Hi everyone! For my inquiry project, I will be doing “How has the integration of celebrity figures taking in roles as creative directors of high fashion houses affected the growth and trajectory of the fashion industry?” a question revolving around the fashion industry, specifically the integration of high fashion and the micro-trend industry of celebrities.
The reason this is the topic and question I wanted to pursue for my inquiry project is because recently (as in last week) Milan and NY Fashion Week just concluded making me reminisce about the current fashion industry in comparison to what it was a few years ago when I was watching the same shows. Due to the eccentric nature of the fashion industry, it is hard to predict what many of the fashion houses will do regarding their directors and designers, however, the one stability was knowing that the designers chosen were hand-picked and curated through an extensive process of comparing experience in the fashion industry as well as the knowledge which one has from an equivalently prestigious fashion school. However, in recent years, many companies have chosen to shy away from this tradition as the industry evolves. This very prominent change is why I wanted to create an inquiry project revolving around this topic.
On an additional personal note, I am biased towards having experienced designers and those who have either interned in the industry under experienced designers while not necessarily having a formal fashion school diploma. This is because going through those steps and experiences only adds to the value and performance of a fashion line not taking away from it. However, having a celebrity figure may take away from the fashion and technical side of the field, instead adding to the marketing and industrial (superficial) parts of the industry.
Thank you so much for reading!!
Sanam M.
Hi Sanam,
I love this topic, it needs to be spoken out about! Brands these days tend to follow what the majority wants, and one of those main elements are celebrity figures, like you have mentioned.
By collaborating with celebrities, the companies can expand their business as many people will know about them. But recently, there have been some drama in the industry that range from companies doing illegal things, to average people in society having their opinions being heard by many.
My suggestion is you can research what certain companies have done to grow their brand/s, and how celebrities could bring down big companies just by collaborating with them.
Here are some ressources that could help you:
https://kingsbusinessreview.co.uk/the-scandal-of-balenciaga-the-downfall-of-the-fashion-house
https://www.cnn.com/2020/02/21/business/rise-and-fall-of-victorias-secret/index.html
hey Sanam
I loved reading your first blog post for your inquiry question, your topic is very interesting and is something I have never really given much thought, but your blog post made me so intrigued to read about this more!!
I look forward to seeing where this question takes you, as its so true that companies today focus on getting big celebrities to model their lines because thats how they will get the publicity they want. However doing this takes away from the authenticity and uniqueness of the smaller fashion brands and puts these celebrities at the face of the brand when really it should be about the fashion and creativity in the designs.
here is some resources I found interesting that you may want to take a look at!!
https://www.glamourmagazine.co.uk/gallery/celebrity-endorsement-of-designer-brands-lyst-trends
https://www.blitzmarketing.co/post/7-fashion-brands-that-dominate
– Marisa