About Abby Edge
Abby Edge is the Product Development associate at Eileen Fisher, where she supports key initiatives in sourcing and sustainability. She graduated from the University of Delaware (UD) in 2020 with a degree in Fashion Merchandising. During her time at UD, she developed a passion for sustainable sourcing and social responsibility, which led her to pursue a career with a company that aligns with these values. Abby also served as a teaching assistant for FASH455 in Spring 2020 and was the co-author of How will EU Trade Curb Affect Cambodia’s Apparel Industry published in Just-Style.
Sheng: What does a Product Development Associate do? Can you walk us through your typical day at Eileen Fisher? Also, what makes you love your job?
Abby: Product development can mean different things at different companies, but at Eileen Fisher (EF) it means costing and development prior to product development (PO). All samples, fabrics, and costs need to be approved during the Product Development period before the business teams place their buys. Every day, I communicate with our vendors to cost styles and create time & action plans so that delivery will be met. We work with our vendors and fabric mills to align and finalize pricing to achieve our margin goals. We also must think strategically about material and vendor allocation to improve lead times and mitigate carbon footprint.
I work hybrid, and our beautiful office is on the Hudson River in Irvington, New York. I enjoy going into the office to spend time with my team and review the product in person. I love my job because I am exposed to so many new and exciting sustainability initiatives every day. I admire everything that EF stands for and that we can promote a “less is more” wardrobe.
Sheng: What are the key steps involved in product development, and how do you collaborate with your sourcing team throughout this process?
Abby: At Eileen Fisher, there are two main stages of the product development process before “commitment”: “development” and “dupe.” At the development stage, we focus on any new materials that are being added to the line. We make sure the costing, testing, and lead times are workable. Then, at the dupe stage, we cost and sample the entire product line so that the merchandising and buying teams have all the information they need to place their buys. After commitment, we pass the baton to the Production team to finalize quantities, issue purchase orders, and track orders. Together, the Product Development
Sheng: Sustainability is a key focus in the fashion apparel industry today. From the product development perspective, what notable improvements have been made in recent years, and where do opportunities lie for further progress?
Abby: Eileen Fisher is leading the way in sustainability within the fashion industry, and it has been incredibly rewarding to be a part of a team where this principle is integrated into every aspect. For example, materials are at the core of EF. We focus on natural, organic, and regenerative materials and steer away from synthetics. Regenerative organic cotton is a new material that I’m really excited about. It all starts with the health of the farm and the people growing our cotton. The regenerative organic certification means that the cotton is grown holistically and healthily, contributing to the soil’s health and mitigating the impacts of climate change.
Additionally, the certification has strict social responsibility guidelines, requiring a living wage and safe working conditions for all farmers. This is just one example of innovative improvements that are being made in the material sector. Others include Lenzing Tencel lyocell, regenerative responsible wool, and organic linen.
Another key initiative at Eileen Fisher is our take-back program called “Renew,” where customers bring back their old EF garments in exchange for a $5 store credit. Since the program started in 2009, 2 million garments have been collected. Of the 2 million, 660,885 have been re-sold in stores, and the rest have been donated, repurposed, or downcycled. Some of my favorite EF pieces have actually been purchased from the store’s renewal section! It is also great to see other brands following suit and creating take-back and recycling programs. Clothing waste is an industry-wide problem; we need all hands on deck to make a difference.
Sheng: From your observation, how has the adoption of digital technologies transformed the practices of product development and apparel sourcing?
Abby: Our Product lifecycle management (PLM) system— Centric— has helped streamline the design and product development process tremendously. All teams have access to the PLM system, which allows everyone to be on the same page and easily access any information they might need. For example, designers use the system to set up styles and tech packs, whereas the merchandising team uses the system to line plan and set retails. In my role, I use PLM to enter and land costs and analyze margins. It is dynamic and provides everyone the key tools to succeed while working on multiple seasons at once.
Sheng: Are there any other major trends in the fashion industry that we should closely monitor in the next 1-2 years, particularly in product development and sourcing?
