Category Archives: manufacturing

We are hiring at Clutch Made NYC!

WE ARE HIRING!!!!

Clutch Made We Are Hiring

Clutch Made is a design and manufacturing services platform for individuals and brands looking to source and produce in the USA. A large portion of our manufacturing consists of every types of accessory. We are looking for someone with an entrepreneurial spirit and a can do attitude. Clutch Made is in the business of making our clients dreams come true and we want our newest team member to help us do that with love and passion.
We are currently looking  for talented and young individuals in the field of Product development and Marketing!
 

Skills Required: Good verbal and written communication skills, excellent organizational skills, knowledge of studio software (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Excel, Word & Social Media), and ability to meet deadlines in a high-energy environment. Creative yet meticulous attention to detail is a most! Problem-solving skills are a really good thing to have.

 
What you will learn:

Product development

• PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT:
o Provide Clutch Made clients with the best sourcing options for their needs and budgets.
o Research the market in which the product will be sold to find product trends and try to gain a competitive edge on other designs.
o Source and curate all initial materials for projects and propose options to management.
o Consult with factories to create prototypes and translate sketches into working spec sheets and tech packs to create samples.
o Gather costing data to estimate production costs and update costing sheets on Excel.
o Work with factories and suppliers to ensure the final samples are the best version of the client’s vision.
o Ship samples to clients. Track shipments and create packing slips.
o Take photos of projects and processes for social media handles.
we are hiring at clutch made
• PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT:
o Efficient and timely production of goods at the factory and the shipping/delivery of those goods to the client.
o Implement the production schedule, reviewing and adjusting it when necessary while at the same updating management team about changes.
o Manage all the human and material resources necessary for manufacturing and deliver them to factories.
o Inspect factories, suppliers and vendors to maintain quality control and consistency of procedures to Clutch Made standards.
o Update production calendar and project management software.
o Develop efficient collaboration and co-ordination between relevant sources for production completion, including mills, printers, factories and management.
We are hiring at Clutch Made.
If you think you are a perfect fit for this job send us your resume at keziah@clutchmade.com
 
Please only apply if you feel you have the required skills.
 
We look forward to hearing from qualified candidates!

Manufacturing in USA is Hot!

IMG_7398 IMG_8268

“Made in USA” may not be one of the most common labels you will find on apparel or your leather products, but there soon might be a change. Yes, manufacturing in America is the new “IT” thing and manufacturing in USA is HOT!  Of course we know that the cost of production is way cheaper manufacturing in the east than the west, but certain other factors have come into the limelight which have made American companies revert back to their original roots to manufacture in America.

 

CHANGE in the Manufacturing temperature:

Every season, fast fashion labels try to spice their image up and make themselves more exclusive to a point that everyone is doing the same thing.  The recent “Masstige” concept is a perfect example of this:” Masstige” is a marketing term meaning downward brand extension. Initially H&M started doing collaborations with luxury brands like Stella McCartney, Alexander Wang and now Balmain, to a point that every fast fashion label is coming up with new collaborations every new season. The whole point behind “Masstige” was to make luxury brands accessible to every consumer. But by doing this, the main essence of luxury has become completely lost, to a point that big chunks of consumers have reached the point of saturation with fast fashion. This consumer NOW demands quality goods that are detail oriented which is mainly delivered by products manufactured in a closer proximity to its customer. Brands manufacturing in America are more connected to their clientele, which means brands manufacturing their products thousands of miles are losing their consumer market. By giving more attention to the product, fashion brands from America are developing a concrete base for their clientele by producing in USA.

Manufacturing in USA

Manufacturing handbags in USA

 

Manufacturing in the USA has also put certain dying trends back into the limelight like specialized knitting, lace making, sock manufacturing which is giving consumers more scope to experiencing their product rather than just using them.  Production in America is also changing the dynamics of the fashion industry as a whole.  By producing products in the same country, production is able to focus on the details, making aspects of personalization and customization more attainable.  This in turn makes bespoke a more common concept amongst every American.

