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Dr. Mike Fralix is an experienced Chief Executive Officer with a demonstrated history of working in the apparel and fashion industry. He is skilled in Trend Analysis, Technology Development, Manufacturing, Operations Management and Supply Chain Strategies. He has worked in a variety of capacities at [TC]² and has led initiatives to develop next-generation supply chain technologies and worked with companies to implement currently available technologies and business processes.
In addition, Dr. Fralix is an internationally recognized speaker and offers expertise on a variety of topics. These include 3D product development, sizing for fit, production scheduling, industrial engineering, ergonomics, full package production, simulation, virtual dressing, online shopping, additive manufacturing, re-shoring, lean systems, sustainable technologies/waterless coloring, and the digital supply chain.
He holds Bachelor of Science degrees in Applied Mathematics and Philosophy from North Carolina State University, a master’s degree in Business Administration from Duke University, and a Doctorate in Textile Technology Management from North Carolina State University. In 2009 he was appointed an Adjunct Associate Professor at N.C. State University and was named Distinguished Alumnus of the Year by the College of Textiles for 2012.
Dr. Fralix is also active in several industry organizations. He is a member of the Board of Directors of: AAFA-American Apparel & Footwear Assoc., SPESA-Sewn Products Equipment and Suppliers of the Americas (Past Chairman), IAF-International Apparel Federation (Chair of Technical Committee), AAFA Education Foundation (Current President), YMA-Fashion Scholarship Fund, the Georgia Soft Goods Education Foundation (Past President) and TAPAC-Textile and Apparel Programs Accreditation Commission (Industry Liaison). He was recognized as a Thought Leader at the OIA (Outdoor Industry Association) Thought Leader’s Dinner in January 2013.
Anastasia Vouyouka
12:17:14 From John Fijen : 160 subscribers
12:31:57 From b.styles : As a textile knitter and sewn products manufacturer in NC, where do we go to collaberate? How do we break the mold and become an innovator?
12:34:09 From Tom Janicki : Thank You Trevor
12:34:12 From SF Tailors : When selecting a cause, should you avoid controversial ones?
12:35:54 From Devin Steele : Great points, Trevor.
12:41:00 From gmcgee : eye opening in what way?
12:41:16 From gmcgee : positive / negative or both
12:43:13 From Laura Vaillancourt-CDS : We're a design/development house and manufacturer in St. Paul, MN and apart of SEAMS and it has been a wonderful source of support. HIGHLY recommend joining. Feel free to reach out if you want to ask me about it! Laura- Clothier Design Source (laura@mlc-clothier.com)
12:46:43 From Muditha Senanayake to John Fijen(Privately) : Nice to see you John. Need to leave for another meeting. Regards.
12:47:06 From John Fijen to Muditha Senanayake(Privately) : thanks
12:47:54 From John Fijen to Muditha Senanayake(Privately) : Thanks for joining
12:50:34 From aspurling : How realistic is it that SEAMS members can stay competitive against the powerhouse companies in the PPE business? PPE wasn't any of our core competencies several months ago. How realistic do you feel it is that we can sustain on-going sales in that space?
12:50:40 From Emilio Penhos : Can we see your face?
12:51:33 From John Fijen to Emilio Penhos(Privately) : on the side you can see will
12:56:18 From Laura Vaillancourt-CDS : re: PPE, Clothier Design Source didn't do much PPE before the pandemic, really it's about cold calling, establishing relationships and marketing. PPE has saved us.
12:57:24 From Emilio Penhos : WHTAS THE FUTURE OF FAST FASHION???
12:58:04 From Emilio Penhos : I REMEMBER YOU WHERE THE VOICE OF THAT WORLD TREND OF THE PAST
12:59:06 From b.styles : PPE masks kept us going, but now has dried up. The overseas faucet has opened back up and everyone dropped US made products again... How can we not be cost based if the consumer is not price based?
