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How do I learn as much as possible about Fashion?
How do I learn as much as I can about the Fashion industry and its history? I have an interest in it, but I am somewhat lost on how to navigate it. I have started watching some documentaries as a start. I would love to learn about brands, sub-categories, etc.
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6 answers
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Emma’s Answer
To learn as much as possible about fashion, you can pursue a multi-faceted approach. Start with formal education by enrolling in fashion-related courses or degree programs. Read fashion literature, magazines, and academic journals to explore fashion history, theory, and industry insights. Take advantage of online courses, follow fashion blogs and websites, and visit fashion exhibitions and museums to stay informed about trends and history. Engage with fashion communities online and in person, network with industry professionals, and consider internships or work experience. Stay updated on sustainability in fashion, study fashion history, and embark on personal fashion projects to deepen your knowledge and passion for this dynamic field.
Updated
Ellen’s Answer
Hi Ciara
What a fun area to investigate! Fashion is such an important part of our lives that most people don't even realize it. Even if a person says they are not "into" fashion, they still wear clothes, and the clothes they wear come out of the fashion industry. There are lots of ways to learn about fashion's past and present. Here are a few ideas.
To find out what is going on in fashion today, there are of course fashion magazines that come out monthly. "Seventeen", "Vogue", "Glamour", "WWD" (Womens' Wear Daily) are a few examples. They can be expensive to buy in stores or at newstands, but getting a monthly subscription to one or more of them is more cost effective than buying them each month. Also, many libraries carry Fashion magazines, so check them out in the magazine section of your local library. Also, many monthly magazines have online magazine editions, to which you can subscribe. Some magazines also have free online articles about fashion. If you have a smartphone, you'll find these in your newsfeed.
Be aware that in the fashion world, there are major fashion shows/events in New York, Paris, and London (and elsewhere) that happen twice a year. Winter fashions are shown in the Spring and Summer shows, and Spring/Summer are shown in the Fall. shows You'll see these covered in newspapers, often in a "Style" or "Living" section of the newspaper. I'm not sure of the exact dates, but research this online.
There are also books about fashion and fashion history. Go to your local library and ask the librarians what they have for books about fashion and fashion history. Or search their online database of books. Also, looking at at art books of artworks from the 17th-19th or early 20th century will show you portraits and genre scenes, which can give you a sense of what people wore in the past. Also, photographs from the 20th century can also be a source of information, even ones that are not specifically about fashion will give you a good idea about everyday fashion from the past.
Several museums have fashion or costume departments, or have fashions as part of their collections. The Smithsonian's American Art Museum has a display of First Ladies of the US's inauguration gowns, which is lovely to see. The MET (The New York Metropolitan Museum) in New York City has a whole department of fashion and costumes, and they put on the famous MET Gala, where famous celebrities walk the red carpet in amazing fashions. Google these museums and check out their websites. You can also see amazing fashions online or on TV from various entertainment venues, such as the Oscars, where famous actors also walk the red carpet; you can find film clips and videos of red carpet fashions from the past on Youtube and other places online.
As I'm sure you know, you can see and learn alot about fashion today just by going to your local shopping mall. Check out the displays in a variety of stores. Some clothing companies in addition to their stores, send out catalogs of fashions, and most have websites. There are many stores and clothing companies to choose from, so ask your family and friends about their favorite stores and shopping websites.
Finally, you can also get a sense of what is going on in fashion just by people watching. What are your friends wearing these days? How about your parents and other adults in your life. When you go shopping, find a seat and spend some time looking at what people are wearing. Take some notes or do some sketches of what you see. (I'd be careful about taking photographs of people unless you get their permission). What colors do you see, what styles do you see, how does one person's outfit catch your eye more than others? What kinds of accessories are they wearing that complement their outfit? Keep an eye out for what many fashion designers call "Street Style", this is how people dress to express their sense of style, and which can sometimes be an inspiration to designers.
Have fun! Best wishes.
What a fun area to investigate! Fashion is such an important part of our lives that most people don't even realize it. Even if a person says they are not "into" fashion, they still wear clothes, and the clothes they wear come out of the fashion industry. There are lots of ways to learn about fashion's past and present. Here are a few ideas.
