The importance of fashion in business environments; presenting the know how of the fashion industry

In this exploration of the importance of fashion in business environments, we delve into the profound role that fashion plays in shaping corporate culture, fostering confidence, and enha

THUONG MAI UNIVERSITY

FACULTY OF MARKETING

🙢🕮🙠

GROUP DISCUSSION ENGLISH FOR SPECIFIC PURPOSES 2 (ESP 2)

Topic 4 : The importance of fashion in business environments; presenting the know-how of the fashion industry.

Teacher : Vương Thùy Linh

Group : 4

Class : 232_ENTI1012_15

Ha No March 2024i,

GROUP 4

No Name Tasks comments Teacher's Mark

29 Nguyễn Thị Tuyết Mai 1.1 and 1.2

30 Quách Phương Minh 1.3.1 and 1.3.2

31 Đào Thị Trà My 1.3.3, 1.3.4 and 1.3.5

32 Lê Trần Phương Ngân 1.4.1, 1.4.2 and 1.4.3

33 Doãn Lê Bảo Ngọc 1.4.4, 1.4.5 and 1.4.6

34 Lê Thị Nhàn 2.1 and 2.2

35 Giang Tuyết Nhung

(Leader)

2.3, references, table o contents, words

36 Nguy n ễ Hồng Nhung 2.4.2 and III

37 Thái Hồng Nhung 2.4.1 and I

Ha No March 2024 i, Leader’s Group 4

(Signature and name)

Nhung Giang Tuyết Nhung

TABLE OF CONTENTS

GROUP 4 1

TABLE OF CONTENTS 2

I INTRODUCTION 3

II BODY 4

1 Know-how of the Fashion Industry 4

1.1 What is fashion, the fashion industry? 4

1.2 Evolution of the Fashion Industry 5

1.3 Factors Impact on Fashion industry 7

1.4 Career opportunities in the Fashion Industry 10

2 The importance of fashion in business environment 12

2.1 What is the business environment? 12

2.2 Why is fashion important in a business environment? 13

2.3 Some fashion tips in a business environment 14

2.4 Some examples of Fashion's Impact in the Business Environment 15

III CONCLUSION 18

IV REFERENCES 19

I INTRODUCTION Fashion isn't just about aesthetics; it's a powerful tool that influences perceptions, shapes identities, and communicates messages In the dynamic landscape of business environments, the significance of fashion cannot be overstated Beyond simply dressing

to impress, understanding the intricacies of fashion and its impact on business interactions can be a game-changer for professionals across industries

In this exploration of the importance of fashion in business environments, we delve into the profound role that fashion plays in shaping corporate culture, fostering confidence, and enhancing brand image Drawing from insights within the fashion industry, we illuminate the symbiotic relationship between fashion and business, showcasing how the fusion of creativity and professionalism can elevate not only individual careers but entire organizations

II BODY

1 Know-how of the Fashion Industry

1.1 What is fashion, the fashion industry?

1.1.1 What is fashion?

According to Cambridge Dictionary: “Fashion is a style that is popular at a

particular time, especially in clothes, hair, make-up, …” In the above concept, fashion

is not limited to just clothes but also includes hairstyle, make-up, accessories, footwear, even body proportions Fashion is an accepted trend

Fashion encompasses a wide range of styles and trends, influenced by various factors, consisting of cultural and historical influences, socioeconomic factors, media and celebrity influences, technology and innovation, personal expression and individuality, globalization and cross-cultural influences, and seasonal and weather influences These factors interact and intersect to shape the fashion landscape, creating

a dynamic and ever-evolving industry

Fashion has far-reaching effects that extend beyond clothing, influencing how individuals perceive themselves and the world around them Firstly, fashion serves as a form of self-expression, allowing individuals to showcase their personality, creativity, and individuality through their clothing choices Fashion can boost self-confidence and empower individuals to express their unique style Secondly, fashion has cultural and societal effects, reflecting and shaping social norms, identities, and values It can challenge and redefine traditional gender roles, promote inclusivity and diversity, and act as a cultural marker Fashion reflects the complexities of society, culture, and individuality, making it a fascinating and multifaceted realm of human expression Overall, fashion has played an important role throughout history It continues to evolve and change, with new trends and styles emerging every season

1.1.2 What is the fashion industry?

The fashion industry is a global network of businesses, organizations, and individuals, which encompasses the design, manufacturing, distribution, marketing, retailing, advertising, and promotion of all types of apparel (men’s, women’s, and children’s) from the most rarefied and expensive haute couture (literally, “high

sewing”) and designer fashions to ordinary everyday clothing-from couture ball gowns

to casual sweatpants Sometimes the broader term “fashion industries” is used to refer

to myriad industries and services that employ millions of people internationally It is divided into several sectors, each focusing on specific aspects of fashion:

o Haute Couture: High-end, custom-made clothing produced by top fashion

houses

o Ready-to-Wear (Prêt-à-Porter): Clothing produced in standard sizes and sold directly to consumers

o Accessories: Fashion items that complement and enhance an outfit, such as handbags, shoes, jewelry, belts, and hats

o Beauty and Cosmetics: Skincare, makeup, fragrances, and haircare products that work in conjunction with fashion trends

o Textile and Fabric Production: Manufacturers who produce the materials used

in clothing and accessories

o Fashion Media and Communication: Fashion magazines, websites, blogs, and social media platforms that disseminate information about fashion trends and products

o Fashion Retail: Physical stores and online platforms where consumers can purchase fashion products

