Fashion forecasting

To cope with the ever-changing world, the marketing segmentation and targeting techniques are rapidly evolving from traditional, static, demographic-based criteria towards dynamic, mood, lifestyle and psycho graphic influences. Fashion forecasting is the prediction of mood, behavior and buying habits of the consumer. It is no longer a question of identifying your customers by age, geography or income, but looking into how and why they buy, based on their mood, beliefs and the occasion.Fashion is a style that is popular in the present or a set of trends that have been accepted by a wide audience. But fashion itself is far from simple. Fashion is a complex phenomenon from psychological, sociological, cultural or commercial point of view. Fashion trends are the styling ideas that major collections have in common. They indicate the direction in which the fashion is moving. Fashion forecasters look for styles they think are prophetic, ideas that capture the mood of the times and signal a new fashion trend.
The fashion system has spread across all other sectors, from cosmetics to cars via politics and sports. All sectors observe fashion as an endless source of inspiration. Gilles Lipovetsky points out that the more the fashion society develops, the less importance will be given to the affordability of clothes! To hold on to its role as a pioneer and enhance its brand image, fashion has to continue to innovate.Forecasting the future demand for particular styles, fabrics and colors is an important aspect of the fashion industry. Textile specialists work two years ahead to determine the general guidelines for each fashion season. Fashion forecasting is an important activity to ensure that the process of observation related to short and long term planning can be based on sound and rational decision making and not hype. Forecasting can bridge the gap between ambiguous, conflicting signs and the action taken by the design team. "Fashion forecasting combines theories of fashion changes with the process of organizing and analyzing the information and synthesizing the data into actionable forecasts." (Brannon 2000) Forecasting is a creative process that can be understood, practiced and applied. Forecasting provides a way for executives to expand their thinking about changes, through anticipating the future, and projecting the likely outcomes. (Lavenback and Cleary 1981)
Long term forecasting (over 2 years ahead) is used by executives for corporate planning purposes. It is also used for marketing managers to position products in the marketplace in relationship to competition. Short term forecasting is used by product developers, merchandisers and production managers to give style direction and shape collections. For short term forecasting most apparel companies subscribe to one or more services, whose job is to scan the market and report on the developments in color, textiles and style directions.Forecasters reflect the earliest views on trends some eighteen months in advance of the season. At this stage, color is a crucial consideration of yarn mills. It is also the focus of discussion among others who are interested in very early trend decision-making. Fashion forecasters combine the views emerging about color and fabric from the early yarn and fabric trade shows with their socio-economic and cultural analysis. Major trends in lifestyles, attitude and culture in particular music, sport, cinema and television are used to predict changing consumer demands.Fashion forecasting involves the following activities such as studying market conditions, noting the life style of the people, researching sales statistics, evaluating popular designer collections, surveying fashion publications, observing street fashions etc

Emerging Women's Fashion

Totes can either make or break an outfit. Gals who are into totes know this fact and are really much careful in picking up the bag that could suit their outfits. If you are somebody who's greatly into fashion, you most likely have the feeling of lusting over gorgeous trends of totes. People, particularly women, always appear for something clean that will complete their wardrobe. It's a constantly emerging trend each 12 months. And this is what women look forward to. As the 12 months begins, new styles of handbags and purses will definitely entice the craving eyes of fashionistas. Like other types of style, footwear and clothing, the trend of bags is another performs of background. It comes and it goes and it arrives back. What makes it fresh may be the color and outfit it perfectly goes with. To make your whole 12 months fashionably ideal, get to know the emerging trends of handbags and purses for these 12 months.
Clutch Ladies handbag
It's the hottest shape of the year. Grab one for your own. With this vintage and retro-looking handbag, you'll certainly sport a flair for an antique design. A cluth ladies handbag is perfect for ladies on the go. Many businesswomen like it simply because they are able to just consider it anyplace they go. This little cute point is really big enough to hold your points.
Patent Handbag
It's a chic ladies handbag for everyday use. Whether you'd like to go on a formal meeting or spend a night out with your buddies, this patent handbag goes perfectly with any occasion; smooth or funk.
Mini Ladies handbag
You were drowned by final year's large totes. Now may be the time to go mini. Get the basics, put them within your mini handbag and you are prepared to go!
Metallic Handbag
With its luster, no wonder it is been coming back again the trend. Just pick some fabulous colour and have a refreshing appear about the metallic trend that's been a part from the past.
Convertible Handbag
Hang it across your body or over your shoulder or use it inside a ladies handbag mode, it doesn't matter. This provides the lady the usually prepared effect. Convert it, pull the strap longer and you are about the go mode. Convert it and pull the straps shorter and you're now in the chic mode.
Pocket Ladies handbag
Ladies are fond of little points in nature; wallet, coin purse, crucial chain, mobile phone, organizer and others. But the thing is ladies are also forgetful in nature. Thus a pocket handbag is ideal for these ladies. With lots of pockets in it, all your little points have a space without providing you the hardship of looking for them within your tote.
White Handbag
With all the different colors that go along with the trend, white stands out. Practically nothing feels fresher than carrying with you a clean white handbag. It is trendy and refreshing.
Remember that a handbag is a large part of one's outfit. It ought to fit your physique kind. Being within the trend is a plus but examine if it's right for you. Don't be shy to attempt on these handbags in the store. Check if it appears good on you and if it feels comfy wearing it. If not, don't hesitate to attempt another one. Do not forget that bags can really flatter your looks as much being a pair of jeans does. Moreover, totes don't ruin your appears. So set some sense of style and taste when picking a tote of the option. You already know the hottest handbags of the 12 months, now is the time to examine your wardrobe.
Do you've them? Should you do, check if the colour goes with the trend, take them out and give some refreshing look on them.

