A Guide to Fashion Forecasting - Fairchild Books

Where Do Forecasters
FinD their inFormation?
Curiosity about events, both newsworthy and otherwise, makes for a more
informed forecaster. With society’s increasing infatuation with celebrities,
forecasters track trends in entertainment, media, the Internet, and the arts.
Forecasters keep their eyes on such population trends as family size and
spending habits. They monitor innovations in science and technology. From
a Friday night in an ethnic neighborhood to a high fashion gala, downtown
vintage boutiques to Paris runways, the seeds for new fashions are found
close to home and sometimes in exotic locales. Fashion can be found almost
anywhere including at events and gathering places such as:
• Fashion shows
• Fabric fairs
• Red carpet events
• Club scene
• On the streets
Forecasters receive clues of new fashion directions from industry insiders
as well. Fabric fairs such as Premiére Vision in France, Interstoff in
Europe and Asia, and Material World in New York, or regional apparel
trade shows such as Magic in Las Vegas or Moda in New York—all provide
signposts for forecasters.
Often at the shows or fairs, displays fill a trend pavilion and offer
the first look at the upcoming season, including new themes, colors, and
fabrics. At these gatherings, buyers, designers, editors, and manufacturers
congregate and can update forecasters on their business trends by sharing
their insights and specific information related to their businesses. In turn,
the forecaster can give the clients direction that is most appropriate for
their brand, products, and consumers.
Chapter One : Introduction to Fashion Forecasting
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