The industry includes a diverse range of players, such as designers, manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, fashion publications, advertising and PR agencies, and fashion influencers Approximately 430 million people across the world are thought to work in the fashion and textile industry, which converts to 1 in 8 people globally A large amount of this workforce exists in Asia, due to the large quantities of clothing factories The fashion industry operates on a seasonal cycle, with designers creating new collections every few months that are showcased on runways during fashion weeks around the world The industry is heavily influenced by trends, which are often set by fashion designers and are then picked up by manufacturers and retailers

Statistics show that the global apparel market is predicted to grow in value from 1.5 trillion U.S dollars in 2020 to 2.25 trillion dollars in 2025, which is an enormous amount of growth It reflects and influences culture and society, affecting the way people dress and express themselves, and it can also have a significant impact on the environment and labor conditions in producing countries

1.2 Evolution of the Fashion Industry

The fashion industry has undergone significant development throughout history, marked by several key milestones:

o Industrial Revolution: The Industrial Revolution, which took place in the 18th and 19th centuries, brought about a major shift in the fashion industry With the introduction of textile machinery, clothing production became mechanized, leading to mass production This made clothing more affordable and accessible,

catering to a wider population

o Haute Couture: Haute Couture emerged in the mid-19th century and refers to the creation of custom-made, high-quality garments by renowned fashion houses These garments are meticulously crafted and often showcase innovative designs Despite being expensive and exclusive, Haute Couture plays a crucial role in setting trends and influencing the fashion industry

o Ready-to-Wear: Ready-to-Wear gained prominence in the 20th century Unlike Haute Couture, Ready- -Wear clothing is produced in standard sizes and is to available for immediate purchase from stores This shift aimed to meet the growing demand for affordable and convenient clothing options, making fashion more accessible to the general public

o Fashion Designers: Fashion designers have played a significant role in shaping the fashion industry They are creative individuals who conceive and develop clothing designs From iconic designers like Coco Chanel and Christian Dior to contemporary visionaries, fashion designers have set trends and pushed boundaries, influencing consumer choices and the industry as a whole

o Streetwear: Streetwear originated from urban communities and youth culture in the late 20th century It is characterized by casual, comfortable clothing influenced by music, sports, and street art Streetwear blends elements of high fashion with street style, challenging traditional fashion norms and reflecting the increasing influence of youth culture in the industry

o Fast Fashion: Fast fashion is a relatively recent development in the fashion industry It refers to the rapid production of inexpensive clothing inspired by the latest fashion trends Fast fashion brands like Zara and H&M have revolutionized the industry by offering trendy clothing at affordable prices with quick turnaround times However, fast fashion has also raised concerns regarding its negative environmental impact and exploitative labor practices

o Sustainability: In recent years, the fashion industry has witnessed a growing emphasis on sustainability With increasing concerns about the environmental and social impact of fashion, sustainable practices and ethical production have gained traction The industry is recognizing the need for change and making efforts towards a more responsible and eco-friendly approach to fashion These key milestones collectively demonstrate the evolution and diversification

of the fashion industry, from the Industrial Revolution to the present day Each milestone represents a significant shift in production methods, consumer accessibility,

design innovation, cultural influences, and industry values

1.3 Factors Impact on Fashion industry

1.3.1 Political influence

Fashion mirrors society’s aspirations, challenges the norms, and essentially reflects our current climate Still, the question persists: Should fashion be political? The only correct answer is: Wasn’t it always?

Fashion is one of the most readily available political tools Style has the potential

to disrupt or affirm the status quo It’s nothing new: fashion and politics have been in a

tight, solid relationship for as long as humans have been getting dressed Most brands, including high end and luxury, should be aware of the significance that garments carry What people choose to wear on the daily is a part of one’s social and political identity,

social movements, class, race, and gender roles

Think about how clothing has been used throughout history to signal social class, gender roles, and even political affiliation For instance, the rise of trousers for women

in the early 20th century challenged traditional ideas of femininity and aligned with the fight for women's suffrage Furthermore, we see designers and consumers using fashion

to make statements about everything from environmental issues to social justice movements Clothing with slogans, symbolism, or specific cultural references can be a powerful way to spark conversation and raise awareness