Abby: Traceability and transparency have become increasingly important in the industry. Technology platforms are emerging that can ensure transparency throughout all supply chain tiers using a digital “fiber coin.” The specific platform we use— Textile Genesis—maps the supply chain from fiber to retail to verify any sustainable fibers so that all claims we make are valid. In other words, they ensure the “transactions” between each supply chain step (fiber to yarn to fabric to garment) are authentic. It has been very exciting to see this project come to life, and I feel that platforms like this will become increasingly more prominent in the coming years.
Sheng: What reflections can you share from your experiences at UD and FASH? what advice would you offer to current students preparing for a career in product development and apparel sourcing?
Abby: I am so grateful for my time at UD in the FASH program. I made so many connections with my peers, professors, and alums that have helped me get to where I am now. My advice to current students is to get involved as much as possible, whether through study abroad programs, internships, or clubs. Don’t limit yourself or close yourself off to areas of the industry and embrace any opportunity you get, as you never know where it could lead. My internship with Under Armour in Hong Kong through the FASH study abroad program really helped me grow personally and professionally and I would not be where I am without that experience.
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FASH455 Global Apparel & Textile Trade and Sourcing 
I loved getting to hear about Abby’s experience at Eileen Fisher, and it’s so awesome she was able to land a job at a company where she truly supports everything they stand for. She mentioned a few interesting initiatives and techniques for sustainability that I hadn’t heard of before. Regenerative organic cotton seems very promising, since harvesting seems to be overlooked when it comes to ethical practices in the fashion industry. The Renew system Eileen Fisher has is also a great way to get customers involved in the sustainability process: they will feel good about giving back and reducing waste into the environment. I believe Patagonia and North Face have similar initiatives, so it’s great to see more and more companies joining in! It’s surprising I haven’t heard more about Eileen Fisher in the past based on all the ethical practices they seem to be participating in.
Hi Juliette! I like how you pointed out that people do not normally consider harvesting when it comes to initiating sustainable practices. Maybe this is something more brands will focus on in the future. I also enjoyed learning about regenerative organic cotton and it’s increasing popularity. I too am surprised that I haven’t heard more about Eileen Fishers sustainability practices considering all Abby Edge talked about. This brand will likely have a competitive edge in the future as consumers look for brands with good environmentalism practices.
Learning about Abby’s experience as a Product Development associate at Eileen Fisher was very insightful! What was most insightful to me was the fact that there is so much that goes into the entire process of sourcing, and cost is a very important step. Her position is most important to ensure every step is running on time, which means she has to put a lot of work and time management skills into her position. I also love how her position has a lot to do with sustainability in fashion, since that is something I myself am very passionate about. Since Abby’s position is the core of the production, she explained how Eileen Fisher puts emphasis on using natural, organic, and regenerative materials for their lines. I also love the concept of the Renew program. I hope more companies take EF as an example of ways to incorporate sustainable practices into their business. I am curious to know when EF put this system into place, and it it ever complicated how they run their business. As Abby noted, I agree that transparency is becoming increasingly important within the industry. This goes hand-in-hand with sustainability because consumers not only want to know what their clothes are made of and where the come from, but also if it is being done sustainability and in positive working conditions. With the rise of technology as well, this will become easier for companies to do, but only will hold companies accountable since this information can now be accessed by the public. Overall, this blog post was super insightful, and I enjoyed learning more about how Eileen Fisher is running their business sustainably and efficiently!
It was great to read about Abby’s experience and industry insights! Hearing that sustainability is truly being integrating into a business is always a great indication of positive change, especially in an industry full of greenwashing and unfulfilled CSR promises. Prior to this, I was not familiar with EF’s emphasis on sustainable materials, nor their journey towards the regenerative cotton certification. As they continue to lean into this, I’m excited to see where they go, since this is the future of fashion. In terms of the Renew program, I’ve been seeing many brands start to undertake secondhand initiatives or marketplaces, so it was good to hear that it seems to be working really well for EF. What interested me most was the topic of transparency and traceability, and how those goals are currently being reached for. After a brief look at Textile Genesis, it’s clear that the intersection of technology and sustainability initiatives is highly promising. It also further expands into the discussion about technology and sourcing, and how vast the area of opportunity is there.
