Craig Green Spring/Summer 2023

The Ask:

Final Forecast Menswear S/S 2025

What is the Final Forecasting assignment?

During the Spring 2023 semester I took Fashion Forecasting and was tasked with a semester long group assignment to predict a seasons forecasted fashion trends. Forecasting is the practice of predicting upcoming trends based on past and present style-related information. For the assignment each group must come up with a Final trend forecast prediction for the Spring/Summer season of 2023 based on research and evidence. Fashion forecasters use a process of gathering information and interpreting that into new trends, just like the scientific method.

Moira Schofield

Team Leader, Researcher, and Editor
Wendy Benson

Graphic Designer, Researcher, and Visual Editor
Emily Despiegelaere

Graphic Designer and Editor
Mary Shean

Team Spokesperson, Researcher, and Editor

What was the Process?

How did the team begin?

When the team first came together it was necessary to lay out the group norms, like setting the status quo moving forward. Group members described their strengths and role preferences when working with others, for example Wendy and Emily were much stronger in graphic design, while Moira and I were confident in our research and essay skills.

What is the theme?

The theme is the topic for the fashion forecast that has a unifying, dominant idea. The theme should be easily identifiable and original. Our teams final forecast theme was Ascension. Rising above the madness of our current world and reaching a plane of enlightenment.

What is the Zeitgeist?

The word Zeitgeist refers to “the spirit of the times” or circumstances of the environment at that moment. The final forecast is a direct translation of the zeitgeist into trends that will influence consumers across all markets. The zeitgeist is not particular events and is not fashion related, but the bigger picture in terms of culture. Our group determined the zeitgeist to be uncertain, anxious.

Our Color Story

Colors such as Nightingale (#0C0C0C), Another’s Ashes (#60637), and Saturn’s Ring (#492121) refer to the tumultuous state currently being experienced in society. Hues such as Rosie Posie (#EEC1C2), Psyche (#E3E3F1), and Halo (#FBC665) offer a more optimistic and energetic look into what is to come. The shift from dark to light represents the deliverance from a time of despair to a modern genesis of enlightened rebirth.

How do you start forecasting?

A fashion trend forecast goes through many steps before it is made the final prediction for the season. Forecasters gather research, edit, interpret, analyze, predict, and communicate that prediction clearly to clients. Fashion forecasting predictions start with finding the theme and color.

Who is the target market?

the target market for this prediction is centered around Gen. Z and young Millennial men. The men within this category enjoy living sustainable lifestyles. As this bleeds into their spending habits, these individuals would be found shopping at stores such as Trader Joe’s, Madewell, Allbirds, Pacifica, and Patagonia. In their freetime, activities such as crocheting, thrifting, hiking, and photography prove to be the most popular. All of these activities give those who partake the opportunity to explore new creative avenues.