Fashion Cycles

Definition• Fashion cycles refer to the five stages a

fashion goes through from conception to death. (fashion cycles can be compared to a wave)

• Stages of the Fashion Cycle1. Introduction2. Rise3. Acceleration4. Culmination5. Decline6. Obsolescence

The Fashion Cycle

Fashion Cycle for Jean Skirt

Fashion Cycle for a Classic

Fashion Cycle for a Fad

Theories of Fashion Change

• Trickle Down

• Trickle Across

• Trickle Up

Fashion is a Mirror of the Times

• Each new fashion seems appropriate for the time

• Reflects the way we think and live (casual)

• Social expression that documents the taste and values of the era

• Reflects our careers

• Reflects our leisure activities

Voguecabulary fromWWD

• Capsule collection – A small collection by a designer with interchangeable pieces ( 7 or so items)

• Neoprene – synthetic rubber fabric (gloves, wet suits, etc)

• Flagship – Main store in a chain• Sweatshops – Factories with unsafe or

unfair working conditions where there is a violation of workers rights

Principles of Fashion

• Consumers establish fashion by accepting or rejecting styles and designs

• Fashion is not based on price (an indication that a fashion is successful is that it is found at all price points)

Principles of Fashion

• Fashion is evolutionary and NOT revolutionary

(exception 1947)• No amount of sales

promotion can change the direction of fashion.

Principles of Fashion

• All Fashion ends in excess (pendulum principle)

Fashion Ends in Excess

Voguecabulary from WWD

• Merino Wool – the finest and softest wool produced from merino sheep

• Nautical Stripe

Herringbone – V shaped weaving pattern

Houndstooth -broken checks or abstract four-pointed shapes, often in black and white

Post 1

• Using the " Fashion Life Cycle," select one style or design of clothing or accessory and identify how it would be plotted on a bell curve. (do not draw the bell curve). 1. Identify the clothing or accessory item 2. List the year it would have fallen into the specific phase (introductory, rise, culmination, decline, obsolete) 3. You will need to do a little research or ask some older people for their opinions 4. Once an item is used, it can not be used by another student5. Due: Wednesday, March 6, 2013 by 11:59 PM