13 minute read
Future of Fashion
The Future of Fashion
BY KATHIE MAY
IIn an effort to meet the needs of an industry shift toward personalization and sustainability, apparel manufacturing is innovating. From 3D printing to sew-bots, automated cutting to VR mirrors in dressing rooms, tech is automating the fashion designer.
One of the more recent innovations in fashion tech is digital, on-demand printing. This apparel manufacturing solution has zero water waste compared to traditional printing. It allows for small-to-large sized apparel brands to compete on the global fashion stage by providing just-in-time product runs and on-demand, inexpensive customization. A couple of apparel entrepreneurs are leading the charge to sustainably innovate the fashion industry and democratize fashion for brands nationwide, right here in Arizona. The Fashioneer is the future of fashion. It’s a multi-line fullservice apparel manufacturer offering design, print, cut, sew and ship services both on-demand and using more traditional manufacturing options with low minimum order quantities.
FABRIC Co-founders Sherri Barry and Angela Johnson have created FABRIC — a non-profit fashion incubator located in Tempe, Arizona. FABRIC is also a business accelerator, design studio academy and manufacturer that is sustainably disrupting, redefining and reshoring the fashion industry for the modern apparel entrepreneur. FABRIC provides guidance, no-minimum manufacturing, business resources, product development, education and studio space to apparel entrepreneurs. It’s a one-stop shop for fashion brands, created by experienced apparel entrepreneurs who wanted to make manufacturing and owning a brand more accessible and less challenging for others. Since their inception in 2016, FABRIC has helped over 800 fashion entrepreneurs bring their designs to market.
THE FASHIONEER Barry went one step further and created The Fashioneer, a sustainable, technology-driven alternative to the traditional manufacturing model that shortens the sewn product lifecycle. This apparel manufacturing solution allows for apparel brands to compete on the global fashion stage by providing just-in-time product runs and on-demand, inexpensive customization. FASHION, ART AND TECHNOLOGY The link between fashion and fabric printing is quite strong. The technologies at the heart of this industry revolution include the Kornit Presto single-step, direct-to-fabric printer and the Gerber Z1 cutter with ContourVision. Kornit Digital is an Israeli-American international manufacturing company that produces high-speed industrial inkjet printers, as well as pigmented ink and
Photos by Manish Sharma of Capture N' Shoot
chemical products for the garment and apparel, home goods and textile industry. A unique personalized print is engineered and dropped directly into a digital pattern file using Gerber’s Acumark CAD program. The garment pattern is virtually stitched together and displayed as a 3D rendering that includes the engineered print prior to being physically cut and sewn. This step reduces the number of prototypes required to perfect a design. The ContourVision camera of the Gerber Z cutter then scans the printed fabric before swiftly autocutting the pieces of the garment from the fabric. The garment is then sewn in the Tempe factory. Investing in digital printing allows The Fashioneer and FABRIC to meet demands for customizable fashion while still being eco-conscious. “We want to provide the best sustainable technology to our designers so they can fully realize their design potential and offer truly unique personalized products to their customers,” Barry explains.
WHAT IS SUSTAINABLE FASHION? Sustainable fashion brands create fashion in a way which is most considerate of humanity and the environment, reducing the environmental impact where possible. The ultimate goal is to have a system that works without leaving a negative footprint. Sustainable fashion saves natural resources, reduces carbon footprint, requires less water and is healthier for people and the planet. The Fashioneer and FABRIC can meet demands for customizable fashion while still being eco-conscious. The Kornit NeoPigment Robusto water-based pigment ink, according to Barry, is “highly UV-resistant, has durable wash and rub results, has soft hand feel, and employs zero water waste.”
Fashions are made to order according to the customer’s wishes. All jobs are completed in one location. Barry notes that this service is unique and rare in the fashion industry today, placing Arizona on the national fashion design and implementation stage.
GREENShe’s GREENHe’s
BY JENNIFER & JOHN BURKHART
With all the stressors of daily life nowadays, sometimes you just need a moment. A timeout. Some peace and reflection. That's hard to do when you have two kids, but hey, we take what we can get, right? Even if that means just taking five minutes to write, five minutes to deep breathe, or five minutes to enjoy some sips of coffee you won't finish and end up reheating three more times (just me?). It's the little pleasures in life that matter sometimes, and maybe you'll find a few new ones to try after reading.
Brew Dr. Kombucha
Love – Lavender, Chamomile and Jasmine
He Said: Well, it's no Love Potion No. 9, but it was a pretty tasty fermented green tea drink. I don't know if it was just me, but I didn't taste the lavender or chamomile flavors at all. Just a nice tart fruit and vinegary bite that I've come to love about kombucha.