I found this interview very interesting! I really liked reading about her role as a product development assistant and learning about the different stages of product development at Eileen Fisher because as we have learned, the process looks different for different companies. I also find their sustainability initiatives really incredible. It is one of the main parts of their business and they are at the forefront of working with sustainable materials and social responsibility. I was also intrigued by the platform Textile Genesis she explained which maps the entire process of the supply chain. I think this could be revolutionary technology for many brands working towards more sustainable practices. I would love to know what Eileen Fisher’s long term goals are in terms of sustainability and social responsibility as they are already ahead of so many other US retailers with their renewal program, combination of sustainability and technology, and their certifications.
I enjoyed reading this blog post about Abby’s experience in product development at Eileen Fischer! I appreciate how passionate she is about fashion sustainability and social responsibility within her role. Product development has many moving parts because you have to communicate with vendors about sourcing fabrics, trims, and textiles, while also staying within budget and researching compliant vendors. Abby discusses the importance of sustainability at Eileen Fischer and says that they stick to sourcing natural and organic fibers and avoid synthetics that are harmful to the environment. I enjoyed learning more about regenerative organic cotton because I did not know much about the process before. Interestingly, this type of cotton helps protect against climate change, because it is grown holistically and increases soil health. In addition, I never knew that Eileen Fischer had a take-back program. I wish that more companies would implement similar programs to minimize textile waste. This article was very informative and I am excited to see what the future holds regarding Eileen Fischer’s sustainability efforts.
Learning about Abby’s firsthand experience as a Product Developer at Eileen Fisher provided valuable insights into the complex nature of sourcing and sustainability in the fashion industry. I was particularly struck by the attention to detail required in her role to ensure timely production, highlighting the balance of work and time management skills. The emphasis on utilizing natural, organic, and regenerative materials aligns with my own passion for sustainability, and I admire Eileen Fisher’s Renew program as a commendable example for other companies to follow. I am curious about the implementation timeline and any challenges faced in integrating these sustainable practices into their business model. Abby’s emphasis on transparency resonates deeply, reflecting an increase in consumer demand for ethically sourced and environmentally friendly products. With advancements in technology facilitating greater transparency, companies are increasingly held accountable for their practices. Overall, this insightful blog post shed light on Eileen Fisher’s sustainable and efficient business practices, inspiring a deeper appreciation for their commitment to responsible fashion.
Abby’s story as UD graduate to Product Development associate at Eileen Fisher is very inspiring. Everyday I am reminded of how great our fashion program here at UD is, and how many opportunities it leads to. Abby’s job seems very interesting, however, I was particularly interested in her thoughts on sustainability, and the future of sourcing. As she mentioned, it is imperative for brands to be involved in sustainability, especially clothing waste. I love that Eileen Fisher has a buy back program, which lets the customer get involved in sustainability. I was also very interested in this regenerative organic cotton that EF uses for their garments. Other brands should take note, as EF shows that a brand can care heavily about sustainability, while also making a profit. Another thing Abby mentioned that I took interest in was the digital “fiber coins.” This reminded me of an assignment that I just completed in the capstone course regarding technology in the fashion industry. I researched how the blockchain could be utilized for better sustainability, and it sounded very similar to these “fiber coins.” It is always very impressive to see the innovative ways in which the fashion industry is evolving.
I really enjoyed hearing about Abby’s job as a Product Development Associate at Eileen Fisher. It was also inspiring to hear about how passionate Abby is about her job. What surprised me most about this interview is all of the intricacies and detail that goes into ensuring that Eileen Fisher is producing completely sustainable product. As someone that has always been interested in learning more about sustainability in the fashion industry, I was especially happy to hear that Eileen Fisher not only focuses on the product aspect of sustainability, but also on the social responsibility aspect of it. While there is much more awareness today than there has ever been, I do feel that the ethical sector of sustainability is often more overlooked by consumers than it should be. It is extremely impressive to me that Eileen Fisher utilizes the platform Textile Genesis to promote transparency and traceability in an industry that doesn’t typically do so. Throughout this interview with Abby, it is not difficult to see the effort that the Eileen Fisher brand puts into creating a more sustainable industry.
