Guest Speaker Knowledge: FM 492 Study Abroad Program

Professor Sheridan will be speaking at tomorrow's meeting about the new summer study abroad program: FM 492 International Product Development in China!

The program is for students who are interested in getting real international industry experience in developing product from a recognized Chinese corporation sponsor. You will also get to visit cities such as Hong Kong, Dongguan and Shanghai! Prerequisites to go on the trip include the completion of FM244 by this spring.

Interviews are being held on November 26^th from 8:30-11:30 in B320. Schedule an appointment beforehand by calling 212-217-4800!

Get more information about how to apply here: http://www.fitnyc.edu/21797.asp

Everyone is moving to China, here's why...

Prices on clothing items are expected to rise 10% in 2011 in China. Yes, 10%!!!! That is a shocking number that the American consumer would never accept, yet however the Chinese are seeing it as a motivation to buy before the price is too high. The rise in prices is due to a rise in the cost of raw materials and manufacturing (cotton for instance is up 90% from last year!).

China is the fastest growing luxury goods market, GO LOUIS GO!!

Why in the world are the consumers of Bejing not minding the price rise too much? Well first off Bejing and the population of China has an increasingly rising upper class, income distribution is increasingly uneven and those who have the money to spend are typically not of the same generational saving mindset that their parents have. 


It is the change of mindset that has attracted more and more retailers to take the risk in moving to the Far East! It is all kinds of retailers that have been setting up shop in China, from the fast fashion giants of Zara and H&M, to the luxury gems of Prada and Louis Vuitton. 

Behind the scenes at Prada Spring 11, I would fly to Bejing for that presentation!

It seems as though Asian inspiration has translated into every part of the fashion industry, Prada last week did another presentation of her applauded Spring 2011 collection in Bejing to the audience of Chinese celebrities and the wealthy socialites of the East. Marc Jacobs designed the Spring 2011 collection for Louis Vuitton around an Asian inspiration full of traditional patterns and silhouettes. And it is Vera Wang who for her Spring 2011 campaign has selected Chinese model Shu Pei Qin to star in the advertisements.  Givenchy Haute Couture also did a casting of ALL Asian models for their Spring 2011 Couture presentation, a beautiful collection if you ask me! 

Shu is GORGEOUS in this ad! Why don't we use more Asian models?

There is so much more to know about China and Asia in general, expect continuous updates as the region develops, and the fashion world continues to explore the possibilities.


WWD-Climbing Prices in China Not Slowing Down Spending

Style.com-Shu, In

Style.com-Miuccia Prada Remounts Her Spring Runway In Beijing