Fashion is constantly evolving. Karl Lagerfeld has famously said, “Trendy is the last stage before tacky,” which accurately summarizes the fast pace of the fashion industry.
In my last article I discussed timeless trends – now I want to help develop your ability to recognize new trends before they over saturate the market.
Let’s review how the fashion cycle works. There are five stages to the fashion cycle, here’s a break down in order of when they occur.
1 INTRODUCTION
Introduction is when the style is first introduced on the runway and red carpet. Typically in this stage the style is unfamiliar and might not be accepted or even cause controversy. The availability of new styles is limited in quantity and usually high end or expensive.
2 RISE
Rise is when the new style reaches acceptance. The introduced style earns the title of trend and is seen more frequently on fashion leaders, celebrities and influencers. The trend becomes high in demand so retailers work hard to fill their racks to meet consumer demand.
3 PEAK
Peak is when the trend has been adopted by the everyday consumer. It is now being worn by the general public thanks to mass production. Fast fashion retailers make the trend readily available at low prices. Although it is the most convenient to buy at this stage, the trend is about to be phased out.
4 DECLINE
Decline is the stage we reach after the market has become oversaturated. The onslaught of the trend is now turning off consumers. Fashion leaders will avoid the looks that have now become mainstream and soon the general public will follow.
5 OBSOLESCENCE
Obsolescence is the end of the fashion cycle when the trend has plummeted out of mainstream fashion. The everyday consumer doesn’t have interest in purchasing an outdated trend. This doesn’t mean the trend will never resurface. Many trends are recycled after some time has passed and will likely go through the fashion cycle again.
Fashion is about dressing according to what’s fashionable, style is more about being yourself
Oscar de la Renta
BEST PRACTICES
Staying ahead of the fashion curve is the best way to stay updated on all things fashion week. Keeping up with the fast-moving world of fashion doesn’t have to take too much effort.
Incorporate high fashion research while scrolling through social media daily. Use the follow hashtag feature to stay up to date on #fashionweek and the algorithm will show you designer runway shows.
Whenever you see a look you like, instead of scrolling past try clicking on the post and discovering the designer.
EXPAND
Expansion can help broaden your tastes in fashion and following multiple designers will help you pick up on repeating themes. Identifying emerging patterns in high fashion will help you be a trendsetter.
This means you will probably wear looks before they reach popularity. Living on the cusp of each trend can be exhilarating but ultimately you want to develop your own personal style to reach style icon status.