Responsible sourcing
I moved over to the role of a sourcing because I personally became more aware of the environmental impact the fashion industry was having on the world, and I didn’t necessarily want to “design” clothes anymore, but rather help source responsible fabrics, from proven ethical factories.
Having the chance to visit many factories on design trips over the years, it gave me the chance to get inside and in depth knowledge of not only how to source fabric, but also to see how fibres are spun and woven, visiting all of tiers of the supply chain.
Sourcing isn’t just about finding the right fabric for the right price, you also must ensure that all seasonal calendar timelines are met and on-board new vendors successfully, as well as have a strong understanding of certifications and SDG’s.
I’ve got to admit I am an absolute geek when it comes to compositions, and I love finding new sustainable fabrics that brands can use.
I have a good base of responsible suppliers that I have built strong, lasting relationships with over the years, that share my views and opinions on innovative fabrics (ranging across all different product groups).
My process
The garment manufacturing process is monitored from inception through to completion, and my role of sourcing manager was to analyse the process to determine whether to use the supplier again or seek out higher quality or more cost-effective/ responsible providers.
Sourcing entails confirming the terms of contracts, licenses, insurance and liability agreements for each source being used, as well as an understanding of garment manufacturing, have great contacts with international suppliers and manufacturers, and have strong negotiation skills to get the best price and delivery schedule.