Introduction


The colour forecasting process is one of great complexityand very much an intuitive one. As yet, little information exists about itsmethodology, even though the process is considered to be a major driving forceof the fashion and textile industry.


Colour forecasting is a fundamental part of a collectiveprocess known as fashion forecasting or trend prediction,where individuals orteams attempt to accurately forecast the colours, fabrics and styles offashionable garments and accessories that consumers will purchase in the nearfuture,approximately two years ahead.


The process of colour forecasting is basically one ofcollecting, evaluating, analysing and interpreting data to anticipate a rangeof colours desirable by the consumer, using a strong element of intuition,inspiration and creativity.


A dichotomy exists around opinions as to whether or not theforecaster predicts trends or merely creates them. Either way, a process hasevolved over a period of time which has, in more recent decades, becomeincreasingly complex. So much so that the secondary resource material readilyavailable to the fashion student rarely offers more than a brief outline of theconcept, the tools and the basic methodology involved in the colour and fashionforecasting process.


The process of colour and fashion forecasting has become amore integral part of the roles of many within the industry.Designers, rangedevelopers, sourcing personnel, buyers and merchandisers and especially thosewho specialise in trend prediction for the purpose of selling their predictionpackages to the industry all use the current forecasting system. It isbecoming increasingly important to clarify this process, both for thosecurrently using the system and for the newcomer to forecasting, in order toimprove forecasting.


While fashion forecasting incorporates all aspects of thedesign of garments and accessories, colour is a significant factor for theconsumer when making a purchasing decision.


It is therefore considered that the colour forecastingprocess is a worthwhile subject to be investigated and further understood inits own right.


Colour forecasting is a specialist sector activity. Thisspecialist sector is a service that makes use of the colour forecastingprocess. The information is compiled into trend prediction packages and sold tothe fashion and textile industry.



ReadFull Article



Originallypublished in New Cloth Market : November 2009