From Runway to Wardrobe

Deciphering the Fashion Creation Process with Sass and Savoir-faire

Welcome to the fabulous world of fashion!

Have you ever found yourself scrolling through Instagram, flipping through magazines or strolling down the street, marvelling at the ever-changing styles that grace our world?

As thrilling as it is to refresh your wardrobe, some find it intimidating and doubt that the new trend is really for them.

Well, buckle up because we are about to dive into the mesmerising realm of fashion trends and style.

Let’s start by unravelling the enigma behind fashion trends.

Who holds the reins of trendsetting power in the fashion industry?
How do these trends kick off and gracefully waltz into our wardrobes, transforming the mundane into the extraordinary?
When and how does a trend reach and cascade through the whole world, including the southern hemisphere?

The Definition.

First things first, let's decode the terminology: ‘We have the Hype, the Trend, and the Style.‘

The Hype? It's like a shooting star, a phenomenon captivating our attention fleetingly before fading into obscurity. Think of Michael Jackson's power jacket and military style, Madonna's layered accessories, mesh tops, crucifix jewellery, the sneaker culture, the Adidas Samba shoes in 2024.

Trends, on the other hand, linger a little longer, shaping the fashion landscape for seasons to come.; High-waist pants, denim-on-denim clothing, rosettes and bows in 2024.

And then, there's Style — the pièce de résistance — a personal declaration of self-expression that transcends fleeting fads. As I like to call it, your "mojo-style"—where fashion meets individuality in a harmonious symphony. Like how you will get that crochet top integrated into your wardrobe and style

The Players of the Fashion Extravaganza.

At one end, we have the ‘Innovators’ — the trailblazers, the avant-garde pioneers who dare to tread where others fear. Then come the ‘Trendsetters’, gracefully weaving trends into the fabric of society. Following suit, we have the ‘Trend Followers’, patiently waiting for the wave of fashion to wash over them. And trailing behind, we find the ‘Late Majority’, cautiously dipping their toes into the fashion pool. Lastly, we have the ‘Laggards’ and ‘Non-followers’, both rebels, ‘Purists’ they call themselves… yep, those who are NOT interested in the fashion hassle!

Fashion Scene: Fashion Week.

Now, let us delve into the mysterious forces that shape our Fashion scene.

Direct influencers are designers: the fashion houses and couturiers, trend watchers, fabric manufacturers, fashion trade magazines, and retailers.
Indirect, social developments such as people, celebrities, influencers, cultural trends, technology, media, politics and legislation, the weather, the environment, social phenomena, and art; social like The Covid pandemic; an example of how social occurrences help shape fashion with the Gym and slouchy apparel even mask trends! Movies like the Barbie Movie where not only Chanel style clothing were a hype but also the town was painted in Pink ! Pink clothing, pink make-up, pink accessories … Pink overload!!!

Fashion Week’s Cultural Phenomenon.

Fashion Weeks are not just runway shows — they are industry within an industry. These events wield immense economic influence, not only on the cities that host them but also on the global fashion landscape.

For decades, the spotlight has been fixated on the "big four" fashion capitals: New York, London, Milan and Paris. These cities set the stage for the fashion to come.

Haute Couture Fashion Week, the epitome of luxury; where only big established fashion houses that meet the rigorous criteria set by the Chambre Syndicate de la Haute Couture Trade Association can display craftsmanship. High-end fashion that is constructed by hand from start to finish and made of high-quality, expensive and often exclusive fabrics; including Chanel, Christian Dior, Versace, Elie Saab… The show is exclusive, invite-only. Most of the high-end houses produce also the ‘Ready-to-Wear‘ Collection.

Most fashion companies make Ready-to-Wear collections or (Prêt-à-Porter). clothes are sold in a finished state in standardised sizes (6/8/10/12 or S/M/L/XL etc.) Numerous copies are made of each model. Ready-to-wear fashion takes centre stage during catwalk season and is a whirlwind of creativity and innovation that traverses the globe.

The Fashion Industry follows the below calendar.

Spring/Summer designs shown at Spring/Summer collections are presented on the catwalk in September and October and delivered to shops between January and March.

The Autumn/Winter collections are presented on the catwalk in February and March and delivered to shops between July and September.

The seasons in between, known as ‘Resort’ and ‘Pre-Fall’, are designed to arrive in shops in mid-winter and high summer, respectively.

But how do these trends transcend the runway and find their way into our everyday wardrobes?

Traditionally, trends trickle down from the couture designs and are translated to easier and more accessible styles at lower prices.

The style of a dress you buy at a large fashion chain in the high street can be inspired by a couture dress seen on the catwalk but is much lower priced and simpler. The dress is made in a cheaper fabric, has far fewer and cheaper details, etc. The dress is anything but unique since it is produced in massive quantities of varied sizes so there are many (20,30, even thousands) of the same style for sale.

The Southern Hemisphere’s Fashion Timeline.

Australian Fashion Week is Australia’s biggest global fashion platform and the largest and most influential fashion event in the Asia-Pacific. Held annually in Sydney each May, the event features the industry’s biggest names alongside the next generation of Australian designers defining the future of Australian fashion.

Agree to disagree, for regions like Australia and New Zealand, the fashion timeline is a waiting game with collections arriving months after their northern counterpart, I bought a few clothes overseas and noticed they hit the Australian market 6-9 months later on the other hand, increasingly local brands are bridging the gap, ensuring fashionistas down under stay on- top of the latest trends.

The ‘bubble up’ theory is the opposite of the trickledown theory: it bubbles up from street style. In other words, mainstream fashion takes street fashion trends as its inspiration. Like denim, which was first introduced by the farmers and miners, became a phenomenon. The most iconic designer and a great example of the bubble up theory is the late Vivienne Westwood, who took her rebellious identity and provided it through her clothes and accessories.

Fashion vs Style.

Picture this: you're flipping through the glossy pages of a fashion magazine, mesmerised by the latest trends parading down the runway. Sequins? Check. Bold prints? Double check.

But how do you transform those haute couture dreams into your everyday reality without feeling like you've stepped out of a costume party?

Well, darling, let me spill the tea on the art of incorporating new fashion into your own style. It's like a culinary adventure - you start with a base (your signature style), then sprinkle in a dash of spice (the latest trends) to elevate the flavour. Take that trendy statement jacket and pair it with your trusty jeans – Voilà, instant street style chic! Or throw on those neon heels with your classic LBD for a pop of unexpected colour that'll have heads turning. Remember, fashion should be fun, not a formula.

As we navigate the calendar of fashion weeks and the global ebb and flow of trends, we are reminded that fashion is not just about what we wear, but how we wear it.

Whether it's infusing runway-inspired pieces into our everyday wardrobes or embracing the latest street style trends, the key lies in finding the perfect balance between fashion and personal style — a delicate dance that celebrates both individuality and creativity. So,, as you embark on your own fashion journey, remember to embrace the spirit of experimentation, for in the world of style, the only rule is to be unapologetically yourself. Life’s too short to blend in when you were born to stand out!