SFI Streamlines Clients’ Creative Processes with Vintage Archive
Vintage jeans are a treasure trove of inspiration for modern denim creators. Looking at natural wear patterns that were etched into denim over time can help teams develop denim that fits the current desire to recreate looks from past decades.
Star Fades International, part of the Artistic Milliners group, noticed that designers were facing a key challenge: They needed to develop collections quicker, but at the same time, their budgets were reduced. This left less resources and time for inspiration trips.
Supporting the demand for inspiration at their convenience, SFI launched a Vintage Denim Archive. The collection features hundreds of garments from cross-continental destinations including New York, Los Angeles, Austin, London and Amsterdam.
“We’re in the business of time. We give our clients industry-leading timesaving tools so that they have the bandwidth and runway to be creative,” said Melanie Balasa-Flottman, SFI’s vice president of global design and full package. “The Vintage Denim Archive joins SFI’s growing toolkit, which includes seasonal concepts and mood boards, wash standards, trend forecasting and wash trips—all designed to give brands the infrastructure, inspiration and access they need to scale at speed.”
Melanie describes the archive as providing “on demand development at [our clients’] fingertips.” Some of the SFI team’s current favorites within the collection include styles that feature feminine whiskering and authentic destruction.
SFI hosted a launch party for the archive in May at its Commerce, Calif. facility. It will also be bringing select pieces from the Vintage Denim Archive to Preface Show later this month.