Fashion Trends and Consumer Culture

Theory - No portfolio required.
This module will explore the fashion industry within its social, cultural and historical context. It explores where fashions and trends come from providing an understanding of fashion as both a cycle and process. Through examining what has happened in the past students will gain an understanding as to why and how fashion changes. The module explores how the social, cultural, technological and political climate can all contribute to future shifts in fashion direction, and through developing an understanding of what factors impact change we can start to predict what is going to happen in the future. This module provides an essential introduction to the fashion forecasting business with specific emphasis on how this then impacts the retail marketplace. In the fashion industry inspiration, creativity and trend are vital as these will impact on organisation, strategy and management. Current Macro trends will be explored in weekly lectures and seminars and evaluated in student led debate regarding their translat on into into micro trends which ultimately appear in Fashion catwalks and stores. Identifying new emerging trends is vital to the success of today?s retailers and from clothing to cars companies spend a great deal of time and money
Assessment: Presentation (40%) ; Report (60%). *All transcripts are issued in UK credits.