Fashion Cycle
Hi! Welcome back to yet another episode of FASHIONABLY UNSABLE! Today, we are going to talk about *drumroll* the fashion cycle and some seminars given by people with a lot of industry experience.
Now, let's start with Fashion Cycle!
What is a Fashion Cycle?
So basically, in very simple words fashion cycle is the life cycle of a fashion trend.
Now, to be more technical:
A fashion cycle is the process through which a fashion trend enters the market, becomes popular, and eventually fades out before possibly returning again. It shows the life span of any style.
The cycle usually has five stages:
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Introduction – A new style is created and introduced by designers; only a few people adopt it.
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Rise – The trend becomes more visible and starts gaining popularity.
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Peak – The trend is at its highest demand; everyone is wearing it.
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Decline – People start losing interest as new trends appear.
Obsolescence– The trend goes out of style or becomes outdated, though it may return later as a vintage revival.
In short, A fashion cycle explains how trends are born, grow, fade, and sometimes come back again.
1. Corset Tops
Introduction: Vivienne Westwood and runway designers reintroduce corsets.
Rise: Pinterest, Instagram, and Billie Eilish-style corsets go viral.
Peak: Worn at parties, college events, clubs, and even streetwear.
Decline: Shifts to softer silhouettes like tube tops or bandeaus.
Obsolescence: Still exists, but is no longer a big trend.
2. Oversized Blazers
Introduction: Big runway moment by Balenciaga, Acne Studios.
Rise: Influencers start styling them with jeans and crop tops.
Peak: Everyone owns an oversized blazer; huge in streetwear and college.
Decline: People get bored and move back to fitted silhouettes.
Obsolescence: Only used as a basic layering piece, not a trend.
Introduction: Seen on runway designers like Miu Miu, early influencers try it.
Rise: Celebrities (Bella Hadid, Dua Lipa) start wearing them.
Peak: Fast-fashion brands release low-rise jeans, and college students widely adopt them.
Decline: People shift back to mid-rise and high-rise for comfort.
Obsolescence: Only niche groups wear them; the trend cools down again.
founder of Hotsman
Completed a master's in NIFT.
Worked with a rare rabbit
Learnings
A designer works with discipline and strong attention to detail, ensuring every stage—from sourcing materials to final finishing—is handled thoughtfully. Emotional intelligence is just as essential, helping designers collaborate effectively, guide teams, and balance creativity with responsibility. Beyond aesthetics, a designer’s role involves clear communication, understanding market needs, and contributing to brand-building. Designers act as a bridge between creativity and business, converting ideas and requirements into practical design solutions.
The design field demands consistent hard work, sharp problem-solving, and the ability to adapt quickly. With high competition, frequent rejection, and constantly shifting trends, flexibility becomes a key survival skill for every designer.
Takeaways for the Future
Prioritise authenticity, not just aesthetic appeal.
Embrace sustainability and take responsibility for the impact of your designs.
Start learning the business and strategic side of design early.
- Ganjifa design collection
- founder of Pariha
- square peg design collection
Learnings
The design process for this project followed a clear and structured workflow, beginning with research inputs, understanding the brief, and developing design details. This foundation then led to a focused trend study and runway exploration, which helped shape the visual direction of the work. The process concluded with creating the final outfit, translating all insights into a coherent and complete design outcome.
From the Session
From the session, the one that intrigued my interest the most was the Ganjifa art. Ganjifa cards are traditional, hand-painted playing cards once used in royal courts and darbars. Their motifs and shapes were influenced by kings, mythology, and regional storytelling. Historically, Ganjifa existed in places like Rajasthan and Punjab. In Mysore, unique Ganjifa sets were discovered in the Sawantwadi Palace—some crafted even in metal. During British influence, these ornate cards were repurposed and used as decorative coasters.
Parinita spent nearly two years researching and brainstorming around this cultural art form, eventually developing an entire design collection inspired by Ganjifa. She also created another collection titled “Square Peg,” which represents a different creative direction and conceptual approach, showcasing her ability to explore diverse narratives within design.
All over the lecture series was a very good experience as we got to learn from the people working in the industry, learn how it works and got to know about their stories and struggles
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