Students from three SIATech high school sites, SIATech Downtown LA, SIATech East LA and SIATech Moreno Valley, had the privilege to receive a personal tour of Back Bone Society’s clothing factory led by owner and entrepreneur Arturo Solis.
In Mr. Solis’ words, students discovered "how an LA based fashion brand operates in an uncertain economic environment, navigating through the challenges of ever-changing trends and fast fashion models yet staying true to the idea that US made goods and ethical practices gives Back Bone Society the edge as it builds its vertical integration from sketch to distribution in the Heart of California.”
Students went on a comprehensive tour of the five-story building housing all aspects of the clothing manufacturing facility. All facets of Mr. Solis' vertical integration processes were viewed and explained to students during the field trip, with first-hand exploration of the processes Back Bone Society undertakes. Starting with graphic design of clothing concepts, pattern development, material selection, prototype manufacture, marketing strategy, product reveal, social media presence, order processing, clothing manufacturing, and, finally, distribution.
Students and staff were fascinated by how quickly new clothing designs were recognized as trending by Back Bone Society to their final clothing manufactured products. There is a short lead time of only three months from the time the company decides what to manufacture to the time the product is in their customers’ possession!
The lifespan of the high demand products and how quickly Back Bone Society must pivot to discover the next 'hot' trend was found to be equally as fascinating. The volatile nature of the ultra-competitive industry was an eye-opening experience for our students.
In addition to the tour, Mr. Solis has business apprenticeships available for students this summer! Students would immediately begin this summer at Back Bone Society’s Hollywood Reveal this June 15-16, 2024. (SIATech students who are interested should contact Roger Reinecke at 951.287.9883 or info@siatech.org.)
This is an example of how SIATech schools help students get career ready while they are with us. This type of real life experience is not only interesting and fun, but goes a long way toward meeting that goal for our graduates. Appreciate Mr. Arturo Solis and the Back Bone Society team for taking the time and attention with our students!