Fashion Product Development: Concept & Reality

Fashion, an explicit term, is something beyond the common man's approach and where there is no limit to the permutations one can think of in terms of designing. As the human approach towards change is so frequent and the designer, in a process, to fulfill the demand of new style goes through a number of phases.
The product of Fashion, either it's a garment or an accessory, goes through the same to take the actual shape that is known as "Design Process." Taking an example of a garment as a fashion product, the process includes: Inspiration, on the basis of which, Mood & Swatch board, Color Palette, Story & Client boards are created. Specifications & Illustrations (the complete collection) are originated i.e. in overall, an innovative process.
Finding Inspiration shows the designer's ability to work on the product which gives an overall idea of the collection to be executed. The exploration of the sources makes the design unique and the reinvention/ research of the inspiration influences the garment ideas that emerge after the close observation. An inspiration can be found everywhere, whether it is a seashell on a beach or a splendid skyscraper. The reflective glass of a skyscraper might suggest the use of a shimmering modern fabric; the peeling paint of an old beach hut could stimulate to create a look incorporated into a rippled layers. The designer, however, the furthest extremes can explore.

The first stage of organizing the thoughts and collecting images (Mood board) enable to channelize the creative excitement towards a cohesive collection. It captures the mood or flavor of the design project, as well as reflects the target customer. The in depth study & close examination of the inspiration stimulates the ideas about colors & textures which influence choice of fabrics. Color palette is selected with the important shades and identifying the harmonious combinations from the inspiration whereas black & white inspiration board focuses more on shapes & textures. Methods such as dying, printing, appliqu & manipulating the fabrics convert the stimulated ideas into required textures & fall of the garments. At the stage of developing fabrics for Swatch Board, practicalities of achieving the effects hardly matters whereas innovation is highly demanded. Designing a collection is concerned with decisions of taste, choice and sensitivity and relies on the value judgments.The actual product (the garment), when takes shape on the fabric includes Pattern development & the process of Garment Production (Layout, Cutting, Stitching, Finishing etc.).As a final product, it gulps the concept in it but the question arises when it comes to reality. As, a layman doesn't digest the idea of originating such products which don't meet the requirement/necessity or is not utilized but the criteria is not to fulfill the basic need of the consumer but of the designers, for whom to innovate & create, is an urge that is growth promise & moreover leave a mark on audience' mind. The idea behind writing this article is to spread awareness about what fashion is. The existence of Fashion is not only to cater the consumer's needs but to represent the designer's innovation which brings revolution in the fashion world. As the human tendency which always demands a change, a plenty of experiments worked upon by the designer, creates a difference & design innovative products which usually are considered as non-wearable.