To find out what is going on in fashion today, there are of course fashion magazines that come out monthly. "Seventeen", "Vogue", "Glamour", "WWD" (Womens' Wear Daily) are a few examples. They can be expensive to buy in stores or at newstands, but getting a monthly subscription to one or more of them is more cost effective than buying them each month. Also, many libraries carry Fashion magazines, so check them out in the magazine section of your local library. Also, many monthly magazines have online magazine editions, to which you can subscribe. Some magazines also have free online articles about fashion. If you have a smartphone, you'll find these in your newsfeed.
Be aware that in the fashion world, there are major fashion shows/events in New York, Paris, and London (and elsewhere) that happen twice a year. Winter fashions are shown in the Spring and Summer shows, and Spring/Summer are shown in the Fall. shows You'll see these covered in newspapers, often in a "Style" or "Living" section of the newspaper. I'm not sure of the exact dates, but research this online.
There are also books about fashion and fashion history. Go to your local library and ask the librarians what they have for books about fashion and fashion history. Or search their online database of books. Also, looking at at art books of artworks from the 17th-19th or early 20th century will show you portraits and genre scenes, which can give you a sense of what people wore in the past. Also, photographs from the 20th century can also be a source of information, even ones that are not specifically about fashion will give you a good idea about everyday fashion from the past.
Several museums have fashion or costume departments, or have fashions as part of their collections. The Smithsonian's American Art Museum has a display of First Ladies of the US's inauguration gowns, which is lovely to see. The MET (The New York Metropolitan Museum) in New York City has a whole department of fashion and costumes, and they put on the famous MET Gala, where famous celebrities walk the red carpet in amazing fashions. Google these museums and check out their websites. You can also see amazing fashions online or on TV from various entertainment venues, such as the Oscars, where famous actors also walk the red carpet; you can find film clips and videos of red carpet fashions from the past on Youtube and other places online.
As I'm sure you know, you can see and learn alot about fashion today just by going to your local shopping mall. Check out the displays in a variety of stores. Some clothing companies in addition to their stores, send out catalogs of fashions, and most have websites. There are many stores and clothing companies to choose from, so ask your family and friends about their favorite stores and shopping websites.
Finally, you can also get a sense of what is going on in fashion just by people watching. What are your friends wearing these days? How about your parents and other adults in your life. When you go shopping, find a seat and spend some time looking at what people are wearing. Take some notes or do some sketches of what you see. (I'd be careful about taking photographs of people unless you get their permission). What colors do you see, what styles do you see, how does one person's outfit catch your eye more than others? What kinds of accessories are they wearing that complement their outfit? Keep an eye out for what many fashion designers call "Street Style", this is how people dress to express their sense of style, and which can sometimes be an inspiration to designers.
Have fun! Best wishes.
Updated
elaine’s Answer
Hello Ciara,
Fashion is a world that never stops spinning. To stay in step with its rapid pace, it's essential to keep learning and observing. Harness the power of social media to stay informed.
I'm thrilled to share my top 5 fashion blogs that you should absolutely check out:
1. The Fashion Guitar by Charlotte Groeneveld
2. Song of Style by Aimee Song
3. The Blond Salad by Chiara Ferragni
4. Man Repeller by Leandra Medine
5. The Chriselle Factor by Chriselle Lim
These blogs are treasure troves of inspiration and knowledge. But remember, the beauty of fashion lies in its diversity. So, always keep an open mind, explore various styles, and find the ones that resonate with your unique aesthetic. After all, as designers, we each have our own distinct style!
Fashion is a world that never stops spinning. To stay in step with its rapid pace, it's essential to keep learning and observing. Harness the power of social media to stay informed.
I'm thrilled to share my top 5 fashion blogs that you should absolutely check out:
1. The Fashion Guitar by Charlotte Groeneveld
2. Song of Style by Aimee Song
3. The Blond Salad by Chiara Ferragni
4. Man Repeller by Leandra Medine
5. The Chriselle Factor by Chriselle Lim
These blogs are treasure troves of inspiration and knowledge. But remember, the beauty of fashion lies in its diversity. So, always keep an open mind, explore various styles, and find the ones that resonate with your unique aesthetic. After all, as designers, we each have our own distinct style!
