The Apparel Entrepreneurship Podcast

In this episode of the Apparel Entrepreneurship Podcast, we dive into a big one - Digital Product Passports (DPPs). They’re going to be mandatory for all fashion brands selling in the EU starting in 2027, so it’s time to get familiar.Ana and Klas break down what DPPs actually are, why they matter for sustainability and transparency, and how they can help build real trust with customers. We also get into the practical side - the data you’ll need, the risks of not being ready, and the major opportunities DPPs open up for both operations and marketing.We wrap up with some hands-on advice on how to start implementing DPPs now, and how doing it right can actually boost your brand and make your processes way more efficient.Takeaways✅ Digital Product Passports (DPPs) will be required for selling in the EU by 2027 - no way around it.✅ DPPs are all about making fashion more sustainable and transparent.✅ To make it work, brands need solid, accurate data from their entire supply chain.✅ Being open about where and how products are made helps build real trust with customers.✅ DPPs aren’t just for compliance - they’re a powerful marketing tool too.✅ Skip the DPP rules and you risk facing fines and other penalties.✅ Moving toward a circular economy isn’t optional anymore - it’s key to real sustainability.✅ DPPs help brands stay on top of their products’ full lifecycle, from design to end-of-life.✅ They also open up new ways to connect directly with your customers.✅ Done right, DPPs can actually improve how your business runs behind the scenes.DPP solutions - Portia.cloud - https://www.portia.cloud/

🎙️ The Ultimate Guide to Fashion Retail Success – Featuring Flying Solo’s Co-FounderIn this powerhouse episode of the Apparel Entrepreneurship Podcast, we sit down with Elizabeth Solomeina, co-founder of Flying Solo—one of the most influential retail platforms for independent designers.Whether you're just starting out or looking to level up your fashion brand, this episode is your step-by-step guide to thriving in fashion retail. Elizabeth shares real-world insights and hard-earned wisdom on what it truly takes to succeed — from debunking retail myths and mastering the art of networking, to aligning creativity with market demand and landing valuable press.You’ll also learn:What most designers get wrong about retail (and how to avoid it)How to seamlessly transition from D2C to retailWhy your online presence could make or break your brandThe secrets to getting noticed — and stocked — by top retailersThis isn’t just a conversation — it’s a blueprint. Tune in and unlock the strategies that are shaping the future of fashion retail.Flying Solo: https://flyingsolo.nyc/Portia: https://portia.cloud/#retail #fashion #sales

In this episode of the Apparel Entrepreneurship Podcast, Pamela Morris James, founder of Paloma St. James, discusses her journey in building a modular fashion business and sustainability. She shares insights on her entrepreneurial path, the concept of modular clothing, and the importance of consumer engagement. Pamela emphasizes the need for quality materials and the challenges of educating consumers about her innovative approach. The conversation also touches on the intersection of art and fashion, the role of mentorship, and the significance of her book, 'The Guide to Luxury Modular Fashion.#Fashion #Sustainability #Entrepreneurship #FashionIndustry #FashionEducationPaloma St James: https://palomastjames.comThe Guide To Luxury Modular Fashion: https://palomastjames.com/pages/books-the-guide-to-luxury-modular-fashion🔥 RESOURCES WE CREATED FOR YOU!⚡️💻 Sustainable Fashion Business Softwarehttps://www.portia.cloud/⚡️💻 6-Step Clothing Brand Startup Course - To 6 Figures And Beyondhttps://academy.apparelentrepreneurship.com/step/clothing-brand-startup-course/⚡️💻 How To Write A Business Plan Workshophttps://academy.apparelentrepreneurship.com/step/business-plan-workshop/⚡️💻 Find Your Brand Niche & Unique Value Propositionhttps://academy.apparelentrepreneurship.com/step/find-your-brand-niche/⚡️💻 Apparel Entrepreneurship Tools & Templateshttps://www.apparelentrepreneurship.com/shop/◽️◽️◽️◽️◽️◽️⬇️ More stuff you should check out ⬇️** JOIN THE APPAREL ENTREPRENEURSHIP NEWSLETTER GIVING YOU INDUSTRY UPDATES, CONTENT, TOOLS, INSPIRATION, GUIDES, AND SPECIAL OFFERS! **https://www.apparelentrepreneurship.com/newsletter/◽️◽️◽️◽️◽️◽️SAY HI ON SOCIAL:APPAREL ENTREPRENEURSHIPWebsite: https://www.apparelentrepreneurship.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/apparelentrepreneurship/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/apparel-entrepreneurship/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@apparelentrepreneurshipFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/apparelentrepreneurshipPORTIA - Sustainable Fashion Business SoftwareWebsite: https://www.portia.cloud/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/portiasaas/DESINDER - Strategy, Branding & Design AgencyWebsite: https://www.desinder.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/desinder/

