Housing Crisis Affects Home Fashion Retail
The economic crisis is affecting every industry. The home fashion retail industry has been affected as seriously as the housing industry itself. These affects can be seen through the demand of home fashions by the consumer, the supply and demand of materials needed for new construction homes, and the purchasing power of the consumer themselves toward products available on the market. All of these face a serious future unless the economy and the housing industry begin to increase to attract interest and affordability of the consumer once again. The cost of home fashions and the interest of the consumer are both at all time low levels. Home fashion prices seem to be low, but the interest of the buyer is also low. The buyer is extremely skeptical of shopping and spending. They are afraid to spend due to the cost of what is needed on a daily basis for family needs. Considerations for home improvements and desire to redecorate and update have now been placed on the back burner. Although prices at the retail stores have been slashed to low and tempting prices, the consumer is now reconsidering extravagant needs and their simple I want it, got to have it thoughts. Janis Tham makes a good statement about the consumer and their ability to decorate during this difficult recessional time. She states that, “The time for lavish spending on white elephants is over. Now is the time to learn from the Shakers and go simple. Form and function. Everything should have a reason to be in a room. Everything in the room should go with the decor and the color scheme.” The new home building era has slowed which affects the home fashion retail business. This means that new supplies such as refrigerators, lighting, flooring, cabinets, window treatments, etc. are low and not in demand as they were just three months ago. Contractors appear to be producing little to no building. With the slow housing demand, they are waiting for the sale of the home before investing in attractive décor which is money from their pockets and interest incurring on their loans. Furniturestyle.com sums it up by saying, “The home furnishings industry isn’t weathering the one-two punch of a recession and a housing market bust very well, partly because people aren’t moving into new homes that they need to fill, partly because furniture is both a big ticket and an easily deferrable purchase.” Also, financing for home furnishing becomes a difficult process when your home is worth less than what you owe for it. Most people don’t have the cash to go and buy new décor with financing being harder to obtain today due to the banking credit and mortgage meltdown.Works Cited:<http://www.furniturestyle.com/NewsandEvents/EtcPage/tabid/80/Default.aspx?ContentID=12411&AuthorID=9> Tham, Janice. “Recession Home Decorating Tips: How To Save Money As You Decorate Your Home”. <http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/recession-home-decorating-tips-how-to-save-money-as-you-decorate-your-home-635446.html>
Friday, November 21, 2008
Friday, November 14, 2008
The Challenges of Apparel Retail
Our business world is full of challenges. These challenges can range from current issues to those that could develop later. The apparel retail industry faces many difficult challenges of their own on the fashion market. Those challenges can be seen from industry, to retail, to consumer. They can be seen in the cost of making a design, price challenge, public acceptance of the manufactured and designed product, and global production competitors. Apparel challenges begin in the cost production of a product. What will be the bottom line of the total cost be to make the garment? This challenge facing the designer includes elements of how best to make the product from acceptable, attractive fabrics of reasonable cost and the cost of needed employees to get the job done to please consumers. It’s challenging to a designer because they are making their living on the purchasing power of the consumer. The price today must meet the affordability of the consumer. Yet, at the same time, the designer needs to make adequate money to cover material, pay labor and advertising, and make a profit for him self. Yes, it is a production cycle challenging to everyone. Another challenge of apparel retail is the acceptance of the designer’s products by the public. The public could be (and probably is) a designers worst nightmare. The public casts their opinions on the design by either buying or not buying the product because of appearance or price. An individual desires for what looks best for them and what meets their budget through our now challenging economy. Designers must keep this in mind while balancing the expenses and availability on his end. The price is a crucial part in apparel retail. Many ask and ponder whether the product is of quality design, durable, stylish, and economical. What challenging