Paying it Forward in the Industry

When you think about fashion, you tend to think about the people whose names are splashed across runways at Fashion Week. Of course, fashion isn’t just about big names — it’s also about who can efficiently get that dress off of the runway and into stores so consumers can buy them.

This year, ABS is proud to work with our longtime partners Philadelphia University and A Wish Come True to give students a behind the scenes look at how the fashion industry works in the real world with our first-ever MFG Day event.

On October 7, Philadelphia University Assistant Professor Nioka Wyatt and students from her Apparel Technology class will participate in an on-site tour at A Wish Come True’s production facility. A Wish Come True is an industry leader in dance and performance wear, and they are one of the only companies that manufactures those items in the United States.

The students will get a firsthand look at the advantages and challenges of manufacturing in the US from two Philadelphia University graduates who now work at A Wish Come True. The class will also get an in-depth look at the software that keeps apparel and footwear businesses running at peak efficiency from Apparel Business Systems President Jean Kopan and Project Manager Jessica Schirmer.

With the help of our customers in the fashion industry and instructors at design and fashion schools, we can start to “pay it forward” to tomorrow’s fashion professionals. How does your apparel or footwear business mentor the next generation? Share your stories with us!