Amateur designers are being exposed in all areas of the fashion industry. Made popular by TV shows like Project Runway, entrepreneurs and designer-wannabes are gaining the confidence to be discovered.
The Be Discovered: Handbag Design Competition by Marie Claire and Glam.com ended with a winner from Chattanooga, Tennessee. Among 8 finalists, Orean Collier, a self-taught artist and single mother, became the winner with her handbag "Lillian" by getting more than 50.000 Glam.com votes. According to Ms. Collier, Lillian is designed to honor memories of her grandmother. In the days to come, she will be "Accessories Editor for a day" with Marie Claire magazine.
Amateur Bag Designers
Marie Claire & Glam.com Expose Emerging Talent
Trend Themes
1. Rise of Amateur Designers - The increasing popularity of TV shows and access to resources is allowing aspiring designers to confidently showcase their talent and become discovered.
2. Crowdsourced Design Competitions - Online competitions that allow for public voting and engagement are providing a platform for amateurs to showcase their skills and gain recognition.
3. Nostalgic Design - Designs that evoke personal memories or emotions are resonating with consumers and providing unique selling points for products.
Industry Implications
1. Fashion Retail - Retailers can collaborate with emerging designers to offer unique products and tap into the trend of supporting small businesses and relatable designs.
2. Crowdsourcing Platforms - Platforms that offer design competitions and voting features can continue to improve their user experience by offering tailored resources and mentorship for designers.
3. Personalized Accessories - Companies can provide customized accessories that evoke personal memories or bring joy, appealing to consumers' emotional attachment to products.