Part II Written in collaboration by Zach Mick and Katharine Novak
Why are there no industry lead magazines for the fashion industry?
Where do you get your fashion news? Historically magazines have played a big role in spreading news and advice for not only daily life but for industry professionals. But when thinking about the fashion field there is a lack of these industry perspective resources. Sure there are plenty of fashion magazines like Vogue and Vanity Fair. However, these publications are clearly consumer driven, displaying current trends and styles one can purchase.
Other industry magazines
But does there even need to be a fashion professionals' magazine?
I would argue yes! As designers progress in their careers it becomes crucial for them to retain an appreciation for the diverse range of styles and methodologies in the creation process.One way to keep one’s finger on the pulse of the field is through industry lead magazines. Utilizing a physical medium along with the many other forms of resources available now-a-days, allows for diversity in one’s referential library. From an interior design point of view it is very useful to have such references especially after you get out of school and you may not network and research your industry in the same way. This is a way to be inspired by your predecessors and keep up on your peers.
What would an industry magazine for fashion look like?
For those seeking the professional perspective, a fashion industry magazine would provide articles that dissect current trends, spotlight designers, diving into their creative process, and discuss the idea of creativity as a skill. The overarching goal of this magazine would be to provide a reprieve from one’s own creation methodology.
Historical Fashion Magazines
The first that reported about the fashion industry was Le Mercure Galant, in 1672, which published news about clothing, luxury goods and court life. In the 19th century, publications like Harper’s Bazaar, Cosmopolitan, and American Vogue first made their appearance and by the 1940s Elle and Glamour were also available to readers. When reviewing the long history of fashion magazines, the common thread was an orientation to the customer. None of these resources were written by professionals for professionals, but rather to keep individuals not immersed in the industry up-to-date with the current trends. Seeing as this continues today, it would be exciting to see what a professional fashion magazine could provide.
Other resources available
WGSN/trends; A source that provides these kinds of insight would be a supplement to the current professional resources used in the industry. Databases like WGSN provide great studies that predict future trends and styles, constantly looking towards the future.
Other examples of industry resources
Industry Professional Practices
CONTACT US:
Library Email: library@rmcad.edu | Student Learning Center Email: learning@rmcad.edu
0 Comments.