4.1 Name the fashion that imitates/resembles a style from a previous era - NSC Consumer Studies - Question 4 - 2023 - Paper 1

The three stages in the fashion cycle are:

1. Beginning/launch/introduction: This is when new designs are first introduced to the market.
2. Rise: During this stage, the demand for the new fashion increases as it gains popularity.
3. Peak: This is the stage where the fashion reaches its maximum popularity and is widely adopted by consumers.

Counterfeit products refer to replicas or illegal copies of original products created to deceive consumers into believing they are purchasing authentic items.

The statement can be validated as follows:

• Eco-friendly fabrics are grown and produced in an environmentally friendly way, ensuring a minimal carbon footprint.
• These fabrics require less water and energy during production, making them sustainable.
• They are manufactured from crops that do not involve harmful pesticides or chemicals and are often grown organically.
• Additionally, eco-friendly fabrics may include recycled materials, helping reduce landfill waste, as they utilize resources that would otherwise be discarded.

When selecting shirts or blouses for a job at an accounting firm, consider the following guidelines:

1. Choose basic/neutral colors: Neutral colors are professional and versatile.
2. Choose shirts that are easy to mix and match with pants/skirts: This enhances your wardrobe options.
3. Choose styles that complement your body type: Opt for styles that flatter your figure.
4. Avoid buying items that do not go with many items in your wardrobe: Focus on versatility to maximize wearability.
5. Select shirts/blouses that are professional but not overly formal: Aim for a balance between professional and comfortable attire.

Since the 1990s, technological advancements have significantly impacted the production of artificial leather. Key changes include:

• Improvement in Manufacturing Processes: New methods have made it possible to produce artificial leather more efficiently and at a lower cost, reducing retail prices.
• Enhanced Comfort Features: Modern technology has enabled the incorporation of stretch materials in artificial leather, allowing for better fit and comfort, thus leading to designs like skinny pants that adapt to body shape.
• Sustainability Innovations: With growing environmental awareness, manufacturers have developed eco-friendly production methods, which require fewer resources and less energy, while also being less harmful to the environment.
• Temperature Regulation: Innovations in fabric technology help artificial leather to regulate body temperature better, addressing issues of discomfort that were common in earlier products. Overall, these technological advances have led to more affordable, comfortable, and environmentally responsible choices in fashion.