In this episode of the Apparel Entrepreneurship Podcast, Ed Bartlett, founder of Kostüme, shares his journey from a diverse background in gaming and art to creating a successful cycling apparel brand. He discusses the challenges and triumphs of building a brand without paid advertising, focusing on community engagement, innovative design, and sustainability. Ed emphasizes the importance of solving real problems for cyclists and creating high-quality products that resonate with consumers. The conversation also touches on the future of Kostüme and the brand's commitment to making a positive impact in the cycling apparel industry. In this conversation, Ed Bartlett discusses his innovative approach to launching a cycling apparel brand, focusing on storytelling, emotional connections with products, and the importance of community engagement. He shares insights on crowdfunding as a growth strategy, the challenges of fundraising, and the significance of customer involvement in product development. Ed emphasizes the need for transparency and authenticity in business, aiming to leave a positive legacy by changing the industry for the better.

Kostüme: https://kostume.cc/Kostüme on Crowdcube: https://www.crowdcube.com/companies/kostume/pitches/lRvpGl🔥 RESOURCES WE CREATED FOR YOU!⚡️💻 Sustainable Fashion Business Softwarehttps://www.portia.cloud/⚡️💻 6-Step Clothing Brand Startup Course - To 6 Figures And Beyondhttps://academy.apparelentrepreneurship.com/step/clothing-brand-startup-course/⚡️💻 How To Write A Business Plan Workshophttps://academy.apparelentrepreneurship.com/step/business-plan-workshop/⚡️💻 Find Your Brand Niche & Unique Value Propositionhttps://academy.apparelentrepreneurship.com/step/find-your-brand-niche/⚡️💻 Apparel Entrepreneurship Tools & Templateshttps://www.apparelentrepreneurship.com/shop/◽️◽️◽️◽️◽️◽️⬇️ More stuff you should check out ⬇️** JOIN THE APPAREL ENTREPRENEURSHIP NEWSLETTER GIVING YOU INDUSTRY UPDATES, CONTENT, TOOLS, INSPIRATION, GUIDES, AND SPECIAL OFFERS! **https://www.apparelentrepreneurship.com/newsletter/◽️◽️◽️◽️◽️◽️SAY HI ON SOCIAL:APPAREL ENTREPRENEURSHIPWebsite: https://www.apparelentrepreneurship.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/apparelentrepreneurship/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/apparel-entrepreneurship/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@apparelentrepreneurshipFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/apparelentrepreneurshipPORTIA - Sustainable Fashion Business SoftwareWebsite: https://www.portia.cloud/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/portiasaas/DESINDER - Strategy, Branding & Design AgencyWebsite: https://www.desinder.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/desinder/

In the 83rd episode of the Apparel Entrepreneurship Podcast, we interview Sam Matanle, the founder of Batch London. He shares his journey of starting a made-to-order fashion brand focused on redefining the suit. The brand aims to provide a comfortable and versatile alternative to traditional suits while addressing the sustainability issues in the fashion industry. Sam discusses the challenges of starting a clothing brand without a background in fashion and how they approached the design and manufacturing process. He also talks about their unique business model of made-to-order production and the benefits it offers to both the brand and the customers. The conversation highlights the importance of collaboration, constant improvement, and intention in building a successful and sustainable fashion brand. Sam also emphasizes the importance of branding and building a strong community around the brand. He shares their strategies for attracting customers, including hosting events and leveraging LinkedIn. Sam highlights the need for work-life balance and the acceptance that failure is a possibility. He envisions leaving a legacy of changing consumer habits and promoting a more sustainable approach to fashion. Takeaways ✅ Batch London is a made-to-order fashion brand that offers comfortable and versatile suits as an alternative to traditional formal wear. ✅ The brand focuses on sustainability and aims to address the wasteful practices in the fashion industry. ✅ Sam Matanle, the founder, emphasizes the importance of collaboration and constant improvement in the design and manufacturing process. ✅ The made-to-order business model allows Batch London to offer high-quality products at a fair prices by eliminating the need for stock and reducing waste. ✅ The brand's retail store provides customers with the opportunity to touch, try, and feel the products, enhancing the overall shopping experience. Made-to-order is a sustainable business model that reduces waste and inventory costs. ✅ Investing in branding from the beginning can unlock doors and attract customers. ✅Building a strong community around the brand is crucial for growth and customer loyalty. ✅ Balancing workload and managing time and energy are ongoing challenges for founders. ✅ Accepting the possibility of failure allows for a more level-headed approach to problem-solving. ✅ The goal is to change consumer habits and promote a more sustainable approach to fashion. Batch Ldn: https://batchldn.com/ 🔥 RESOURCES WE CREATED FOR YOU! ⚡️💻 Sustainable Fashion Business Software https://www.portia.cloud/ ⚡️💻 6-Step Clothing Brand Startup Course - To 6 Figures And Beyond https://academy.apparelentrepreneurship.com/step/clothing-brand-startup-course/

