The fashion business has been collecting and analyzing information about colors, fabrics, silhouettes, and styles since the 18th century - activities that have long been shrouded in mystery. The Fashion Forecasters is the first book to reveal the hidden history of color and trend forecasting and to explore its relevance to the fashion business of the past two centuries. It sheds light on trend forecasting in the industrial era, the profession's maturation during the modernist moment of the 20th century, and its continued importance in today's digital fast-fashion culture. Based on in-depth archival research and oral history interviews, The Fashion Forecasters examines the entrepreneurs, service companies, and consultants that have worked behind the scenes to connect designers and retailers to emerging fashion trends in Europe, North America, and Asia. Here you will read about the trend studios, color experts, and international trade fairs that formalized the prediction process in the modern era, and hear the voices of leading contemporary practitioners at international forecasting companies such as the Doneger Group in New York and WGSN in London. Probing the inner workings of the global fashion system, The Fashion Forecasters blends history, biography, and ethnography into a highly readable cultural narrative.

Everyone in the fashion business needs to develop an essential survival skill: how to interpret the intelligence provided by the fashion forecasting industry, to anticipate and respond to emerging trends. Lavishly illustrated in full colour throughout, with clear and relevant explanations of the processes involved, Fashion Forecasting is for fashion students and young professionals who already have acquired some fashion knowledge and skills. The authors interviewed the key players within this exciting industry and provide here fascinating insights into the dynamic contemporary fashion forecasting world and the varied creative roles within it - from intelligence gatherers to project consultants. The book covers how a trend is sourced, anticipated and developed, and also explores the interaction with marketing and brand development.

Now, Fashion is at its peak. Fashion always changes; the forecasting methods are varying and developing fast through the ever widening network of post-modern media. But, the basics remain the same. This book is aimed at giving the basic ideas and methods in Fashion Forecasting to the new comers and aspirants.

Fashion Forward demystifies the exciting career of a fashion forecaster and fosters skills that will benefit any design professional. The book begins with an overview of fashion forecasting theories and concepts and then leads readers through a step-by-step guide to creating and presenting a forecast. The authors reveal the inner workings of global fashion forecasting through real-world examples and interviews with both influential forecasters and the designers who rely upon them. Fashion Forward enables readers to start spotting tomorrow's trends today and compellingly communicate them-both visually and verbally-to inspire fashion innovators. New to this Edition - Current images and examples. Updated fashion photos to include current and trending images, professional presentations and forecast examples, plus new interviews and quotes. - Covers the latest methods and technology. New coverage of social media, technology and data analytics practices in fashion forecasting. - Enhanced global perspective. New content addressed the global apparel industry, emphasizes international forecasting firms, includes interviews with global forecaster and trend specialists, and more diverse images and examples throughout the book. - Practical career information and hands-on application. Updated and expanded career opportunities sections and enhanced activities provide real-world simulations and insights. - New online STUDIO resources offer students self-study quizzes, flashcards, additional projects and online resources. PLEASE NOTE: Purchasing or renting this ISBN does not include access to the STUDIO resources that accompany this text. To receive free access to the STUDIO content with new copies of this book, please refer to the book + STUDIO access card bundle ISBN 9781501328350.

How do retailers decide which colors and styles are featured in their stores? What factors influence the patterns, textiles and silhouettes designers show in their collections? This text provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the forecasting process, from studying fashion innovation and cultural influences to conducting consumer research, exploring how to identify the who, what, where, when and why driving fashion change in our lives. By combining fashion theory with current practices from industry executives, Brannon and Divita explain how to recognize emerging trends and the 'coolhunters' who anticipate our aesthetic preferences. Ultimately, student will learn how to prepare and present their own fashion forecast. New to this Edition: - New chapter 8 focuses on media and technology including coverage of how mass media, fashion blogs, social medi and forecasting companies such as WGSN and Stylesight effect trends - New case studies and profiles in each chapter feature contemporary bloggers, professionals and companies such as Tavi Gevinson of Style Rookie, Garance Dore, Scott Schuman, Burberry, Rebecca Minkoff, Edelkoort, Perclers and Nelly Rodi -Expanded fashion theories section in chapter 3 explains how trends spread between population segments - Summaries at the end of each chapter recap key concepts

An all-new textbook for fashion professionals interested in improving forecasting abilities. This unique book combines the theories of fashion changes with the process of organizing and analyzing the information and synthesizing the data into actionable forecasts. It integrates traditional and electronic approaches to the process of forecasting at each stage of research, organization, analysis, interpretation, and presentation. By observing forecasting practices throughout the textile and apparel industry, Brannon looks at the complete process, including how forecasters sort hype from directional signals, at short-term tactical decisions and long-term strategic planning, and at the executive information systems for presenting and implementing the forecast. Recognizing that students are executives in training, the author provides the reader with the opportunity to rehearse these practices through case studies and forecasting activities.

"'It's a great, strong read. Lots of information if you don't have background knowledge of this topic.' -- Carmen Carter, El Centro College, USA. 'The text is a thorough view of fashion forecasting that helps students understand this segment of the industry as well as identify the steps and skills required to pursue a career as a fashion forecaster.' -- Amy Harden, Ball State University, USA. Learn how to anticipate emerging trends and how to prepare and present your own fashion forecast. Three new chapters on fashion eras, world cultures, and subcultures show you influences on fashion innovation yesterday and today, so that you can spot those of tomorrow. New Influencer profiles focus on trend creators, rather than trend popularizers, to show you how to find key people from many creative fields who shape popular fashion. A new appendix covers how to create a fashion forecast and a streamlined chapter organization is concise without sacrificing depth. Includes 125 color illustrations"--Bloomsbury Fashion Central.