elements for a designer! Finally, challenges to the apparel industry are becoming global. The United States is competitive with overseas companies in the marketing and manufacturing of retail products. They present a challenge to the production, quality, and acceptance of clothing lines and styles. Many designers and clothing lines are not here in the United States. “In emerging markets around the world, the spending power of consumers is rapidly changing the retail industry, both globally and locally. Multinational retailers seeking new sources of growth are watching the mass markets of Brazil, China, and India, whose large populations and strong economic growth have made them nearly irresistible.” http://www.mckinseyquarterly.com/How_half_the_world_shops_Apparel_in_Brazil_China_and_India_2075
Our business world is full of challenges. These challenges can range from current issues to those that could develop later. The apparel retail industry faces many difficult challenges of their own on the fashion market. Those challenges can be seen from industry, to retail, to consumer. They can be seen in the cost of making a design, price challenge, public acceptance of the manufactured and designed product, and global production competitors. Apparel challenges begin in the cost production of a product. What will be the bottom line of the total cost be to make the garment? This challenge facing the designer includes elements of how best to make the product from acceptable, attractive fabrics of reasonable cost and the cost of needed employees to get the job done to please consumers. It’s challenging to a designer because they are making their living on the purchasing power of the consumer. The price today must meet the affordability of the consumer. Yet, at the same time, the designer needs to make adequate money to cover material, pay labor and advertising, and make a profit for him self. Yes, it is a production cycle challenging to everyone. Another challenge of apparel retail is the acceptance of the designer’s products by the public. The public could be (and probably is) a designers worst nightmare. The public casts their opinions on the design by either buying or not buying the product because of appearance or price. An individual desires for what looks best for them and what meets their budget through our now challenging economy. Designers must keep this in mind while balancing the expenses and availability on his end. The price is a crucial part in apparel retail. Many ask and ponder whether the product is of quality design, durable, stylish, and economical. What challenging elements for a designer! Finally, challenges to the apparel industry are becoming global. The United States is competitive with overseas companies in the marketing and manufacturing of retail products. They present a challenge to the production, quality, and acceptance of clothing lines and styles. Many designers and clothing lines are not here in the United States. “In emerging markets around the world, the spending power of consumers is rapidly changing the retail industry, both globally and locally. Multinational retailers seeking new sources of growth are watching the mass markets of Brazil, China, and India, whose large populations and strong economic growth have made them nearly irresistible.” http://www.mckinseyquarterly.com/How_half_the_world_shops_Apparel_in_Brazil_China_and_India_2075
Friday, October 31, 2008
Sweatshops
Get things made fast! The cheaper you can get it done the better! All this seems common thoughts when you hear or visualize a sweatshop. I can clearly picture a place just like this. Young and old, even children, working extremely hard at mass producing products for companies so they can make that profit. This has been noted as being a big element in the clothing and textile world. The goal is to produce as much as possible and forget what the workers might deserve. Pay the least amount as possible. CoOp America stated that “The search for cheap products that can be sold for greater profit is fueling a race to the bottom where we all lose—our families, communities, farmers, workers, and the environment. Corporate greed and global competition to produce goods at the lowest possible price are the main reasons for the existence of sweatshops.”
To me, sweatshops are somewhat a form of child abuse. Children are being abused by working in a sweatshop and barely being paid. They are under age to be working in the situation to begin with. Production companies have engulfed these children by exploiting their skills and consuming their opportunities in an extremely horrendous situation. Not only does this affect them now, but later, “workers most often find conditions getting worse instead of better.” Children are children, not workers at the hand of someone with no compassion for the betterment of the child, but for the dollar and prosperity of themselves.
