THE FABRIC OF FASHION
We know that creating and launching a fashion brand can be overwhelming. Trust us, we’ve been there. Our clients come to us for this exact reason. Whether an entrepreneur or an established brand, they choose The Connecting Thread for our breadth of experience and vast network of fashion professionals, providers, and technicians. We are a point of entry to the fashion sector and have paved the way for brands to thrive.
Led by Elizabeth Bijaoui, TCT was born as a fashion services studio and has provided hands-on production services for brands of all shapes and sizes over the past 11 years. Having developed many brands and overseen countless collections, we’ve gained a deep understanding of the ins and outs of the fashion industry and have tested what works.
We now pool our experience to create a consultancy firm for the next generation of fashion brands. As a full-fledged network of seasoned and savvy designers and consultants, The Connecting Thread now focuses on adding a strategic, visionary approach to any fashion brand's business. Our clients include fashion entrepreneurs, emerging designers, existing and established brands.
As consultants, we offer fashion brands overall design direction and go-to-market strategy. We are experts at conceptualizing a collection to make a brand marketable: design-forward and functional. We also provide mentorship throughout the product development cycle, from sample making and pattern making to sourcing, technical design and production, all the way to launch.
By honoring fashion traditions yet also tuning into the latest innovations —including inventive design, conscious sourcing and responsible production practices— we lend all our resources, experience, and sartorial vision to serve our clients’ projects. We make it our business to guide and connect.
Elizabeth Bijaoui
FASHION DESIGN CONSULTANT & FOUNDER
Elizabeth thrives as a fashion brand strategist and all-around sartorial consultant, with extensive experience in the sector. Plus, she has cultivated relationships and established connections to the fashion industry around the globe —including North America, Europe, Latin America and Asia.
Prior to founding The Connecting Thread in 2011, Elizabeth worked as a creative designer at a corporate level, spent 10 years in various roles in retail management, and held wholesale positions in Los Angeles, New York, and Miami. She has been involved in the launch and development of over 50 brands and counting. Through her years at the helm of TCT, Ellie was able to combine her entrepreneurial knack with her creative fire and turn years of experience and multiple connections into a solid network of resources.
Spearheading design ideation and concept, Ellie knows how to get a fashion brand started. She is a designer at her core and excels at conceptualizing, editing, and strategizing in the development process. Finding inspiration in her travels and multicultural background, she brings her signature style to create pieces that combine design and functionality.
Ellie has a comprehensive understanding of the inner workings of the fashion industry. As a consultant, she draws a business roadmap for the client’s brand and offers consulting services for every stage of the production cycle. From concept to production, including branding, marketing, and go-to-market strategies, she is the client’s biggest advocate. By offering guidance throughout the entire process, she secures the integrity of the original vision as well as the viability of the brand. Nothing gets lost in translation.
Ellie is a proud Colombian. She holds degrees in Fashion Design, International Business and Management with Production Engineering studies.