Chic and Green

This week I read an article on the New York Times web site called “Riding the It Factor” by David Colman. This article talk about riding bicycles is becoming more chic in the city. Bike commuting is up 35% in New York from 2007-2008. This is attributed in part to the new line of bicycles that allow cyclists to look stylish while riding. These newer bikes have fenders, chain guard, generator and rack allows the rider to avoid the “messenger wear” since they do not have to worry about getting grimy while riding they can wear whatever they want. Also these bikes have the rider sitting upright, not hunched over, also the rider moves at a safe slow pace to avoid sweating. The gold standard among these bikes is the sleek black Dutch style. This article shows that consumers are finding ways to be chic and stylish while going green.

Going Green

I recently read an article on the New York Times web site about going green and environmentally friendly products. The article was called “An Environmental Cleanup in Every Aisle”, by Mike Albo. In this article the author talks about how over the past decade consumers have grown increasingly aware of environmental issues. Unfortunately inexpensive environmentally friendly products have been scarce. The author suggest that perhaps if these eco friendly products where less expensive consumers would be more apt to buy and use them. This is true. Often the environmentally friendly version of a product is quite a bit more expensive. I feel that environmental friendliness is an important trend to pay attention to in the fashion and retail industry, and a company that could find a way to produce and sell these products at a lower price would be tapping into a currently underserved market.

The recession brings in more tailored looks

The article “Two Words for Fall: Toughen Up” by Cathy Horyn, found on the New York Times web site, talks of how in the face of rescission designers are having to switch up their style, and go in a more sober direction. The articles talk about how designers are learning to adapt to the new demand emerging in fashion luxury and that is value. Femininity and excess detail have been a major trend for the past few seasons, but as designers begin to unveil their new collections more simple and tailored garments seem to be taking the spot light. The author states that as a result the recession just might prove to make designers better designers. In the article Ron Frasch, the chief merchant at Saks Fifth Avenue, was quoted as saying in relations to the new collections that “It was about let’s not throw on more ornament. Let’s create clothes with more craftsmanship”. This article highlights and important point for those in the fashion industry, that it is important to pay attention to the effect the recession may have on fashion trends.

The shows in Milan

“A Strong Woman for Hard Times” by Cathy Horyn, found on the New York Times website, reviews the recent Milan fashion shows and their compliance with the recession or lack thereof. Many designers chose to dismiss the current economic crisis and instead continue to pour on the luxury. Luxury fabrics, and ostentatious details where prevalent in the shows this year. Many speculated this was due to designers fearing being called boring if they tried a more minimalistic approach. Some designers however did take the minimalistic route and were successful such as Raf Simons's collection for Jil Sander. This article points out that if the recession continues then designers may want to push luxury aside and instead go for more particle piece that would be more likely to sell in this economy. This is a trend that all those in the retail industry may need to be aware of in the coming months and possibly years.

Glamour and the Recession

This week I decided to write about an article called “Troubling Signs Around the Shows” by Guy Trebay, found on the New York Times web site, because it talks of how the economy is effecting apparel retailers in New York. The article begins by talking about twitter and how perhaps those in the Fashion industry should start focusing more on what going on in the world at large outside of the tents at New York fashion week. The author then goes on to describe an interview with a new York shop owner who states that they have had to dip into their savings in order to stay afloat in these troubled times, and how most stores seem to be empty these days. The article then goes on to compare the store opening of Reberto Cavalli 16 months ago to that of the Diesel flagship store that just recently opened. The Reberto Cavalli store had a grand party to celebrate it opening, Diesel had no such celebration. This as the author points out is glamour giving way to reality in these troubling economic times. This article is important to those is the fashion industry because it is necessary to be aware of the shift from glamour and excess to that of budget and survival that has happened in the industry since the recession has hit. This article is important to me personally because if I want to be successful in this industry then I need to know the factors that are currently shaping the economic mode of the industry as a whole.

Recession and the Fashion Industry

The article I chose was “Make or Break Season” by Eric Wilson. This article talked of how many small designers who are newer to the industry are struggling to survive during the current recession. Many of these designers are falling on hard times finically as retailers go out of business leaving them with orders that have been produced but never paid for. As economic conditions for these designers worsen many are finding ways to cut down on cost. Several designers are choosing not to show at this year’s fashion week to the high costs involved with putting on a show. This article shows the impact the recession is having on the fashion and retail industry, and has importance in my life because as a graduating senior who is looking for a job it is important to be aware of the economic struggles currently facing the fashion and retail industry.

Baby Boomers

I chose an article from the New York Times web site called “Generation B: They Warned Us About You” by Michael Winerip. This article is about baby boomers and the stereotypes that surround them, the research that has been done on them, and a general insight into who this generation is. This topic affects the fashion and retail industry because this is a huge demographic, and currently has a lot of buying power. It is important for companies to have a good understanding of this generation in order to target them effectively. This topic is important to me because learning about this demographic can help me be more effective in any sector of the retail industry I choose to work in.