Finally, sweatshops offer no future for their workers. These type of situations need to be remedied in any quick way possible. Sweatshops should not be allowed to operate. Retailers and manufactures should be open and searching for other positive producing opportunities that remedy the current situation in production of goods. CoOp America states that “a good way to help improve conditions for workers is to contact the retailers and manufacturers of the products you buy and ask for guarantees that their workers were paid a living wage and given basic rights.” There was a positive move by the retail and garment manufacturers toward guarding against the sell and production of sweatshop merchandise. The suggestion was made by Nikki Bas, director of Sweatshop Watch. He stated that, “If companies are able to send representatives to inspect the quality of a garment, they can inspect the quality of their factories as well.” I feel that we need eliminate the sweatshop business.
http://www.coopamerica.org/programs/sweatshops/whattoknow.cfm
Get things made fast! The cheaper you can get it done the better! All this seems common thoughts when you hear or visualize a sweatshop. I can clearly picture a place just like this. Young and old, even children, working extremely hard at mass producing products for companies so they can make that profit. This has been noted as being a big element in the clothing and textile world. The goal is to produce as much as possible and forget what the workers might deserve. Pay the least amount as possible. CoOp America stated that “The search for cheap products that can be sold for greater profit is fueling a race to the bottom where we all lose—our families, communities, farmers, workers, and the environment. Corporate greed and global competition to produce goods at the lowest possible price are the main reasons for the existence of sweatshops.”
To me, sweatshops are somewhat a form of child abuse. Children are being abused by working in a sweatshop and barely being paid. They are under age to be working in the situation to begin with. Production companies have engulfed these children by exploiting their skills and consuming their opportunities in an extremely horrendous situation. Not only does this affect them now, but later, “workers most often find conditions getting worse instead of better.” Children are children, not workers at the hand of someone with no compassion for the betterment of the child, but for the dollar and prosperity of themselves.
Finally, sweatshops offer no future for their workers. These type of situations need to be remedied in any quick way possible. Sweatshops should not be allowed to operate. Retailers and manufactures should be open and searching for other positive producing opportunities that remedy the current situation in production of goods. CoOp America states that “a good way to help improve conditions for workers is to contact the retailers and manufacturers of the products you buy and ask for guarantees that their workers were paid a living wage and given basic rights.” There was a positive move by the retail and garment manufacturers toward guarding against the sell and production of sweatshop merchandise. The suggestion was made by Nikki Bas, director of Sweatshop Watch. He stated that, “If companies are able to send representatives to inspect the quality of a garment, they can inspect the quality of their factories as well.” I feel that we need eliminate the sweatshop business.
http://www.coopamerica.org/programs/sweatshops/whattoknow.cfm
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Is Fashion Art or Usability? The Milan Fashion Week
Many opinions differ as of whether fashion is more of a design generated by art or a fashion more directed toward the usability of clothing to the consumer. Through the element of style, I feel that both art and usability are elements that designers use in formatting and designing their line of clothing. An artist sees things with lines, curves, designs on planes, and contrasting, as well as complimentary colors. They express their creative ability of combining and elaborating with these elements as they create the quality of their work and also maintain the thoughts of how usable the design will be for the consumer. These ideas were both clearly and excitably revealed during the Milan Fashion Week. The fashions were definitely presented as unique by their designers. The various designs consisted of the minis to the jumpsuits, high-heeled shoes, and the new plus sizes for the larger women. Flowing fabrics, some more sheer than others, and bright, bold designs from geometric shapes to bows were seen. Robert Covalle, Versace, and Gucci all introduced designs that have shortened their length. Although short in cut, there was seen the “ruffled, boxy, belted mini” showing the short cut may be back. It may be a sign of encouragement depicted by the designers as Carola Long states, “High hemlines are supposed to go hand in hand with prosperity, so maybe these designers have some kind of crystal ball that everyone else would like a look into.” From the renewal of the mini, the direction also took to the jumpsuit. It no longer was plain, but now has taken a more glamorous look from beaded by Armani to tropical print by Matthew Williamson. The plus size from Elena Miro was revealed as this year’s new edition. There was a garden theme incorporated with fabric of floral prints. This to me is very artistically driven when using forget-me-nots and peony. These designs truly show the designers artistic flair when they can be worn fashionably by a larger woman with style and pizzazz. Fashion is an art. It allows a designer to create and express himself for others to see just as in home decorating, painting, sculpting, and dancing. With this form of creativity, a designer can design clothing that fits individuals with different styles and keeps up with the changes in our world. More today, the designer is also considering the usability of the designs he creates. The economic times has directed his considerations and it is wonderful that now clothing today is more usable for many occasions and events.Works Cited: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/fashion/main.jhtml?xml=/fashion/2008/09/21/efmiro121.xml http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/fashion/news/fashionably-early-milan-fashion-week-944757.html
