Global Trendsetting in Apparel

Abstract

Beneath the shifting trends of fashion, the apparel industry has been transforming significantly over the last 10 years. The customer outlook and expectation from the apparel brand leaders have reshaped their business practices, manufacturing, and overall sourcing processes. Supply chain automation has improved the speed to market. However, the fundamental steps of creating concepts, developing designs, manufacturing for mass production, and the delivery logistics to the retail shelves are the main driving forces behind the apparel supply chain. This chapter discusses the apparel supply chain’s shift in focus. While cost is still critical, apparel supply chains are now more focused on creating sustainable supply chains and meeting CSR (corporate social responsibility) guidelines for sourcing. Fashion being a very dynamic industry, ability to do real-time adjustments and still meet the market window is a critical responsibility in supply chain management and logistics in the apparel world. For a supply chain leader it’s very important to understand both manufacturing process technologies and the frequently changing trade regulations as the profitability of the products depends on them. Apparel industry involves a lot of people and it is a high touch world where success depends on collaboration and business acumen.