World News: Tunisia, Lebanon, & Egypt Undergoing Political Change

Whether or not you have been following the news closely, chances are that you have heard of the recent political conflicts and crises in Tunisia, Lebanon, and Egypt. (If you are having a hard time viewing the countries on the map above, please click here for a link to the google map equivalent.) In Tunisia, there was a revolution of the people against then prime-minster, Zine el Abidine Ben Ali. Now, there are many governmental changes being made. In Lebanon, there is a complete restructuring of the government taking place after the recent collapse of its previous government. Meanwhile, Egypt is making headlines for the major protests in the streets as people want to see Mubarak and all associated political figures removed from power.

On the surface, this may seem to have no link to fashion. However, the political and economic climate in a region will greatly influence the way one dresses. Furthermore, politics and economy have major influences on business and trade. The fashion industry is just that- an industry, and as such will be affected by these changes. Whether or not this is a positive or negative affect will be determined by the natures of the changes, how they affect the people, work environment, and business incentives in their respective countries.

Fashion Jobs: Working in a Distribution Center

One kind of position that may not come to mind when one hears the word, "fashion" is working in a supervisory role within a distribution center or warehouse. While it may not seem as prestigious or dramatic as becoming a fashion designer, it is still nonetheless an integral part of the fashion industry. Without distribution centers, many of the larger companies would have logistical problems in getting everything to the right place at the right time. That translates into merchandise not being sold at the proper time, which can be a major problem particularly within the fashion industry.

Being in a supervisory role at a D.C. (distribution center) requires managing both associates and goods. Not only must deadlines be met, but they must be met the most effective way possible. Safety, cleanliness, and other important standards must be maintained. This may include being responsible for payroll, too. Managerial experience, knowledge of industrial engineering, and basic computer skills (MS Word & Excel) are important. Good communication skills are extremely important.

Basically, the person is responsible for making sure that all the warehouse goods get into and out of the D.C. by the corresponding deadlines. Staff must be well-managed, and the workload must be divided appropriately. JC Penney has a good educational video about working in a logistics supervisory position while Kohl's has a good job description of a similar position as an operations supervisor within a distribution center.

Amsterdam Fashion Week

While MAGIC in Las Vegas isn't until next week, Amsterdam had its major fashion week (including trade shows) last month. It started in 2004 in order to highlight local fashions. It is continuing to be held semi-annually at the RAI, one of the largest exhibition centers in the Netherlands. Recently, there is a "Green" fashion design competition that begins this July and ends with two finalist teams chosen to have their design released during next Spring's fashion week. Applications for the competition are accepted internationally. Sorry, but the fashion show can only be attended by invitation only. For more information as well as pictures, please see: http://www.amsterdamfashionweek.com/official-schedule.

Superbowl Commercials, Opening, & Half-Time Show as Fashion Inspiration

Fashion inspiration may come from any and all of our experiences. In the United States, possibly the most televised sporting event is the (American) National Football League's Superbowl championship match. This year, it was between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Green Bay Packers. Although the look of american football gear has not changed drastically (though technology of the clothes, gear, etc. is another story), it can still be used for some inspiration. Perhaps more importantly, though, the surrounding elements of the Superbowl, such as the commercials,opening, and half-time show may be used for fashion inspiration.

There are some pronounced themes present throughout the commercials. Many of the commercials are based around fantasy & science-fiction genres with particular emphasis on cowboys and aliens. Many of the movie previews aired during this time have at least a few war-themed elements, but few, if any, are in the realm of realistic fiction. Many new technological gadgets are advertised, with particular emphasis on portable hand-held electronics with touch screens. This may point to the future in technology.

The emphasis on technology was even seen in the Superbowl's half-time show. As one person told me, it appeared to be TRON inspired. The body line most emphasized in the outfits for the dancers and performers is an inverted triangle, starting with large shoulder pads at the top and narrowing towards the waist. The line of the lower half of the body was more or less straight, although the line had slight variations from one group of people (or performer) to the next.

What affects do you think the trend towards electronic apparel and the current interest in science fiction will have in future fashions? Do you think shoulder pads will make a comeback any time soon?

Fashion Universities: The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

Within the Hong Kong Polytechnic University's Faculty of Applied Science and Textiles lies its Institute of Textiles & Clothing. There are diploma, undergraduate, and postgraduate level programmes on offer. Diploma programmes include awards in colouration & finishing, fashion & clothing, fashion & textile merchandising, fashion retailing, and textile processing. As an undergraduate, a B.A. in Textile Arts and Fashion Studies is offered with concentrations similar to the diploma programmes. Both MSc taught and MPhil (by research) programmes are offered for those wanting to continue their studies after receiving an undergraduate-level degree. PhDs are offered by research only. For professionals, consultancy courses and customised training programmes are offered.

Students within the Institute of Textiles and Clothing regularly win awards in various design competitions. Additionally, the quality of research papers among postgraduate students are rivaling those found in other reputable textile and apparel universities, such as North Carolina State University. The university stays on top of ongoing industry news and events, which can be accessed via their website. The content of their university programme is relevant, up-to-date, and thorough in meeting the needs of the industry. Overall, I find that the programme appears to be nothing short of excellent.

Fashion Businesses- Spotlight: Kohl's Illinios, Inc.

Kohl's Illinois, Inc., more commonly referred to as Kohl's, operates over 1,000 stores, 9 distribution centers, and 2 e-commerce centers in 49 states. It started out in 1962 as a moderately-priced department store selling a variety of products, including sewing notions, candy, appliances, food, and clothing. Since it's beginnings, the ownership has changed hands a couple times- once being owned by BATUS, Inc.- before finally settling in the hands of investors who incorporated the company.  The product range was also later narrowed down to more profitable areas such as clothing, accessories, and home products. The online e-commerce division was added in 2001. Their product selection includes a wide variety of misses, women's, men's, young men's, juniors, shoes, accessories (to include fine jewelry), and home products carrying both name brand apparel and private labels.

Kohl's Illinois, Inc. has proven to be very successful at maintaining a good profit margin even during low points in the economic cycle. Kohl's marketing and advertising campaigns use a variety of methods to including corporate social responsibility, advertised sales, Kohl's coupons and card member discounts, and television, newspaper, and magazine advertising to name a few. Perhaps most remarkable of all is when Kohl's first entered a new area of the United States, rather than open one or two stores at a time, they would open multiple stores in the same area at around the same time and offer similarly amazing "Grand Opening" sales at all locations simultaneously. These would be advertising through various media beforehand in order to create awareness and interest in the stores.

Do you believe that at Kohl's you can truly "expect great things"? What is your opinion of Kohl's? Would you want to shop there? work there? Why or why not? Do you have an opinion about the use of famous people, such as Britney Spears, in advertising campaigns?

February Expectations: Note from the Author

Dear blog readers,
I hope that you are all doing well and are in the best of health! I apologize for the late release of this month's posts. I have taken this extra time in order to better plan for the future of this blog. This month, you can expect massive changes. Some of the major changes include daily posts with ongoing, "regular" topics each week, and exciting featured articles. Weekly regular topics include Fashion & World News, Fashion Jobs, University Programs, and Fashion Businesses. Other topics may include health & well-being, travel, important business concepts, and much, much, more! Each month will have its own on-going theme. For the month of February, this theme will be fashion-related trade shows in honor of the semi-annual MAGIC show held in Las Vegas each year. I am very excited to share even more ongoing information about fashion with you! I do hope you enjoy the posts! And please, do not hesitate to share your ideas for future topics with me!
Warm wishes,
   Miss Lori.