Design Thinking: Project Social T
(Photo courtesy of Project Social T. The product shown is the MIKA SIDE-TIE TANK - ASH. According to Project Social T Website," This cute tank is made from medium-weight wide ribbed fabric and is slim fitting. It has a flattering crew neckline and slight racerback style sleeves with raw edging. The style features side slits and adjustable ties on both sides. Would look absolutely perfect with your printed skirt." Price is $48)
In Graduate School, one of the buzzwords professors love to discuss is "Design Thinking." Design Thinking is an iterative process in which we seek to understand the user, challenge assumptions, and redefine problems to identify alternative strategies and solutions that might not be instantly apparent with our initial level of understanding (Dam and Siang). Design Thinking enables a company to understand consumer needs to serve their audience better. For this project, I contacted different fashion and lifestyle companies to learn how the organizations apply Design Thinking to their market offerings. I had the opportunity to talk with Project Social T to learn more about their organization.
(Photo courtesy of Project Social T. The product shown is CHAMPLAIN LONG SLEEVE - DRIED SAGE. Project Social T describes the product as, "Champlain Long Sleeve has forever been a favorite of ours and yours, so we added it as a permanent addition to our line. This long sleeve is made from soft, lightweight fabric and has a crew neckline. It features a small contrast stitch detail on the neckline along with banded cuffs and hemline. Pair with the matching pant for peak comfort." Price is $58)
1. What makes Project Social T different from other fashion brands?
Project Social T is different from other fast fashion brands in a couple of major ways! First, all of our items are designed, produced, and shipped from our headquarters in Los Angeles. We value keeping all of our manufacturing processes within the United States, providing jobs and fair pay to those in our community. This also helps us have extra attention to detail when hand-selecting fabrics and dyes. We also have an amazing giveback program where we work with different charity partners across the country (big and small) and donate 5% of every purchase to help them continue their wonderful work. Our charity partners have ranged from large organizations like the Children's Hospital Los Angeles, to smaller organizations like the People Concern that aids the homeless community in Los Angeles. Despite the reach of our products in large outlets like Urban Outfitters and Nordstrom, our company is very small! The relationships we have as a team and the ones we have built with our business partners are so important to us on a personal level. Everyone in our company is essential to its overall success and the gratitude and teamwork within the company really stand out, as opposed to a larger corporation.
(Photo Courtesy of Project Social T. WINE ESPANA OVERSIZED TEE - FROSTED VIOLET is described as This one's for all you vino lovers out there. This oversized tee is made from 100% cotton fabric. It has a graphic on the front and contrast white stitching along the neckline, sleeves, and hemline." Price is $48)
2. How does Project Social T define elevated essential?
An 'Elevated Essential' to us is a high-quality style that is timeless and effortless, yet possesses design elements that signify thoughtful detail. From the quality of the fabric we use to the unique dyes and washes, our styles always leave an impression! The first time someone feels one of our tees or cozy sweatshirts they always exclaim how incredibly soft it is! Comfort is definitely a must in our 'elevated essential' formula.
(Photo courtesy of Project Social T. The picture above is of the PERRY RIB TANK - HONEY MUSTARD. This tank is described as, " Sophistication and style wrapped up in an easy, comfy tank. The Perry Rib tank has a high neckline and is slim fitting. Our best selling ribbed fabric is soft and stretchy. This tank easily tucks and layers so your style can go from day to night." Price is $38)
3. What are some core Project Social T products customers should buy?
Without a doubt, everyone needs to have our Wearever Tee! It comes in 2 new colors every month and it really is the perfect v-neck. It has been our best seller without fail for 10 years running. Our Original Textured V just came back online! Some customers might recognize it from Urban Outfitters, but the fabric and cut are really flattering. We are also known for our Reversible Sweatshirts. They make the best gifts and are lined with the softest micro-fleece.
(Photo courtesy of Project Social T. Produce shown is Wearever Tee - Spiced Coral. Project Social T describes this product as, " This tee is where it all began. The Wearever is our signature style and has become a staple in closets worldwide. As our most popular style, expect to see it consistently renewed in a variety of colors in tune with the seasons. This always flattering tee has a relaxed fit, v-neckline and center seam detail. It is finished with raw edging throughout and a shirttail hemline. "Price is $40)
4. What is the future of the company?
Great question! We were really fortunate to be positioned in an ideal place when the pandemic struck last year-- everyone wanted loungewear and comfy WFH outfits! We experienced significant growth in our online store and we are working on ways to make sure we keep our product offerings current and interesting in upcoming seasons. The fashion world has definitely been thrown for a loop, but as the world slowly re-opens and people are looking to add some diversity to their wardrobe, we hope we can be there for them. We are looking at expanding our more fashion-forward options while still maintaining our core values of comfort and ease.
