The first of my classmates that I read was Sacha Kaufer’s blog on Non-Profit Public Relations. I examined her most recent post about research results. She emphasized the importance of research pertaining to that specific field because it is “important to see what the company needs to improve and what areas they need to be focusing on.” She related everything in this post to her current internship at Habitat For Humanity. It made it more helpful because it put the information she was explaining into a very easily understood topic and something that really existed out there in “the real world.” She included a link an article that further showed how Habitat for Humanity used research and the way it was produced in. It was an overall interesting read!
The second of my classmates that I read was Meghan Parmentier's blog on food and nutrition Public Relations. What initially drew me in was that it was a different topic that not many people were studying so I had assumed it would be fairly interesting. I was correct! Meghan's blog got into full detail about the research that is done in the nutrition field of PR--a field of which I hardly knew even existed prior to reading it. Not only did she have a clever title and appropriate graphics, she had a plethora of links all leading to relevant sites. I found the parts really interesting when she discussed how statistics about nutrition are often exaggerated and incorrect. The links she provided furthered her point. Again, a very interesting and informational read!
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Monday, September 20, 2010
Research Results
So by now it is more than apparent that research is needed in every field of PR—no exception when it comes to fashion. It has been shown that the way research is done immensely impacts the fashion itself because if its not done correctly, it might as well not exist. The next part of major importance that we have been learning during our research class is: research results. Every field involved in public relations are bound to be faced with the task of creating a research report, thoroughly describing everything that their research has proven.
In a research report it is very important that the audience and whom the research is being shown to is targeted to that particular audience. If a fashion designer is fronting a new clothing line and is showing it to a series of people in the industry to communicate he or she’s idea’s it is totally acceptable to use “fashion terminology” that perhaps only those involved would know. However, frequently a designer will showcase his or her new line along with the research she or he has done prior to arriving at that point to a general audience. When addressing the market of the clothing is targeted to the best terms to use would be simple ones that the average person would understand, since they likely don’t have a degree in fashion. As simplified and summarized as possible is always key.
As well, it is nearly imperative that not every solid statistic found during the research phase is shown in the report. For example, as Tory Burch created her new line of rain boots, commonly called wellies, the statistics about the sizing, durability, and degree of weather they can take might be important. The statistics providing information on the interior soles, exterior soles, and a complete list of all fabrics used might be a bit much to the average consumer simply looking for a cute and fashionable shield from the rainy season. The appendix at the end of the report is also a good aspect that designers should certainly focus on. It is where they can store sample surveys, frequently-asked-questions, and some quotes from satisfied customers could be found—all of which could have a ideally positive, or negative effect on the buyer when they are purchasing the clothing or accessories. In the end, the recommendations and outcomes are ultimately the most important piece. If the rain boots are getting good reviews from the NYC fashionista’s and perhaps a recommendation to don socks with the boots to avoid blisters this is where it would be found.
All in all, research is all about discovering new information and analyzing it to create new ideas and learn more about existing ones. Those involved with fashion week have created a new idea based off the diverse amount of research they have conducted and are now presenting their results to the public--specifically those who may entertain the idea of a Caribbean vacation and some fashionable beach-wear to go along with it! Fashion in Aruba is apparently thriving, full of new designs and inspirations, so as a result there will be a new fashion event held in Aruba called Aruba In Style. The research has proven that this would be an ideal location, and has explained to the general public what exactly the PR practitioners have planned for this eventful and lifestyle event.
In a research report it is very important that the audience and whom the research is being shown to is targeted to that particular audience. If a fashion designer is fronting a new clothing line and is showing it to a series of people in the industry to communicate he or she’s idea’s it is totally acceptable to use “fashion terminology” that perhaps only those involved would know. However, frequently a designer will showcase his or her new line along with the research she or he has done prior to arriving at that point to a general audience. When addressing the market of the clothing is targeted to the best terms to use would be simple ones that the average person would understand, since they likely don’t have a degree in fashion. As simplified and summarized as possible is always key.
As well, it is nearly imperative that not every solid statistic found during the research phase is shown in the report. For example, as Tory Burch created her new line of rain boots, commonly called wellies, the statistics about the sizing, durability, and degree of weather they can take might be important. The statistics providing information on the interior soles, exterior soles, and a complete list of all fabrics used might be a bit much to the average consumer simply looking for a cute and fashionable shield from the rainy season. The appendix at the end of the report is also a good aspect that designers should certainly focus on. It is where they can store sample surveys, frequently-asked-questions, and some quotes from satisfied customers could be found—all of which could have a ideally positive, or negative effect on the buyer when they are purchasing the clothing or accessories. In the end, the recommendations and outcomes are ultimately the most important piece. If the rain boots are getting good reviews from the NYC fashionista’s and perhaps a recommendation to don socks with the boots to avoid blisters this is where it would be found.
All in all, research is all about discovering new information and analyzing it to create new ideas and learn more about existing ones. Those involved with fashion week have created a new idea based off the diverse amount of research they have conducted and are now presenting their results to the public--specifically those who may entertain the idea of a Caribbean vacation and some fashionable beach-wear to go along with it! Fashion in Aruba is apparently thriving, full of new designs and inspirations, so as a result there will be a new fashion event held in Aruba called Aruba In Style. The research has proven that this would be an ideal location, and has explained to the general public what exactly the PR practitioners have planned for this eventful and lifestyle event.
