As a fashion expert, I have always been fascinated by the ever-changing world of fashion trends. From the runways of fashion weeks to the streets of everyday life, trends seem to emerge and evolve at a rapid pace. But who exactly decides what is in and what is out? Who holds the power to shape the fashion industry?After years of studying and working in the fashion industry, I have come to understand that trends are not just random occurrences. They are carefully crafted and curated by a variety of individuals and entities, with celebrities and trend forecasters playing a crucial role.
Designers
, who are at the top of the fashion food pyramid, work closely with trend forecasting agencies to create idea tables for their brands.These agencies provide insights and predictions about upcoming trends, based on extensive research and analysis. This collaboration between designers and forecasters sets the foundation for what will be deemed fashionable in the upcoming seasons. But why do certain things become fashionable while others don't? This is a question that has puzzled me for a long time. As I delved deeper into the world of fashion, I realized that trends are often driven by influential individuals such as designers and A-list celebrities. These individuals have a strong presence in the fashion industry and their choices can greatly impact what is considered trendy. Celebrities have become an integral part of the fashion world.
They are often seen sitting front row at fashion shows, wearing designer outfits and setting trends with their personal style. People look up to celebrities for inspiration on how to dress and what to wear. This is why when a celebrity is photographed wearing a particular style or designer, it's not uncommon for people to imitate their look. This relationship between celebrities and fashion brands has a significant influence on the trends that emerge. When a celebrity wears a certain outfit, it receives more publicity and suddenly becomes labeled as a trend.
This trickle effect can be seen from the top of the fashion industry, with designers creating styles, to celebrities wearing them, and finally to the average consumer imitating them. But just because a celebrity wears something doesn't automatically make it a trend. It is the fashion editors and magazines that ultimately declare what is in and what is out. These editors attend fashion shows not only to report on the clothes presented but also to observe the outfits worn by celebrities in attendance. They then use their platforms to showcase these styles and predict upcoming trends. Traditionally, runways have been the main dictators of fashion trends.
Clothing companies would look at the collections of major fashion houses and designers, and create similar styles and trends at lower prices. However, with the rise of social media, this dynamic has shifted. Social media has changed the pace at which trends come and go. It has also changed the way we decide what is cool and fashionable. Fashion forecasters and analysts now play a crucial role in predicting future trends and providing useful information to industries, manufacturers, and designers. Trend forecasters are a shrewd group of people who bring their expertise in fashion history, consumer research, industry data, and intuition to predict future styles.
They keep a close eye on celebrities, who have a major impact on fashion and trends. By analyzing past and present information related to style, interpretation, and motivation behind a trend, they can accurately predict what will be popular in the future. With the rise of technology, there are now trend forecasting services that use artificial intelligence (AI) to predict upcoming trends. AI is used to analyze text and hashtags on social media, online collections published by brands and magazines, and consumer behavior in e-commerce. This allows forecasters to make more accurate predictions and provide valuable insights to fashion brands. Fashion publishers also play a crucial role in shaping trends.
They attend fashion shows and observe trends on and off the runways, which they then showcase in editorials and articles. These publications inform the general public about what is currently in fashion and what to buy each season. Fashion forecasting is not only used to predict trends but also to guide fashion brands in creating successful collections. By understanding current trends and the audience that follows them, companies can create products that will resonate with consumers. Trends can emerge from anything, whether it's a color, a product, a silhouette, a pattern, a material, or a style. And they tend to repeat themselves every 20 years.
Fashion forecasters also predict what other trends could start with the fashion rotation. This is why it's important for fashion brands to stay updated on current trends and consumer preferences. Celebrities are undoubtedly the trendsetters of our time. From Beyonce's shimmering gold looks to Billie Eilish's iconic oversized outfits, they have a significant influence on what is considered fashionable. As a fashion expert, I have come to understand that understanding how trends start and evolve is crucial in staying ahead of the game. So who decides what the fashion trends are? The answer is not as simple as one person or entity.
It is a combination of designers, trend forecasters, celebrities, fashion editors, and social media that shape the ever-changing world of fashion trends.
