Fashion segmentation and the global consumer

17 Friday Feb 2012

Posted by in Apparel, Branding, Fashion

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“There’s a lot of discussion right now in fashion not about the US consumer, but about the global consumer,” remarked Sally Singer — editor-in-chief of T, the New York Times style magazine — on National Public radio today. As I wrote recently, economic growth in Asia means that US fashion companies are paying attention, and regarding it as an opportunity. Singer agrees. “The growth of Asia, [including] the growth of China,” she says, is increasingly a “pressing concern” for US fashion companies.

The primary tool in marketing to Asia, and across the globe, is the concept of the “global consumer.” Continue reading »

The Asian Tiger, an opportunity for USA’s designers

12 Sunday Feb 2012

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The “real action” in the fashion economy, says Forbes this month, is in Asia.

“Asia is our biggest growth opportunity,” Tadashi Yanai, head of Fast Retailing, told the magazine. Fast Retailing, which owns Theory, Helmut Lang and Uniqlo, sees Hong Kong, Taiwan, Korea as the new growth markets.

Other countries in Asia will turn into lucrative markets within the next few years. India — a country with over 1.2 billion citizens — is modernizing rapidly. Mumbai, and other major cities, are, in many respects, “Westernized.” Although poverty continues to be a major factor in the Indian economy, it is decreasing relatively sharply. According to the World Bank, it decreased from 60% in 1981 to 42% in 2005. Continue reading »

What makes a fashion signature look

26 Monday Dec 2011

Posted by in Apparel, Beauty, Branding, Fashion

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What is a “signature look”? And why is it important for fashion companies? Every design company has a “look” that, if it is successful, is recognizable to the public. If a company look (as part of its “branding”) is really well established you’ll be able to recognize a design company just be the font it uses in its packaging, in its chose of color, or cut of the clothing.

CK, and some other companies, have pushed this to the max. In this case, Calvin Klein stripped its packaging to the absolute essentials, using flat color and plain font logo. Continue reading »

Why museum, gallery, and retail research is essential for the designer

13 Tuesday Dec 2011

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A modern design inspired by classical Chinese art.

Exactly what is creativity, and where does it begin? Many non-designers and design students in their early years believe that there is some kind of “creativity gene.” It’s certainly true, of course, that some people are more creative than others, and that some seem naturally inventive. But, there is a recognizable creative process that all designers use, whether they know it or not. Continue reading »

Fashion gives life to NY’s projected culture area

04 Friday Nov 2011

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Housed at Bryant Park, midtown Manhattan for more than a decade and a half, NY Fashion week only moved — or upgraded, depending on your perspective — to the Lincoln Center in late 2010. However, with a planned 26-acre cultural area (or “Culture Shed”) on the edge of the West Side, scheduled to begin opening to the public in 2013, Mayor Bloomberg says that the twice-yearly fashion event may be held there in the future.  Continue reading »

The new Dior hotel suite

04 Friday Nov 2011

Posted by in Branding

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Having created a Dior suite in 1991, the St. Regis hotel, New York, has been working with the design house once again, and has now unveiled a second  Dior suit.  The new suite is 1700 square ft, and comprised of a bedroom, bathrooms, and a dining room and living room. Continue reading »

Asian in Vogue

02 Friday Sep 2011

Posted by in Models

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Cover for Vogue China September 2011

“Are Chinese models putting an end to Asia’s colonial mentality?” asks Forbes. This question was prompted by the cover for the current issue of Chinese Vogue, and he appearance of models FeiFei Sun, Ming Xi, Shu Pei, Xiao Wen Ju, and Estee Lauder’s first-ever Asian model Liu Wen. The significance of Chinese models in China may seem a little difficult to understand. But China and Japan have typically preferred to use Western models. Continue reading »

Handle with care: The $18,000 flip flops

10 Wednesday Aug 2011

Posted by in Shoes, Textile Design

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$18,000 flip flops by Chipkos

Sandal design company Chipkos has partnered with Angeles contemporary artist, David Palmer, to create the world’s most expensive flip flops (or, at least I hope they are at $18,000). As an extra bonus for those feeling a little guilty about such a frivolous purchase, Chipkos also promises to protect 100,000 square feet of endangered rainforest. I quite like the fun, colorful design, and — now I’ve seen some — Palmer’s paintings, but I’m guessing anyone who can spend thousands of dollars on flip flops probably has a rainforest in the back garden.

Vercase: ban sandblasted denim

27 Wednesday Jul 2011

Posted by in Apparel, Denim

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Levi’s, H&M, C&A, and Gucci have already stopped using sandblasting denim. The effect is created by spraying denim with sand at high power, and is, apparently, hazardous. The process is used to create that “worn” look that we love. The Clean Clothes Campaign has been calling on Vercase to join the growing industry boycott, and the company has said that it also now calls for a ban  on the practice.  Looks like we’ll have to stick to bleach spots and rips.

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