Paris Fashion Trend Forecasting & Analysis

Given the fast-paced nature of fashion production, trend forecasting has become an important tool for predicting the future needs and desires of consumers. Understanding and engaging in trend forecasting is thus necessary for remaining relevant in fashion.

The course begins with an overview of the field of trend forecasting including methodologies for field research from street observation to fashion fairs & exhibitions. The product focus will span street fashion to high fashion and include both niche and mega-product trends.

We will then shift our focus to filtering the information gathered through field research, retaining the most salient elements of that research and representing them through visual dialogue, stories and trend boards. Special attention will be given to leading a trend meeting including differentiating between audiences and visually representing trends in digital formats. Digital forecasting and predictive modelling will be analysed as part of the future of fashion trend forecasting. Students will be confronted with the realities of various social and cultural backgrounds empowering them to disconnect personal judgement during the product development process.

Coursework will be largely experiential in nature and rely on research, observation, analysis, and application.