The big shift I see coming to this niche is a shift in the relationship between designer/manufacturer, retailer and customer.
Much of the current model, within the niche, is a reflection of the mainstream high end fashion business model. Design, Show, Buy, Retail. But this is changing because it doesn't fully respond to the desires of the customer base.
What distinguishes this niche is the taste and dedication combined with the spend level.
Sufficient numbers find the mainstream model is too passive. They want more interaction with the designer/manufacturer. Not a bespoke service. They want the designer's aesthetic. But some level of customisation.
A number of retailers are moving into an agency style role. Mediating between customer and designer. It is currently a cottage industry around "special orders", but the designers/manufacturers who can refine and scale up this process, and the retailers who can develop the distribution model which serves the client wishes will reformat how the niche works.
Much of the current model, within the niche, is a reflection of the mainstream high end fashion business model. Design, Show, Buy, Retail. But this is changing because it doesn't fully respond to the desires of the customer base.
What distinguishes this niche is the taste and dedication combined with the spend level.
Sufficient numbers find the mainstream model is too passive. They want more interaction with the designer/manufacturer. Not a bespoke service. They want the designer's aesthetic. But some level of customisation.
A number of retailers are moving into an agency style role. Mediating between customer and designer. It is currently a cottage industry around "special orders", but the designers/manufacturers who can refine and scale up this process, and the retailers who can develop the distribution model which serves the client wishes will reformat how the niche works.
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