She Said: Hmm, perfect if you like kombucha, but tend to not like flavored stuff. It definitely had that signature bite and light sweetness, but I just couldn't detect any of the herbal or floral notes listed on the bottle. Well, at least it was good for my gut, right? I'll just choose something more flavorful next time. Alaffia
Whipped Shea Butter & Coconut Oil, Wild Lavender
He Said: We moved out of Arizona about eight years ago and just happened to be back for a visit while we tested this product. I had forgotten just how drying the arid desert can be. The backs of my hands felt like sandpaper and this butter did a great job rehydrating them. It took a bit of time to absorb and made my hands slightly greasy while it did.
She Said: It says, “whipped” on the jar, but unless they used an actual whip to make this, it really was more of a body butter – thick and creamy. It felt luxurious though and left my skin looking dewy and refreshed. The light lavender scent was just right, and it came in a cute giftable metal tin, too! Alden's Organic
Strawberry Ice Cream
He Said: Being a product reviewer definitely has its highs and lows. We have had to endure some awful products, but getting paid to drink beer and eat ice cream (not at the same time) makes it all worth it. This strawberry ice cream was ultra-smooth and light with a sweet strawberry flavor that was highlighted beautifully with pieces of real strawberries. De-lish!
She Said: I'm not kidding when I say I licked the bowl – I have no shame when it comes to ice cream. How they got this to be so remarkably creamy, I'll never know, but it was delicious! Admittedly, strawberry isn't the most exciting or creative flavor, but you won't care once you bite into sweet-tart berries that are generously blended in.
52-Week Mental Health Journal
Cynthia Catching
He Said: This is a well-thought-out tool that asks simple questions to help with a multitude of beneficial life aspects. The questions will help you think about things like your mind-body connection, staying in the moment, connections you have to the people around you, and setting goals that are attainable. It will also allow you to telepathically control the minds of people around you... wait, nope, I might be wrong about that. It won't make you a superhero, but it might make you feel super.
She Said: This journal was so cool. No worrying about what to write – just open, read a prompt and write! I looked forward to taking a breather from my hectic schedule and reading the next interesting question in the book. It was a great way to slow down, to take a moment for myself – away from screens – and really bring the focus to the present and what's important. Love.
GREENScenes March Events Throughout Arizona
March 6
Shae Leonard Wellness Concierge Health Consulting
Shae Leonard is a Physician Assistant, speaker, functional medicine practitioner, online health coach, gym owner and a mental health/gut/hormone expert. Shae was introduced to functional medicine at a young age while struggling with a variety of severe personal health issues. After seeing countless specialists and trying a myriad of medications that led to side effects and worsening symptoms, she began to advocate and research for herself. This passion ultimately led her to pursue medicine as a career in order to help those with a similar story. She will be presenting at Sunday School in Sante Restaurant on March 6, at 9 a.m. For more information on her consulting services, visit https://shaeleonard.aspirebuilder.com.
CENTRAL ARIZONA March 5
Rhiba Farms Tour
Learn more about sustainable farming in Arizona by taking a tour of Rhiba Farms. They are passionate about providing the Phoenix area with access to naturally grown, nutrient-dense produce. Please remember to wear closed-toe shoes and appropriate outdoor clothing. This is a real-life, working farm with animals, bugs and temperatures that can reach over 100 degrees depending on the season. To learn more about the tour and purchase tickets, visit www.rhibafarms.com/local-farm-tours-in-arizona.
March 19
Environmental Excellence Awards Gala
This prestigious awards program has served as Arizona’s signature sustainability recognition event for over 40 years. Initiated in 1980, the Environmental Excellence Award program is a benchmark for economic and environmental accomplishment. Leaders and teams are taking their vision for a better Arizona and turning it into action. Arizona Forward is pleased to honor all of the 2020-21 award finalists. Each month, leading up to the awards gala on March 19, they are highlighting finalists in each category. Award nominations address sustainability issues and highlight projects across the state, and serve as inspiration for us all as we move forward together. For more information, visit www.arizonaforward.org/events-programs/environmentalexcellence-awards.
March 12
Phoenix Vegan Market
Phoenix Vegan Market is a monthly all-vegan, open-air market that is free and open to the public. The market runs every second Saturday evening of each month, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., with a break June through August. There will be 50+ vegan and veganfriendly vendors each month offering food, produce, drinks and essentials. More vendors will be added as the event continues to grow. For more information visit www.localfirstaz.com/ community-events#!event/2022/3/12/phx-vegan-market.