In this episode of the Apparel Entrepreneurship Podcast, we speak with Richard Sutcliffe, founder of Passenger Clothing, based in the UK. 

Passenger started 12 years ago and is now approaching £100 million in sales. They are all about capturing that spirit of escape and adventure, through sustainable products. It's not just clothing; it's about crafting a way of life that aligns with our deep respect for the outdoors. Since the start, they have been on a mission to use eco-friendly materials to lessen the impact on the places we love.

What started as a small idea born from Richard’s personal passion and global travels has blossomed into Passenger, a brand that champions sustainability, encourages exploration, and captures the essence of escapism. 

In this episode we talk about:

👕 Why Passenger was founded - Learn about the unique origins of the brand and how personal passion and global travels sparked its creation. 

🌿 Sustainability at its core - Richard discusses how Passenger is pioneering in eco-friendly practices and responsible fashion, striving to give back to the planet. 

🌍 Global inspiration, local action - Explore how influences from the Pacific Northwest and Canada have sculpted Passenger’s distinctive style. 

📈 Business growth and challenges - Hear about the hurdles they've overcome and the strategies that propelled Passenger from a modest startup to a million-pound business. 

🚀 Future horizons - Get insights into Passenger’s future plans for expansion and how they continue to innovate in the fashion industry.

Richard’s story is not just about building a brand; it’s about igniting change and pursuing a mission that goes beyond apparel. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a fashion enthusiast, or someone passionate about sustainability, this episode is packed with valuable lessons and heartening stories.

🎧 Listen now to get inspired by a journey of passion, innovation, and resilience!

Passenger: https://www.passenger-clothing.com

Apparel Entrepreneurship: https://www.apparelentrepreneurship.com

#ApparelEntrepreneurship #SustainableFashion #EntrepreneurJourney #FashionInnovation #PassengerClothing

In this episode of The Apparel Entrepreneurship, Ana & Klas interview Pascale Moreau, Founder and Managing Director of Ohana Public Affairs, and discuss the importance of understanding and complying with the upcoming legislation and regulations in the textile industry. The industry is experiencing a shift towards sustainability and circularity, and brands need to be prepared for the changes. There is a need for companies to gather data and implement traceability strategies to comply with the eco-design legislation. You will also learn about the digital product passport, which will serve as a tool to capture and showcase product compliance. Brands must start with eco-design and forced labor legislations as key priorities. The conversation explores the impact of upcoming legislation on the fashion industry, focusing on sustainability and circularity. The discussion covers the need for brands to comply with the legislation and the challenges they may face in implementing the required changes, as well as the importance of education and consumer behavior change in driving sustainability. The conversation highlights the opportunities for innovation and differentiation that the legislation presents. This episode provides resources for brands to find more information and support in navigating the new regulations. Takeaways ✅ The textile industry is undergoing a shift towards sustainability and circularity, and brands need to be prepared for the upcoming legislation and regulations. ✅ Compliance with the eco-design legislation is crucial, as it sets requirements for product performance and environmental impact reduction. ✅ The digital product passport will serve as a tool to capture and showcase product compliance, and brands need to invest in IT systems and traceability strategies. ✅ Certifications and data gathering will be important for compliance, and non-compliance can result in fines, withdrawal of products from the market, and restrictions on business opportunities. Brands should prioritize eco-design and transparent communication/content and start gathering the necessary data to ensure compliance. Brands in the fashion industry need to comply with upcoming legislation on sustainability and circularity. ✅ Education and consumer behavior change are crucial in driving sustainability. ✅ The legislation presents opportunities for innovation and differentiation. Resources like industry associations and blogs can give guidance and support for brands navigating the new regulations.

