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.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this interview are those of Abby Edge and do not reflect the views or positions of her employer or any affiliated organizations.
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?
I found this interview to be inspiring, and truly uplifting regarding the future of the fashion industry. It is refreshing to see a company so passionate about sustainability, and actually doing something about it. The company’s regenerative cotton certification appears to be extremely impactful, considering it not only matters about the growth of the cotton, but also the people who work on the cotton farms. Additionally, the use of “Textile Genesis” by Eileen Fisher is remarkable. I think it is so great to be able to track the traceability of an item. I wonder if this is available for customers to see. If not, I think this would be a great addition for the eco-friendly customer, and even inspire customers to care more about the origins of their products. Something the interview left me thinking about was the “Renew” program, as Abby says that some of the products they receive through the program are repurposed or down-cycled. I wonder if these are shipped back to vendors/manufacturers, or reused by the company elsewhere. If shipped back, how does this interfere with trade agreements, or rules such as yarn-forward or fabric-forward? Does each piece have to be returned to its specific manufacturer? Are tariffs reduced for products made from recycled fabrics?
It was really interesting learning about Abby’s job through this interview! I never knew Eileen Fisher offered a take-back program. Sustainable initiatives like that have always seemed like a tough hill to climb for large-scale companies and it is a breath of fresh air to hear of a brand doing the hard work to promote a better future. During my summer internship, I also learned how to use Centric for PLM from the design and line sheet perspectives and am glad to hear this is an industry standard. I’m unfamiliar with Textile Genesis, however, and would love to learn more about it! It seems like a great tool for transparency, and I hope will be adopted by more companies in the future. I am also more curious about Abby’s experience at UD and how her classes here were able to prepare her for her current role. I’d love to hone in on the skills that she finds herself using the most in the workforce.
As stated in previous posts, sustainability continues to be a driving factor in fashion and apparel industries in today’s evolving climate. In the product development and sourcing industry, it is often necessary to think outside of the box when it comes to sustainable textiles and fair labor wages. Companies like Eileen Fisher focus on their responsibility to produce quality products while still being transparent with their consumers, using products like regenerative organic cotton and take-back programs. Efforts like this and honesty about these efforts with consumers will drive sales in a positive way. It is sometimes more beneficial to a company to invest more money in certain improvement aspects in order to see a larger profit in the long run. Honest manufacturing and output allow for consumers to develop brand trust and loyalty, knowing that their favorite brands align with their morals as well. I appreciated Abby’s comments on exploring multiple facets of education while still in school. Internships and study abroad provide invaluable, real world experience that allows us to grow not only as students but as professionals.
I really enjoyed hearing about Abby’s job at Eileen Fisher. It is great to see that her job aligns with her values and her passion for sustainability. I know many students in the fashion program at UD who are still currently students here have the same passion that Abby does for sustainability in the fashion industry. I know that Eileen Fisher sells high quality basics so I thought that it was interesting that Abby included the phrase “less is more” in her interview. Buying high quality basics is something I try to implement into my own wardrobe because I will have the clothes for longer and produce less waste as a consumer. It is cool to see that the entire brand of Eileen Fishers values align with their employees, their product offerings, and their marketing. I will be more enticed to buy from Eileen Fisher after learning this.
I really enjoyed learning about Abby’s experiences at Eileen Fisher! After reading, I found Abby’s role as a product development associate to be very interesting mostly because of the sustainability and innovation focus. With sourcing regenerative organic cotton and other eco friendly materials while promoting innovative programs, highlights how fashion companies can balance sustainability with business goals effectively, creating a great change and model in the industry. Abby’s role is inspiring because she is directly influencing material sourcing and aligning it with environmental goals. Overall, I thought the the incorporation of vendor collaboration, strategic decision making, and tangible contributions to decrease carbon footprint, makes Abby’s role very inspiring. An additional question I have is how does the company manage cost pressures while working with strict sustainability standards?
It was extremely interesting reading about Abby’s role and experience with Eileen Fisher. Product development is area I am very interested in. Interning as a buyer at Ross this past summer, I had a little bit of experience with this when working with vendors to develop lines special to our stores and I thought it seemed so interesting. Hearing more about her work has only peaked my interest more. It was also nice to read big brands such as Eileen Fisher are taken strides to be more sustainable. I was not aware it was such a priority to them. Reading about their efforts like the take-bake program and using the program Textile Genesis to ensure any claims they make regarding their products are completely true, making their supply chain very transparent which is an increasingly important aspect within the industry. They are paving the way for other major brands to follow suit and show it is possible to take sustainability seriously while staying successful.
Looking into Abby’s role at Eileen Fisher was very interesting because I did not know that Eileen Fisher had such a strong commitment to sustainability and that they are leading in the industry due to this. Time and time again it is demonstrated throughout the industry that shifting to sustainable practices and providing transparency satisfies consumers and allows they to shop with the knowledge needed to make choices. Abby’s role within itself is really cool because she works and collaborates with other positions throughout the company in order to develop products that align with the Eileen Fishers’ brand values and image. Overall, it was very enjoyable to read about Abby’s experience and how Eileen Fisher is making changes throughout the whole industry.