 

One of the biggest and best examples in proving how strong the concept of Manufacturing in America has become is the fashion label American Apparel. Here’s why they believe in producing in America: “We believe that having manufacturing under the same roof as design, marketing, accounting, retail and distribution gives us the ability to quickly mobilize all departments, to respond directly to changes in the market, and to have complete visibility over our product – start to finish. An added bonus – this business model is inherently sustainable”.

 

Manufacturing in America is not only an efficient method for American companies, but also for the environment. Vertical integration by definition shrinks a company’s carbon footprint, as the materials are not shipped back and forth internationally, across thousands of miles, in the production process.

manufacturing in usa

Manufacturing in USA is hot!

Products made in America, in contrast, are made by highly skilled workers, which are considered as friends and family. 

When you buy a product made in America, a smaller portion of the margins goes towards fuel, trans-ocean container ships, middlemen, boxes, pallets and entropy. Instead that money goes on paying living wages to workers, higher-quality materials for products, and investing in the brighter future of a company.

 

In short, Manufacturing in America means heightened efficiency, a better and more consistent quality of work, stronger employee morale, and ultimately, retention rates of skilled operators.

Why is NEW YORK the best city to work in!

We as a manufacturing business were born and bred in the heart of the concrete jungle, NYC. Working here for almost a gazillion years, you don’t realize the importance of the city until you sit down to have dinner with a bunch of your friends who work all around the world.  These international friends still seem to envy your lifestyle  in this amazing metropolis.  After many brief discussions with these friends,  I decided to come up with a short list  of things that happen only in New York City and which no other city has to offer. Check out my list here:

Inspired by the lifestyle of New York, our latest campaign for Clutch Bags.

Inspired by the lifestyle of New York, our latest campaign for Clutch Bags.

Diversity – New York is a melting pot of all kinds of cultures, races and people. Take a stroll around Central Park; it’s like a fun presentation of all the amazingly diverse ethnicities that reside in New York. Every part of the city has something different to offer, from the amazing Indian/Pakistani food markets in Queens, to the Greek Restaurants in Astoria, this city is a home to all.

Inspired by the lifestyle of New York, our latest campaign for Clutch Bags.

Inspired by the lifestyle of New York, our latest campaign for Clutch Bags.

Lifestyle – New York presents lifestyle opportunities to you that no other city can offer. From going to laundromats, to running for your busy morning subways, this city  makes you TOUGH, INDEPENDENT AND STREET SMART. Once you learn to live in this amazingly fast paced lifestyle, you can easily fit and adjust to any other regime that the world has to offer.

Inspired by the lifestyle of New York, our latest campaign for Clutch Bags.

Inspired by the lifestyle of New York, our latest campaign for Clutch Bags.

24*7 –The city has a lot to offer in the day but it also has  the same amount of activities to offer in the night.  Such is this wonderful city of New York! ‘The city that never sleeps’ functions 24*7 with full capacity. From the public transport to a chain of local restaurants, this city truly never lets you fall asleep.

Clutch Made We Are Hiring

Now that we have convinced you how amazing it is to live in New York, come work with us at Clutch Made and make this beautifully versatile city your home. We are looking for young and talented individuals in the field of Product Development and Marketing with the following requirements:
Good verbal and written communication skills, excellent organizational skills, knowledge of studio software (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Excel, Word & Social Media), ability to meet deadlines in a high-energy environment. Creative yet meticulous attention to detail. Problem-solving skills.

If you think you are a perfect fit to the above mentioned skills, send us your cvs at keziah@clutchmade.com and let your deam come true!

Clutch Made Client: Shana Luther talks about Manufacturing in USA

Proudly made in the USA, our current client is Brooklyn-based designer Shana Luther.  Shana creates American made  handbags that display her love of classically modern styling.

Shana got her start in 1999, when she graduated from Pratt Institute and began designing her own bags under the label SML Bags. A one-woman show, she was involved in all aspects of the creative process—from sketches to final sewing of her leather and fabric bags.

