Talking Trends with Plymouth College of Art

posted by Sara Metcalfe
17 November 2015

'Who can tell me what a trend is?' Dan Oliver's opening words to a group of 2nd and 3rd year BA (Hons) Printed Textile Design and Surface Pattern students at Plymouth College of Art. Dan, our Men's Trends Analyst, was invited by the College to talk to the students about trends, what they are, how they start, how consumers respond at different rates to trends (the trend curve), how to research them and how they feed into the shoe design process at Clarks. He also spoke about how Clarks picks up on specific trends and how we respond in a way that is right for our brand and right commercially. Dan also shared some of the Clarks trends for SS16 and how these have fed into the shoes for the season.
Later in the day Dan spent time with the students in small groups and individually to look through their work and talk about how research trends can support both their learning and their work, particularly around the colour trends for coming seasons. 2nd Year student, Lily said; "It has been brilliant to meet Dan and learn about what it's like out there in the real world!"
Paul Singleton, Principal Lecturer Design, Plymouth College of Art, said; "I was happy to welcome Dan back to the Plymouth College of Art, to meet our undergraduate students. It's so important to connect the students with the industrial/commercial world as it helps them as they plan their careers."
It's fair to say that more of the students could more confidently answer 'what is a trend' after Dan's visit. It is a great way of opening the eyes of future designers to our brand and for Clarks to help the designers of the future. Dan said; "This is the second time I have lectured at Plymouth College of Art and once again, thoroughly enjoyed the experience. It was great to spend time with these young, creative minds, help and guide them in the creative process and see their ways of thinking. I spent a short time with a student whose project was to create a customisable shoe. Using knits and felt, it was interesting to see how tomorrows young designers are using innovation and technology today".