Slow Fashion is not a Trend: Its a Movement

The Slow movements began to emerge in the late 1980s and originated with Slow Food, a movement born in central Italy with the purpose of preserving the cultural and artisan attributes of food and wine in the local provinces. According to Slow Fashion Forward @SlowFashionFWD, the term ‘Slow Fashion’ was coined by Kate Fletcher in 2007 (Centre for Sustainable Fashion, UK) and shares many characteristics with the Slow Food movement.
Here in 2011, we are approaching a tipping point, where on the one hand, Eco Fashion is evolving to embrace best practices in sustainabiilty, zero waste, reliable sourcing for eco-organic materials, and revitalizing local factories to produce garments and accessories closer to market. On the other end of the spectrum, watch as the big Fast Fashion brands, with large volume, begin to innovate in their supply chains, and utilize materials which can be efficiently reclaimed, and recycled versus the current cheap "throw-away" reality. As the manufacturers of "Fast Fashion" evolve to embrace sustainability, Slow Fashion will establish itself as the couture end of the Eco Fashion market, where artisan craftsmanship is a core value to preserve, and the garment offers high investment appeal. Production is limited, there is a respect for time, and scarcity. For many, Slow Fashion is becoming the "leading edge" for building a sustainable future for the fashion industry.

Stay tuned for more on the trending events on the Eco Fashion and Slow Fashion Movement

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A Few Social Business Trends: 2011

Having had the opportunity to stay at home for the holidays, I conducted research from a wide archive of resources, client projects, and readings from influential minds.

The developing trends to watch for in 2011.

1. E-Books are a big success. Enhanced E-Books are Coming and will be Better The e-book has proven to be convenient, and accessible. Watch as interactivity compliments text, with deeper immersion into content with self-help tips, and videos. Publishers will become important again.
2.Social Strategy will become an Executive Priority. Watch as 21st Century leaders make customer and employee engagement the centerpiece of their digital planning.
3. Social Currency will become Bankable.
Social Currency is represented in the exchange of words, ideas, writings, and the quality of time invested online to share, comment, and influence with good intention.
The combination is what creates real value. Watch Social Currency become a primary form of incentive with rewards, likely to grow by both Brands, and Individuals.
4. Value Propositions are out! Value Conversations are in! 21st Century Organizations can no longer manage by monologues top down. They must manage through dialogue that is outside in -bottom up. Invest in those companies that have this Leadership. *Credit to Umair Haque @umairh
5. Social Giving is essential to Social Commerce
Retailing is going social, and non-profits and charitable organizations will become direct beneficiaries as brands seek to connect with customers through social responsibility, beneficial causes, and acts of kindness.

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