Fashion degrees

There are numerous fashion degree programs available for someone interested in pursuing a fashion career. Whether you are interested in fashion design, fashion merchandising, or the business side of fashion, there are many degrees that provide the building blocks you need to succeed in your fashion career. Specialization and additional education are options fashion professionals should always consider.
An associate's or bachelor's degree in Fashion Design is a great stepping stone to a number of careers in fashion. Fashion design students complete coursework in a variety of subjects including the following:
fashion and textile vocabulary and terminology
consumer trends and behavior
hand drawing
computer-aided design (CAD)
pattern drafting and manufacturing
fashion show production and promotion
sewing and tailoring
human anatomy
fashion and art history and trends
balancing of colors, proportions, textiles, and moods
Most fashion programs are staffed by industry professionals in design, marketing, and merchandising. They also often have guest instructors from major fashion design houses.
Degrees in Fashion Marketing and/or Fashion Merchandising focus primarily on the business side of the fashion industry. Graduates of fashion merchandising programs may qualify for positions as visual merchandisers and/or display artists, retail store managers, fashion buyers, stylists, showroom sales reps, or fashion editors, among many others. Students are educated in the following topics:
reading consumer trends
understanding consumer market segments
business fundamentals
marketing and merchandising techniques
teamwork and collaboration
social, environmental, and economic influences on the global fashion industry
Many fashion schools offer specialized courses of study in areas such as art and design technology, visual merchandising, retail management, and others. No matter which fashion study program you choose, you can receive a broad education that combines both the creative and technical sides of the style industry to prepare you for the challenges of the ever-changing, fast-paced world of fashion and design. You may even be able to take advantage of internship opportunities with established design firms or retail enterprises, allowing you to get a jump start on your fashion portfolio.

Income through fashion sector

Income rate of various fashion design careers fall in different salary ranges. But majority of fashion designer professionals earn a median annual salary of around $35,000 to $75,000. Other fashion design professions receive the following annual income range:
Graphic Designers: $20,000 to $65,000
Interior designers: $21,000 to $71,000
Merchandise Displayers: $15,000 to $40,000
Set designers: $18,000 to $63,000
As professionals gain more experience, they will attract better job offers. Meanwhile, entry-level fashion designers still have higher salary rates as compared to other professions.
With formal schooling, more relevant experiences, distinct skills, and specialized trainings, fashion designer professionals will have better chances of finding more lucrative job opportunities!
As with any career, the best way to start a new career on the right foot is to get an education. A degree in Fashion Design or Fashion Merchandising can get your foot in the door of one of the many fabulous career opportunities in the rapidly growing fashion industry. Whether you are interested in fashion design production, marketing and merchandising, fashion media and promotions, or any other type of fashion career, a degree will help you learn the skills necessary to bloom in the fashion industry. Read on to see what fashion careers are available.

Fashion schools

Many job opportunities await professionals in the world of fashion design, and the schools listed on this site provide the training you need to advance in your fashion career. Whether you are interested in clothing design, fashion marketing, fashion merchandising, or fashion in general, any of the schools listed below will have what you need.
The fashion design schools listed below can provide you with the skills and experience you require for your new fashion career. Here are a few details about some of our featured schools:
Brooks College in Long Beach and Sunnyvale, California, offers Associate of Arts degrees in Fashion Design and Fashion Merchandising. The school's intensive 18-month degree programs are taught by fashion industry professionals - including designers, merchandisers, and marketers. Coursework may include fashion illustration, consumer trends and behaviors, fashion design software, and key business skills, among other creative and business classes.
Fashion students at Westwood College's Denver campus and four California campuses can earn an Associate's degree in just 20 months and a Bachelor's degree in Fashion Merchandising in as little as three years. Fashion courses are available year-round, with daytime, evening, and weekend classes to accommodate any schedule. Fashion merchandising classes include Trend Forecasting, Fashion Product Development, and Portfolio Review. Graduates of the fashion program may be eligible for Alumni Retraining, which allows Westwood graduates to audit classes to keep up with advances in the fashion industry.
At any of the eight nationwide campuses of the International Academy of Design and Technology (IADT), students receive hands-on training from industry experts in fashion illustration, merchandising, production techniques, clothing construction, and other design and marketing specialties. Available courses of study include an Associate of Applied Science or Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Fashion Design or Fashion Merchandising. The fashion curriculum may vary from campus to campus, but IADT trains students on current industry technology and equipment, so they will be well-prepared to enter the fashion world upon graduation.

Importance of fashion

As much as other things are important for the peoples of this world, fashion too has become an important thing for peoples like us. Fashion plays an important role in maintaining our personality so, it can be said that fashion has an importance among many peoples especially who wants luxury. Peoples desires to be fashionable; these kind of desires also shows that how much important fashion is. Among us fashion comes in different way. Fashion has many parts, and even a single part of fashion can determine our standerd and our personality among other peoples. Fashion just is impossible to ignore. Just difference is that we peoples use it in different way. Fashion also plays a vital role in society. More than for low class or middle class people, fashion plays an important role in high class or rich peoples life. And now fashion has become so much important that, it is even studied in many colleges or universities.