Links Ohana Public Affairs: https://www.ohanapublicaffairs.eu/ EOG: https://www.europeanoutdoorgroup.com/ Sustainable Apparel Coalition - Cascale: https://cascale.org/ 🔥 RESOURCES WE CREATED FOR YOU! ⚡️💻 6-Step Clothing Brand Startup Course - To 6 Figures And Beyond https://academy.apparelentrepreneurship.com/step/clothing-brand-startup-course/ ⚡️💻 The Apparel Entrepreneurship Members’ Club - Tools, Resources & Community https://memberzone.apparelentrepreneurship.com/membership/ ⚡️💻 How To Write A Business Plan Workshop https://academy.apparelentrepreneurship.com/step/business-plan-workshop/ ⚡️💻 Find Your Brand Niche & Unique Value Proposition https://academy.apparelentrepreneurship.com/step/find-your-brand-niche/ ⚡️💻 Apparel Entrepreneurship Tools & Templates https://www.apparelentrepreneurship.com/shop/ ◽️◽️◽️◽️◽️◽️ ⬇️ More stuff you should check out ⬇️ ** FREE 6-STEP APPAREL BRAND FRAMEWORK WEBINAR ** https://youtu.be/jlnm6Pd7zLk ** JOIN THE APPAREL ENTREPRENEURSHIP NEWSLETTER GIVING YOU INDUSTRY UPDATES, CONTENT, TOOLS, INSPIRATION, GUIDES, AND SPECIAL OFFERS! ** https://www.apparelentrepreneurship.com/newsletter/ ◽️◽️◽️◽️◽️◽️ SAY HI ON SOCIAL: APPAREL ENTREPRENEURSHIP Website: https://www.apparelentrepreneurship.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/apparelentrepreneurship/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/apparel-entrepreneurship/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@apparelentrepreneurship Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/apparelentrepreneurship DESINDER - Strategy, Branding & Design Agency Website: https://www.desinder.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/desinder/ Transformers Foundation: https://www.transformersfoundation.org/

We’ve worked with hundreds of brands and many of them have this in common 👇 ONE problem we see all the time: They are unable to communicate clearly and concisely on who they are and what they are about. In this episode, we talk about the importance of figuring out what your clothing brand is about.

Apparel Entrepreneurship: https://www.apparelentrepreneurship.com/

Desinder: https://www.desinder.com/

If you're aiming to elevate your clothing brand, this episode "How To Grow Your Clothing Brand - Part 2 - Collection & Product" is a must-listen. Ana & Klas from Apparel Entrepreneurship and Desinder talk about: ✅ Emphasizing sustainability is non-negotiable. With 67% of consumers prioritizing eco-friendly purchases, it's clear that environmental consciousness is central to your brand's appeal. ✅ Adopting a quality-over-quantity approach to your product line is crucial. Remember, a significant portion of your brand's success is likely to come from a small percentage of your offerings. ✅ Building strong relationships with your suppliers is key to ensuring product quality and operational efficiency. These partnerships are foundational to your brand's ability to innovate and respond to market demands. ✅ Collecting and acting on feedback from both customers and suppliers is essential for continuous improvement and alignment with market needs. Innovation should be at the heart of your strategy, involving new materials and designs to keep your brand at the forefront of the industry. ✅ Consider consolidating your suppliers to streamline operations, reduce costs, and foster closer partnerships for enhanced quality and sustainability. ✅ Smart use of colors and diligent data analysis can guide your decisions on which styles to continue and which to revise or discontinue. ✅ Carefully planning your product range to ensure a coherent collection where each item complements rather than competes with the others will optimize your sales potential. This guide is a concise roadmap for any clothing brand looking to grow in a sustainable, strategic manner. Watch the full video for detailed insights and actionable strategies to take your brand to the next level.

In this episode of the Apparel Entrepreneurship Podcast, we talk about how to start and run a sustainable clothing brand. You'll learn the fundamentals of starting and running a sustainable and responsible apparel business.

We cover what it means and how to implement sustainability in:

✅  Brand values & mission

✅  Marketing

✅  Collection & design

✅  Sourcing & manufacturing

✅  Packaging

✅  Logistics

✅  Product care & afterlife

✅  Sales & communication

Sustainability is becoming increasingly important to consumers, and the fashion industry is no exception. We discuss how a clothing brand can be more sustainable in all stages from idea to sales.