I really enjoyed reading about Abby’s role as a Product Development Associate and how Eileen Fisher is encompassing sustainability through initiatives and systems. Getting an idea of the processes in the department of communicating with vendors to cost styles and meet delivery actions gives an idea of what it is like working in this department. I think it is important how Eileen Fisher makes material and vendor allocation for lead times and decreasing carbon footprints a priority. Fashion companies’ impact on the environment is statistically detrimental, but it is refreshing to see their focus on regenerative materials and following strict social responsibility guidelines for sourcing certifications. I thought their take-back program of “Renew” is a really smart strategy to incentivize consumers to return used garments that would then be re-sold or donated and repurposed. This is a step in the right direction for combating clothing waste. Lastly, I liked learning about the technology platforms of Centric and Textile Genesis that I was unaware of previously. This emphasizes how fashion companies are dependent on technology that can transform the industry and their current practices.
It was really interesting to hear about what Abby is doing at Eileen Fisher and that she was able to find a job that really catered to her interests. I also really enjoyed hearing about what Eileen Fisher is doing as far as improving their sustainability, as this is something I have a lot of interest for so understanding what a company is directly doing was very informative to grow my knowledge of this. Something that stood out to me is their progress towards producing sustainable materials and how much thought needs to be given to every single detail, I have been aware that a lot of fiber production uses chemicals to speed up the process which has negative effects on the workers but I never thought about how it would affect the soil and how that truly is important to allow those farms to continue to be able to produce materials. Without this being looked at over time we would go into a deficit of no land will be adequate to grow materials. Another topic she mentioned was their use of implementing the “textile genius” technology, as their are so many different steps to the supply chain and garments get sent to so many different factories before their are completed. It makes sense that being fully transparent can be difficult and things can get overlooked. With that, having this technology can make drastic differences for the fashion industry because companies can be fully knowledgeable about their supply chain.
I found it really informative, reading Abby’s interview. I have always been curious about product development, so this was very eye opening. I did not realize product development was mostly costing. I completely agree that Eileen Fisher is leading the way in the fashion industry with sustainable practices. I visited Eileen Fisher’s ReNew, for FASH417, and I found this brand extremely beneficial to the industry. ReNew is their brand that recycles and repurposes old Eileen Fisher clothes to promote sustainability and circular economy. These recycling programs are great because it incentivizes customers to bring back old clothing instead of throwing it away. I think it is interesting that Abby brought up traceability and transparency as trends in the industry. I had never heard of “Textile Genesis” before but it sounds like the perfect platform to see the steps being taken. I think more fashion companies need to be as aware as Eileen Fisher and create such valuable programs.
I thought this interview was very insightful as to what working within apparel sourcing and sustainability could look like and even more specifically what the role of a product development associate entails. It was interesting to hear how communication and collaboration are the base skills required for Abby’s role. Abby spends everyday communicating with vendors in order to confirm the costs of fabrics, samples and their overall merchandise buys. However all of these negotiations still need to be done in order for the Eileen Fisher brand to meet their margin goals. I can imagine the pressure that this role might present, but it was also reassuring to hear of the sourcing team that Abby works alongside and how they separate their workload into categories like commitment, development and dupe in order to better tackle these tasks efficiently.
Another point that Abby made when asked about ongoing trends that seem to be driving the future of the fashion industry, was that traceability and transparency will be becoming even more valued in the future. She explained that brands are being encouraged to utilize platforms like ” Textile Genesis” in order to streamline ways to monitor their supply chains but allow for more seamless public access to this information. I thought that this was a valuable point to highlight as it helps to pave the way for future companies. Sharing their process of how they have been able to adopt more sustainable practices is the information that makes it easier for other companies to follow suit and utilize similar technologies.
