Content

1    Weekly Work

1.1 Introduction to Forecasting Fashion

1.2 Ying Gao, BMW Gina, Zaha Hadid

1.3 WSNG & Franklin Till
1.4 Martin Raymond - Trend Forecaster's Handbook

1.5 Colette & Merci

1.6 Qualitative vs Quantitative

1.7 Cultural Brailing planning and discussion (Tiong Bahru)

1.8 Sustainability Canvas 

1.9 BDA London, Fashion Futures: The Big Trend debate

2    Cultural Brailing
2.1 Yong Siak Street, Tiong Bahru
2.2 Ann Siang Hill, Chinatown

3    Trend Board
3.1 Books Actually, Yong Siak Street
3.2 Ann Siang Hill
3.3 Tourism in Ann Siang Hill
3.4 Shops of Ann Siang Hill

 



Introduction to Forecasting Fashion

For the first lesson, we separated into groups and was given an A3 paper, we were asked "What is Forecast?" Through the method of mind mapping, our group expanded on the idea of forecasting. Forecasting is not only prediction or estimation of future events or trends, I learned that forecasting was in fact so much more. Forecast is communication, lifestyle, evidences, observation, forecast is data and information. Through in depth observation of the surrounding and culture, forecast is no long just predictions, it has become an educated calculation of a series of events known as trend, these trends are the cheat sheet for forecasting. Recognizing patterns and understanding them, observe how they repeat over and over again allow us to determine the future, that is my interpretation of Forecast.

Ying Gao, BMW Gina, Zaha Hadid

Images from https://www.blonde20.com/blog/2014/04/03/has-wearable-technology-become-the-future-of-fashion/

Ying Gao

• Fashion designer and professor
• Combined urban design, architecture and multimedia
• Takes inspiration from social and urban environment
• Uses technologies in fashion design, allow garments to become more playful and interactive

Her designs are known to be "radical critical dimension that transcends technological experiment" - (http://nykyinen.com/whos-who-ying-gao/) and departing from tradition



Images from http://www.superfuturecars.com/bmw-gina/

BMW

• Fabric skinned, shape-shifting sports car
• Fabric body that is stretchable, flexible matter, resistant, translucent, man made fabric skin
• Its body changes shape according to exterior conditions and speed
• Body also stretches over moveable frame
• Steering wheel sits in an "idle" position which allows easy access  for the driver

"Geometry and functions in an adaptation" - (http://www.gogeometry.com/world_news_map/bmw_gina_geometry_in_n_adaptation.html)

Images from http://www.archdaily.com/294549/galaxy-soho-zaha-hadid-architects-by-hufton-crow/

Zaha Hadid

• Iraqi-British architect
• Distinctly neofuturistic, powerful curving forms
• Often encourages multiple points of perspective
• Fragmented geometry to evoke chaos in the modern life

Her design revolves largely around emotional evocation and abstract interpretation of life, often seemingly impossible forms

These innovative designers are inspiring because they managed to do what no one else could, creating something new and distinct in this over saturated modern world.

WGSN & Franklin Till

 

After learning more about WGSN and Franklin Till, this is what I what have gathered

WGSN is a trusted online advisor on style and design trends, backed up with credibility of thousands of professionals from this particular sectors

Images from http://www.wgsn.com/en/

Who uses WGSN?

Designers

who are looking to save time with comprehensive seasonal research, it is easy, simple and instantly accessible

Merchandizers

 who wants to get the right products at the right time in the right location on the racks in their boutiques

Buyers

 who are interested in knowing what's in and what's not

Strategists

 who wants to know the future consumer, emerge trends, becoming innovators

 

 

 

 

"FranklinTill Studio is a multidisciplinary design studio bridging research, forecasting and creative direction" - http://www.franklintill.com/

 

FranklinTill Studio has worked with a wide range of global clients from a diversity of lifestyle industries to bring insight and inspiration to their audience, FranklinTill specializes in trend forecasting and brand strategy, converting lifestyle to valuable packaged information relevant to a large variety of consumers. FranklinTill's information could be retrieved via multiple sources, they offer both printed and online publications, exhibitions, workshops and events.

 

Images from http://www.franklintill.com/ Exhibition

WGSN and FranklinTill are representations of how impactful and important forecasting and trend recognition are, these information are valuable enough to be build up businesses around it.

Martin Raymond - Trend Forecaster's Handbook

"Forecasting is not just about focusing on new and the next, it is also about paying attention to the different and the diverse, the pattern that we recognize, and the anomalies that disrupt and confound them", quote taken from The Trend Forecaster's Handbook, by Martin Raymond

To me, this quote from Martin Raymond sums up the point the Handbook is trying to make, what I got from it is to be observant and open minded, and not just limit myself just focusing on the "what's coming next". We have to look out for signs and indications of repetitions, and recognizing trends, and be able to determine where we are on the timeline.


Image from The Trend Forecaster's Handbook

Colette & Merci

Location: Paris, 213, Rue Saint-Honoré, 75001     

Mon - Sat: 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. Sun: CLOSED      www.colette.fr

 

Images from http://jetsettimes.com/2012/09/11/interview-with-colette-paris-a-constant-movement-and-energy-in-style-design-art-and-food/

 

Colette Paris is a "brick and click" clothing and accessory retailer, the store includes an exhibition space, bookshop, and "water bar". It caters to both female and male consumers, online shopping is also available. Colette offer a wide range hip merchandizes, from toys to magazines, cosmetics to food, furniture to apparels, they have everything, and this is what makes Colette a unique business.

 

Much like Colette, Merci seem to have everything in their store, from bars to lounges, retailing many products like bed linens, furniture, books, clothes and stationaries. Their business model is build around having everything, focusing on bringing large quantity and choices for their consumers. At the same time, targeting a much wider range of audience. In addition this retailing, Merci also provide a platform for young and new designers to build up their clientele and gain experience. There are funds granted to Merci to support the process of education for the designers as well.



Images from https://openhousebcn.wordpress.com/2013/09/09/openhouse-magazine-design-world-basics-pop-up-shop-at-merci-in-paris-schemata-architects-jo-nagasaka/

Colette and Merci both have quantity as their selling point, it is what makes them stand out from any other boutiques around which usually only focus on just a limited variation in their products. It is interesting to see how Colette and Merci have managed to find their place in the competitive market. I would usually think quality should always come before quantity, but in this case, it may not necessary be true. This method of cooperative/consolidated, boutique is a rather unique and intriguing idea.
 

Brailing the Culture - Planning & Discussion

Before going on the Culture Brailing trip to Tiong Bahru, Yong Siak Street, we did a planning as to where we would be going, what we expect to find, what kind of questions we are going to ask and how we are going to get the information we are looking for. Our group threw in some ideas and consolidated them onto a paper as shown below.

 

To understand the culture we had to immerse our in the culture, experience the environment and understand why Yong Siak Street is suitable for the current project. I've learned, in order to truly understand the culture in depth, I need to first research about the place, and briefly having an idea of their history and what they offer there. Finding out why the place is the way it is and how it all came about, and recognizing distinct individuals that goes.