Date: 11/4/2025

Designed to keep you informed without the fluff, this series delivers sharp, essential updates to help you stay ahead in fashion and business.

This week, Bret and Emily discuss Tariffs, Korean Giant Sae‑A Trading, and 3D printed shows.

In this episode of Clothing Coulture, hosts Bret Schnitker and Emily Lane break down why fashion brands must rethink their economic strategies for 2026 as growth slows and costs rise. Instead of chasing volume and expansion, they argue the new winning playbook is margin protection, operational efficiency, and resilience.

They explore how consumer behavior is shifting toward fewer purchases, higher quality, and stronger alignment with brand values, pushing companies to rethink pricing, storytelling, and product strategy. The conversation covers practical ways to improve profitability without cutting quality, including smarter assortment planning, tighter SKU counts, supplier negotiation, and better demand forecasting to reduce overproduction and markdowns.

The episode also highlights the rise of seasonless collections, modular design, and smaller, more frequent drops as strategies that reduce inventory risk while keeping customers engaged. Bret and Emily close with a reminder that long-term success in 2026 will come from building systems, empowering mid-level teams, and staying focused on adaptability instead of growth for growth's sake.

Join hosts Bret Schnitker and Emily Lane as they celebrate the 100th episode of the Clothing Coulture podcast.

Reflecting on five seasons, they share memorable moments with industry icons like Stuart Weitzman, Nicole Fishelli, and innovative leaders like Andrea Ferris of CiCLO. The episode highlights the podcast's evolution, its global impact, and meaningful connections formed through engaging discussions about fashion innovation and sustainability. Listeners also contributed favorite moments, showcasing the podcast's influence and reach within the fashion industry.

Tune in for a heartfelt journey through their podcast milestones.

Explore how fashion brands can thrive in 2026 with hosts Bret Schnitker and Emily Lane as they dissect strategies focused on optimization, technological integration, and supply chain collaboration. Delve into the impacts of AI in fashion and learn how to balance innovation with creativity. Understand consumer psychology trends and how building trust and maintaining brand integrity are vital. With insights on smart growth, efficiency, and adaptability, this episode provides a roadmap for navigating the swiftly evolving fashion landscape, emphasizing doing better rather than more for sustainable success.

Bret Schnitker and Emily Lane explore prevalent myths in the fashion industry, tackling misconceptions about sustainability, overseas manufacturing, and the perceived superficiality of fashion. They discuss the reality of industry roles beyond design, emphasizing the importance of strategic planning and marketing for success. Discover the intricate layers of the fashion realm and the vital role it plays globally, as well as the dedication of industry professionals fostering positive change.

Fashion designer Michael Drummond joins hosts Bret Schnitker and Emily Lane to explore the parallels between art and fashion, drawing creative inspiration from music, personal experiences, and unique collaboration. Drummond shares insights from Project Runway, balances commercial and artistic endeavors, and discusses his community's impact on his work.

Connect with Michael:

https://www.michaeldrummond.net/

https://www.instagram.com/xes4eyes/

Date: 10/7/2025

Designed to keep you informed without the fluff, this series delivers sharp, essential updates to help you stay ahead in fashion and business.

This week, Bret and Emily discuss Paris Fashion Week, Conde Nast, and Shein.