By 2012, Shana longed to design bags that went beyond what she could produce on her own. Inspired by her belief in self-reliance, she re-launched the label as Shana Luther Handbags, continuing to showcase her signature designs. Soon after the bags’ debut, numerous fashion magazines and blogs, such as Teen Vogue and The Pursuit of Style, featured the label, with Shana Luther Handbags becoming a finalist in Martha Stewart’s American Made Awards in 2013. In addition to that, Shana was chosen by American Express to participate in their OPEN Rising Stars of Fashion competition at Magic Market Week in Las Vegas in August 2014.

Shana Luther Interview for Clutch Made

Clutch Made: Modern, clean design made with a luxurious touch, tell us a little more about your brand. 
Shana Luther: My line focuses on quality, American made, contemporary leather bags.  I love trends as much as the next woman but my bags are designed to carry season after season with original shapes and clean design. I don’t skimp on materials and I love taking my customers into the production process with behind the scenes photos. I believe you should #knowyourbag!

Clutch Made: Manufacturing in Brooklyn, how has the journey been so far in the American market in terms of acceptance.
Shana Luther: It was never an option for me to produce overseas. I’m such a stickler for quality control that having some factory 7,000 miles away make my designs just made no sense. When I began the line in early ’12, there definitely was a market for American made goods but not as strong as it is today. Consumers are becoming more aware of Made in the USA and it’s become a factor in their purchasing decisions. Almost all of my customers applaud the American made aspect of my products.

Clutch Made: How has your collaboration with clutch made been so far?
Shana Luther: From the moment I met Laura Dotolo, I knew we would hit it off. She’s totally straightforward, honest and funny- my kind of woman.  Laura knows her way around a handbag (no surprise considering her own beautiful line of leather goods) so I felt totally comfortable and at ease working with her and her talented team.

Shana Luther Interview for Clutch Made

Clutch Made: With the rise of fast fashion, people are lacking in their taste for quality and good craftsmanship in products. Considering how well crafted your products are, how would you elaborate on the importance of skilled labor in this timeframe?
Shana Luther: Look, there’s always going to be a market for $5 jogging shorts- even I’m guilty of that on the rare occasion. Not everyone can afford a $400 leather handbag and I understand that. On the flip side, those who care about quality made goods aren’t going anywhere and I don’t think their beliefs will dwindle anytime soon just because they can get a knock-off vinyl bag in Chinatown. For American made designers, it’s important for us to stand by our brand and keep supporting our domestic manufacturers.

Clutch Made: Who is your ideal clientele? If you had to pick one celebrity to endorse your brand, who would it be and why?
Shana Luther: My brand is for everyone and having customers from age 23-65 only proves that. I don’t really have an ideal client. What’s ideal for me is having happy customers. In my mind, that’s all that matters. Ideal celebrity- I’m torn between Solange and Michelle Williams. Strong, smart, modern, very independent women who I admire and would love to see rocking a Shana Luther bag!

Clutch Made: Where do you see your brand in the next 5 years, do you plan to expand to other markets?
Shana Luther: Right now I’m happy being in the women’s American made market. I see myself doing the same thing but on a broader scale, with more stocklists, more styles, and more fans of Shana Luther Handbags.

Shana Luther for Clutch Made

Manufacturing in USA, free consultation!

Free consultation at www.clutchmade.com

FREE CONSULTATION!!!!

As one of the busiest metropolitan cities  in the world, New York City boasts about their continuous increment in the number of budding young entrepreneurs. We currently live in a time frame where there seem to exist  no boundaries when it comes to building a profession. With the boom of internet, every young graduate school dreams of starting a new business, aiming to become a CEO in a span of 5 years. Long lived those days where the position of a manager would be filled by people with grey hair.   Some of the biggest and most successful fashion ideas have turned into phenomenon like Nasty Gal, and The Blonde Salad  which have been initiated by young talents in their 20’s.

Sophia Amoruso

Sophia Amoruso

With self-built empires, come major responsibilities which end up testing one’s time management skills. With a very limited capital and not a major scope to employ an army of professionals to run help you run your business, young entrepreneurs start losing interest in their newly built business and start withdrawing or dropping out. This is the part where we can come in handy!