13:07:52 From Tom Janicki : Any closing acronyms? I’m enjoying them!
13:09:32 From Asociacion Poblana de Industriales del Vestido : Hi, this is Lourdes Pérez, l’m representing an Apparel Association in Puebla, Mexico. What are the chances for us to become suppliers for the USA brands in this complex scenario?
13:10:08 From Devin Steele : Mike is Mr. Acronym – glad to see the long tradition continue!
13:11:07 From Trevor Little : The Future of Fast Fashion - The Fast Fashion entities will continue to be creative (Zara, H&M, Mango, etc.). Keep an eye out for how they are changing - closing stores and pivoting to more online sales
13:12:37 From Asociacion Poblana de Industriales del Vestido : BTW, good to see you guys!
13:12:42 From SF Tailors : with online sales spiking, any suggestions on how to avoid the huge amount of returns due to customers choosing the wrong size?
13:16:25 From John Fijen : Today TC2 Labs offers technologies to help to solve this issue. We can scan consumers with a tablet scanner, or full 3D body scanner (for custom made industry). On top of that, also with our algorithm based on 7 questions we can offer size matching.
13:16:44 From Trevor Little : Anastasia is dealing with this issue of returns - indirectly. Make certain that the size of the garment fits the consumer. There is a lot of work behind the scenes taking a "phone scan" and matching the profile to a repository of sizes. Then giving guidance to the purchaser about the size that best suits the size
13:19:58 From b.styles : QUESTION - How can we as manufacturers connect to and educate designers?
13:26:58 From John Fijen : Business changes nonstop. These changes are accelerated during these times. We need to keep reinvent ourselves. I think indeed that PPE business will not be the market where we can relay in near future. Maybe Custom-made products, locally manufactured. Where we offer a product with another added value. Produced on demand with custom made fit. Where the consumer get the possibility to online configure/create his own outfit (based on predefined options) This model is impossible for mass manufacturing parties.
13:27:41 From Juan Fernando : Any plan in place in the academia to re-educate and support the NEW MODEL OF LEADERSHIP and all the workforce necessary in this era of high level of uncertainty? Or we need to wait for 3D printing of the new leaders for this world!!!
13:28:43 From RENE COMMONS : Would be great to collaborate your shape and fit expertise with the body scanning tech companies here in USA
13:29:26 From John Fijen : We are here to share this expertise....
13:30:00 From Manuela Avadanei : Anastasia, you are right. Very well pointed and presented. This is a solution for the new fashion-personalize for me
13:34:10 From Manuela Avadanei : This is real. I saw and test it.
13:35:51 From Young, Kate - 0881 - MITLL : Is there a company that is using scanned measurements and manufacturing of garments on a large scale? If so, what percent do the algorithms get the fit right?
13:35:54 From John Fijen : Big advantage of this business model is retailer / producer / brand paid before you produce. The customer can config the garment online. Buys what they like pay and production starts.
13:37:50 From b.styles : QUESTION - Where does fabric type figure in to the design capability on this software?
13:38:09 From Young, Kate - 0881 - MITLL : Of the model presented, what is the typical timeline for production?
13:38:27 From SF Tailors : We use the TC2 scanner for our custom suits. It works very well and our customers love it. The no touch is a big advantage now, but the scanner also provides a great experience. People tell me they feel like they went on a ride in Disneyworld. With all the online sales, it is so important to give people an experience they won't forget when they come to the store.
13:39:17 From John Fijen : The pattern can made in 15 minutes
13:39:41 From Young, Kate - 0881 - MITLL : And the garment?
13:40:18 From John Fijen : That depends of the work process of the manufacture
13:40:26 From RENE COMMONS to John Fijen(Privately) : I understand soon we will apps on our phones for body scanning to make it easier to shop. This software package looks like a great tool! Very good approach to solve fit problems.
