Trend Forecast Notes
Subject Overview
Trend Forecast teaches the theories of fashion change and the research skills needed to sort genuine directional signals from short-term hype, building the competitive advantage that fashion forecasting gives a company. You'll learn to analyse trend cycles and research current designers/
Subject at a glance
3
Units
10
Topics
2
Credits
3
Infographics
Unit-wise Syllabus
3 units — open any unit for detailed topic-wise notes, diagrams and important exam questions
- Analysing trends and trend cycles to predict future trends
- market research for trend analysis
- researching current designers and brands
Fad
Weeks to a few months
Viral novelty accessories
Trend
One to several seasons
Oversized fits
Classic
Years to decades
Denim jeans, white shirt, trench coat
Study guide
This unit covers analysing trends and trend cycles to predict future trends, market research for trend analysis and researching designers and brands. Track one trend from emergence to mainstream.
- Developing a personal strategy for staying informed about the apparel industry
- identifying target markets and customer needs
- communicating creative concepts through roughs
- boards and illustrations using industry-standard terminology
Runways and designers
Fashion weeks
Street style
What real people wear
Social media
Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok
Forecast services
WGSN and others
Culture
Art, music, film, events
Study guide
You develop a personal strategy for staying informed about the apparel industry, identify target markets and customer needs and communicate concepts through roughs, boards and illustrations using industry terminology. Build a habit of reading trend reports and fashion news.
- Recognising past and present influences to forecast future ones
- analysing and synthesising data to draw conclusions
- presenting data to support a coherent forecast
- 1
Collect signals
- 2
Cluster into themes
- 3
Identify drivers
Why is this happening?
- 4
Predict direction and timing
- 5
Translate into colour, fabric and silhouette
- 6
Present on trend boards
Study guide
You study how past and present influences predict future ones, analyse and synthesise data and present data to support a coherent forecast. Present your forecast with evidence, not opinion.
Why Trend Forecast Matters
Trend forecasting shapes what brands design and buyers order, and forecasting and research skills open roles in design, buying and brand strategy.
How to Prepare for Trend Forecast
- Follow runways, street style and trend reports regularly.
- Build boards that link inspiration to colour, fabric and silhouette.
- Back every forecast with examples and data.
Trend Forecast: Frequently Asked Questions
What is trend forecasting?
Trend forecasting is predicting future styles, colours and consumer preferences by analysing past patterns, culture and market data.