Free consultation at www.clutchmade.com

Clutch Made provides not one but ten services to help you make your dream into a reality. From manufacturing to social media support, we know how to nurture a sapling into a full grown tree. Not only do we help provide a third perspective to your business but also help you make your connections stronger with your clientele. By providing an outsider’s point of view, you also get a taste of what might be  the likes and dislikes of your client and help you narrow your target market. While we support your brand, you get the opportunity to sit and analyze on future prospects for your brand to turn into something major!

Free consultation at www.clutchmade.com

Our free consultation is a quick 5 mins procedure from your end and we get back immediately in the span of 48 hours with a detailed analysis of how we can help you and your brand. There’s nothing to lose, ITS FREE! Grab this chance, New York doesn’t offer a lot of free opportunities as such 😉

Photography by Clutch Made.

Manufacturing in America is the new ‘IT’ thing.

Over the past couple of years, one of the hottest topics of discussion is becoming hotter every season: is a new renaissance in USA manufacturing  taking place?

AmericanApparel

                                                     Manufacturing in America is HOT

“Made in USA” may not be one of the most common tags you will find on apparel or your leather products, but there soon might be a change. Yes, manufacturing in America is the new “IT” thing.  Of course we know that  the cost of production is way cheaper by manufacturing in the east than the west, but certain other factors have come into the limelight which have made American companies get back to their original roots to manufacture in America.

Here are a few:

Every season, fast fashion labels try to spice their image up and make themselves more exclusive to a point that everyone is doing the same thing.  The recent “Masstige” concept is a perfect example of this:” Masstige” is a marketing term meaning downward brand extension. Initially H&M started doing collaborations with luxury brands like Stella McCartney, Alexander Wang and now Balmain, to a point that every fast fashion label is coming up with new collaborations every new season. The whole point behind “Masstige” was to make luxury brands accessible to every consumer. But by doing this, the main essence of luxury is completely lost, to a point that big chunks of consumers have reached the point of saturation with fast fashion. This consumer NOW wants goods which are quality and detail oriented which is mainly delivered by products manufactured closer to its customer. Brands and manufacturing in America are more connected to their clientele than any brand making their products 1000 miles from themselves. By giving more attention to the product, fashion brands from America are developing a concrete base for their clientele by producing in USA.

Manufacturing in the USA has also put certain dying trends back into the limelight like specialized knitting, lace making, detail orientation while processing leather etc. which is giving a consumer more scope to enjoy and experience their product than just using them.  Production in America is also changing the dynamics of the fashion industry as a whole.  By producing products in the same country, production is able to focus on the details, bringing  aspects of personalization and customization more attainable.  This in turn makes bespoke a more common concept amongst every common American.

made-in-usa-ad-american-apparel

One of the biggest and best examples to prove how strong the concept of Manufacturing in America has become is the fashion label American Apparel. Here’s why they believe in producing in America: “We believe that having manufacturing under the same roof as design, marketing, accounting, retail and distribution gives us the ability to quickly mobilize all departments, to respond directly to changes in the market, and to have complete visibility over our product – start to finish. An added bonus – this business model is inherently sustainable”.

Manufacturing in America is not only an efficient method for American companies, but also for the environment. Vertical integration by definition shrinks a company’s carbon footprint, as the materials are not shipped back and forth internationally, across thousands of miles, in the production process.

Products made in America, in contrast, are made by highly skilled workers, which are considered as friends and family. 

When you buy a product made in America, a smaller portion of the margins goes towards fuel, trans-ocean container ships, middlemen, boxes, pallets and entropy. Instead that money goes on paying living wages to workers, higher-quality materials for products, and investing in the brighter future of a company.

In short, Manufacturing in America means heightened efficiency, a better and more consistent quality of work, stronger employee morale, and ultimately, retention rates of skilled operators.

MS-Made-in-the-USA-Logo

We  at Clutch Made,  are and always will be a proud made in USA manufacturer of accessories and services!

Clutch Bags Accessories take over Apparel.

A firm believer of making a shift from the east to west in terms of craftsmanship, Laura Dotolo talks about the past, present and future of Clutch Bags accessories and making accessories with Clutch Made.