Updated
Yvonne’s Answer
Learning about the fashion industry and its history is a rewarding journey. Here's a realistic approach to help you gain knowledge:
1. **Read Books:** Start with books on fashion history, designers, and the industry itself. Look for well-regarded titles like "The Fashion Book" by Phaidon, "The History of Fashion in 100 Objects" by The Fashion Museum, and biographies of iconic designers like Coco Chanel and Karl Lagerfeld.
2. **Watch Documentaries:** Continue watching documentaries, as they provide visual insights into the industry. Documentaries like "The True Cost," "Dior and I," and "The September Issue" offer different perspectives on fashion.
3. **Online Courses:** Enroll in online courses or platforms like Coursera, edX, or Skillshare that offer fashion-related courses. These can cover topics from fashion history to design principles.
4. **Fashion Magazines and Websites:** Regularly read fashion magazines like Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, and W Magazine. Follow fashion news websites like Business of Fashion and WWD to stay updated on industry trends.
5. **Museums and Exhibitions:** Visit fashion exhibitions at museums when possible. Many major cities host exhibitions showcasing fashion history and design.
6. **Fashion Blogs and YouTube Channels:** Follow fashion bloggers and YouTubers who discuss various aspects of fashion, from style inspiration to industry insights.
7. **Join Fashion Forums and Communities:** Engage in online fashion forums or communities where you can discuss topics, ask questions, and learn from others with similar interests.
8. **Explore Fashion Sub-Categories:** The fashion industry has numerous sub-categories like haute couture, streetwear, sustainable fashion, and more. Dive into these subcategories to gain a deeper understanding of the diversity within the field.
9. **Study Iconic Brands:** Research iconic fashion brands and their histories. Understand their unique styles, contributions to fashion, and impact on the industry.
10. **Networking:** Attend fashion-related events, workshops, and conferences to meet professionals and enthusiasts. Networking can provide valuable insights and connections.
Remember that learning about the fashion industry is an ongoing process. Start with your interests, and gradually expand your knowledge. It's a vast field, so take your time to explore what resonates with you the most. As you continue to immerse yourself in fashion culture, you'll naturally deepen your understanding of its history, brands, and subcategories.
1. **Read Books:** Start with books on fashion history, designers, and the industry itself. Look for well-regarded titles like "The Fashion Book" by Phaidon, "The History of Fashion in 100 Objects" by The Fashion Museum, and biographies of iconic designers like Coco Chanel and Karl Lagerfeld.
2. **Watch Documentaries:** Continue watching documentaries, as they provide visual insights into the industry. Documentaries like "The True Cost," "Dior and I," and "The September Issue" offer different perspectives on fashion.
3. **Online Courses:** Enroll in online courses or platforms like Coursera, edX, or Skillshare that offer fashion-related courses. These can cover topics from fashion history to design principles.
4. **Fashion Magazines and Websites:** Regularly read fashion magazines like Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, and W Magazine. Follow fashion news websites like Business of Fashion and WWD to stay updated on industry trends.
5. **Museums and Exhibitions:** Visit fashion exhibitions at museums when possible. Many major cities host exhibitions showcasing fashion history and design.
6. **Fashion Blogs and YouTube Channels:** Follow fashion bloggers and YouTubers who discuss various aspects of fashion, from style inspiration to industry insights.
7. **Join Fashion Forums and Communities:** Engage in online fashion forums or communities where you can discuss topics, ask questions, and learn from others with similar interests.
8. **Explore Fashion Sub-Categories:** The fashion industry has numerous sub-categories like haute couture, streetwear, sustainable fashion, and more. Dive into these subcategories to gain a deeper understanding of the diversity within the field.
9. **Study Iconic Brands:** Research iconic fashion brands and their histories. Understand their unique styles, contributions to fashion, and impact on the industry.
10. **Networking:** Attend fashion-related events, workshops, and conferences to meet professionals and enthusiasts. Networking can provide valuable insights and connections.
