The story behind TPM events (fka Fashion x Innovation
What to expect from TPM events.
UPDATE: This post refers to this substack as “Fashion x Innovation” the original name before the growth and rebranding to “The Pattern Maker”. Nonetheless, this post is still helpful for those wanting to learn more about the origins of the event series. With that context, happy reading!
Hi everyone, I’m Rachel Sterling, the author behind Fashion x Innovation. My mission in creating this substack and related event series is to gather and grow the fashion tech and innovation community in NYC and beyond.
Before I get started posting events or sharing industry insider news, I wanted to share a bit about myself and the “why?” behind this platform.
How did I get here? Over my career, I've worked in strategy consulting, luxury fashion, and startups, with the consistent through line being tech, data, and innovation. I love the fashion industry and truly believe it's one of the most powerful sectors impacting everything from how individuals feel about themselves to culture at large and, ultimately, the environment.
“the fashion industry can be overly siloed from other sectors, leading to missed opportunities to bring in new ideas and skills”
Nonetheless, in my experience, the fashion industry can be overly siloed from other sectors, leading to missed opportunities to bring in new ideas and skills. As a founder in the space, I've seen how the fashion tech niche has been routinely overlooked and misunderstood by the tech industry, venture capital, and even within the industry itself. This needs to change if we want to bring much-needed innovation to the space!
In a mission to break down silos and strengthen this niche, I've created this platform because I know there are others like me who love the fashion industry and want to support its growth.
If you're one of those people who's here to usher in the future of fashion: subscribe to this substack, reach out or follow me on LinkedIn, and follow this community on Instagram.
What to Expect from This Substack
Event Roundups: I’ll be organizing and highlighting events that bring together the fashion tech community in NYC. Whether it’s networking events, panel discussions, or workshops, you’ll hear about it here first.
Industry Insights: I’ll regularly share updates on the latest trends, emerging companies, and profiles of the change makers who are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in fashion.
Community Building: This is more than just a newsletter—it’s a space to connect, collaborate, and grow together. I want this to be a hub for sharing ideas and fostering innovation across our industry.
Resource Sharing: With a mission to support the growth of this industry I will be creating and collecting resources to support the entire ecosystem, from databases of startups and VCs in the space to sharing the best job boards to find opportunities in the industry.
Let’s Build This Together
If you’re as excited as I am about the future of fashion tech and innovation, I invite you to subscribe and join this growing community. Don’t forget to share this Substack with others who should be part of this movement. Together, we can create a more sustainable, innovative, and connected fashion industry.