Cool Hunting Fashion Short Course
Course description
Course overview
Fashion trends; what is a trend, how do trends develop, what's new and what's it all about? Cool hunting and fashion forecasting is increasingly important to large companies, small designers/makers and crucial to the international fashion industry.
If you're eager to learn about the emergence of trends, methodologies, and factors influencing global fashion trends then this course is a must.
The Cool Hunting for Fashion short course introduces you to the contemporary landscape of fashion trend predictions. You'll examine the art and science of trend predictions, participate in trend scouting, examine trend sources and be introduced to key places where trend prediction teams seek out new, emerging, and underground influences. From art galleries, museums, retail stores, street markets to digital and print platforms, social media etc.
Through online and contextual research, street photography, critical analysis, reading and field trips, students will devise and complete a speculative visual Trend Report that identifies an emerging global fashion trend.
This course is available to study both online and on campus. The price and duration vary depending on the mode of study, allowing you to choose the option that best fits your schedule and preferred learning style:
- Online learning offers a more flexible, part-time approach, ideal if you are balancing study with other commitments
- On campus classes provide a more immersive, intensive learning experience in a shorter timeframe
Please check the location assigned to each date in the booking section to ensure you select your preferred study option.
Who this course is for
This course is ideal for students who would like to learn more about cool hunting, fashion trends and communication. It also good for anyone who wishes to explore the emergence of trends and trendy places around London's cultural scene.
Please note that the onsite version of this course includes a trip or visit off site.
Key information
Topics covered
On Campus
- Visiting key areas of London where trend prediction teams seek out what's 'new' and 'underground', like trendy markets and vintage clothing retailers
- Exploring the culture and influences that shape and reflect new trends: new designers and artists, cutting-edge magazines, contemporary exhibitions and street fashion
- You will be shown how to use the CSM library and source material
- You will be encouraged to develop your fashion research and communication skills by researching websites and blogs, taking photographs, keeping a journal and discussing your ideas and findings with your peers
Online
- Introduction to cool hunting, fashion trend predictions and forecasting (womenswear, menswear, accessories, footwear)
- Review and analysis of contemporary fashion trend sources including research into cool hunting, sourcing, research methodologies, subject specific text, websites, social media platforms etc.
- Street style photography
- Weekly research tasks and guidance on field trips you can take to trendy hotspot locations such as fashion retailers, museums, contemporary art and fashion exhibitions, street markets, vintage / charity shops, etc.
- Online group critiques and discussion
- Development and presentation of visual Trend Report
Learning outcomes
- Students will devise and complete a speculative visual Trend Report, identifying an emerging global fashion trend
- Learn about trend predictions for fashion using online and contextual research and analysis methods
- Receive inside information about methodologies used in the industry for trend spotting
- Digital badge and certificate of attendance
Materials
On campus
- Drawing kit - pens, pencils, eraser and sharpener
- Colour felt tip markers, colour pencils etc
- Glue stick
- Camera (film or digital)
- Zone 1 and 2 Travel Card or Oyster Card
- For entry to museums or galleries please allow between £5 and £10
- Laptop - (optional / not essential)
Online
- Smartphone for photography, research, and note-taking
- Camera (not essential)
- Laptop or computer
- Sketchbook (for freehand sketches of ideas, things that inspire you)
- Notebook (A4 or A5)
- A selection of coloured pens and pencils (for annotations and sketches)
- Books/Contemporary Magazines - Access to a library of a variety of books or fashion magazines where possible
- Museum and Gallery Entrance Fees (for direct observation of fashion exhibitions, both historical and contemporary)
If you are taking this course online, please see our Guide to taking online short courses.
Tutor
Daniela Bomba
Daniela is a womenswear designer, print designer and creative consultant. She has worked both in London and abroad for luxury fashion houses and brands, and tutored at Central Saint Martins. Daniela began her studies at Ravensbourne College of Art Design and Communication and completed her Masters in Fashion Womenswear at Central Saint Martins. She has worked for a number of fashion labels including Jonathan Saunders and Luella as a designer and as consultant to brands including Adam Andrascik and Selfridges. Daniela is a lead tutor womenswear on the Fashion Folio course at Central Saint Martins.
Book a course
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