Remember that learning about the fashion industry is an ongoing process. Start with your interests, and gradually expand your knowledge. It's a vast field, so take your time to explore what resonates with you the most. As you continue to immerse yourself in fashion culture, you'll naturally deepen your understanding of its history, brands, and subcategories.
Updated
Danielle’s Answer
Hi Ciara! The fashion industry is constantly changing but it is definitely fascinating to learn about! For starters, I would utilize social media. Try to find influencers or similar content creators who are posting all things fashion. I follow @brendahashtag on Instagram and she is the ultimate fashionista! She majored in fashion at Central Saint martins in London and is always posting about designers, items in her closet or just fashion tips in general. She definitely knows her stuff! I too, love the fashion industry and have learned so much just from following Brenda. She even has posts where she recommends fashion films to watch or places to visit in New York or overseas. If you ever have the chance to visit New York (or Los Angeles even) definitely take in all the fashion opportunities these amazing cities have to offer. Try joining a networking group where you can meet others that have the same interests in you. It can't hurt :)
Updated
Anahi’s Answer
1. Research and Study: Start by researching the history of fashion, prominent fashion designers, fashion trends, and different styles. Read books, articles, and blogs about fashion history, fashion theory, and the industry itself. Look for reputable sources such as fashion magazines, fashion history books, and academic publications.
2. Follow Fashion Media: Stay updated on current fashion trends and industry news by following fashion magazines, websites, and blogs. Subscribe to fashion publications or follow fashion influencers and designers on social media platforms. This will help you stay informed about the latest trends, collections, and industry developments.
3. Take Fashion Courses or Workshops: Consider enrolling in fashion-related courses or workshops. Many universities, colleges, and specialized fashion schools offer programs in fashion design, fashion merchandising, or fashion business. These courses can provide structured learning and hands-on experience in various aspects of fashion.
4. Attend Fashion Events and Exhibitions: Attend local fashion shows, fashion weeks, exhibitions, and industry events whenever possible. These events allow you to observe the work of designers, network with industry professionals, and gain insights into the fashion world.
5. Explore Fashion History and Museums: Visit fashion museums or exhibitions that showcase historical garments, accessories, and fashion artifacts. This will deepen your understanding of fashion history, craftsmanship, and the evolution of styles.
6. Build a Fashion Library: Create your own collection of fashion-related books, magazines, and reference materials. Books on fashion design, fashion photography, fashion illustration, and fashion theory can provide valuable insights and serve as a resource for inspiration.
7. Experiment and Practice: Develop your own sense of style and experiment with fashion. Try different outfits, explore various aesthetics, and express your creativity through personal fashion choices. This hands-on experience will enhance your understanding of fashion and help you develop your own unique perspective.
2. Follow Fashion Media: Stay updated on current fashion trends and industry news by following fashion magazines, websites, and blogs. Subscribe to fashion publications or follow fashion influencers and designers on social media platforms. This will help you stay informed about the latest trends, collections, and industry developments.
3. Take Fashion Courses or Workshops: Consider enrolling in fashion-related courses or workshops. Many universities, colleges, and specialized fashion schools offer programs in fashion design, fashion merchandising, or fashion business. These courses can provide structured learning and hands-on experience in various aspects of fashion.
4. Attend Fashion Events and Exhibitions: Attend local fashion shows, fashion weeks, exhibitions, and industry events whenever possible. These events allow you to observe the work of designers, network with industry professionals, and gain insights into the fashion world.
5. Explore Fashion History and Museums: Visit fashion museums or exhibitions that showcase historical garments, accessories, and fashion artifacts. This will deepen your understanding of fashion history, craftsmanship, and the evolution of styles.
6. Build a Fashion Library: Create your own collection of fashion-related books, magazines, and reference materials. Books on fashion design, fashion photography, fashion illustration, and fashion theory can provide valuable insights and serve as a resource for inspiration.
7. Experiment and Practice: Develop your own sense of style and experiment with fashion. Try different outfits, explore various aesthetics, and express your creativity through personal fashion choices. This hands-on experience will enhance your understanding of fashion and help you develop your own unique perspective.