracts awarded to domestic companies. The initiative was illustrated by a first-day tour of the Winston-Salem Industries for the Blind. The manufacturer is the largest employer of blind people in North Carolina, with more than 200 workers, and fills annual contracts for labor and services of about $20 million, including uniforms for the Army and Air Force.  "We have a captive customer in the government,” noted Dave LoPresti, the organization’s vice president of manufacturing. “You have to know how to get that government business. It’s difficult, but once you do, it can be very lucrative and steady.”

Lovejoy said the four marketing initiatives exemplify that demand for American-made textiles is still widespread. “There are still people out there trying to find (Made in USA) product,” he said. “It’s not a tsunami by any stretch. But there’s movement.”

Domestic-based apparel manufacturers, contractors and suppliers wishing to join SEAMS or find out more about its catalog or other current initiatives can contact Sarah Friedman at 803-772-5861 or visit www.seams.org.

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Member Profile

Many Brands… One Company:

In 1976, a relatively unknown dress designer, her textile veteran husband, a merchant, and a production expert, founded a company that would revolutionize the fashion industry – from where product is sourced, to how it is sold into and at department stores to how women dress for work. The partners, Liz Claiborne, Art Ortenberg, Leonard Boxer and Jerome Chazen each invested $50,000 in personal savings and borrowed some additional funds from friends and family to found what is today a nearly $5 billion public company.

Now, with a portfolio of more than 40 brands, Liz Claiborne Inc. creates fashion for everyone – women and men, girls and boys, apparel and non-apparel, modern and classic, career and casual. From Main Street to the mall, department stores to specialty stores, and luxury retailers to discount retailers, its product reaches consumers wherever and whenever they shop. In fact, nine times every second, someone buys a product created by Liz Claiborne Inc.

Brands within the Company’s portfolio include Claiborne, Crazy Horse, Dana Buchman, Elisabeth, Ellen Tracy, Juicy Couture, Lucky Brand Jeans, Monet, Trifari, and Villager – among many others.  Liz Claiborne Inc. also holds the exclusive, long-term license to produce and sell men’s and women’s collections of DKNY® Jeans and DKNY® Active, in the Western Hemisphere. The company also holds an exclusive license to produce jewelry under the Kenneth Cole New York and Reaction Kenneth Cole brand names. 

Liz Claiborne Inc.'s principal facilities are located in the New York-area, with the executive offices, design, sales, marketing and merchandising in New York City, and production, administration, distribution and finance in New Jersey. The Company is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol LIZ.

For more information on Liz Claiborne Inc. or any of its brands, visit www.lizclaiborneinc.com.

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Important Dates

December

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

December 14 Issue – A holiday greeting from [TC]²’s President Mike Fralix will summarize the year’s activities.

View previous editions of this newsletter

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