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Research Ethics
Designers today are put into difficult situations when it comes to creating new pieces of apparel for their public's. No designer wants to have the same styled dress as every other designer at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, (which is coming to an end this Thursday). The 2nd designer to showcase a similar dress as some other designer, even if they are not exactly identical, and they are merely a generic brand because they seemingly have brought nothing new to the table. What turns this into such a strenuous feat is the need for innovation. The clothing that designers are creating each season can’t be boring and need to have a distinctive air to it. A lot of the time there is a very thin line between an item of clothing being unique and a little too far out of the box. Most designers occupy a large portion of their time preparing for fashion week in NYC. It is where the best of the best gather to showcase what they have dedicated so many of their hours to. Besides the skills of the designers at fashion week, those in Public Relations are forced to deal with a great amount of work in preparation for such an event.
Those in the field of Fashion PR need to help the designers do thorough amounts of research. Everything from the past needs to be examined --what worked well and more importantly, what did not work well. A careful eye must study the styles that failed last season and the styles that flourished. Clothing certainly cannot be anything like the styles of the previous years, but at the same time it is important to see what the target market of a particular designer likes. In a way it helps to predict what will work for this season’s line. One of the most important aspects to examine are different decades. Many designers stem new ideas from very old ones, albeit with a few up-to-date changes, mostly coming from the trends of over 30 years ago.
Focus groups and interviews are very important when it comes to fashion. Looking at what the fashionista’s of the world like is just as important as examining what is liked by those who don’t necessarily put a great deal of effort or concern into the fashions that they wear. During these studies, the method’s used to conduct them need to be fair. Focus groups cannot be made up of solely female’s who are all from the same area, who shop at all the same stores and share a common taste for certain styles. A diverse group of people need to be studied so that there is a wider view of what those involved in the fashion world's taste is and what they find to be ideal for their wardrobe. Among the same line of whom is participating in the focus group, it is important that when recruiting people for a study you reach out to all different areas and all different environments. You cannot simply stand outside of one specific store at the mall and ask people to be a part of the focus group. It is important that people heading into all different stores are addressed and asked to be part of the study to ensure their is a wide variety of responses.
At the end of the day, research is necessary in every aspect of Public Relations. In Fashion PR, there is no exception. Numbers need to be looked at to see what sells and what does not sell. A designer’s piece can exhibit an immense amount of talent and skill but if it is not showcased the proper way, which is usually the job of those in the PR field, it is not going to be an infamous look that is adored by the public for its creativity.
Those in the field of Fashion PR need to help the designers do thorough amounts of research. Everything from the past needs to be examined --what worked well and more importantly, what did not work well. A careful eye must study the styles that failed last season and the styles that flourished. Clothing certainly cannot be anything like the styles of the previous years, but at the same time it is important to see what the target market of a particular designer likes. In a way it helps to predict what will work for this season’s line. One of the most important aspects to examine are different decades. Many designers stem new ideas from very old ones, albeit with a few up-to-date changes, mostly coming from the trends of over 30 years ago.
Focus groups and interviews are very important when it comes to fashion. Looking at what the fashionista’s of the world like is just as important as examining what is liked by those who don’t necessarily put a great deal of effort or concern into the fashions that they wear. During these studies, the method’s used to conduct them need to be fair. Focus groups cannot be made up of solely female’s who are all from the same area, who shop at all the same stores and share a common taste for certain styles. A diverse group of people need to be studied so that there is a wider view of what those involved in the fashion world's taste is and what they find to be ideal for their wardrobe. Among the same line of whom is participating in the focus group, it is important that when recruiting people for a study you reach out to all different areas and all different environments. You cannot simply stand outside of one specific store at the mall and ask people to be a part of the focus group. It is important that people heading into all different stores are addressed and asked to be part of the study to ensure their is a wide variety of responses.
At the end of the day, research is necessary in every aspect of Public Relations. In Fashion PR, there is no exception. Numbers need to be looked at to see what sells and what does not sell. A designer’s piece can exhibit an immense amount of talent and skill but if it is not showcased the proper way, which is usually the job of those in the PR field, it is not going to be an infamous look that is adored by the public for its creativity.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Focus Of Blog: Fashion PR
For a while now, I have had a major interest in fashion. During my past few years at Quinnipiac, I have learned alot about the world of Public Relations through my classes. Pleased was I to find out that the two worlds have combined and have created a rather promising field in today's society and world of PR in general. The focus of my blog will be Fashion Public Relations.
Fashion PR has a variety of aspects under the broad category. It can be anything from the actual clothes themselves and they way they are viewed (fashion shows, magazines, in stores, etc.), the extensive work the designers put into their clothes creations, or a topic I personally find extremely interesting--celebrity branding with the clothes. Countless magazines and catalogs have famous faces in certain fashion items to display items that designers would like to showcase and get the attention of media and the public. Whether it be the new shoes from Tory Burch, or the latest dresses put out by Prada, it helps many brands when a public figure or celebrity is pictured wearing the item.
New reality shows that follow the lives of those who work in the PR field tend to emeblish and deviate from what PR really is. Kelly Cutrone, of whom Bravo's Kell On Earth is about, is a leading figure in the field of Fashion PR--both onscreen and off screen. Even though her show may focus a bit more on the frills of PR and the lives of those on the show, off screen she really is a sucessful and driven worker in the field.
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