IELTS Speaking Practice
Part 3 Discussion Questions
FashionDo you think the Internet influences the fashion industry today? Why?
Absolutely, fashion is geared towards the younger generation, and they spend hours every day on the internet and social media sites so there’s a lot of influence.
All the big fashion brands are on social media and promote their products online because they know that’s where their target audience is.
Also, fashion brands can get instant feedback from people online through comments and shares, so they can see how popular their own brand and products are, as well as those of their competitors.
They can also see trends that start among the population and take advantage of them by tailoring their own offerings to be in line with what people prefer, basically brands can see what’s hot and what’s not – even if they are not driving the trend themselves.
What are the benefits of the fashion industry to a country?
There are probably a couple of direct benefits, such as jobs within the country in manufacturing and sales and distribution. There’s also the benefit of exportation sales to other countries if the fashion products are popular and in demand globally.
Then there are indirect benefits, such as raising the profile of the country in terms of its creativity and competitive advantage which in turn can lead to further direct foreign investment by other countries or companies. It can also add appeal to tourism in a country if it becomes better known through its fashion industry.
Who do you think purchases designer clothes usually?
I guess it would be people who like to have something different and unique to wear. The most common example would be celebrities like movie stars and other famous personalities who appear in public and have a large followings of fans.
But then you need to consider that in many cases when you see a famous movie star, for example, on the red carpet at an awards ceremony – the dress they are wearing often hasn’t been bought – the designer gives it to the celebrity in order to promote their own brand.
As for buying designer clothes, it’s probably popular with people who have enough disposable income to splurge on such things and want to look different from other people who buy off-the-peg clothes from chain stores.
It’s another way of differentiating yourself from others – and some people like doing that.