How does the A. clothing industry bring up the coronavirus mask

Published

5 years ago

June 22, 2020

How does the A. clothing industry bring up the coronavirus mask

Abdul Rashid Dadabhoy knew he had a critical problem when Orange County supervisors closed all unnecessary businesses on March 17 in response to the coronavirus, forcing him to stop production at AST Sportswear, one of the country’s biggest shirt makers.

But he also had a solution that was almost instantaneous.

After hearing about the lack of a critical facial mask, Dadabhoy sat down with his three brothers the next morning and made a prototype cotton version, which workers at the vertically integrated Brea plant in the company issued 1,200 sheets the next day. The company has made more than 10 million masks since then.

“We continue to do that and we still do that,” said Dadabhoy, chief operating officer of the family-owned business, which boasts the label “Made in USA” and the ability to fill orders faster than its competition abroad.

Indeed, demand is not expected to decrease in the near future, especially now because Governor Gavin Newsom issued an order on Thursday to make masks mandatory in most public settings.

The virus outbreak has cut trade and destroyed the economy, but it also provides opportunities for several companies and industries that have maintained supply chains and production near home – and a prime example is the clothing industry in Southern California which is shrinking but is still vibrant.

While other sectors remained closed for months, the Southern California clothing manufacturer, which employs thousands, lit pennies to produce masks and other personal protective equipment that was badly needed. This agility allows local businesses to compete with low-cost overseas suppliers, but also exposes employees to the possibility of infection and reignites allegations that their low-income workforce and most immigrants are being exploited.

More than 400 clothing companies have participated in Laks. Mayor Eric Garcetti LA Protect initiative to produce 5 million masks, which are open to Los Angeles city and county businesses. AST joins the national PPE consortium of major clothing makers that includes Los Angeles Apparel and large apparel such as Hanesbrands.

This initiative highlights the prominence of domestic industry excellence that has persisted despite being hit in recent decades by the growth of international trade, including through the North American Free Trade Agreement in 1994 and the entry of China into the World Trade Organization in 2001.

According to one estimate, employment in the apparel industry has shrunk since the early 1990s from around 150,000 to only 45,000 today as leading brands move production abroad to take advantage of lower labor costs in Mexico, Central America and Asia. But Los Angeles remains one of the top fashion centers in the country, now determined by trendsetters like Revolve and Fashion Nova, e-commerce businesses that have experienced skyrocketing growth from Instagram’s broad influencers base.

This is an industry segment where responding to rapid changes in taste is paramount, and where local production can provide an edge over foreign factories with long supply chains – and potential quality control issues, something that has recently been highlighted by mask imports. China.

One company that started making masks and other PPE is Lefty Production Co., a vertically integrated “one-stop” shop that provides design consulting, pattern making, cutting, sewing and other services for smaller brands. It was founded by Marta Miller and partner Emily Roiff in 2012, after realizing that future designers needed help making their clothes locally made.

“We do not knit fabric, but apart from that part of the supply chain, we have everyone on one team under one roof doing all that,” Miller said.

Lefty Production serves nearly 100 small designers who sell directly to consumers online or wholesale and want a stack of 300 to 10,000 clothing items – a type of order that is not handled by large volume Asian factories or that may cost too much.

“When the volume decreases, their prices go abroad, and it starts to make less economic sense. My client wants a low and fast inventory. Things that can’t be done abroad, “Miller said.” I have a client. We cut the top and bottom of the same bikini maybe in a hundred different colors, and each color is like 20 or 30 units. “

When the home stay order was issued, Miller began serving the medical industry. “Large hospital. “They ordered abroad and they didn’t get their packages, so they ran out of masks, ran out of bob hats, ran out of shoe coverings,” said Miller, who was able to keep 35 of his workers working.

Meanwhile, big fashion brands that have struggled from reducing mall traffic and growing online sales driven by Instagram, have experienced hard times. Preppy entrepreneur J. Crew, who did not have a mask to sell on his main website at the end of last week, filed for bankruptcy in May after a debt-laden chain was pushed to the edge by a virus-related closure. This follows the bankruptcy filing of the fast fashion retailer based on the Forever 21 mall in September, at least in part because of online competition.

Los Angeles Apparel, founded by Dov Charney, deposed from its previous business, American Apparel, after a term spotted by sexual harassment and other charges, has expanded its new business quickly through an online sales model, directly to consumers since it was founded in 2016 He also quickly shifted to making masks.