Clutch BagsClutch Bags NY commenced for a budding niche market that doesn’t get appealed by the boom of loud and gaudy designer bags. How has the journey of the brand been so far?
The journey so far has been very eye opening. Every day I discover a new   perspective about our brand and product through our overwhelming diverse clientele. Our varied consumers pay a lot of attention to quality, which helps us improve every day as a brand. This journey has been a complete experience so far.

The brand image of Clutch Bags NY  harps on the fact that it is a pure New York inspired outcome. How are you incorporating that in the designs or the aesthetics of the brand?
The brand revolves around the lifestyle of a fashion conscious individual living and breathing the city life of Manhattan. We have bags, which easily mold into every outfit that you plan to wear in the city, from a utilitarian mailbag that can be carried for work to a fancy little wedding bag that you can adorn to enjoy the evergreen nightlife of New York.

Clutch BagsThe designs reflect the importance of detailing and precision, what are your main sources of craftsmanship?
As I said earlier, our products are very quality oriented. That’s what our clients love about us. To keep our standards always high we import some of our hardware from Italy. The processing of leather is one of the key features for our detailed driven products that also make us unique and a step closer to luxury.

“Manufacturing in the USA made easy”. This statement is not very common amongst fashion brands in the states. Do you see yourself as making a shift from the traditional Europe and Asia craftsmanship
Yes, we definitely see ourselves as a brand making a change/shift in bringing craftsmanship back to USA. With time, renowned fashion brands have experienced the degradation of skilled artistry in the East. We as a brand would rather pay more for the labor and other factors behind the creation of our products than lower the quality. Manufacturing in the USA has become one of our strongest USP’s and we want to make it more concrete as the brand progresses.

Clutch Made USA Accessories

Clutch Made USA Accessories

A service provided under Clutch Bags called as “Clutch Made”. What is this initiative.
Clutch Made provides design and manufacturing services to individuals and brands looking to source and produce in the USA. We branch out to various young and upcoming designers through this service and help them make their brand stronger in terms of design, marketing and business. It also gives us a chance to work and experience what the budding talents have to offer to the fashion industry.

With the whole fashion world taking leaps in different and extreme directions, do you think consumers are going back to being primitive and shifting back to classic pieces?
I definitely see a massive shift in the concentration of accessories in comparison to apparel. Earlier accessories used to be an add on to what the main outfit was, whereas now people dress according to their accessories. They are playing the role of a canvas of style for an individual, on which you can paint or draw something new every day.

New York Street Style

Do you follow the current trends of Womenswear Accessories or do you follow your own principles?
I always follow my own principles. New York is like an undying source of trends and styles. By observing the styles adorned by different age groups, you can make out what is going to be coming in next season and what is not. For example, the age group from 15 to 19 years is always new and experimental. They are the age group that always brings this shift and change in every season.

 What qualities do you see in your Ideal client?
My ideal client is educated, urban, independent, well versed with fashion in terms of design and style and a woman who is always on the go. The most common quality amongst all my clients is that they always know what they want, very firm and decisive.

Commercial vs Contemporary? Your take.
Neither. Timeless, classic.

Clutch Made ServicesWhere do you see the brand in the next 5 years? Do you plan on expanding to other potential markets?
 As mentioned earlier, I want to expand and explore with Clutch Made in the span of 5 years. Clutch Made is a platform for us to work and collaborate with the new talent. As a brand we also see ourselves drawing inspirations and tapping the Asian and European market.

Manufacturer and Me in NYC

 

Manufacturers at work!

Manufacturers at work!

                                                                  USA Manufacturer and Me!

As a working designer I decided that New York City is where I needed to be, so I sub-let my apartment, sold all of my furniture, packed my bags, and moved my life from Chicago to Brooklyn into the apartment of my two best gays.   Paul and Steven are my best buds and they let me spend the next 2 weeks scouring the internet for anything that slightly resembled a career opportunity I was interested in until I saw a post that seemed to fit my idea of “a cool place to work.” Understatement of the year as it turns out.  I applied, got a reply, an interview, and subsequently was offered a job. I accepted the position and began my career with Clutch Made, thus it became the manufacturer and me in NYC.