Abby Edge’s interview was personally very insightful and inspiring. Her role at Eileen Fisher highlights how product development can align with sustainability and innovation. I appreciated her discussion on using regenerative organic cotton and other sustainable materials. This showcased the company’s commitment to reducing environmental impact. The Renew program is a great initiative to minimize textile waste and engage customers in sustainability. It’s clear that Eileen Fisher is setting a high standard for balancing sustainability and business goals. Abby’s passion for her work and the company’s values stood out which makes her story motivational!
I really enjoyed hearing the process of Abby’s role as a Product Development Associate for Eileen Fisher. Throughout the interview I was thinking about how Eileen Fisher is very ahead of its time in their sustainability practices. I feel like sustainability and social responsibility are relatively newer practices within the fashion industry. My favorite part of the interview was when she talked about was the Renew program started back in 2009. This program not only ensures that Eileen Fisher is renewing products and repurposing, but it also gives consumers initiative to be sustainable as well (to get the rewards). I also think Eileen sets a great example for other companies in the way they prioritize their materials as well as their workers. They pride themselves on their natural and organic materials and have many certifications to show they are dedicated to ethical sourcing and practicing; they also ensure the farmers who produce their cotton have livable wages and have good working conditions. I think other companies could learn from EF’s renew program because it increases a loyal consumer base and sets an expectation of how consumers can also contribute to social responsibility.
It is really amazing to hear about Abby’s experience working at Eileen Fisher and how knowledgeable she is about the company. It is interesting to hear her point of view and opinions about their sustainability efforts, and even how digital technologies have impacted product development. This shows Eileen Fisher in a new light in my opinion because I never would have looked into the product development of the company before this.
After reading this article, it prompted me to think about how many people don’t enjoy their jobs and they just do it for the money. It’s rare to find a career you like, much less a career you love, but Abby Edge has proved this to be wrong. As a Product Development associate, Abby’s role integrates sustainability and strategy, highlighting the importance of ethical and innovative fabrications such as regenerative organic cotton, as well as promoting circular-fashion movements such as take-back or give-back initiatives. It was also intriguing to hear about Textile Genesis and other advanced technologies similar to it that will guarantee a future of transparency in the fashion industry—an imperative modification. This will influence and allow consumers to foster a deeper connection with their go-to fashion brands and offer a look into where their garments came from. This interview challenges everyone to look at all aspects and consider how our own contribution combined with new technologies and industry efforts as a whole can address and possibly remedy the major implications of the U.S. fashion industry under pressure at the moment like climate change and global garment waste. Hopefully these tactics will establish a more accountable and adaptable system within the U.S. fashion retail space.
Hearing about Eileen Fisher’s sustainability initiatives was inspiring because it seems like they really try to prioritize that. Abby discussed how they focus on natural and regenerative materials and have the regenerative organic certification for their cotton. She also talked about EF’s “Renew” program, where customers can bring back old EF garments for store credit. Being that the program started in 2009, Eileen Fisher seems to be ahead of the game in terms of sustainability, since sustainability wasn’t as mainstream or talked about back then. Other brands have started their own take back initiatives to help with textile waste, and I think this is a great way for companies to take more responsibility in terms of sustainability.
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I loved hearing about Eileen Fisher’s sustainability takes. Her job is very interesting and also inspiring. I think my main take away is Elien fishers renew program where customers can take old clothing items for store credit. This is a great sustainable practice and something I think every brand should be doing by now. I think Abby has learned a lot at Eileen fisher and I wonder if she always wanted to go into product development. That’s something I’m interested in because I like to see the cycle of things and how the product comes to life. I definitely in this role working with cross functional teams is crucial for the company to succeed. She has to talk with sourcing, buying,and planning for product development to go smoothly. Another great interview and I liked learning about the brand because I didn’t know to much before.
Learning about Abby’s responsibilities as a Product Development Associate was truly inspiring. Her passion for sustainability is admirable and she’s proven to incorporate it into her career. She shed’s light on Eileen Fisher’s sustainability initiatives as a leading company in the industry. Their creation of the “Renew” program where customers bring back old EF garments in exchange for store credit has influenced other companies to do the same. This system also reduces waste and works further towards being sustainable. In addition, EF has also adopted digital technologies to streamline their processes. Each team can access any information, which is especially helpful when working on multiple seasons at once. I think other companies could learn from EF’s operations and incorporate them into their company.
I really enjoyed reading this interview with Abby Edge, and Eileen Fisher seems like such an amazing company to work for, especially if you are a sustainability conscious consumer! I really liked reading about all their sustainability efforts, especially about regenerative organic cotton. It is interesting and important to me that they focus on the health of the farm as well as the people growing the cotton, because sustainability does not just mean using eco-friendly materials. One thing I also really enjoyed learning about Eileen Fisher is their “Renew” program. I love when brands have recycling programs like this, because it is such an easy way to promote sustainability by offering some type of reward to consumers for bringing back their used products. It was amazing to hear that 2 million pieces have been recycled, and over 660,000 have been able to be resold. I think all clothing retailers should implement a program like this, as it has clearly been successful and beneficial to the company!