Los Angeles clothes making elevated bases similar to American Apparel, which during Charney’s possession operated a retail shop, knitted his own cloth, and cut and sewed his clothes in a factory in the city center. The new company is not yet knitting yarn, but instead is vertically integrated in the South LA factory complex.

Charney said that although the clothes cost more than imports, the price difference is not important for fashion conscious buyers who can afford $ 24 chat shirts and $ 78 pants. More important is the ability to quickly respond to online fashion trends that can quickly change .

“What’s really important right now is product assembly, to speed up or slow down production. Nobody said that Walmart should not be free to buy in Bangladesh for five cents. I’m just saying it’s a business flow. There is also a flow of millions of dollars from the rapid reaction of urban manufacturing, “he said.

The Los Angeles outfit took advantage of that power in February to start making masks, hospital gowns and other PPE. The company is so busy that it employs hundreds of workers and opens two newly leased buildings. Charney said the company now employs 2,000 people.

At AST, Dadabhoy said the company could place products in the hands of buyers within four to six weeks after placing an order, about twice as fast as suppliers abroad. In contrast, Levi Strauss & Co., sourced from hundreds of factories around the world and only a few in the U.S., just this month announced it was selling masks.

AST has also been able to reduce the price difference – despite paying workers an average of $ 20 per hour plus benefits – through vertical integration. Apart from cutting and sewing, he knits and dyes his own cloth, which removes markup through the production process. But for some buyers it’s still not enough.

Brothers Mohamed Dadabhoy, left, Abdul Rashid Dadabhoy, Taher Dadabhoy and Shoaib Dadabhoy are owners of AST Sportswear.

“Retailers drive price points. That’s when they say, “I can only sell this much,” or they want to get a certain margin. “At that point I cannot sell to them because they can buy the same product at half the price as an import,” he said.

Of course, there are dangers to the model, apart from retailers whose main focus is cost. While keeping production at your doorstep can help minimize supply chain risks, there is no guarantee in the age of the corona virus.

The Los Angeles outfit has struggled to keep the coronavirus at bay. The company said it was conducting temperature checks, encouraging social distance and washing hands, and had set up a cardboard barrier at each work station to try to protect workers. But one employee recently died, prompting the company to do a worker test.

“People were very scared at the time,” said one worker, who sewed a mask and asked not to be identified because he immigrated to the United States without documents. While he was tested negative, a woman sitting next to him tested positive, as did two of his coworkers whom he called friends. Overall, more than 10 employees tested positive in this month’s outbreak, the company confirmed.

Charney said the company had experienced previous cases, and he called the outbreak “worrying,” prompting the company to increase workstation barriers, reemphasize social distance rules and begin routine testing of all employees every seven to 10 days. “We do everything we can,” he said. “This is a scary time.”

He said the factory was inspected by Cal / OSHA and the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. Officials at Cal / OSHA cannot comment immediately. Tim Gilman, a public health spokesman, said the department is working with the company to investigate this issue.

The industry has long been plagued by wage theft, and labor lawyers say that some factory owners have exploited workers who make masks and other protective equipment, paying them wages below the standard in dangerous conditions because they have nowhere else to turn. Los Angeles Apparel pays its workers a minimum wage of $ 14.25 per hour in the city and a bonus piece rate that can more than double the hourly rate, according to Charney.

“This is an industry that has had workers working in very unhealthy conditions before [COVID-19], and we see a lot of business as usual now, “Marissa Nuncio, director of the Garment Workers Center in downtown LA, told The Times in April.” When workers produce something that is very much needed, it is unacceptable that they should continue working in unsafe conditions and for wages in the sweatshop. ”

Labor supporters say the domestic clothing industry is profitable, but there is no dispute that Los Angeles factories are under price pressure from foreign competition which employs millions of low-paid workers.

More than 97% of clothing sold to US consumers is produced abroad, with around 80% coming from China, Vietnam, Bangladesh and other Asian countries, said Sheng Lu, a professor of fashion and clothing studies at the University of Delaware.

Even so, the U.S. apparel industry remains substantial, especially in textile production, which is largely based in the Southeast and continues to grow. Capital-intensive and technological textile manufacturing, which has enabled the US to become the fourth largest exporter of cotton, synthetic and cotton textiles in the world – fabrics that are finding their way to clothing imported back into the country.

Meanwhile, California has more domestic clothing manufacturers than any other state, which accounts for 24% nationally, twice as much as New York, the second leading state, according to an analysis conducted by Lu and other researchers from the federal database, which he notes is not comprehensive.