I would really love to know the extent that the both of you feel that consumers will “really” care about transparency and traceability. When I think of those two ideas they have a similar feel to how consumers care about sustainability, which is more superficially than anything. I think one of the reasons that things like greenwashing are prevalent and easy to pull off is because as long as you have the veneer of helping that’s good enough for the majority. As people constantly surrounded in fashion, sustainability, and policy we have the bias of extra knowledge in the situation and hopefully a personal care for passion for the subject. This means that we because we know more about the harmful effects we care more. Do you think it will be easy to educate consumers on topics like transparency and traceability? Because if people don’t know enough about it they wont care, or they will be easily fooled by misleading or fake information. In addition do you think if people begin to really care about transparency and traceability will there be similar greenwashing (faketracing??)?
Hi Casey! I wanted to respond to your comment specifically because each of your comments are always so thought provoking to me. I respect your challenging questions, because as Professor Lu has taught us, it is vital to ask them in order to make changes in the fashion industry!
I completely agree that consumer’s concern is often superficial. I find that they are typically driven by trends, and less by a genuine understanding. Your point about the potential for “faketracing” practices is interesting to me. I can totally see companies, especially those with a greenwashing history, partaking in this type of trend in hopes to capitalize– especially as consumer demand for transparency is rapidly growing. It is going to be interesting to see if this plays out, because now I am curious about the same questions you ask!
It was very inspiring to read about how much Abby feels passionate about her job in product development. Knowing that there are so many different sectors of the apparel industry makes me feel confident in finding a career path where I will feel excited to produce meaningful work. One takeaway from the interview I found insightful was Eileen Fisher’s priority of sourcing sustainable materials. I found it really interesting to learn about the regenerative cotton Abby has been able to work with. Using certified regenerative cotton ensures that the cotton has been grown in a sustainable fashion and produces the smallest carbon footprint possible. Similarly to Abby, I am passionate about working with a brand that emphasizes the importance to stay as sustainable as possible. Learning about the innovative environmentally friendly materials as well as Eileen Fisher’s buy back program made me very interested to learn more about what career opportunities are available to research for a post-grad job.
As a graduating senior, I really enjoy reading about recent graduates career paths. It is reassuring to read about someone, such as Abby, who is so passionate about their job. As someone who has no past job experience in product development or sourcing, this interview with Abby offers a valuable perspective on both, particularly in regards to sustainability. One aspect that I found really interesting was the was the discussion surrounding Eileen Fisher’s innovative approaches to sustainability. Their focus on natural, organic, and regenerative materials helps to differentiate the brand from similar ones on the market. Abby’s mention of Eileen Fisher’s Renew program also highlights the growing trend of circular fashion initiatives. This take-back program not only promotes customer engagement with the company, but also contributes to reducing clothing waste which has significant environmental effects. It is interesting to read how much technology and systems such as their PLM system, Centric, has helped to streamline the product development process. Overall, this interview was very helpful and informative. Students, such as myself, can use resources such as these to learn from Abby’s experience and insights when choosing their future career path.
If I had to ask Abby a few more questions, they would be:
I loved hearing about Abby’s experience at Eillen Fisher. As someone who is interested in product development, it was refreshing to hear about her day-to-day activities. I loved her passion for her job and the initiatives she takes to take strides for sustainability. Product Development at Eileen Fisher regards costing and development prior to product development. The company isn’t fast fashion, but it does follow the apparel manage calander in a slower manner. There are less garments produced and more time is spent on each garment. The product lifecycle management system (PLM) has helped the company grow due, with making all teams on the same page. I liked hearing about Eileen Fisher’s take- back ” Renew” program. The company is a leader in sustainably and is taking all the measures to reduce waste. Eileen Fisher openly promotes a “less is more” wardrobe, which is refreshing to hear in a world of overproduction. Abby even stated that she bought some of her favorite items from the renewal section at the store. The company stirs aways from synthetic materials, and uses natural, organic, and regenerative materials. There are strict guidelines that the company follows to be sustainable such as requiring living wages and safe working conditions for all farmers. I also liked hearing about the Textile Genesis maps that the supply chain uses to make sustainable claims on fabrics. Overall, I liked Abbys advice for current students and product development.
