A charm for feeling a spark.
Internal communications that might not reach
- This week. I finished talking to 27 people.
A department of 28 people including myself. First, I listened. As someone who feels like Urashima Taro, I can't understand unless I listen. I've learned from experience that in times like these, it's best not to be swayed by rumors or hearsay. That said, I didn't actually feel a spark when looking at our recent socks. I was blaming the people who planned them. One hour with each person. Without using computers or smartphones. I just listened intently.
- A certain emotion.
After finishing the interviews with the MDs, the administrative staff, several designers, and about half of the members. I began to understand that each of them had genuine passion, but they were unable to move as they wanted due to various constraints. I don't know if I should say this, but as I listened to the passionate stories of members who were born around the time I joined the company,
I found myself thinking,
"You must have been anxious, you've endured so much."
During the ten years I was away,
┗ The department head changed three times (I am the third)
┗ The pandemic
┗ The death of the founder
Global situations and various disasters were added to that. Even with such an uncertain future, Tabio is doing well. That is because these young people were here, protecting the production sites that were the most difficult even during the hard times.
On the front lines, they stood by the anxieties and complaints of the people at the sock factories. Encouraging and being encouraged. They managed to overcome it all to get to where we are today. It might sound like I'm speaking from above, but,
You really did your best.
I feel nothing but gratitude, once again. And, it must have been painful. It's okay now. I want to say that from the bottom of my heart. (It's not about hierarchy, it's more like a parent's love.)
It's okay. I was able to think that because after finishing talking to everyone, I realized that we can definitely do this with these members.
So, it's okay.
However, the challenges are significant.
We have forgotten how to feel a spark with socks.
They are by no means just tools for evaluation.
I was able to understand that that is what it is.
I've been mulling over our strategy this weekend. How can I put it into words? How should I convey it...? Then, while I was still half-asleep this morning, it became clear. I think this will change our sock planning.
How to plan
Tabio has a philosophy of being "customer-centric." Somehow, that has shifted toward being "sales-centric" or "evaluation-centric." I want to break those shackles. I will put it into words so that everyone on the planning team can easily understand.
Let's re-recognize the differences between mode, fashion, and trends.
I noticed that these were all jumbled together, especially when talking with the designers.
1. What is Mode?
It means "fashion" or "style" in French, and often refers to styles that emphasize luxury and design. "Mode" can include more sophisticated expressions, unique styles, and experimental design, often reflecting high fashion or cutting-edge trends. Paris Fashion Week and collections by famous designers are typical examples.
2. What is Fashion?
Fashion is generally a collective term for the styles and trends of clothing that people choose in their daily lives. It is a broad concept that includes not only clothing and accessories but also lifestyle and culture. Compared to mode, "fashion" is more diverse and centers on styles that are easier to incorporate into daily life. While it reflects trends, it is often viewed as a choice tailored to one's own personality and preferences.
3. What is a Trend?
A trend refers to styles, items, or themes supported by many people at a specific time. Because they are "things that gain popularity temporarily," they often change over short periods. Trends influence fashion and mode, and conversely, fashion and mode can create trends. For example, when a specific color or item becomes popular in a certain season, it can influence fashion as a whole.
Mode is"Haute Couture"
A luxury orientation that pursues design and artistry
Fashion is"Prêt-à-porter"
An expression of a wide range of styles and lifestyles
Trends are"Apparel"
Styles or themes that have gathered temporary popularity or support
When interpreted this way, the differences between each become clear. If we apply this planning mindset to sock design...
New Proposal (Mode) Planning
Something never seen before (or not seen for a while). A proposal for a new way to wear them.
┗ The designer's inner voice and inspiration
New Product (Fashion) Planning
The atmosphere of the era. Styling proposals that incorporate lifestyle and culture.
┗ Things caught by the designer's antenna
Demand (Trend) Planning
A project that gives shape to user (market) feedback. A proposal for socks that solves something updated based on staff and review feedback.
┗Endless research after research
I would like to incorporate this into our future planning policy
and propose it in the Tabio style.
End of business communication!
I hope this serves as a useful reference.
Thank you for reading
this far.
Yuuna