The “Rack Collections”: Trends on Sale!

So, you've decided to become a fashion designer. You dream of the Red Carpet, envisioning Jennifer Lawrence wearing your dress while thousands of paparazzi photograph her. Well, that's a nice dream. Now, wake up and smell the coffee!

Fashion is a tough business. There are no stars or photographers at the design table; it's all about sweat, tears, and frustration. In the past couple of weeks, a few people have had the courage to say that I don't follow trends. While this may be true, I must clarify that when designing a new collection, I do what I like to call my "Fashion Smoothie." Let me explain.

My fashion smoothie involves immersing myself in the identity of the line. I watch every fashion show, runway, and every New York City, Paris, Milan, and Tokyo fashion week that I can get my hands on. I then blend them all together in my brain. Later, I start sketching without worrying about whether it's trendy or not. I just sketch and drape for days, working until my vision is born. It's most rewarding when I see my models in my designs during the collection's presentation.

If you take a closer look at fashion in American culture, you'll realize that we're quite behind. "Fashion" is one of the biggest setbacks. We need to open our eyes and let go of our closed minds if American fashion designers want to follow real fashion trends. However, it's nearly impossible because we often preach openness but live a double-standard way of life. For example, if we see a guy wearing red pants, our first thought is often, "Oh, he's gay," and if we see a girl with black nail polish and tattoos, we might think, "What a weirdo."

We Photoshop everything, from a single tattoo on a model to fake waistlines, erasing wrinkles and smoothing out skin to perfection, while European brands like Chanel feature tattooed models, appearing to be genuinely "open-minded" trendsetters.

So, when considering becoming a fashion designer in the American market, understand that we're often told to follow fast-selling trends. Some fashion houses produce what I would call "The Sale Rack Collection." I won't mention specific names, but pay close attention, and you'll see that what I'm saying is, frankly, the truth. Visit a mall, and you'll notice that the styles already on sale at Forever 21 and H&M are very similar, if not identical, to those sold at high-end retailers. Oh, and don't even ask about their prices!

To become fashion leaders, we must think outside the box, be more conscious of market needs, and be willing to take risks. Remember this: when we first wake up, the two thoughts in our minds are "What will I eat for lunch?" and "What should I wear today to look trendy and fresh?"

Now, on that note, I leave you with some homework. Let's keep the conversation going, and remember, "It's not about money; it's about style." - Willie-M