The Issue: A Cotton On Group Publication | Page 12

– I T A L L S TA R T E D W I T H –

– I T A L L S TA R T E D W I T H –

“sean supports our new
and innovative ideas each
season. he focuses on
development and wor ks
closely with his mill and
pr inting team to per fect
new techniques and
specialty yar ns. his ‘can do’
attitude tur ns our concept
into a r eality.”
– SUMMER BUCKLAND

Brand Production Manager
for Cotton On KIDS

Summer Buckland (SB): I joined the Cotton On Group four years
ago and my first move was to jump on a plane and travel wide and
far across China to meet these great suppliers that I had heard so
much about!

very hard on difficult styles that others would put in the ‘too hard
basket’. Kidswear can be fancy with glitter, metallic, tutus, fairy
wings, yardage foils. But Sean, like the rest of our team, has a ‘no
boundaries attitude’.

One of my first stops was in Nantong, located on the northern
bank of the Yangtza River, to meet Sean. We had many talks about
our experiences in the fashion industry, and our future plans and
goals for the KIDS brand.

SW: Working together with Summer is great. She always knows our
requirements and stands by our side. We always look to benefit
each other and have the best outcome for the business. We are
now one of the biggest suppliers of kidswear.

Sean Wei (SW): I remember exactly the first time we met each
other. It was on the 6th January 2012 when Kirsten (previous
Production Manager), took her maternity leave to have her baby.

SB: Sean is our biggest kidswear supplier, he produces across
many categories; baby, girls, boys and tween. He is a big supporter
of our bulk fabric ordering and supports all of our team with his
ext ensive knowledge of our business and the way we operate.

My first impression of Summer was that she was very modest and
good at the garment business.

“our business has been
growing every year with
the support and growth
of the cotton on group.
... when summer next visits
china i am loOking forwar d
to showing her our new
factory.”
– SEAN WEI

Cotton On KIDS Supply Partner

SB: My first impression of Sean was that he was quiet,
professional, hard working and very loyal. He was willing to work

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T HE IS SUE C O T T ON ON GR OUP

The first category we worked on together that stands out for me is
our beautiful kids dress up range. Sean took this difficult program
in his stride and has helped us elevate it every season since. When
I compare the product now to what we were making four years ago,
it is outstanding and just beautiful – we have come a long way!
Sean supports our new and innovative ideas each season. He
focuses on development and works closely with his mill and
printing team to perfect new techniques and specialty yarns. His
‘can do attitude’ turns our concept into a reality.
SW: I travel to Australia at least one time every year to visit the
Cotton On Group head office. It is a global company and very
organized. They have good communication, quick replies and
smooth processes that make for a firm business relationship.
SB: I travel to China four times a year and love travelling with my
team. Relationship building with our supplier partners is very
important. Trust and respect with each and every supplier is what
is important to our brand.

LEAD PHOTOGRAPH:
ORIENTAL PEARL TOWER
SHANGHAI, PHOTOGRAPHED
BY MATT DUNNE,
GROUP PHOTOGRAPHER.
ABOVE:
READY FOR SHIPMENT,
TYPO SUPPLY
PARTNER OPERATIONS,
PHOTOGRAPHED BY
MATT DUNNE.
ABOVE RIGHT:
KILN OPERATOR
TYPO SUPPLY
PARTNER OPERATIONS,
PHOTOGRAPHED BY
MATT DUNNE.
RIGHT:
HAND CRAFTING
TYPO SUPPLY
PARTNER OPERATIONS,
PHOTOGRAPHED BY
MATT DUNNE.
BOTTOM RIGHT:
ARRIVING IN SHANGHAI,
PHOTOGRAPHED BY
MATT DUNNE.

sometimes challenging techniques and new categories, including
Free by Cotton On. A new brand will always start off small and this
can be difficult for suppliers because we’re working in smaller
quantities and different styles, but Sean has been an integral part
of its growth and success.
SW: Our business has been growing every year with the support
and growth of the Cotton On Group. I had the honour of receiving
a kidswear award from Summer at the annual Cotton On Group
Supplier Conference – I was very proud and happy! When Summer
next visits China I am looking forward to showing her my new factory.
SB: Once when we were out for a meal in Nantong, Sean ordered
me a famous dish. This dish consisted of a tall square toasted loaf
of white bread with giant ice cream scoops on top! You can’t beat
warm bread with ice cream as your main meal. It’s delicious but just
imagine trying to eat that with chop sticks! Sean now makes sure
every time a new KIDS team member comes to China they eat there.
What is special about our relationship is the honesty, trust and
respect we have for each other. If we have any issues that we need
to work together to solve he will always say “Summer please don’t
worry, we will work this out together and find the best solution.”
I admire Sean’s integrity and work ethic. Nothing is ever too
difficult. He has a very high pressure job, but never shows signs of
stress and is always calm. This calmness and controlled approach
filters down to our team members.
SW: We have a strategic partnership and we’ve always supported
each other as we’ve grown in our careers together. We are in the
same boat! She is a most considerate and very reliable friend. I am
very appreciative of all her support.

Our business has changed and evolved significantly over our
four year relationship. As a brand we have introduced new and

T HE IS SUE C O T T ON ON GR OUP

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