13:41:57 From John Fijen : Accuracy: Tablet scanners / 3D body scanners are within 0.5 cm. Algorithm with in inch
13:43:07 From Anne to John Fijen(Privately) : how can I get more information on 3D grading!!!
13:43:13 From Tom Janicki : Thank you Anastasia! Quite Informative!
13:44:06 From RENE COMMONS : Thank you- Excellent!!!
13:44:33 From Manuela Avadanei : Super, dearest Anastasia
13:44:57 From Jane Opiri : Wow thanks Anastasia! This is the best way forward for a sustainable fashion industry.
13:46:41 From Jordan Lancheros : Thank you Anastasia. Very clear the information.
13:46:56 From John Fijen to Anne(Privately) : You can email me jfijen@tc2.com
13:50:01 From Anastasia to John Fijen(Privately) : Our discussion and challenge refers to the design and fit, and the sample.The image for saleability and profitability is created at the design stage.We try to show how this can be improved to make the sustainability of the industrypossible.
13:50:50 From basma : thank Anastasia,i believe that telestia method is the future of new fashion .it what the new designer need
13:52:59 From Anastasia : Our discussion and challenge refers to the design and fit and the sample.The image for saleability and profitability is created at the sin stage.We try to show how this can be improved to make the sustainability of the industry possible.
13:54:03 From Anastasia : I thank all the people for attending and particularly the designers and companies that confirm their success and share our vision of pairing technology with skills.
13:55:28 From Jane Opiri : Thanks Anastasia I hope to convince my school to invest in this technology for my students. Thank you!
13:56:24 From Anastasia : The fit cannot fail as it relies on real people for made for me. The use it with standard tables it follows the rule it is as accurate as the table measurements you put into it.
13:56:38 From Tom Janicki : I must depart the meeting. Thanks and Gratitude for being included. Thank you to the panelists sharing intelligence! Be Well All!
13:58:36 From John Fijen to b.styles(Privately) : Maybe we can discuss you question off line. My email jfijen@tc2.com, Maybe we can give you ideas to be innovative. But maybe we discussed first your current offering/model.
13:58:48 From Jane Opiri : Thanks John for inviting me, I am glad I attended. Thank you to the panelist for the great information.
14:00:21 From b.styles : How does a company avoid a cost based model if the consumer focuses on price?
14:00:46 From SF Tailors : Thank you for all the great presentations. Happy I attended, well worth the time!
14:01:13 From Manuela Avadanei : Thanks for this meeting. It was very everything. Be safe and healthy.
14:02:52 From basma : thanks for the meeting,Be well All
14:06:52 From Arturo Rodriguez : Valus Added is the way for USA made IF not then difficult to compete.....even in t-shirts
14:07:21 From larissamavromati@yahoo.com : A big Thank you to Anastasia!! I'm so glad to join this conversation! Im a student recently graduated from e-telestia! Very proud for what i've been tought!! I believe to the vision of Ms Anastasia! Hope i can make it that way too!
14:08:34 From Manuela Avadanei : Is the moment to try to educate the consumer...more and more..
14:09:01 From Asociacion Poblana de Industriales del Vestido : If there’s a specific category in which Mexican manufacturers can provide support to USA brand, please contact me @direccion@apiv.com.mx
14:09:15 From Asociacion Poblana de Industriales del Vestido : *brands
14:09:25 From miguel ortiz de zevallos : hello to all, will this models give chances for alliances..¿?
14:11:51 From Jim Hopkins : What about the movement across the country to a $15/hr. min. wage rate.
14:12:04 From Jim Hopkins : That has to be considered as well!
14:12:30 From Devin Steele : Good point, Jim!
14:12:41 From miguel ortiz de zevallos : alliances...??
14:17:17 From John Fijen : alliances are always good.....
14:19:01 From John Fijen to miguel ortiz de zevallos(Privately) : Maybe share your contact info with me jfijen@tc2.com
14:22:24 From Dan Swift : Great point Will! I gave a seminar to Ann Taylor TD's and staff in NY (47 people) of which 3 had ever been in a factory.