Many opinions differ as of whether fashion is more of a design generated by art or a fashion more directed toward the usability of clothing to the consumer. Through the element of style, I feel that both art and usability are elements that designers use in formatting and designing their line of clothing. An artist sees things with lines, curves, designs on planes, and contrasting, as well as complimentary colors. They express their creative ability of combining and elaborating with these elements as they create the quality of their work and also maintain the thoughts of how usable the design will be for the consumer. These ideas were both clearly and excitably revealed during the Milan Fashion Week. The fashions were definitely presented as unique by their designers. The various designs consisted of the minis to the jumpsuits, high-heeled shoes, and the new plus sizes for the larger women. Flowing fabrics, some more sheer than others, and bright, bold designs from geometric shapes to bows were seen. Robert Covalle, Versace, and Gucci all introduced designs that have shortened their length. Although short in cut, there was seen the “ruffled, boxy, belted mini” showing the short cut may be back. It may be a sign of encouragement depicted by the designers as Carola Long states, “High hemlines are supposed to go hand in hand with prosperity, so maybe these designers have some kind of crystal ball that everyone else would like a look into.” From the renewal of the mini, the direction also took to the jumpsuit. It no longer was plain, but now has taken a more glamorous look from beaded by Armani to tropical print by Matthew Williamson. The plus size from Elena Miro was revealed as this year’s new edition. There was a garden theme incorporated with fabric of floral prints. This to me is very artistically driven when using forget-me-nots and peony. These designs truly show the designers artistic flair when they can be worn fashionably by a larger woman with style and pizzazz. Fashion is an art. It allows a designer to create and express himself for others to see just as in home decorating, painting, sculpting, and dancing. With this form of creativity, a designer can design clothing that fits individuals with different styles and keeps up with the changes in our world. More today, the designer is also considering the usability of the designs he creates. The economic times has directed his considerations and it is wonderful that now clothing today is more usable for many occasions and events.Works Cited: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/fashion/main.jhtml?xml=/fashion/2008/09/21/efmiro121.xml http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/fashion/news/fashionably-early-milan-fashion-week-944757.html
Friday, October 3, 2008
What Inspires My Design
When coming up with a design many things come to mind, but the main thing that inspires meould be the "preppy" look. The main thing in that look would be polka dots. That is the look that I personally have gone for. The colors that i always tend to wear is pink and green and things would not change when i desin articles of clothing.
These days everyon's opion matters, but if someone see you wearing something, the question always comes "where did you get that?" I would love to see the day that some one would ask me where did you get that, and be able to tell them i made it!
These days everyon's opion matters, but if someone see you wearing something, the question always comes "where did you get that?" I would love to see the day that some one would ask me where did you get that, and be able to tell them i made it!
Friday, September 26, 2008
Ethnic Influence on Apparel Design
Designers today seem to be turning and reflecting upon specific ethnic cultures when designing their new apparel designs. They look at the ethnic beliefs, cultural colors, and even incorporate designs from traditions of a culture. Two cultures that the United States has and continues to fashion many clothing lines after is the Hawaiian and Indian cultures. These are showing in greater popularity through the fabric, stitchery, and style design that is used.
Hawaii is a wonderful place for color, customs, and beliefs that are desired in clothing apparel. The Hawaiian designs are seen in America as bright, printed hues, and created from cool fabric usually worn during the summer. I found it interesting as Dr. Linda Boynton Arthur states that, “Hawaiian clothing has become a visual testament to both ethnic integration and ethnic diversity. The unique cultural landscape of Hawaii has proven to be a fertile ground for fashion designers.” America constantly reflects back to the relaxed idea of Hawaii and the feel good experience it provides to the fashion world.
