At some point in our fashion lives, many of us have aspired to becoming true trendsetters in that oh-so-simple-but-complex field by either devouring every imaginable and inspiring fashion magazine, starting up a fashion blog or simply trying to go against the fashion flow in order to stand out and be unique. Some may have been lucky creating true trendsetting status while others (vast majority of) may have failed at being trendsetters and instead joined the other side of the spectrum; the trend followers.
Being a trendsetter never came with an easy-to-follow list or a magic formula that you can instantly apply to yourself, rather, a true understanding of simple things that can help inspire you and broaden your awareness.
While at a fashion-marketing course in Istituto Marangoni Paris, Thomas Brigger, a menswear fashion designer and consultant gave one but important point to keep in mind for understanding trend setting. His first and (my) favorite point is to always keep your eyes open for the environment around you and at the same time always be out with either a camera or a journal in order to jot down any ideas you might like, images or words that can help inspire you. The word "journal" is not a reference to those secret-filled ones we kept in middle school with tiny locks on them or those big and heavy ones that are more of a burden. They are simply small notepads to jot quick ideas and that can be easily carried around. Ideas ranging from everything like your daily activities to travel destinations. Cameras are also very useful. Most of the fashion bloggers that are trendsetters nowadays all started by posting pictures and images of what they found inspiring, thereby spurring a trend.
It is very hard to be influential if you stick to one mindset because we live in a fast-paced world and there is a constant thirst for creativity and new insight. Think of it this way, when we first look at an inventive and original fashion show, we are filled with oohs and aahs and seem to marvel at how the designers have brought something new to the table and wonder why such an idea hadn't been thought of earlier! Fast-forward a few months later, after magazines have barraged us with constant images of the runway show and all the other similar products and alternatives available, we are less impressed and feel the need to move on into something newer and less exposed.
When it comes to scoping out trends, there is so much that specialized trend agencies can provide for people. Nevertheless, a true trendsetter should not be waiting on the next Nelly Rodi publication to make a fashion statement (but to be fair, Nelly Rodi and other agencies do provide a good archive of previous and future trends to help those with an early start or those who want all their information from one source).
Naturally, it is very beneficial to have general knowledge of the fashion brands that set most of the trends in a given season, or be informed of new upcoming brands with bright futures. By having brand awareness, you will be able to easily forecast which brands are gaining trendsetting status, like Ricardo Tisci of Givenchy, for example. Tisci has become such a major influence on the French fashion industry (and become every fashion editor's sweetheart) because of his inventive style and ability of influencing other fashion houses.
Keep in mind that trendsetters are usually the early adapters of the market. They're the ones who welcome every new or bizarre idea with open arms and twist them into ways that match their personalities. This does not mean going out and buying every imaginable and unimaginable article of clothing you can get your hands on, but rather finding a comfortable look for your personality, adding innovative tweaks and pushing the borders of that look into something new, polished, and individual.
Being a trendsetter is a wonderful status to attain, yet at the same time, being a trend follower also shows your awareness of this fastidious industry. However, never forget that fashion is a fun and playful expression of your individuality. When you are true to your own fashion senses, you can easily become one of the fresh innovative individuals we yearn to look forward to every season.
So readers, who are your favorite trendsetters in fashion?
