Forecasting trends may seem like a job made from smoke and mirrors, but many companies rely on forecasters inhouse, consultants or trend agencies to assist them with forward vision. This can be up to 12 month to 2 years in advance of the final product customers see in store.

Forecasters will be watching street and catwalk styles, trade events, looking at cultural events and influences and how they can impact society, fashion history and previous trends. They will also be looking at other creative industries like art and music to see how this could influence future trends. New technology in fashion will also be of interest. Forecasters are constantly researching, making mood boards and trend reports for their work. Also, Forecasters can specialise in particular fields - like colour, interiors, fashion or lingerie for example.

Trend and colour forecasting is also a position that exists outside of fashion. For example a car company will work on what colours their new range should be or what fabrics they should be using on the seats. This is all based on the research of their target customer and what the trend can colour forecaster will think will appeal to them.

Working in house, a Forecaster will be delivering seasonally
the concepts, trends and key shapes for the brand. It is their responsibility to bring together the key colours, prints and shapes for the season that are specific to the unique brand profile . They present these to individual design teams who then create their collections keeping the Forecasters information in mind.

There are also Trend and Forecast agencies which produce trend books or online resources for multiple brands to access their reports for a fee. These agencies employ Forcasters to keep their resources up to date.

There are no formal qualifications to prepare for a role in forecasting, but a strong interest in the creative industries, particularly fashion would be a good start. Good research skills and report writing is also necessary, alongside strong communication as work will usually involve working with many teams.