Questions I would like to ask Abby?
What skills do hiring mangers look for in prospective hires, when it comes to product development?
Where do you see yourself working in the next five years?
How has Eileen Fisher’s business model changed after the pandemic?
The interview with Abby Edge was super informational that highlights the complex process of garment sourcing and product development, especially in light of Eileen Fisher’s sustainability goals. In line with an expanding trend in the fashion business, Abby’s position entails making sure that the company’s ideals of sustainability and social responsibility are maintained. Particularly, Eileen Fisher’s dedication to sustainability is demonstrated by developments in material sourcing, such regenerative organic cotton, and programs like the Renew take-back program. Processes are streamlined by the incorporation of digital technology, such as PLM systems, and the industry’s shift towards transparency is highlighted by new trends like traceability platforms. Abby’s observations highlight the value of taking advantage of chances for engagement and advancement, reflecting her own path from UD’s FASH program to a successful job in sourcing and product development.
Abby Edge is a Product Development Associate at Eileen Fisher after she graduated from the University of Delaware with a degree in Fashion Merchandising. Abby focuses primarily on product development. In her role, she often collaborates with vendors to ensure her company is using cost-effective and sustainable materials for their collections. She works closely with the sourcing team through stages like development where they prioritize sustainability. Abby places an emphasis on the importance of traceability and transparency in the future of the industry. This was a great interview that was very helpful and informative for the seniors about to graduate to get an idea of what post-grad fashion industry jobs may look like!
It was really interesting learning more about Abby Edge’s career at Eileen Fisher as well as her journey at UD! Something that I found funny is that the Eileen Fisher Office that Abby works in is close to my hometown! While reading the interview I interpreted that Abby is incredibly passionate about her job at Eileen Fisher, and is proud of the sustainability initiatives the companies already make, and looks forward to adding. In addition, I was surprised to learn that the product development cycle is broken up into two parts at Eileen Fisher, development and dupe. During this course, we have heard many guest speakers discuss their roles with various companies, so learning more about how different retailers organize their product development or sourcing process is incredibly educational.
It was great to hear about the life of a product developer and apparel sourcer. This is a job I had not really understood before this interview. I was not sure the difference between designer and product developer but now I understand that product development is the next step in design, taking a design into real life, making it happen, and figuring out the sourcing that comes along with making the product. Something I already knew a lot about coming into this article was EF’s take back program. In Fash 417, we took a trip up to New York to visit both an EF store and the Renew store where they sold the clothes that people donated. As mentioned in this interview, there are a lot of things that can be done with a garment that has been returned. During the trip we got to see the garments being sold as new, the garments that were upcycled and revamped from other garments. We also saw piles of fabric that had been processed by workers, these fabrics had to be 100% of one type of fiber. So some companies would use the 100% cotton shreds, 100% wool shreds could be processed. One interesting piece of information was the 100% silk was just being seperated and held, because no company is currently collecting silk to repurpose. This is something to think about when sourcing fabrics for sustainability, the end use, blends and silk can not be broken down and reused in the way that wool and cotton can. Overall I found the article very interesting and I hope my observations of a field trip are insightful to others.
I loved reading about Abby’s experiences at Eileen Fisher. Something that stood out to me is that I relate to Abby’s passions as a student. I also share interest in sustainability while being a fashion student here at UD. The part of her interview that really stuck with me was Abby talking about how Eileen Fisher is contributing to sustainability in the fashion industry. I loved hearing that they focus on organic and regenerative materials at Eileen Fisher. I found it so interesting hearing about regenerative organic cotton. Hearing Abby talk about it makes me want to continue to research this material. It is so interesting that this cotton even contributes to lessening the impacts of climate change as well. Overall I really enjoyed reading about a former fashion student at Delaware’s experience in the work place, it was extremely inspiring and motivating!!
