Fashion Meets Business EP 1: Fashion, Tech & Profit in 2025: Insights from AIMS360 & Francis Harder

AIMS360 Podcast — The State of Fashion 2025 with Francis Harder Guest: Frances Harder, Author of Fashion for Profit Show Description Welcome to the AIMS360 Podcast — where fashion leaders and technology experts share unfiltered insights on what’s shaping the industry next. In our debut episode, we sit down with Frances Harder, author of Fashion for Profit and one of the most respected voices in the business of fashion. Together, we explore the state of the fashion industry in 2025: from the unique challenges facing emerging brands to the opportunities unlocked by technology, innovation, and shifting consumer expectations. This candid conversation dives into the realities of running and scaling a fashion business — from apparel manufacturing and margins to the impact of sustainability trends and the digital transformation of fashion operations. If you're a fashion entrepreneur, brand owner, or industry professional looking for fashion business strategies and technology insights, this episode will offer practical takeaways and a forward-looking perspective. Chapters and timestamps below — jump to your favorite topic 00:00:00 – Welcome to the AIMS360 Podcast 00:03:12 – Meet Frances Harder: Author of Fashion for Profit 00:08:45 – The State of Fashion in 2025: Where we stand 00:15:07 – Challenges for Emerging Brands: Supply chain & margin pressure 00:21:34 – Technology’s Role in Modern Fashion: ERP, business management & tech adoption 00:27:59 – Sustainability, Innovation & the Future of Fashion 00:31:20 – Final Thoughts: What’s next for brands and how to scale smarter Highlights & Takeaways “Emerging brands are under more margin pressure than ever — tech isn’t optional.” “Fashion ERP software isn’t just for legacy brands; today’s start-ups need it to stay agile and data-driven.” “Supply chain complexity and sustainability demands are rewriting the rules of profit in fashion.” “When brands lean into tech innovation, they unlock new creative freedom — not the oppo