The Missing Link in Custom Fashion

Dec. 7, 2013 - PRLog -- Between 1990 and 2012, 1.2 million American textile and apparel producers lost their jobs due to increasing labor productivity and overseas production.  While the last several years have seen resurgence in American manufacturing, the vast majority has been in automated industrial production.

Puzzle Apparel founder, Marisol Trowbridge, believes that employing modern information technology to produce custom garments - where American workers excel - can revive apparel production and traditional craft jobs requiring handwork.  By leveraging the automation afforded by online shopping, Puzzle Apparel cuts sales costs, removes the margin increases created by middlemen, and puts American makers back to work.

Puzzle Apparel ecommerce shoppers design their pieces with components from expert craftsman and women.  They select style, size, and garment color, and then customize accent areas such as cuffs or collar, by choosing from handmade fabrics.

Made in the USA and sewn to order, every purchase makes a positive impact on local and US economies.  Money spent on American-made products translates into jobs.  If every American spent a mere $33 more per year on American-made products, it would create 100,000 new jobs.  The craft and handwork industry, a $29 billion business in the US, plays an important role in that, as artisan purchases have ripple effects. A higher presence of artists, crafters, and arts organizations improves the quality of employees recruited to work in a given region, and draws increased numbers of tourists who stay longer and spend more money.

Puzzle Apparel is introducing its concept through crowdfunding, a blossoming field of start-up funding.  When contributors buy into the crowdfunding campaign, at various price levels, they can receive a garment from Puzzle’s debut mini-collection.  With price points below what the retail price will be, it’s a great way to get involved in this custom apparel revival.  With 16 days still left, Puzzle Apparel’s IndieGoGo campaign is over 77% funded.  Socially conscious shoppers and modern women looking for fashion as individual as they are, can check out Puzzle Apparel’s IndieGoGo campaign at http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/puzzle-apparel, which ends on December 22.

About Puzzle Apparel: Puzzle Apparel offers the best value for a custom-made item with handmade materials, by selling direct to shoppers at prices comparable to major department stores.  Marisol Trowbridge, founder and designer for Puzzle Apparel, is a former economic consultant and designer for major fashion retailers in NYC, such as Eileen Fisher and Ann Taylor.  She is always looking for ways to wear beautiful handmade fabrics without being over the top or limited to scarves.  Puzzle Apparel provides that happy medium.  It’s not your grandma’s craft - it’s a modern take on the luxury of the handmade.  www.puzzleapparel.com