Indian apparel has for many years been seen and worn in American culture. Americans seem to appreciate the early civilians that developed and helped contribute to the foundation of our heritage today. The earth tone colors seen in the Indian apparel seem to be a basic, popular one in our society. Beading is added to enhance color just like the Indians created beads, jewelry, and woven accessories. I feel that designers are extremely interested in sharing a country’s ethnic background and integrating it into designs and clothing that everyone could be comfortable wearing in our fashion conscientious society today.
Dr. Linda Boynton Arthur, “Ethnic Influences on Hawaiian Fashion”. http://2.ctahr.hawaii.edu/costume/hawaiianbrochure.htm
Designers today seem to be turning and reflecting upon specific ethnic cultures when designing their new apparel designs. They look at the ethnic beliefs, cultural colors, and even incorporate designs from traditions of a culture. Two cultures that the United States has and continues to fashion many clothing lines after is the Hawaiian and Indian cultures. These are showing in greater popularity through the fabric, stitchery, and style design that is used.
Hawaii is a wonderful place for color, customs, and beliefs that are desired in clothing apparel. The Hawaiian designs are seen in America as bright, printed hues, and created from cool fabric usually worn during the summer. I found it interesting as Dr. Linda Boynton Arthur states that, “Hawaiian clothing has become a visual testament to both ethnic integration and ethnic diversity. The unique cultural landscape of Hawaii has proven to be a fertile ground for fashion designers.” America constantly reflects back to the relaxed idea of Hawaii and the feel good experience it provides to the fashion world.
Indian apparel has for many years been seen and worn in American culture. Americans seem to appreciate the early civilians that developed and helped contribute to the foundation of our heritage today. The earth tone colors seen in the Indian apparel seem to be a basic, popular one in our society. Beading is added to enhance color just like the Indians created beads, jewelry, and woven accessories. I feel that designers are extremely interested in sharing a country’s ethnic background and integrating it into designs and clothing that everyone could be comfortable wearing in our fashion conscientious society today.
Dr. Linda Boynton Arthur, “Ethnic Influences on Hawaiian Fashion”. http://2.ctahr.hawaii.edu/costume/hawaiianbrochure.htm
Friday, September 19, 2008
Ready to Wear Main Treads of the New York Fashion Week
The clothing economic status is showing many changes today. New York’s fashion trend of ready to wear clothes is being created by all designers. The elite designers continue to create clothing for the higher priced buyers, but they are also providing their lines in ready to wear to meet the everyday consumer interest, availability, and affordability. New York’s ready to wear fashion trends are enabling standard sizes and styles of the same design to be available to the clothing market. This is great in our got to have it to wear now society.
New York’s recent trend of Oscar de la Renta’s ready to wear line shows that he kept his floral pattern from his spring line and incorporated them into his fall line. This ready to wear line is able to meet everyone’s interest. It was stated that “the designer sent out a fall collection of impeccable clothes for gals young and old who are accustomed to the good life.” Retailers are able to purchase fashionable, standard, ready to wear garments which meets the interest and fit of all their customers. Retailers are able to sell more, creating more profit, if they get these types of finished garments.
Finally, the consumer is more likely to buy the latest fashion trends if they can find their style and are able to wear them without many alterations. If the designer creates fashions and produces styles that can be worn by all, then their profit increases and the fashion consumer’s interests were considered. I feel the ready to wear fashion line is one necessary for the fashion business, and where else to have it introduced but in the ever popular New York fashion district. It’s too expensive to purchase a one of a kind design, and if it requires a lot of alterations, many times the original design has been lost. It may also be less appealing and fashionable!
