Fashion forward: need assessment for a fashion innovation center in the Minneapolis-Saint Paul region

Abstract

This need assessment aims to inform local stakeholders about the interest level in developing a fashion innovation center in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area. Throughout the history of the Twin Cities, production of outerwear and underwear had been very successful prior to the industry decline of the 1980's - 2000. This research looks at fashion incubator and innovation examples, the local business climate through demographics, influential consumer trends, as well as slow and sustainable fashion trends. Three previous iterations of innovation centers have failed. What is different now? Current trends in Millennial and Generation Z consumer behaviors are encouraging to small batch artisanal designers. Other local designers strive to use more sustainable production practices. This qualitative study used pragmatic semi-structured interviews to get feedback from 20 key industry informants. The interviews were analyzed using thematic interpretation. Study results bring to light factors affecting regional design entrepreneurs that may help shape future development of design-based resources for the region.