However, Lu doubts that the pandemic will have a significant effect in returning overseas production to the US, where he agrees that the advantage is speed to market, usually on higher-priced women’s clothing that is not price sensitive. “The labels – ‘Made in the US’ – are still a niche,” he said.

Most likely, he said, some apparel companies might decide to look for more from Mexico and Central America – where they have sent US textiles to be assembled into clothing and there is widespread political support because of the recently passed United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement and the Treaty Central American Free Trade Agreement 2006.

“There are no signs that clothing production will return to the US in a sizeable manner,” said Lu, who prepared the annual industry study of the US Industry Fashion Assn.

Jon Gold, vice president of supply chain and customs policy at the National Retail Federation, said that even before the pandemic, the trade war had encouraged clothing and other producers to inspect their distant supply chains and risk being very dependent on China. .

He said his typical response was to try to diversify into other Asian countries, while he agreed that outsourcing near the coast to Mexico or Central America would also be an option.

“There’s a reason we grew as an economy for decades. There are certain things that we don’t do anymore and can’t do. We are a more developed economy, “he said.

The Times’s staff writer, Sam Dean, contributed to this article.

Goodwin Townsend

General internet buff. Hardcore music maven. Typical foodaholic. Friendly student.

All Your Acrylic Nail Questions Answered: From Application to Care

Published

6 months ago

October 16, 2024

Herb Adkins

Acrylic nails are a popular choice for those looking to add length, strength, and style to their natural nails. Whether you’re new to the world of acrylics or a seasoned nail enthusiast, there are always questions that arise about the application, maintenance, and overall care of these enhancements. This guide will answer all your acrylic nail questions to ensure your next manicure is a complete success.

What Are Acrylic Nails?

Acrylic nails are artificial nail enhancements made from a mixture of liquid monomer and powder polymer. When combined, they form a hard protective layer that can be molded into various shapes and lengths. Once hardened, they provide a durable and long-lasting canvas for nail polish, art, or simply a natural look. For more in-depth information, check out Acrylic Nail FAQs to get all the details you need before your next salon visit.

How Are Acrylic Nails Applied?

The application process of acrylic nails begins with the preparation of your natural nails. The nail technician will clean your nails, file them down, and apply a bonding agent to help the acrylic adhere. The acrylic mixture is then applied in thin layers, sculpted to the desired shape, and allowed to dry. Once set, the nails are filed, shaped, and buffed to a smooth finish.

Acrylic nails can be customized in terms of length and shape, making them a versatile choice for anyone looking to enhance their look.

How Long Do Acrylic Nails Last?

Typically, acrylic nails can last anywhere from two to three weeks before requiring a fill. During a fill, the nail technician will replace any grown-out acrylic and maintain the structure of the nails. With proper care, acrylic nails can be worn for extended periods, but it’s essential to give your natural nails a break occasionally to maintain nail health.

How Do You Care for Acrylic Nails?

Caring for acrylic nails is crucial to ensuring they last as long as possible and that your natural nails remain healthy underneath. Here are some essential tips:

Avoid excessive water exposure: Prolonged exposure to water can weaken acrylic nails, making them prone to lifting or damage. When washing dishes or cleaning, consider wearing gloves to protect your nails.
Moisturize cuticles regularly: The acrylic application process can sometimes dry out your cuticles. Regularly apply cuticle oil to keep your cuticles hydrated and prevent hangnails.
Be gentle with your nails: Acrylics can be strong, but they’re not indestructible. Avoid using your nails as tools to open packages or scrape things, as this can lead to breakage.
Schedule regular fills: As your natural nails grow, gaps will appear between the acrylic and your cuticles. Regular fills ensure your nails maintain a smooth, polished look and help prevent lifting.

How Do You Remove Acrylic Nails Safely?

Proper removal is crucial to avoid damaging your natural nails. It’s highly recommended to have acrylics removed by a professional at the salon. However, if you prefer to remove them at home, follow these steps:

Soak in acetone: Start by soaking a cotton ball in acetone, then place it on each nail. Wrap your fingers in aluminum foil and allow the acetone to work for about 20 minutes.
Gently scrape off the acrylic: After soaking, use a cuticle pusher or an orange stick to gently scrape off the softened acrylic. Be patient and avoid forcing the acrylic off, as this can damage your natural nails.
Buff and moisturize: Once the acrylic is completely removed, buff your natural nails to smooth out any rough spots and apply cuticle oil to restore moisture.

