Next Fashion Stitch
nextfashionstitch@gmail.com
Our mission is to nurture and guide young designers, turning their creative dreams into successful businesses.
We believe that to thrive in the fast-paced fashion industry you must have entrepreneurial drive and a willingness to adapt.
10 - WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO START NFS?
I noticed the same issues year after year with my previous experience as the founder and operator of Cravatta Mfg. Many emerging designers struggled with their internal operations and avoid issues pertaining to product development and production. I am aiming to fill the void and assist designers through all the vital stages of developing their fashion company from sketches to sourcing fabrics and trims to product development and completed production.
9 - DO YOU HAVE ANY COMPETITORS AND IF SO HOW DO YOU DIFFERENTIATE YOUR BRAND?
I believe every business has competition. NFS’s competitors may offer similar services but most competition wouldn’t be able to offer hands on experience of owning and operating an apparel manufacturer that focused on small to medium size runs while offering full sourcing and product development services.
Two things differentiate NFS; 1. Years of hands on experience with this type of services 2. My consulting fees are insanely competitive. I offer extremely competitive consulting rates because the goal is for the emerging designer to build their business. I wouldn’t want to see a new company fail because they spent all their funding on a consultant.
8 - HOW HAS THE RECEPTION IN BOSTON BEEN FOR NFS?
Excellent. I am blessed that in New England the fashion industry remembers me from Cravatta Mfg, which helps. Also I have been on the Board of Directors for FGI Boston for the past four years. The networking from other FGI Board members has been endless and I am grateful.
7 - WILL YOU / ARE YOU TAKING NFS BEYOND NEW ENGLAND?
I will remain focused on the New England territory. At times I do have opportunities to take short term clients from another territory. I am always happy to bring on other clients.
6 - WHAT IS THE MOST REWARDING AND DIFFICULT PART ABOUT CLIENT INTERFACING?
The most rewarding part is being hands on with emerging designers and seeing their dreams come true.
I absolutely love what I do. It isn’t work. I look forward to each day when consulting.
The most difficult part is working with clients that try to skip steps with product development. It always causes additional time and money in the end. A goal of mine is to not allow clients to waste money. It is also difficult when a client focuses more on PR/Marketing for their product when they haven’t even finished developing the product.
5 - WHAT IS THE MOST REWARDING AND DIFFICULT PART ABOUT MANUFACTURING?
The most rewarding part is when the production is completed and the garments are constructed properly with excellent quality. The most difficult is when production problems arise due to incorrect product development.
4 - HOW DOES OUTSOURCING PLAY INTO YOUR BUSINESS? iS IT A HELP OR A HINDRANCE?
This is a great question! There are many steps in proper apparel manufacturing. Outsourcing is absolutely necessary. Any established sewing factory that is not a vertical factory knows that for efficient production other contractor’s services are a must. In 2007 I remember sitting at my desk at Cravatta Mfg and taking a call with a potential client. I remember telling them Cravatta Mfg is not the correct fit and gave details why. Next, I gave them the name of two factories in Manhattan that would be the perfect fit for them instead. I realized that day that outsourcing is normal.
For NFS I outsource by finding the correct mills, vendors and all contractors and factories needed for the designer to produce the collection properly.
3 - IS IT IMPORTANT TO FOLLOW FASHION TRENDS? IF SO, HOW IMPORTANT?
Absolutely, especially if I am consulting for collection design and development..
2 - ONE TIP THAT YOU WOULD GIVE TO AN EMERGING DESIGNER?
Please take a few business classes prior to launching your 1st collection.
1 - WHERE DO YOU SEE NFS IN 5 YEARS?
Opening and operation a product development and apparel manufacturer in New England.
List of Services
1. Product Development
2. Apparel Manufacturing Management; In-House Production & Contractor Management
3. Sourcing Fabrics & Trims Worldwide
4.Collection Development
5. Talent Recruiting
6. Industrial Sewing Machine Sourcing