Hi Ava! I also relate to Abbys passion of sustainability. Reading about her work made me feel very motivated! I like how you pointed out that regenerative organic cotton can be used in combatting climate change. This shows how important it is to consider the origin of materials, especially cotton, when sourcing and producing garments. Great comment!
I loved getting to learn about Abby’s experiences as a product development associate at Eileen Fisher! I think it is so great that she is able to do something that she is so passionate about. I found it very interesting to learn about all the different components that go into product development as I did not know much about it prior to her interview. Specifically, learning about the initiatives at Eileen fisher and the regenerative organic cotton that she said was a new sustainable material. Overall, this interview was very informative and gave me good advice as a senior here at UD.
I loved reading about Abby’s experiences as a product development associate at Eileen Fisher! It was very insightful learning about what this role does. Before I was unsure what a product development associate does, but at Eileen Fisher it means costing and development prior to product development. The two main stages before commitment are development and dupe. It was also interesting learning more about the company Eileen Fisher. I did not know Eileen Fisher was one of the leaders of sustainability in the fashion industry. Specifically, they focus on natural, organic, and regenerative materials, staying away from synthetics. It was also interesting to see how technology has played a role in product development and apparel sourcing. As I would have expected, traceability and transparency are definitely becoming more important in the fashion industry.
I am curious to ask Abby if she thinks AI will start to have a influence on product development?
Abby Edge brought up a lot of interesting topics during her interview that I found intriguing. First, I loved hearing about the daily functions of a product development associate. This is a career path that I have been considering since I worked as a product development intern for a brand in NYC last year. I liked learning about what a full-time, experienced product developer is responsible for. Second, I liked learning about sustainable fabrics that are becoming increasingly popular. These fabrics include regenerative organic cotton, Lenzing Tencel lyocell, regenerative responsible wool, and organic linen. A key function of product development is to consider materials that will mitigate a brand’s carbon footprint. It is important to know the newest sustainability trends available to you in order to make these decisions. Thirdly, I enjoyed reading about how traceability is becoming more popular. This is a crucial aspect of sustainability that I believe all brands need to focus on. Reading about it reminded me of the brand Nudie Jeans. This brand offers in-depth traceability regarding its products raw materials, yarn and fabric process, manufacturing, transportation, warehouse locations, etc. Nudie Jeans and Eileen Fisher are good examples of effective traceability in the fashion industry. Overall, to know of someone who is so successful and graduated from the same institution and same major as me is very encouraging. I loved reading about Abby Edge’s experience at Eileen Fisher, what it means to be a product developer, and what she gained from her experience at UD. I wish I could ask Abby Edge if there are any sustainability initiatives she was taking and then stopped because she found something more effective?
As a fashion student, it was interesting to read about Abby’s position as a product developer. I was specifically interested in the relationship between her team and the other departments. On the other hand, it was interested to hear about how Eileen Fisher prioritizes sustainability. Eileen Fisher prioritizes fair labor practices and worker welfare throughout its supply chain through collaborative efforts with suppliers and partners. Specifically, they provide regular audits and form partnerships with like-minded suppliers. Transparency is a major factor in Eileen Fisher’s sourcing strategies that they maintain through an increase in communication.
If I could ask Abby anything, I would ask her specifically about any problems she has faced with different sourcing locations and vendors. I find Abby’s position very interesting to learn about!
I found Abby’s interview to be extremely interesting and informative. It was refreshing to hear that Eileen Fisher is making so many strides to be sustainable. You can tell from the way Abby speaks that the company truly values sustainability and they aren’t just following the trend for the sake of profit. I thought what she said about traceability and transparency being popular within the next few years was definitely an accurate prediction. These are the first steps at building trust between consumer and company in terms of sustainability. As more and more consumers become more conscious of their buying habits in terms of sustainability being transparent with every step of the supply chain will without a doubt set a company apart from competitors. If I could ask Abby anything I would ask her what pieces of her education at UD she has found to be the most valuable during her role at Eileen Fisher?