Overheated But Never Burnt

The fashion industry is a world wind, and for many it is hard to keep up with it. There are new designers, collections and trends emerging, what seems like everyday. To say the least the industry is always ever changing but is it overheated, possibly even burned out?

I think the industry is unbreakable and here are a few designers who think the same. When asked the above question, the smart remarks of Karl Lagerfeld said it all. “If you are not a good bullfighter, don’t enter the arena,” he says. “Everybody is allowed to show a collection. There may be too many — but that is not my problem.” Well put Karl, yes there is a lot happening in fashion, and yes it can get overwhelming but this industry isn’t for the weak hearted. So if you can’t handle it don’t ask it to slow down perhaps you need to speed up or get out. Harsh yes, but so is fashion. Another quote from the genius designer “Fashion is a sport now: You have to run.” There’s no sitting the bench in this industry.

Ralph Lauren reminds us all, to take a step back calm down and not lose sight as to why we are all in this industry, it’s for the clothing. You cannot lose sight in the big picture, if you get caught up in all the chaos you will not succeed. Ralph stating, “I still believe a designer must never lose sight of the real message — the clothes themselves.” Once you lose control of what you are doing, you will burnout. You need to stay focused and do what works best for you as a designer and not let the industry burn you out. It’s all about balance.

Michael Kors shows us a new perspective by answering the question with an undeniable statement. “I just think it’s actually more compelling to more people. I wouldn’t say it’s overheated. I would say there’s more attention on it than ever before; it’s not a private little insiders’ game anymore.” This is so true; fashion has never in its history been this in the spot light. Fashion has become a huge empire, just because there is so much more attention, and the industry has become more competitive doesn’t mean it will fall into ruins. We need to adjust with the industry the industry should not have to adjust to us wanting to slow down. Once you slow down you die, and the industry isn’t about to die.

Bottom line is yes, the industry may be overheated with all the chaos of fashion weeks, new trends and designers but will it ever burn out, not a chance. Even for those who do not like or understand fashion, you still have to get dressed in the morning. The industry isn’t going anywhere, it may have to take a few pauses here and there but I don’t think we have to worry about a full-blown burnout. The world is changing every day and fashion is no exception, we adjust to new technology I think we can adjust to new garments.

Credits:

All quotes and background information came from:

WWD.com