Global Warming Affects Fashion?!

Al Gore left out one important disastrous consequence of global warming in his stunning docu-drama, An Inconvenient Truth. He forgot to warn us that global warming would greatly impact (are you ready for this?)...fashion. Alas, here we are in October 2007, with announcements from the fashion and retail industries, that due to "unpredictable" weather patterns, it is virtually impossible to follow the traditional spring/summer and fall/winter collection releases.

Apparently, global warming is affecting retail sales, fashion releases, oh and, of course, the ENVIRONMENT. Putting all kidding aside though, recent wacky weather patterns are having a negative impact on retail sales. Retailers are consistently reporting lower than expected sales due to unseasonably warm weather in fall months and cooler weather during typically warmer months. So, what's a fashionista to do?

Beppe Modenese, founder of Milan Fashion Week (and fashion insider) told The New York Times, "The whole fashion industry will have to change." He also commented that designers, "must adapt to the reality that there is no strong difference between summer and winter any more."

Liz Claiborne, Target and Kohl's are already proactively making this change by hiring climatologists. While it might seem like the local weather man throws a dart at a climate board and then makes his weekly forecast, you can't blame retailers for trying. When sales start dropping, retailers need to explore a variety of solutions, even if it involves hiring an on-site weather person.

In addition, Target also announced that it will offer swimwear year-round, which will only make vacation shopping a lot easier. Look, positive changes are coming from global warming. Who would have thought?!

The general consensus seems to be that designers need to provide all-weather clothing year-round. So, instead of selling bulky items for supposed "winter" months, designers will include layering pieces, so that consumers can purchase layers as they need too. Global warming is bringing our world many changes, and fashion/retail is no exception. Retailers and designers are stepping up to the plate and adjusting decades-long industry standards to better meet their customers needs. How fantastic is that?!

In the meantime, I'm eagerly awaiting Al Gore's next documentary, Inconveniencing Fashion--The Global Warming Phenomena. :)

Noticed any recent retail/fashion changes due to global warming? Let us know!

--Heather Strang

Comments

[Lisa]

"Look, positive changes are coming from global warming. Who would have thought?!"

OK, I know youre trying to be funny, but its so not. That is a very serious issue.. and Im not even an enviro-freak.. That is a very foolish comment, and i felt insulted by it..
I know youprobably wont post this.. but I just needed to tell you this..

Still, I love this blog.