Sauntering backstage during a dazzling catwalk show or strolling around the state of the art headquarters of a luxury fashion brand, many of us have fantasised about entering this exclusive and glamorous world. To get a better insight into this realm, we decided to speak to some of the industry’s leading insiders, to paint a picture of this luxurious and unique universe.
1. Deep Dive into the Fashion Industry: Insights from Influential Figures
The fashion industry is one of the most influential industries in the world. From runway shows to magazine editorials, fashion is everywhere. To better understand the workings of the fashion business, it’s important to hear insights from people who understand the industry.
The poobahs of the fashion world come in all forms, from poignant couturiers to smart business people. Let’s take a deep dive into some of the valuable advice provided by inspirational figures in the fashion sphere.
- Christian Dior once said, “Zest is the secret of all beauty.” Dior’s legendary status in the world of fashion comes from his ability to create ensembles that embodied effortless elegance and upmost grace. His words still hold a lot of relevance today, as fashion holds a certain level of excitement and vibrancy.
- Coco Chanel famously stated, “In order to be irreplaceable one must always be different.” Chanel of course understood the value of uniqueness in fashion; from her tweed suits to her revolutionary cuts, Chanel created clothing that pushed boundaries and transformed the fashion landscape.
- Karl Lagerfeld declared, “Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. It exists in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.” As the Creative Director at Chanel, Fendi, and his namesake fashion house, Lagerfeld made some of the most iconic and timeless fashion pieces.
- Donna Karan said, “Design is a constant challenge to balance comfort with luxe, the practical with the desirable.” Karan’s pioneering philosophy changed how people shop for clothes. She did away with seasonally-dictated trends and replaced them with clothes that look good and feel feminine.
The fashion industry is full of influential figures who have provided us with invaluable nuggets of wisdom. By understanding the advice of these legendary fashion figures, and the principles that drive the fashion business, we can better submerse ourselves in the world of fashion.
2. Exploring the Latest Trends: Interviews with Fashion Powerhouses
Fashion is ever-changing and at the forefront of trends. We bring you exclusive interviews with the fashion powerhouses who know the industry inside and out. Get the insider’s view on the current must-haves and future trends.
Gigi Hadid has been a fashion icon ever since she stepped onto the scene. We sat down to ask her what trends she’s been seeing, and what fashion philosophy she stands by. Her thoughts?
- ”Don’t follow too closely to what you see. Do what feels true to you and your own style”.
- ”I think basics and wear-me-over-and-over items are an important part of the wardrobe of anyone. That’s really been key for me”.
- ”The fashion trend today is having a timeless wardrobe. You don’t want to be wearing anything too seasonal”.
Sarah Jessica Parker is a style icon in her own rights. What are her thoughts on the ever evolving fashion industry?
- ”I’m excited for the renewed focus on jewelry that’s being seen today. It’s a great way to add a spark and sophistication to any look”.
- ”Always keep an eye on classic items and look for modern spins on those pieces. It’s a great way to keep your wardrobe contemporary and timeless”.
- ”Pastels and monochromatic palettes are becoming more and more popular. Both of which I’m a big fan!”.
Kaia Gerber is no stranger to the fashion world. Her thoughts on the industry and its evolution?
- ”I think people are opting for a more retro, 70s look now. That’s been really fun to play around with”.
- ”It’s important to ground each look with basics. Only then can you add on the statement pieces”.
- ”Butterfly printed tops and velvet puff shoulder jackets have been my go-to this past season.”
3. Behind the Glamour: Uncovering the Mechanics of the Fashion Realm
Most people see the glitz and glamour of the fashion industry. Glitzy photoshoots, beautiful models, and extravagant designer apparel streams down the runways. It definitely paints a picture of a world filled with glitz and luxury. But there is a complexity behind this beauty. To truly appreciate the fashion world, it’s important to take a step back and explore what lies beneath the glamour:
- Innovative Designers: Fashion designers are the driving force of any fashion line. They create an aesthetic vision for a collection and work tirelessly to bring it to fruition. They also attend fashion shows and market events to demonstrate the latest offerings of their fashion line.
- Backstage Brigade: With every catwalk spectacle, there is an incredible crew of people making sure all the models look flawless before they hit the runway. Stylists, makeup artists, and wardrobe coordinators work around the clock to make sure everything runs seamlessly.
- Textile Manufacturers: Before being crafted into garments, most fabrics are sourced from manufacturers around the world. These producers work diligently, transforming natural materials into luxurious and avant-garde fabrics that are the foundation of any designer garment.
Behind the glitz, there is an incredible amount of creative energy and hard work that goes into creating something that stands out and captures the attention of the fashion world. From stitching garments to setting up the perfect stage for photoshoots, the fashion industry is an intricate process that relies on many individuals to bring the latest trends to life.
4. Spotlighting Prodigies: Highlighting Innovators in the Fashion Space
Many designers around the world have already made their mark in pushing fashion to transformative new heights. Here are four fashion innovators who stand out in their creative vision and their determination to shake up the fashion landscape. From establishing sustainable processes to using fashion as a tool of expression, they continue to inspire the world of fashion.
- Alessandro Michele has transformed the showing of Gucci. Taking the brand to new heights in just three years, Michele has championed inclusivity, diversity and presented the industry with a refreshing point of view by recognizing that fashion is about expression and not trends.
- Christopher John Rogers quickly ascended the fashion ranks by receiving the biggeest award of the 2019 CFDA Fashion Awards, winning the Award for Emerging Designer of the Year. His bold and cheerful creations brought a intrepidness vibrancy to the catwalks and propelled him to fashion stardom.
- Tracee Ellis Ross, a faithful and long-time fan of fashion, launched Pattern, a genderless clothing line in 2019. Going beyond just the clothes themselves, Tracee is making sure fashion celebrates inclusivity, taking away barriers when it comes to style.
- Ayari Jimenez: Ayari is a Dominican-American designer who is trail-blazing the way for sustainability and ethical fashion to be part of the fashion dialogue. Focusing on vibrant and modern forms of fashion, she has established herself as one of the most sought-after sustainable designers.
At the Fashion Industry’s intersection of creativity and commerce, network and learn from influential figures who have made a lasting mark in fashion. It’s been an enlightening discovery of personalities, perspectives, and success stories from these industry insiders – whose knowledge is key to mastering this captivating world of fashion.
