Factors influencing fashion trends

Question 1

What are the four main factors influencing fashion trends

Answer 1

Economic
Social
Technological
Political

Question 2

Economic factors that influence fashion

Answer 2

Recession/depressions
Fashion flourishes in affluent areas
Credit facilities drive fashion change
Less affluent communities - little to no fashion change

Question 3

Social factors that influence fashion

Answer 3

Famous personalities/influential people are followed by consumers
Market segments insist on different fashions
Geographic living patterns - urban people buy more often than rural
Higher education levels will lead to fashion forward consumers
Cross-cultural contact and subcultural groups introduce new fashion to one another
Cultural events expose visitors to new fashions
Verbal communication amongst peers

Question 4

Technological factors that influence fashion

Answer 4

Synthetic fibres, new finishing processes, improvement of fabric properties - ongoing change in fashion industry
Mechanisation and computerisation makes for fast fashion changes
Improved sewing and knitting machines
Mass media - rapid spread of fashion
Marketing drives acceptance of fashion changes

Question 5

Political and legal factors that influence fashion

Answer 5

Legislation or trade relations between countries can promote or restrict change
Middle east - strict clothing legislation
Good trade relations - fast fashion changes

Question 6

What do contemporary fashion trends do for young adults

Answer 6

Express personal style
Group/social acceptance
Latest trends imply popularity/acceptance
Brand name - financial status
Buying power influenced by media/advertising result in fast fashion changes
Clothing becomes more daring/exposes skin
Seldom wears classic pieces, prefer cheaper/more fashionable clothes