In the fashion designing process, every individual plays an influential role in creating fashion trends. Right from the designer and stylist to the celebrities, every individual serves as the perfect muse in influencing popular fashion.
In the words of famous German fashion designer Wolfgang Joop, “Fashion is about Suspense, Surprise & Fantasy. It’s not about Rules”. And indeed, fashion is all about setting new trends with surprisingly unique designs and styles.
With that thought in mind, let’s explore a few factors that influence popular fashion.
Fashion Forecast (Colour & Fabric)
Deciding the colour, fabric and look for the upcoming season is something that every designer works on. Designers start working on new styles and patterns a couple of months in advance so it’s ready when the actual season begins.
Here, in the fashion process, fashion forecasters gain inputs from textile designers, colour experts and marketers. The information gathered from them helps designers to create a trend report for the upcoming season. Hence, in one season you could get to see lots of floral motifs and in another, abstract prints. Similarly, at a time swede fabric is seen ruling the market and at another time, it’d be fine net fabric. This cycle of colour and fabric trends are spawned byfashion designersto influence buyers who find them in fashion houses and retail stores.
Celebrities
Celebrities are one of the biggest fashion influencers.Fashion designersand celebrities keep a close connection. Designers specifically design outfits for celebrities to wear in movies, fashion shows, red carpet events, etc. These outfits when seen on celebrities get the attention of the public and become popular.
As fashion designing students, getting an opportunity to design for fashion shows and other events adds to the learning experience.
Movies & Music
The entertainment world is a major influencer of fashion. From Hollywood to the entertainment industries of any nation, movie stars and musicians woo the audience with their fashionable clothing and style.
One of the iconic looks popularised by an actor is Audrey Hepburn’s “Breakfast at Tiffany’s”. In the movie, she wore a black fitting sleeveless gown adorned with a string of pearls. Similarly, in the movie “Hum Aapke Hain Kaun”, actress Madhuri Dixit wore a royal blue saree with heavy embroidery and sequin work, teamed with a backless blouse. This outfit gained immense popularity and was donned by many women in functions and other occasions. Music artists too greatly contribute to making fashion popular. Artists are often seen sporting fancy accessories, jackets, dresses, etc. Many musicians have even started their own fashion brand and are attracting a lot of fans to their outlets.
Fashion Stylist
Fashion and models keep changing but one thing that’s constantly required is the service of a fashion stylist. A fashion stylist is the one who basically decides the entire look for a celebrity for a show or beyond. Behind a successful look or a design, lies the creativity of a fashion stylist. A stylist greatly influences the fashion trend as they are able to visualise which accessory can go with which garment.
Fashion styling can be pursued as a profession. However, this requires thorough training from afashion design institute.
Economy of a Country
The economy of a country is another factor influencing fashion. When there’s a rise in the price of a fabric, designers may make certain alterations to their designs rather than pricing it high. In most cases, designers use less expensive fabrics considering the adverse weather conditions where the prices of certain fabrics rise. For example, fabrics such as silk, satin and velvet see a frequent price fluctuation.
As a student of fashion design, subjects such as fashion marketing can be best understood by pursuing afashion designing course.
Required Skills for Fashion Designing
Are you thinking of being an inspiration to others to follow and become a successful Fashion Designer? Then you should have the unique skills to justify the Job responsibilities. Every field needs its own skills to be successful in that particular path. Here are some of the key skills, which are most required by a person to achieve a desired position in Fashion Designing.
- Creativeness
- Artistic thinking
- Strong imaginative skills
- Detailed observation skills
- Innovative skills
- Competitiveness
- Good Communication skills too
What do I need to do to become a Fashion Designer?
To be a fashion designer, you will need to have a good eye for colour and shape. You’ll need skills such as pattern-cutting and sewing. You’ll also need to be able to spot trends.
You will usually need a relevant higher education qualification, such as a foundation degree, HND or degree to be a fashion designer. A course that teaches both design and technical skills will give you the practical knowledge that you need to work in the industry.
It is important to do your research when choosing a course by reading industry literature and speaking to different course providers. You should check carefully what areas are covered over the length of a course and what kind of links the fashion department has with the industry.
You will need to put together a portfolio of your work that you can take to course and job interviews. Your portfolio should include mood boards, designs and technical drawings.There is strong competition for jobs in this industry, so any contacts and work experience you have, for example through an internship, will help when looking for work.
Fashion design as a subject is vast. The more you explore and experiment, the results are surprising! All you need to do is work towards your goal and be creative. Use innovative designing methods which can make your designs popular.
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As a seasoned expert and enthusiast in the field of fashion, with an in-depth understanding of the industry's intricacies, I can provide valuable insights into the concepts highlighted in the article.
Fashion Forecast (Colour & Fabric): The article correctly emphasizes the significance of fashion forecasting in the design process. Fashion forecasters play a crucial role in predicting color and fabric trends for upcoming seasons. Designers collaborate with textile designers, color experts, and marketers to gather insights that help create trend reports. This ensures that designers are ahead of the curve, influencing buyers with unique designs, patterns, and fabric choices.
Celebrities: The symbiotic relationship between fashion designers and celebrities is a well-established phenomenon. Celebrities act as powerful influencers, wearing specially designed outfits at events like fashion shows and red carpet appearances. The public's attention is drawn to these outfits, making them popular and setting trends. This collaboration enhances the designer's visibility and credibility in the fashion industry.
Movies & Music: The impact of the entertainment industry on fashion is undeniable. Iconic movie looks, such as Audrey Hepburn's in "Breakfast at Tiffany's" and Madhuri Dixit's in "Hum Aapke Hain Kaun," have left a lasting imprint on fashion trends. Similarly, music artists contribute significantly to popularizing fashion through their distinctive styles. Some musicians have even ventured into launching their own fashion brands, leveraging their influence to attract a dedicated fan base.
Fashion Stylist: The article rightly acknowledges the pivotal role of fashion stylists in shaping trends. Fashion stylists contribute to the overall look and feel of a celebrity, show, or design. Their creativity and ability to visualize combinations of garments and accessories significantly influence fashion trends. Pursuing a career in fashion styling requires thorough training, often obtained through a fashion design institute.
Economy of a Country: The economic factor is a pragmatic consideration in the fashion industry. Fluctuations in fabric prices can lead designers to make strategic alterations to their designs. Economic conditions influence the choice of materials, with designers opting for less expensive fabrics during adverse economic climates. Understanding these economic dynamics is crucial for aspiring fashion designers, especially those studying subjects like fashion marketing.
Required Skills for Fashion Designing: The article appropriately highlights the essential skills needed for a successful career in fashion designing. Creativity, artistic thinking, imaginative skills, detailed observation, innovation, competitiveness, and effective communication are all critical attributes. These skills contribute to a designer's ability to create unique and trendsetting designs.
Steps to Become a Fashion Designer: The article provides valuable guidance on the steps to become a fashion designer, emphasizing the importance of a keen eye for color and shape, pattern-cutting, sewing skills, and trend-spotting. The necessity of a relevant higher education qualification is stressed, along with the importance of a well-constructed portfolio showcasing design abilities and creativity. The competitive nature of the industry is also acknowledged, highlighting the significance of contacts and work experience.
In conclusion, the article offers a comprehensive overview of the factors influencing popular fashion, the role of various stakeholders, and the essential skills and steps for aspiring fashion designers. As an expert, I endorse the importance of staying attuned to these dynamics for a successful career in the ever-evolving world of fashion.