Are Acrylic Nails Safe for Your Natural Nails?

When applied and removed properly, acrylic nails should not cause significant damage to your natural nails. However, improper removal or overuse without giving your nails time to breathe can lead to thinning, weakening, or breakage of your natural nails.

If you plan on wearing acrylic nails long-term, it’s a good idea to take breaks between applications and ensure you’re nourishing your nails with oils and treatments.

What Are the Best Acrylic Nail Shapes?

Choosing the right nail shape is essential for creating a look that complements your hands. Some of the most popular acrylic nail shapes include:

– Square: A straight-edged, classic look perfect for shorter nails.

– Oval: A soft, rounded shape that elongates the fingers.

– Coffin: Also known as ballerina shape, this trendy look features a tapered edge with a flat tip.

– Stiletto: A dramatic, pointy shape ideal for those who want a bold statement.

Each shape offers a unique aesthetic and can be tailored to suit your personal style.

Are There Any Alternatives to Acrylic Nails?

If you’re looking for a different type of nail enhancement, consider these alternatives:

– Gel nails: Gel nails offer a glossy finish and are cured under UV or LED light. They’re less rigid than acrylics and can feel more natural.

– Dip powder: This method involves dipping the nails into a colored powder and sealing them with a clear coat. It provides a similar look to acrylics but is generally less damaging to the natural nails.

Conclusion

Acrylic nails are a versatile and durable option for achieving customized, beautiful nails. By understanding the application process, knowing how to care for them, and safely removing them, you can enjoy long-lasting manicures that enhance your style. With the ability to choose from a variety of shapes and designs, acrylic nails offer endless possibilities for self-expression. Remember to take care of your natural nails in between applications to keep them healthy and strong. Whether you’re a first-time user or a seasoned pro, acrylic nails can be a fantastic way to express your personality and keep your nails looking flawless for weeks.

Herb Adkins

Proud web evangelist. Travel ninja. Creator. Freelance food nerd. Passionate bacon fanatic.

Jacqueline Troost Omvlee – A Tool in the Hands of the Russian Elite

Published

7 months ago

September 26, 2024

Herb Adkins

When sanctions were imposed on Russia for its war against Ukraine, their objectives were twofold: to reduce Russian military capacity by limiting modern weapons and to lower Russian revenue streams. While in the beginning, the sanctions indeed weakened the Russian economy, they have fallen short of their initial objectives – mostly because Russia has found ways to circumvent many of them. The Kremlin has exploited international corruption, relied on foreign third parties, and utilized loopholes in trade restrictions. One such individual who allegedly provides services to Russian-linked companies is Jacqueline Troost Omvlee, a Geneva-based Dutch citizen.

Jacqueline Troost Omvlee is married to Niels Troost, an oil trader sanctioned by the United Kingdom. He and his company, Paramount Energy & Commodities SA, are among the 50 individuals and organizations blacklisted in response to the business connections with Russia. His wife, Jacqueline, helps to facilitate financial transactions for Niles Troost and Russian oligarchs including Gennady Timchenko, a Russian billionaire oil trader and Putin`s close associate.

Gennady Timchenko and his family have been sanctioned in many countries for backing the Kremlin’s war machine. However, with the help of Jacqueline Troost Omvlee, he seems to find ways to evade sanctions and continue his financial operations. In these illegal schemes, individuals like Jacqueline often serve as a front person for sanctioned oligarchs and their business assets. Russian-linked companies set up subsidiaries around the world, often registering new entities in offshore havens or countries where regulations are relatively lax or non-existent. To obfuscate the arrangements, the daughter companies spawn offspring in the form of subsidiaries, as the chain of concealment stretches on and on. The result is like a giant Matryoshka doll.

Jacqueline’s involvement in financial transactions that potentially support Timchenko’s interests raises significant concerns about the efficacy of Western sanctions. The fact that Jacqueline Troost Omvlee continues to operate without facing sanctions herself highlights a significant loophole in the enforcement mechanism. Various shady schemes and tactics designed to circumvent sanctions often hide the activity of individuals such as Jacqueline, making it difficult for authorities to detect and punish them for their involvement.