14:22:53 From miguel ortiz de zevallos to John Fijen(Privately) : miguel ortiz de zevallos form Creditex, you have our info at TC2 mortizdezevallos@creditex.com.pe
14:23:46 From Stephanie Dick : Thank you from The Textile Institute International for an interesting event, well done. Signing off for the day from the UK.
14:24:14 From Dan Swift : Great event!!
14:24:57 From Arturo Rodriguez : Gracias to all, stay SAFE!
14:24:59 From John Fijen : Thanks you to all !!!! Stay safe and healthy !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
14:25:19 From BlackBerry BBB100-2 : thank you
14:25:21 From Jim Hopkins : thank you everyone!
Trevor J. Little is a Professor of Textile And Apparel Management in the Wilson College of Textiles at NC State University. He graduated from the University of Leeds, England with B.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Textiles and has worked with CSIRO in Australia, Philadelphia Wilson College of Textiles and Science (now Philadelphia University), Danskin Inc., and NC State University since 1984. His research interests include functionally tailored textiles, nanofibers, developing and delivering products that meet current consumer demand, automated garment design, digital printing, and electro textiles.
RESEARCH
The business of fashion worldwide employs an estimated 18 million people engaged in the production, design, and development of fashion. Currently, in the USA, over one million people are employed in the retailing of fashion and about 200,000 employed in fashion apparel production across the USA. Research for the fashion industry covers many different disciplines in both the technologies and management of manufacturing. An important aspect of fashion is how to design a continuous stream of new products is the least possible time so that the consumer has an increasing selection of product. Technology plays a crucial role to assist the designer in 2D, 3D, correct fit, pleasing drape, physiological and psychological comfort, functionally tailored performance, and aesthetics. The ability to prepare prototypes and samples rapidly often provide a competitive advantage. Sourcing and logistics further enhance a firm’s ability to attract repeat business. My research interests include manufacturing and management, new product development, design for manufacturability, mass-customization, simulation, technology development, and economic competitiveness.
ACADEMIC DEGREES
Ph.D. Department of Textile Industries, University of Leeds, 1974
B.Sc. Textile Industries (Hons), University of Leeds, 1971B.Sc. Textile Industries, University of Leeds, 1970
Glenn Jackman is the Senior International Trade Manager for the Textile and Marine Sectors for the statewide economic development organization for North Carolina, the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC) focuses on recruiting new businesses to the state, supporting the needs of existing businesses, connecting exporters to global customers, helping small business owners get their start, and attracting tourists and visitors from all over the world.
North Carolina Department of Commerce / International Trade Division / International Business Development Trade Manager for the textile, apparel, hosiery, sporting goods, and textile machinery sector of the North Carolina Department of Commerce International Trade Division. This Division is responsible for developing overseas business opportunities for North Carolina- based firms in the textile industry.
Mr. Jackman previously served as the President and CEO of Holiday Sportswear, a Florida-based apparel manufacturing company, as well as the President of the Florida Manufactures Association .
Glenn is a graduate of Miami Dade College and has previously returned to the University of Miami for post-graduate courses in international trade and marketing.
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Mike Fralix
WILL DUNCAN
Trevor Little
GlenN Jackman
ORIGINAL INvitation
Chief Executive Officer, WDA & Executive Director, SEAMS Association
Will Duncan is a recognized speaker and fashion industry consultant with over 35 years’ experience in plant engineering, team-based manufacturing, and process improvement in the sewn products industry. He is skilled in facilitating culture change, team building, and process alignment for brands, retailers, and manufacturers. Will has led and successfully implemented a large number of lean manufacturing initiatives and started industry-focused training programs in countries around the world. Throughout his 30 years as an industry consultant, he assisted many companies throughout Central America, South America, Mexico, and the US to improve their operations and processes ranging from the Board Room to the Factory Floor. With, a significant emphasis on Product Development, Cutting, Sewing, and Garment Finishing.
