Fashion Management | VD

Integrating Sustainable Practices into Fashion Supply Chain Management for a Responsible Future

The fashion industry stands at a critical juncture. For decades, the traditional linear supply chain—a “take-make-dispose” model—has driven profitability but accrued devastating environmental and social debt. Today, managing a profitable fashion business necessitates integrating sustainability not as a marketing gimmick, but as a strategic necessity embedded in every operational layer.

1. Defining the Problem and the Scope of Change

The environmental cost of conventional fashion is staggering. It is one of the world’s largest industrial polluters, characterized by excessive water consumption (particularly in cotton cultivation), the generation of massive amounts of textile waste, and significant carbon emissions from global transport.

The industry’s response is the crucial shift toward a circular economy. This model aims to keep products and materials in use for as long as possible, eliminating waste by design. Achieving this transformation requires integrating sustainability across the environmental, social, and economic pillars of the supply chain—from …

Fashion Management

Navigating the Lucrative Career Path for Fashion Management Graduates in Luxury Brands – From Runway to Ranks

November 6, 2025December 1, 2025 - by Richard Beck

For those who dream of a career where business acumen meets creative passion, a degree in Fashion Management is the ultimate passport. Graduates from these specialized programs are uniquely positioned to thrive in the exclusive and demanding world of Luxury Brands. They possess a critical dual skill set—the financial discipline of a business major blended with an innate understanding of the fashion industry’s complex cycles and cultural resonance.

1. The Foundation: Why Fashion Management Excels in Luxury

A Fashion Management curriculum is designed to be comprehensive, covering everything from supply chain logistics and finance to marketing and brand strategy. This holistic knowledge base is not merely useful; it’s critical for luxury houses, whose value hinges on precision. In this sector, Brand Equity—the premium reputation and emotional connection a brand holds—is paramount. Luxury managers must know how to deploy sophisticated marketing while meticulously managing perceived scarcity and product …

Fashion Management

Reshoring vs Offshoring: Trends in Luxury Fashion Production Worldwide

July 11, 2025July 11, 2025 - by Richard Beck

The global luxury fashion industry has long grappled with the decision of whether to produce goods offshore or bring production closer to home through reshoring. In recent years, shifting consumer preferences, evolving supply chain dynamics, and global economic fluctuations have reshaped the conversation around where luxury fashion products are manufactured. This article explores the trends and implications of reshoring versus offshoring in luxury fashion production worldwide.

Understanding Reshoring and Offshoring

Reshoring:

Reshoring refers to the process of bringing manufacturing operations back to the brand’s home country or region. This decision is often driven by factors such as rising overseas labor costs, quality control concerns, intellectual property protection, sustainability considerations, and the desire to support local economies.

Offshoring:

Conversely, offshoring involves outsourcing production to countries with lower labor costs, such as those in Asia and Eastern Europe. While offshoring can result in cost savings, it comes with challenges such as supply …

Fashion Management

Ethical Sourcing and Labor Practices in International Garment Production

June 18, 2025July 11, 2025 - by Richard Beck

The global fashion industry is characterized by intricate supply chains that span continents, connecting consumers with garments produced in a myriad of locations. As awareness around sustainable and ethical practices grows, the spotlight is increasingly on the sourcing of materials and labor practices in international garment production. In this article, we explore the significance of ethical sourcing and labor practices in the context of the garment industry and the steps that can be taken to ensure a fair and sustainable supply chain.

Importance of Ethical Sourcing

Key Aspect:

Ethical sourcing refers to the procurement of materials and components that are produced in a manner that respects human rights, minimizes environmental impact, and supports fair trade practices. In the garment industry, where raw materials are often sourced from developing countries with lax labor regulations, ethical sourcing is crucial to protect the rights and well-being of workers involved in the production process.…

Fashion Management

The Transformative Impact of On-Demand Manufacturing on Global Apparel Supply Chains

May 15, 2025July 11, 2025 - by Richard Beck

The global apparel industry, traditionally reliant on a “push” model of mass production and long lead times, is undergoing a significant transformation. Driven by evolving consumer demands for personalization, sustainability, and rapid trend response, on-demand manufacturing technology is emerging as a disruptive force, reshaping every facet of the global apparel supply chain.

Shifting from “Push” to “Pull”:

Historically, fashion brands would forecast trends, produce large quantities of garments, and then push them into the market. This often resulted in overproduction, excessive inventory, and a staggering amount of waste, with an estimated 30% of clothes never sold. On-demand manufacturing reverses this model, operating on a “pull” system where products are only created after a customer places an order. This fundamental shift minimizes unsold stock and significantly reduces textile waste, contributing to a more environmentally responsible industry.

Key Benefits and Impacts:

Sustainability and Waste Reduction: By producing only what is needed, on-demand