-
How to become
Trend Forecaster
What is a Trend Forecaster in the fashion world?
Demanding the collection of masses of data and its insightful interpretation, developing fashion collections is partly driven by perceived market preferences and consumer moods. The Trend Forecaster thus plays a vital role throughout the global fashion system, analysing, forecasting and assessing the upcoming sector trends in the near and distant future. This figure directs the design, production and marketing decisions of companies, enhancing their competitive edge.
What does a Fashion Trend Forecaster do?
The work of Trend Forecasters mainly focuses on trend research. Their goal is to identify fashions that impact clothing, accessories, fabrics and lifestyle products in general. The monitoring of consumer preferences and identification of influences from other sectors must be supported by data. These analyses are provided to brands that require consultancy, enabling them to identify possible opportunities for growth or consolidation of their position. The forecasting professional or agency also draws up guidelines for designers by aligning trends in garment and accessory preferences with perceived consumer expectations. In addition to short-term forecasts, fashion houses often ask for an outlook regarding structural changes that will impact purchasing choices for several years in the future.
What skills should a Trend Forecaster have?
Trend Forecasters must have a decidedly insightful understanding of fashion dynamics. Equally important is knowledge of the history of fashion and social mores. These are the pillars on which a set of technical skills and an effective professional approach must be built.
- Research skills and an aptitude for documenting one's observations
- Analytical skills for interpreting data and trends to identify meaningful patterns
- Ability to read market trends and translate them into design proposals
Ability to communicate effectively with one's team and clients.
How do you become a Trend Forecaster?
As previously mentioned, knowledge of the fashion world, with its design innovation processes and challenges, is essential for interpreting market data and inspiring creative visions. These foundations can be acquired through an educational endeavour, such as the Two-year Specialisation Course in Fashion and Costume Design. At NABA, we help students to analyse practical, theoretical and artistic information related to fashion phenomena. We provide tools for understanding how to read diverse aesthetic codes and explore the intersections between art, identity, politics, economics and history, focusing on the evolution of garments, accessories and other products.
.png)
- Two-year Specialisation Course in Fashion and Costume Design