Will also serves as Executive Director for the SEAMS Association where his firm is responsible for all management, marketing, and administrative functions. SEAMS is the Association and Voice of the U.S. Sewn Products Industry for over 50 years consisting of more than 200 of America’s foremost fashion brands, retailers, manufacturers, and textile providers. Supercharging the American Supply Chain, SEAMS is the most relevant force and go-to resource shaping the growth and resurgence of MADE IN AMERICA. Will has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Management from North Carolina State University, is a former member of [TC]²’s Executive Board, was Director of Education and a Board Member of SEAMS, and served as Chairman of the Human Resources Leadership Council of the American Apparel Footwear Association.
CHAT Messages DURING EVENT
Anastasia Vouyouka, FCFI, CText FTI, is a clothing technology expert, author
of many books on pattern technology, for perfect fit and style design, since the
80s.Fellow of the Textile Institute, UK, and member of the council the last couple of
years.
BA English Language & Literature of English, Thessaloniki, Greece,
Business Administration course, City of London Polytechnic, England,
Pattern Cutting & Fashion Design, Italy
She is the director of the Fashion Express Learning College in London, which applies the multi awarded, and innovative online Telestia Training. These include Clothing and Fashion courses, that are used, in innovative institutions. all over the world while they satisfy students, teachers, and particularly design studios. Has been the coordinator and IP owner for the transfer of the above training content and methodology approach, into interactive multimedia high technology applications. (8 eight titles),
the Telestia online methodology, plus the creation of a highly sophisticated Fashion & Technology CAD, the Telestia Creator.
Most of the above were realized with the co-funding from the EU and the strong and active cooperation from British, German, French universities, and relevant organizations, some of which are MMU, KIAD, Newham College, Skillfast,(UK). AFPA (France), Albstadt Singmaringen (Germany)
They received European and International Prizes & Awards, as creations that support the uptake of the much-needed skills in the strongly outsourced manufacturing sector.
She has been researching and promoting the concept of sustainable design and the teaching of applying it to young designers, for decades.
Introduction
Dear Friends and Partners,
We hope your loved ones and all members of your communities are healthy and safe.
Together, we live in troubling times with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) influencing every part of our daily lives and businesses.
The fashion industry already faced huge issues before the start of the pandemic: supply chain challenges, profitability, overproduction, struggle with correct sizing, and environmental unsustainability.
The fashion industry is currently responsible for 10% of all of the humanities' carbon emissions, is the second-largest consumer of the world's water supply, and pollutes the oceans with microplastics.
On top of all of this, business leaders worldwide grapple now with the COVID-19 pandemic.
Of course, the health and well-being of their employees and customers is their top priority.
Some apparel and fashion companies have already put their assets to good use during the crisis, by turning around their factories to make face masks or hand sanitizer, donating products and services to healthcare workers, or helping employees find temporary roles with companies that are hiring.
But how long can this situation continue?
Which brings us to our topic: America’s Future
(Our panel discussion about the future of the American Fashion Industry.)
We want to help to ensure that the fashion industry and your business can survive and thrive after this unprecedented era.
In North America alone, the apparel, fashion, and beauty industry together generate approximately $600 billion in annual revenue and employ more than four million people.
Apparel and fashion companies must act quickly to secure business continuity, minimize downside for the latter half of 2020, and get ahead of business-model changes that may be necessary coming out of this disruption.
In America’s Future, we have invited five recognized Captains of Industry to share their thoughts, to help stimulate your mind and adaptation process. Each captain is coming from a different background bringing their own unique approach and point of view to these challenges. Together we strive to give you some guidance, new ideas or maybe some extra grants you may not be aware of.
Watch Now (See the link to the movie below)
John Fijen
Managing Director