We start by discussing the importance of sustainability and the challenges the fashion industry faces. We then discuss the different ways that you can make your brand more sustainable, including:

✅  Choosing sustainable materials

✅  Using sustainable manufacturing processes

✅  Reducing waste and pollution throughout your supply chain.

✅  Packaging your products in sustainable materials.

✅  Marketing your brand in a sustainable way.

We also share tips for building a loyal customer base and positively impacting the environment. We talk about the importance of transparency, storytelling, and community engagement.

🔥 Apparel Entrepreneurship - https://www.apparelentrepreneurship.com/

🔥 Desinder - https://www.desinder.com/

In this episode of the Apparel Entrepreneurship Podcast, we have the honor of speaking with the founder and CEO of MAES London, Diana Kakkar. MAES London is a luxury womenswear manufacturer located in North London, launched by Diana in 2018. In this fantastic conversation, we get a behind-the-scenes look at creating luxury garment manufacturing, and what a successful partnership between a brand and manufacturer looks like. We talk about MAES’s selection process for new partnerships and what clothing brands can think of when reaching out to manufacturers. We also talk about sustainability, taking a business through the pandemic, invisible PR, and much more.

https://www.apparelentrepreneurship.com

https://www.desinder.com

https://www.maeslondon.com

Early on in your clothing business, you need to work on your brand identity. Branding is the process of building a product image based on associations, feelings, lifestyle, and identity that is projected by a label. You need to think about the meaning of your brand to your customers. Encapsulate that meaning in your brand name.  Choosing a great brand name is not easy, we know that. In this episode, we give you clear guidelines for coming up with a name for your clothing brand. The clothing brand name is an important part of your business and what your customers think of your brand. When you choose the right name, your customers immediately identify with your value proposition. If you would choose the wrong name, your customers have no idea what your business stands for or what it does. The importance of your brand name has to do with human psychology. As human beings, we evaluate information quickly and make judgments in a snap. We usually make up our minds in only a few seconds, and then it takes much longer to change that first impression.  There are many aspects to a great brand name, and in this episode, we share some of them.

In this episode, we are going through 14 mistakes you should avoid when running your clothing brand. We have worked with hundreds of clothing brand startups around the world and helped them start and run their own businesses, through Apparel Entrepreneurship and Desinder. These 14 mistakes that we've seen brands make, will be devastating for your business growth. Don't do the same mistakes when running your clothing brand.

If you haven't been running a clothing brand before, it may be difficult to know what to expect. We are walking you through what to expect when launching a fashion business. We are also explaining what the most important thing is to figure out when starting your clothing brand.

In this episode of The Apparel Entrepreneurship Podcast, we are answering questions from apparel entrepreneurs. We will cover four topics that our community has requested, which are all very relevant today.

The four topics we talk about in this episode are:

1. How to find your brand aesthetic.
2. How to be authentic with your message.
3. The difference between going to college and online education.
4. How to handle complaints

In today’s podcast episode, we have the honor of talking to an apparel industry friend, Charles Ross. Charles is a specialist in performance sportswear design, and an expert in sustainable matters and a lecturer at the Royal College of Art in the UK.

Ever since we started the podcast we have wanted to have Charles on the show, so today’s episode is a real treat.

We cover a broad variety of topics from material innovation, to industry opportunities, projections for the future, industry resources, but during the conversation, we always circle back to two main topics - starting an apparel brand and sustainability. During our 1,5 hour long interview, we also touch on circularity in the apparel industry and ideas for how we can combat overconsumption.

Charles mentions resources, books, companies, and organizations and you can find the links to them below.

Turn up the volume and join us for AEP054!

Show notes at https://www.apparelentrepreneurship.com/podcast/

In this episode of the AE Podcast, we share with you 5 steps to develop your mindset.

Mindset - what is that? It's a set of beliefs, assumptions, and notions that you have about your world. But your beliefs are shaped when you were little. The society and your parents and the culture you were brought up in have shaped who you are and what you believe.

Depending on what beliefs you have, these can really limit you and eventually your business. Psychology is one of the biggest parts of running and excelling at business. 80% of the actions you take and the output you create depends on your mindset.

- Good news, you can change that! And in this episode we are going to talk about how.

You know the saying - if you change nothing, nothing will change? Well, it's the same with your mindset.

One of the biggest reasons why entrepreneurs succeed or don’t get anywhere depends on this exact thing. Their mindset.

We are covering 5 simple actions for how you can shift your mindset that can result in a successful apparel business.