2007
Comments on the Article blog are now OFF! If you wish to leave feedback or your opinion of an article individual threads will be created in the Dobizo Community for further discussion. Go to discussion by Clicking Here Now
I always take notice to different style and color trends when designing clothes or talking to industry friends about what is in and what is out.
I noticed that many lines just design and don’t pay attention to the popular color of the season or where the industry is headed. Some just stick with season basics:
Fall/Winter: earth tones for example green, brown, black, beige, army green
Summer/Spring: yellow, light green, white, pink (women)
Hopefully from that you get the picture, but I think if you follow trends and design in the direction the industry is going?your garments will have a better sell-through at retail. Footwear and accessories fuel the apparel industry, reason being is that?most consumers that purchase apparel base their decision upon the?latest sneaker/shoe/hat/purse?release.
I know the younger market of consumers can vouch for this and understand this better than most, but when a new pair of Nikes or Air Jordans?is released the clothing company with the closest match up usually wins the race. If you pay attention to color trends Nike and Air Jordan follow them or in most cases set the direction for where they will go and major clothing companies in some cases follow suit depending on their market.
Considering most shoppers go for the complete look. Shoes, Apparel, and accessories. Most accessories depending on gender can be a hat (men) or a matching purse (woment) or watch.
That is reason why the custom clothing industry still thrives today, because of the satisfaction of exclusivity and matching what you already have or are about to purchase. If everyone has the same purse and shirt or shirt and sneaker there would be no originality and the market couldn’t survive off of it. That is why their are so many fashion lines available to suit consumers individual taste and cater to their market, no matter if?they like loafers,?Reebok’s, Saucony’s or K-Swiss.?It isn’t all about Nike’s and Jordans, but you couldn’t tell that to some of the Hypebeast?or street/urban wear fans.
Serious about starting a clothing line? If so subscribe to our free newsletter for exclusive articles/updates that you don't want to miss! or Our RSS Feed
Continue This Discussion In Dobizo Forum
Popularity: 1% [?]
Want To Learn How To Start A Clothing Line From a proven fashion industry professional? If so Click Here to take a listen 100% Free to how you can succeed in the fashion industry from Ceo's of million dollar apparel industry businesses.
Share
August 13th, 2007 at 12:50 pm
As a sneaker enthusiest I completely agree with the idea that footwear and accessories run the fashion game. Currently we are in a era where the majority of sneakers are in colorways that are difficult to match there fore we must go “hunting” for the perfect clothing for it. Not only do you have to go hunting for a dope shirt but then you really dont want to wear the same shirt that everyone else is wearing with that certain special shoe. This creates the opportunity for success inregards to up and coming brands.
August 14th, 2007 at 8:24 am
Very interesting topic, but I tend to disagree that young people plan their wardrobe around shoes or a hat and purse. Maybe in the over 35 crowd you see this as more of a trend, especially woman. I think people if anything, will pick a funky accessory to spice up a “ordinary” outfit.
August 14th, 2007 at 8:31 am
I have to disagree with that Thom, because I’m in the age group that you speak of and most of my colleagues or friends or buddies all dress from the feet up…they find the must-have shoes and then find an outfit to match up, but I also see where you are going with spicing up or adding more flavor to a dull or unfinished fit.
August 14th, 2007 at 3:23 pm
Fred,
This could become a topic that is debated forever and worthy of discussing in the forum. You are right though, you obviously hang with a “hip” fashion crowd especially if they are using their kicks as a base for an outfit.
I think race plays a huge part too. African- Americans dress and favor colors and styles that many other ethnic groups don’t. Surf and skate dictate trends too.
This is probably why so many niche designers are successful.They design for a certain crowd, know their clients needs and desires inside out, and cater to them. Soon, the mainstream brands want a piece, and slowly the style creeps and morphs into something else. This ain’t scientific at all. Keeping on top of things and keeping your customers loyal is one very tough task.
October 16th, 2007 at 5:07 pm
[…] considering that in my mind most clothing colors/trends are fueled by footwear and accessories (article) and if you look at most of the new trends and clothing companies (Parish, BBPBX) that have been […]