The Bandi-Panda fashion show was created by a conceptual designer for China Fashion Week in Beijing. Zhao Bandi uses fashion to draw attention to represent Chinese social classes and various social issues. Bandi uses light boxes, photographs and other more traditional forms of expression in other exhibits.
Implications - The fashion industry finds its inspiration in a variety of places -- animals being one of them. The Panda is an increasingly rare animal in the world because of its disappearing habitat. Fashion finds beauty in rarity, so it's only natural that it would pay homage to the animal kingdom. Businesses that align themselves to a cause like animal conservation and even integrate their products with animal-based imagery are sure to appeal to new consumer bases.
Panda Passion is in Fashion
Bandi-Panda at China Fashion Week
Trend Themes
1. Animal-inspired Fashion - The use of animal-inspired fashion presents an opportunity for businesses to align themselves to a cause like animal conservation, and appeal to new consumer bases.
2. Conceptual Fashion Shows - Conceptual fashion shows like the Bandi-Panda show at China Fashion Week can provide opportunities for disruptive innovation in the fashion industry.
3. Incorporating Social Commentary Into Artistic Expression - Zhao Bandi's work in using fashion to draw attention to represent Chinese social classes and various social issues presents an opportunity for other artists to follow suit and use their work as a platform for societal commentary.
Industry Implications
1. Fashion - The fashion industry can capitalize on the trend of using animal-inspired fashion and conceptual fashion shows for disruptive innovation.
2. Animal Conservation - Businesses that align themselves with animal conservation can appeal to new consumer bases, as the use of animal-inspired fashion becomes more popular.
3. Art - The use of fashion as a medium to make societal commentary, as seen in Zhao Bandi's work, presents an opportunity for other artists to use their work as a platform for change.