Jacqueline Troost Omvlee’s role in her husband’s financial dealings as well as her alleged ties to Russian business schemes, emphasizes the need for stronger international sanctions. Her actions not only aid in sanctions evasion but also diminish the overall effectiveness of the measures designed to isolate and pressure those supporting the Russian regime. Therefore, sanctioning Jacqueline Troost Omvlee is not only a matter of addressing her individual actions but also a necessary step to reinforce the credibility and effectiveness of the sanctions regime. By targeting individuals who play a key role in evading sanctions, authorities can send a strong message that efforts to undermine international sanctions will not go unpunished. This measure is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the sanctions system and ensuring that it achieves its intended goal of isolating and restraining those who support destabilizing activities.

European countries and the US need to expand their sanctions-tracking and investigative actions to improve the monitoring of sanctions compliance and to introduce new measures against systematic violators of law. The sanctioning states have the resources and capacity for this, and need to take action now.

Herb Adkins

Proud web evangelist. Travel ninja. Creator. Freelance food nerd. Passionate bacon fanatic.

Hermann’s Tortoise Lifespan: How to Ensure a Long, Healthy Life

Published

7 months ago

September 16, 2024

Herb Adkins

Ensuring a long and healthy life for your Hermann’s Tortoise requires a combination of proper care, nutrition, and habitat management. Hermann’s Tortoises, known for their charming personalities and distinctive shells, can live for several decades with the right conditions. Understanding their needs and providing a suitable environment is key to helping them thrive. Here’s how you can support your Hermann’s Tortoise in living a long, happy life.

Creating an Optimal Habitat

One of the most critical factors in promoting the longevity of your Hermann’s Tortoise is the creation of a suitable habitat. Providing an environment that mimics their natural surroundings is essential for their overall health. An appropriate habitat helps prevent stress and supports their well-being. For detailed guidance on setting up an ideal habitat, including specific requirements for outdoor enclosures, visit this comprehensive guide on Habitat for Hermann’s Tortoise.

Outdoor Enclosure: Hermann’s Tortoises thrive in outdoor enclosures that provide ample space to roam, bask, and forage. An outdoor setup should include a secure, predator-proof area with access to natural sunlight. Incorporate areas for basking and shade to allow the tortoise to regulate its body temperature. Additionally, include plants, rocks, and hiding spots to simulate their natural habitat and encourage natural behaviors.
Indoor Habitat: If an outdoor enclosure is not feasible, an indoor habitat can also support a long lifespan if set up correctly. Use a large, well-ventilated enclosure with appropriate heating and UVB lighting. Provide a substrate that allows for burrowing and offer various hiding spots and enrichment items.

Diet and Nutrition

A balanced diet is vital for maintaining the health and longevity of your Hermann’s Tortoise. They are primarily herbivores, and their diet should reflect their natural feeding habits.

Leafy Greens: Offer a variety of leafy greens such as kale, collard greens, and dandelion greens. These vegetables provide essential vitamins and minerals that support overall health.
Vegetables and Fruits: Supplement their diet with other vegetables like carrots, squash, and bell peppers. Fruits should be given in moderation due to their high sugar content.
Calcium and Supplements: Provide a calcium supplement to support shell and bone health. A cuttlebone or powdered calcium can be added to their food. Ensure that they also have access to fresh, clean water at all times.

Regular Health Checks

Routine health checks are essential for early detection of potential health issues. Regular veterinary visits help ensure your tortoise remains in optimal condition and addresses any health concerns promptly.

Observation: Monitor your tortoise’s behavior and physical condition regularly. Changes in appetite, weight, or activity level can indicate health problems.
Preventative Care: Schedule annual check-ups with a veterinarian experienced in reptile care. Regular exams help catch any issues early and keep vaccinations and other preventative treatments up to date.

Environmental Enrichment

Providing environmental enrichment helps keep your Hermann’s Tortoise mentally stimulated and active. Enrichment can reduce stress and prevent boredom, contributing to a better quality of life.

Foraging Opportunities: Hide food items around the enclosure to encourage natural foraging behavior. This not only provides mental stimulation but also mimics their natural hunting practices.
Variety: Change the layout of their enclosure periodically and introduce new objects or plants to keep their environment interesting and engaging.

Conclusion

By focusing on creating the right habitat, providing a balanced diet, ensuring regular health checks, and offering environmental enrichment, you can significantly enhance the lifespan and well-being of your Hermann’s Tortoise. For further details on creating an ideal habitat, including tips for designing an outdoor enclosure, refer to this helpful guide on Habitat for Hermann’s Tortoise. Implementing these practices will help ensure that your tortoise enjoys a long, healthy life.

Herb Adkins

Proud web evangelist. Travel ninja. Creator. Freelance food nerd. Passionate bacon fanatic.