A Guide to Fashion Forecasting - Fairchild Books

FOWARD
THINKER
David Wolfe—Creative director, Doneger Creative services:
Who Is a Candidate for forecasting?
I look for newcomers to the fashion forecasting profession who have
high levels of intellectual curiosity. A candidate with limited fashion
tunnel vision is not well equipped to understand how fashion today
refl ects our ever-changing environment.
32 The Principles of Fashion Forecasting
Because forecasting can relate to a myriad of fashion specialties, the
possibilities for jobs in the fi eld are numerous. Each area of fashion
forecasting offers a broad range of career choices, and specifi c jobs in the
fi eld require a variety of skills. Creative directors, managing editors,
trend analysts, researchers, graphic designers, web designers, marketers,
illustrators, photographers, and videographers all contribute to the
challenging task of peering into the fashion future. Reporting, writing,
public speaking, and sales skills are all essential in making convincing
presentations to clients.
Most forecasting jobs require at least a bachelor’s degree. Industry
employers often look fi rst at applicants with fashion design, merchandising,
or textiles degrees. Degrees in sociology, business, journalism,
and art are also relevant to the tasks at hand. An internship with a
forecasting team can offer a valuable entrée for the newcomer seeking
to break into the fi eld. Experience in fashion-related fi elds can also
help a candidate gain entry to a forecasting interview. Involvement in
event planning, trade shows, retail, buying, public relations, fashion
show production, styling, management, publishing, and media can all
be valuable assets for applicants seeking a position in forecasting.