Citations:
http://www.style.com/fashionshows/review/F2008RTW-ODLRENTA
The clothing economic status is showing many changes today. New York’s fashion trend of ready to wear clothes is being created by all designers. The elite designers continue to create clothing for the higher priced buyers, but they are also providing their lines in ready to wear to meet the everyday consumer interest, availability, and affordability. New York’s ready to wear fashion trends are enabling standard sizes and styles of the same design to be available to the clothing market. This is great in our got to have it to wear now society.
New York’s recent trend of Oscar de la Renta’s ready to wear line shows that he kept his floral pattern from his spring line and incorporated them into his fall line. This ready to wear line is able to meet everyone’s interest. It was stated that “the designer sent out a fall collection of impeccable clothes for gals young and old who are accustomed to the good life.” Retailers are able to purchase fashionable, standard, ready to wear garments which meets the interest and fit of all their customers. Retailers are able to sell more, creating more profit, if they get these types of finished garments.
Finally, the consumer is more likely to buy the latest fashion trends if they can find their style and are able to wear them without many alterations. If the designer creates fashions and produces styles that can be worn by all, then their profit increases and the fashion consumer’s interests were considered. I feel the ready to wear fashion line is one necessary for the fashion business, and where else to have it introduced but in the ever popular New York fashion district. It’s too expensive to purchase a one of a kind design, and if it requires a lot of alterations, many times the original design has been lost. It may also be less appealing and fashionable!
Citations:
http://www.style.com/fashionshows/review/F2008RTW-ODLRENTA
Friday, September 12, 2008
Organic and Environmentally Friendly Clothing
Organic and environmentally friendly are not new words in our world today. They are, however, becoming used and integrated more in our fashion and textile productions than before. Organic clothing is an increasing popular style with designers and consumers alike. To be organic, the fabric has been made from a source that has not been treated using a pesticide or herbicide. Many producers in the past have used this treatment method to help in the production of their crop, especially cotton, which is a leading material that is used in many clothes that consumers wear today.
Using organic and environmentally friendly fabric is gaining popularity because it is more healthy, both to our bodies and our earth. Some fabrics may contain a residue of the chemicals that were used in growing the product. This residue could possibly get onto the skin causing irritations, aggravate or initiate allergies, or may even cause more serious affects. Using organic materials to design our fashions also contributes to a better environment, especially since the focus of our world today is GREEN. If we’re not using pesticides, that’s one less pollution concern that we have to worry about.
Many question and express different feelings on organic fabric. These concerns are fabric durability and the expense. I am for organic fashion, but I have to be a cost wise shopper. As designers continue their desire to appeal and attract the fashion buyers, they hopefully will keep the cost in mind when using organic and environmental safe materials. I’m sure they will continue to design desirable clothing using organic environmental safe ideas that will last. Hopefully styles last a little longer, especially since everyone should be concerned about the future of our world.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
My Favorite Designer
My Favorite Designer
Our fashion society has experienced and seen many designers come and go. Many designers have stimulated the market with new and inspiring attire that the public enjoys and desires to display. My favorite designer in our competitive fashion market is Ralph Lauren. His clothing line is attractive and available to men, women, and children. The clothes, whether they are shirts, pants, or socks, visibly display that classy Lauren touch with his signature polo rider. His clothes are designed on well-made fabric that is durable, comfortable, and of course fashionably stylish and appealing. I like the acceptability of being able to wear either his shirts, pants, or sweaters to many levels of various events and social occasions.
Although Ralph Lauren’s fashion signature is seen on clothes, I also like his extended design in the home. These items include sheets, towels, and even paint. I enjoy and am attracted to the design, colors, and fabric that he uses, especially in the bed and bath ensembles. His design and style is uniquely seen and gives a room that special touch and an air of its own.
Finally, I like Ralph Lauren and his line of products because they have presented themselves as being a strong, desirable product in the fashion market. I feel he is a strong designer who wants to appeal to the public and gives his merchandise a taste for everyone in many areas of interest. Although his products my have a price tag higher than other designers or manufacturers, I am a believer in that you get what you pay for.
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