Jewelry as fashion

Fashion also includes various kinds of jewelries. There are many jewelry fashion industry which concentrates on accessories of various styles and materials.The most fashionable material for today is definitely silver. If gold is prefered, white gold should be choosed. Silver is so popular because it goes perfectly with almost any other material. Moreover, it is less noticeable and helps to create bohemian style, which is very fashionable for this moment. It is very easy to match silver and gems with any style, gems of various colors and types are choosed, so it would match the coloring of peoples wardrobe.Another popular material is surely diamond. It's very elegant and creates an image of luxury, so peoples nowadays prefer appropriate style to wear accessory made of diamond. Diamond is used together with metal. Silver, platinum or white gold incrassated with diamond is the ultimate choice. Not so long ago massive jewelry was on top, however today fashion says no to huge accessory details. Some peoples don't like metal, jewelry fashion designers offer accessory made of such materials as stone, pearls, felted wool, wood or even bone. But the benefit of such jewelry is that the peoples surely look very original and fashionable. Different peoples choose different kinds of materials or colours so that those jewelry fulfills their style. Most peoples wears different jewelry according to their dress up to match the set.

Fashion among teenagers

There are many fashion trends: trends for men or women, trends for kids and even for dogs. What about teens? The reason for this lack of information is teen fashion being more complicated than any other. Teenagers are fighting against society; they put a lot of effort to be different, but they also invent new trends and fashion styles.The latest trend is EMO (emotional) style. EMO style is definitely for those who adore bright colors. Green, pink, red, yellow matched with black will undoubtedly make peoples noticeable. If peoples are into this style, peoples must have an appropriate hairdo: Zelda hairdo for girls and jet black mop top for boys. Pencil or at least cigarette-shaped jeans with studded belt is also a must-have. Rules for top are not that strict, peoples may choose anything they want, they just be sure it's close-fitting and bright colored. they must wear large amounts jewelry and it's even better if they pierce their face (small lip ring would do perfectly). EMO style is perfect for those who wear glasses - it's a great accent and EMOs love nerdy ones.

Hip hop never goes out of fashion. Music that speaks street language is definitely for young rebellious souls. Hip-hop style for teen boys and girls is rather different. Boys are usually wearing baggy pants and t-shirt, while girls chose sexy outfits. Cap is a must for both. When it comes to colors - peoples can choose anything they want. Boys usually prefer blue jeans and white-colored top while girls are totally unpredictable. Girls wear big rounded earrings and boys must wear at least one ring.

Climate

Climate is the average weather condition at a particular location over a long period. It is the long term summation of the atmospheric elements. These elements are solar radiation, temperature, humidity, precipitation, atmospheric pressure and wind. A wide area having almost a similar climate is called a climatic zone. Climate affects the natural vegetation. we cannot grow apples in hot region nor we can grow pineapple in cold regions. Similarly, climate controls the natural vegetation all over the world. Based on the climate and natural vegetation the world has been divided into a number of climatic zones.
Factors Affecting Climate
• Distance from the equator(Latitude)
As the distance from the equator to the north or south increases, the temperature gradually decreases because only the slanted sunrays fall in the far north and the far south . Similarly, the slanting rays pass through the thick layer of the atmosphere and spread to a wide area causing low temperature. This affect the climate of these areas.
• Distance from the sea
Generally, the places near to the seacoast have moderate temperature and the places farther away from the seacoast have extreme temperature i.e. too hot in summer and too cold with very little rainfall in winter. The prevailing winds of a place also determine the temperature. The wind that blows from the land to the sea is dry in nature and it causes an extreme climate in the continent. However, if the moisture wind blows from the sea to the continent, it brings much rainfall and it results a cool climate.
• Altitude and slope
The temperature generally falls 1 degree celsius at every 160-165 m above the sea level. It happens because of the gravitational pull of air and dust particles to the lower level. This dense layer of air and dust takes hold of much heat. As the height from the sea level increases, the layer to the atmosphere gets thinner and it absorbs less heat. We notice the differences in the climate of cool and the hot places of our earth because of the variation of the altitude.
Similarly, slope of the mountain plays a vital role to determine temperature. The windward part of it gets less rainfall.