Fashion is a powerful tool for both individual and collective political expression It's a conversation starter, a way to challenge norms, and a reflection of the cultural and political climate

1.3.2 Culture Factor

Culture has a huge role to play in society So, there is no surprise when it is said that culture influences fashion and the industry as well Fashion is basically culture and when culture changes, fashion changes with it as well

So, what is culture? Culture is the characteristics and knowledge of a particular group of people, encompassing language, religion, cuisine, social habits, music, and arts Therefore, with culture being an essential part of society, the fashion industry must always keep up with it or else they may be at risk of either offending certain cultures or creating clothing items that would not fit the society’s standards

Culture hugely influences the way people dress For example, culture influences the dressing of religious people Religion has a huge impact on dress code Similarly, most Muslim women also wear attires in which their bodies are completely covered as asked to by their religion These clothes that most Muslim women wear include a shalwar kameez, long maxis, and burqas or abayas etc There are many more clothes

such as the Kimono, which is a traditional full-length robe worn in Japan, the Hanbok which is a traditionally a Korean dress, the kilt, which is the traditional dress of Gaelic men, or the Agbada which is a flowing wide sleeved robe worn by men in West Africa and parts of North Africa

Culture is like the foundation, shaping the very core of fashion, while fashion acts as a dynamic expression of that foundation, constantly evolving alongside cultural changes

1.3.3 Technology Boom

Even though technology and the fashion industry are two different industries, technology has had a big impact on the fashion industry

First of all, digital platforms give brands the ability to interact creatively and broadly with consumers Every aspect of the business has been transformed by technology, from marketing plans to design procedures, giving fashion firms new opportunities to interact creatively with customers on a variety of digital channels Secondly, the growth of e-commerce platforms has changed the retail environment by enabling fashion firms to sell directly to customers online and build relationships with them directly Furthermore, improvements in supply chain management technology, like blockchain, have improved the fashion supply chain's transparency and traceability, solving issues with fake goods and unethical labor Thirdly, new technologies that are transforming the design process include virtual reality and 3D printing, which allow for speedier prototyping and allow customers to explore items in immersive virtual worlds From accessories to women's athletics, the things that may be made through 3D printing seem to have no limits It makes it possible to create customized textiles, which customers want The main advantage of using 3D printing is that designers can try again

if their first effort isn't good enough Without having to go to the store, customers may virtually try on several costumes in front of a screen As a result, customers will have additional options and save time

Technology breakthroughs have changed the prospects for the fashion business The fashion industry's long-term survival depends on the appropriate use of technology 1.3.4 Environmental Factors

Environmental factors play a significant role in shaping the fashion industry, influencing various aspects from production to consumption

First, increasing awareness of environmental issues has led to a growing demand for sustainable and eco-friendly fashion Consumers are now more conscious of the environmental impact of their clothing choices, prompting fashion brands to adopt sustainable practices and offer environmentally friendly products Moreover,

environmental concerns have spurred innovation in material sourcing and manufacturing processes within the fashion industry This has led to the development

of sustainable materials such as organic cotton, recycled polyester, and biodegradable alternatives Besides, the fashion industry generates a significant amount of waste, from production scraps to discarded garments Circular fashion, which focuses on extending the lifespan of clothing through recycling, upcycling, and resale, is gaining momentum Third, environmental factors have led to increased demand for transparency throughout the fashion supply chain Consumers want to know where their clothes come from, how they were made, and what impact they have on the environment Fashion brands are responding by providing more information about their sourcing practices, manufacturing processes, and environmental initiatives

In short, environmental factors are reshaping the fashion industry by driving changes in consumer behavior, business practices, and industry regulations Embracing sustainability has become not only a moral imperative but also a strategic necessity for fashion companies looking to thrive in an increasingly eco-conscious marketplace 1.3.5 The Covid-19 Effect

The Covid-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on the fashion industry, disrupting supply chains, changing consumer behavior, and accelerating existing trends Firstly, lockdowns and travel restrictions have disrupted global supply chains, leading to delays in production, distribution, and delivery of fashion products, affecting both large retailers and small businesses alike Secondly, as COVID-19 spread, restrictions were imposed, leading to brick-and-mortar stores being closed and people staying at home This led to a momentary decline in value or even the complete cessation of people shopping for clothes When brick-and-mortar stores closed or operated at reduced capacity, there was a significant increase in online shopping Fashion brands have had to adapt quickly to meet the demand for e-commerce, investing

in online platforms and digital marketing Moreover, social distancing measures, lockdowns, and economic uncertainty have changed consumer behavior and preferences With limited opportunities for social gatherings and events, demand for formal wear and luxury items decreased, while loungewear, athleisure, and comfortable clothing saw increased demand as people spent more time at home

To sum up, the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated existing trends and brought about significant transformations in the fashion industry, forcing brands to innovate, adapt, and rethink their strategies to navigate the challenges and opportunities presented

by the evolving landscape