Answer to Question 1
The fashion cycle follows the typical bell-curve shape (Figure 2.4). All clothing fashion cycles
begin with the introduction stage. This stage represents the launch of a new item and fashion
innovators begin purchasing. Fashion innovators are the first to experiment and purchase new
trends. Innovators are typically young and wealthy. The fashion cycle progresses with the rise
stage, which indicates acceptance of the new item by fashion leaders. Fashion leaders are the
first in their peer groups to accept new trends. The rise continues until the item has reached its
peak or culmination, meaning that the garment will never be more popular and sought out than it
is at this particular point in the fashion cycle. At this stage, the garment has reached mass
acceptance, fashion innovators and fashion leaders are no longer purchasing the garment, and
instead fashion followers are the primary consumers. After an item peaks, decline will begin, and
while some consumers will continue to purchase the garment, its popularity wanes and will
continue to do so until reaching obsolescence. At the obsolescence point, the item is virtually
worthless to any consumer. The length of a fashion cycle is impossible to predict varying widely
from item to item.
Answer to Question 2
d. Trade discount