March 25-27
Integrative Wellness Expo and Conference
As we move into greater awareness about our holistic health as a community, Stephanie Bucklin Consulting, LLC, in partnership with Seeds to Inspire Foundation, MAA Global Group, and One Love Fest, are excited to co-create a conscious wellness event! The goal of our conscious wellness event is to promote awareness about integrative, holistic and quantum wellness therapies and strategies in order to create greater access to health equity in our community. For more information about the expo, visit www.stephaniebucklin.com/integrative-wellnessexpo-conference.
NORTHERN ARIZONA March 19-20
Grand Opening of Camp Verde Archeological Center
Explore Camp Verde’s new archeological center dedicated to the indigenious cultures of Northern Arizona. The Camp Verde Archeological Center is ready to fully open to members and the community. Celebrate CVAC with the following activities: Ribbon cutting ceremony, Native American art show, Native American Traditional Use Garden, lectures, Dance of the Sacred Hoop and Grand Ole Opry Benefit Concert. Learn about what archeologists uncovered in the Verde Valley. For more information, visit www.verdevalleyarchaeology.org.
March 19 & 20
Pecan & Wine Festival
The Pecan and Wine Festival is an annual celebration of Camp Verde’s pecan growers and wineries. Enjoy a wine tasting with 13 of Arizona’s finest wineries. Sample wines, meet the winemakers and purchase bottles to take home, all while listening to live music. Food trucks and local artisan vendors will be in attendance to complete the day.The festival includes nut and wine tastings, vendors, and music. Saturday hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Pecan and Wine Festival is not a pet friendly event. For tickets visit: www.visitcampverde.com/ pecan-and-wine-festival.
March 26
Sedona Food Truck Festival
If fantastic grub, brews and tunes are on your list of favorite things, then the Sedona Food Truck Festival at Posse Grounds Park on Saturday, March 26, is for you. The event is from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.. A mouthwatering food truck lineup will be on site, each offering a $5 sampler item in addition to a complete menu. Craft beer, hard seltzer and wine will be for sale, courtesy of Red Rocks Rotary. Musical entertainment will be provided by The Invincible Grins and DJ Pablo. For more information, visit www. sedonachamber.com/attractions-and-entertainment-listing/ sedona-food-truck-festival.
SOUTHERN ARIZONA March 16
Tucson Business Mixer
March’s Tucson Business Mixer is hosted by Exo Roast Co., a beloved Tucson staple. Join Local First Arizona on March 16 for a night of networking with Tucson’s local business community. business mixers are held on a monthly basis for our Local First Arizona members. They know that different ideas and perspectives help fuel innovation, helping their members create stronger networking connections, become more business savvy and remain competitive. Even if you’re not a member, we encourage you to stop in and see what LFA has to offer! For more information, visit www.localfirstaz.com/events/tucsonbusiness-mixer-1.
Through March 20
University of Arizona Museum of Art presents: The Art of Food
The University of Arizona Museum of Art will be open to inperson visits with a new exhibition. Featuring more than 100 works in a variety of media from the renowned collections of Jordan D. Schnitzer Family Foundation, The Art of Food showcases how some of the most prominent artists of the 20th and 21st centuries have considered this universal subject. Organized thematically, this exhibition uses an artistic lens to examine food beyond its purpose as body fuel. For more information, visit www.visittucson.org/event/ua-museum-ofart%3a-the-art-of-food/11281.
Through August 31
"Seeing the Invisible" Exhibition at Tucson Botanical Gardens
The most ambitious and expansive exhibition to date of contemporary artworks created with augmented reality (AR) technology at Tucson Botanical Gardens as one of 12 participating gardens across six countries. Seeing the Invisible features works by more than a dozen international artists such as Ai Weiwei, Refik Anadol, El Anatsui, Isaac Julien CBE, Mohammed Kazem, Sigalit Landau, Sarah Meyohas, Pamela Rosenkranz, and Timur Si-Qin—including several artists' first work in AR. Visitors will engage with “Seeing the Invisible” via an app designed for the exhibition, downloadable to smartphones and tablets. Forging new links between botanical gardens located in diverse biomes around the globe, the exhibition fosters collaboration between institutions, artists and audiences, highlighting the power of art to connect people around the world. For more information, visit www.visittucson.org/event/seeing-the-invisible-exhibition-attucson-botanical-gardens/10839.
Get Ready to Vote!
It’s time to recognize the best conscious companies in Arizona with our first annual Best Of Issue coming this summer. And we need your help.
