Introduction into the Fashion Industry

                                        JW Anderson Fashion Show

              Many people think of fashion representing clothing, shoes, and accessories.  Although this is a true statement, it is also so much more than that.  Fashion is a business and an industry.  The business side of fashion includes the design, manufacturing, distribution, marketing, retailing, advertising, and promotion of all types of apparel. 
              There are two different but similar industries in fashion. The first industry is the 'high fashion' industry. This is where hard-working designers put their designs on the runway.  Shows are usually seen during fashion month to show the upcoming trends for the season to come.  Some well-known designers are DIOR, CHANEL, and LOUIS VUITTON. The second industry is the 'apparel industry.' This side of fashion produces normal or everyday clothing.  Some retailers of this industry are H&M, ZARA, and BANANA REPUBLIC.  There are four parts to the industry. This includes the production of raw materials, also known as fibers, textiles, leather, and fur. Secondly, the production of fashion goods done by designers, manufacturers, and other producers. Thirdly, retail sales are an important part. And lastly, different forms of advertising and promotions are included in the fashion industry. 
                Fashion is a global industry.  It is known as one of the largest employers in the United States. One out of six people works in fashion to help produce clothing. As of 2017, the Industry is worth 2.5 trillion dollars. 
               Trends are a major factor in fashion.  To predict new trends, fashion companies have to do market research. There are two methods of doing this, primary and secondary. The primary method is collected through surveys, observations, and groups.  The secondary method comes from information that has already been collected. Examples of this include magazines, books, and research.  Media also plays a role in fashion. This can be known as fashion journalism. It comes from fashion editors, magazines, blogs, websites, and social networks.  Media contributes to advertising. This informs people of upcoming sales, new arrivals, and much more. 

                                                                                           Elie Saab Haute Couture Show
               Fashion is constantly changing.  This can be seen during fashion month. In fashion, there are shows for two seasons, spring/summer and fall/winter.  This is one of the craziest most exciting times during the year.  Here we see all the new designs and trends shown on the runway. The four top cities for fashion are Paris, New York, Milian and London.  There are 308 shows done in just New York Fashion Week.  This includes 30-40 looks for each designer. There are also different types of shows during that week. Prêt-à-Porter which  means 'Ready-to-Wear and Haute Couture which means 'High Fashion.' 
              Lastly, there is the 'Fashion System.' This is where the business of fashion meets the art side of fashion. Here it is not only about production but also consumption. An important part of this system is the fashion designer and the person who sells, buys and wears the product. There are factors in the fashion system that show how it can change.  Some of these factors include major events that happen in the world, trendsetters, new music, and changes in lifestyles. Moreover, fashion is style.  It is what you make it and what you wear to show who you are.