Abstract
Amber Cohen Studios is a fashion business based in New York City, launched by Amber Cohen during the Covid-19 pandemic. The studio specializes in handmade garments and photography, and has also launched the brand @Loophole.jpg. Loophole is a unisex streetwear brand, with small collections but more industrialized processes than Amber Cohen Studios' core custom-made designs.
Extract
[...] Innovation and Technology Integration Innovation and technology integration offer valuable opportunities for the growth of small fashion businesses like Amber Cohen Studios. Indeed, technology and digital tools can help the company be more innovative, thus gaining a competitive advantage. First, technology could be used to improve the company's tailor-made production processes. Indeed, technology now enables virtual fittings through 3D body scanning technology, which would significantly enhance productivity by reducing the need for physical fittings. This innovation would streamline the production process but also enable Amber Cohen to create garments remotely, thereby expanding the brand's reach to a global scale. [...]
[...] Market Expansion Strategy The primary market expansion strategy for Amber Cohen Studios involves scaling up both Loophole and the tailor-made garments, by reaching a broader audience while continuing to produce custom-made, handmade garments. This dual-line strategy allows for expansion while preserving the company's unique identity. As identified in the SWOT analysis, Amber Cohen Studios should capitalize on the growing consumer demand for sustainable fashion and unique products with a special vision and history. To expand their reach to new audiences, Amber Cohen Studios and Loophole should capitalize on e-commerce, which is a convenient way to target customers in diverse locations without having to have physical stores and inventories. [...]
[...] However, the brand still cultivates a strong relationship with its clients through storytelling, social media and the personal involvement of Amber Cohen in the design and communication of the collection. SWOT analysis Strengths: - Unique designs: Amber Cohen Studios offers one-of-a-kind designs, very far from mass-produced products, thus attracting clients seeking exclusivity. Loophole also involves an important level of art and design, through unique prints and designs. - High-quality handmade garments (Amber Cohen Studios) and ready-to-wear items carefully made with qualitative, local materials (Loophole) - Client-centric approach - Ethical and sustainable company - Loophole: a ready-to-wear brand allowing Amber Cohen Studios to reach more customers, having the potential to be more industrialized and mass-produced Weaknesses: - Limited scalability: the current operational setup limits the studio's ability to scale up production (handmade items, high production costs, small storage) - High labor and material costs (especially for the handmade, tailor-made items) Opportunities: - Rising demand for sustainable fashion: the increasing consumer awareness about the environmental and social impacts of fast fashion is a great market opportunity for Amber Cohen Studios, since the company is based on sustainable practices and offers one-of-a-kind, long-lasting, qualitative items. [...]
[...] At the commercialization stage, Amber Cohen Studios could use augmented reality to enhance the shopping experience for customers. Augmented reality would enable clients to virtually try on garments before making a purchase, thus reducing the likelihood of returns and increasing client satisfaction. It is also an interesting tool for customers seeking innovation in fashion, which is the type of consumers that Amber Cohen should target since they will like her approach to fashion and design. 7. Operations Strategy Development Considering the findings and recommendations of our previous analysis, the main objective is to scale up both Loophole and Amber Cohen Studios, each with distinct strategies, while maintaining the brands' commitment to sustainability, innovation and artistic expression. [...]
[...] Bulk production is then carried out using industrial machinery. The production process concludes with quality control and packaging. Both brands maintain close and local supply chain relationships. At Amber Cohen Studios, the creator personally handpicks all materials in the Garment District in New York City. For Loophole, all the materials are carefully selected and purchased at Bella and Canvas in Los Angeles. Inventory management practices are simple and straightforward but quite efficient. At Amber Cohen Studios, there is no inventory of finished products as each item is custom-made for individual clients, ensuring purchase upon completion of the production process. [...]