One of the great things about my new job is that I get to participate in every aspect of the accessory manufacturing process from concept and design to sourcing and production.  While my day starts behind a desk, I’m not there for long as my to-do list is long and everything must get done. A quick ride on the 1 train at Rector street takes me from my office on the Battery to the garment district.  Whether its leather or feathers you’re looking for, you can find it in the garment district and from there, it’s off to our factory. From street level you would never guess what is going on behind the walls of these NYC buildings. Going to our factory is like taking a tour through Willy Wonka’s Candy Factory. We all know and love the finished product but this and here is how it’s made. As I listen to our Creative Director, Laura Dotolo, speak the language of production, it becomes clear to me that there is a science to communication and working efficiently with our factories.

So far I’ve designed and sourced lambskin leather, Swarovski crystals for an evening bag, designed a leather dog collar, a leather cuff bracelet, a cashmere/leather shawl, a mens necktie, and a baby changing bag! I’ve been on a photo shoot where I put my styling skills to work.  I have traveled to three of New York’s five boroughs all in one day to check on our clients’ productions at our factories.

I’ve met people I would have never had the chance to be exposed to; like Russell, a stylish Englishman who designs and manufactures men’s neckties and accessories in LIC and who’s brother happens to be the owner of the popular street wear brand Supreme!  I’ve learned tips and tricks of the industry that only Laura Dotolo could show me.  I’ve realized the importance of over communicating, time management, and meeting deadlines. I’ve also been getting a killer workout with all the running around we do.  I’ve been given an amazing opportunity with Clutch Made. I look forward to what’s to come with my new opportunity and I’ll be sure to keep you all posted along the way!

Stay tuned and write soon!

Ali Cherney

clutchmade.com

Ali is a graduate of the Illinois Institute of Art- Chicago with a degree in Fashion Design. Ali likes piña coladas and getting caught in the rain.  She is into yoga and likes the taste of champagne.

Clutch Made USA Video Production

Clutch Made Video 

Check out this new video we just finished shooting and editing for our client Aurelia Garza!  Clutch Made manufactures handbags in the USA along with many other accessories.   Visit us for a free consultation @ Clutch Made USA.  We are experts at getting your product out on the market.

We’re Hiring a Product Developer!

Product Development Position opening

Clutch Made is a Manhattan handbag manufacturer as well as a designer and manufacturer of all types of accessory products for brands big and small.  We are looking for a Product Developer with an entrepreneurial spirit and a can do attitude to work with our rapidly growing client base. Successful candidate will turn our client ideas into tech packs and samples, source and curate materials, consult with our factories, track costing data, oversee production and be the face of our brand with assigned client accounts.

Skills Required: Good verbal and written communication skills, excellent organizational skills, knowledge of studio software (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Excel, Word & Social Media), ability to meet deadlines in a high-energy environment. Creative yet meticulous attention to detail. Problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities:

  • PRODUCT DEVELOPEMENT:
    • Provide Clutch Made clients with the best sourcing options for their needs and budgets.
    • Research the market in which the product will be sold to find product trends and try to gain a competitive edge on other designs.
    • Source and curate all initial materials for projects and propose options to management.
    • Consult with factories to create prototypes and translate sketches into working spec sheets and tech packs to create samples.
    • Gather costing data to estimate production costs and update costing sheets on Excel.
    • Work with factories and suppliers to ensure the final samples are the best version of the client’s vision.
    • Ship samples to clients. Track shipments and create packing slips.
    • Take photos of projects and processes for social media handles.
  • PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT:
    • Efficient and timely production of goods at the factory and the shipping/delivery of those goods to the client.
    • Implement the production schedule, reviewing and adjusting it when necessary while at the same updating management team about changes.
    • Manage all the human and material resources necessary for manufacturing and ensure delivery to factories.
    • Monitor our factories, suppliers and vendors to maintain quality control and consistency of procedures to Clutch Made standards.
    • Update production calendar and project management software.
    • Develop efficient collaboration and co-ordination between relevant sources for production completion, including mills, printers, factories and management.

    Contact us Here to request an application.