Detailed Summary of "Let's Get Dressed" Podcast Episode:

Title: How @databutmakeitfashion Went From Coding At Harvard To Creating The Go-To Fashion Trend Forecasting Account
Host: Liv Perez
Guest: Mare la Puerta (@databutmakeitfashion)
Release Date: January 6, 2025

1. Introduction

In this episode of "Let's Get Dressed," host Liv Perez welcomes fashion data scientist Mare la Puerta, the mind behind the popular Instagram account @DataButMakeItFashion. With nearly half a million followers, Mare uses her expertise in coding and data analysis to forecast fashion trends, bridging the gap between technology and style.

2. Mare's Journey from Tech to Fashion

Mare la Puerta discusses her unique pathway merging computer science with fashion.

• Coding Background:
  Mare began coding at 13 and pursued a Computer Science major in college. Despite her technical skills, she found the traditional tech industry, centered in Silicon Valley, didn't resonate with her passion for fashion.

  Mare (02:16): "I really struggled because it kind of seemed like the only opportunities in tech were, like, Silicon Valley tech, bro, working at a tech company."

• Inspiration to Blend Tech and Fashion:
  An internship at Google in 2019 was pivotal, where Mare received mentorship that encouraged her to explore the intersection of technology and fashion. This experience led to the creation of her Instagram account as a platform to experiment and share her insights.

  Mare (02:34): "I was throwing stuff at the wall and seeing what stuck, because it was pretty random and I was just trying a bunch of new things."

• Growth Through Consistency:
  Mare's commitment to daily posting in 2023 significantly boosted her account’s growth, illustrating the power of consistency in content creation.

  Mare (04:14): "I learned a lot by just posting a lot and being more consistent."

3. Utilizing Data in Fashion Trend Forecasting

Mare explains her data-driven approach to identifying and analyzing fashion trends.

• Data Collection Methods:
  Mare utilizes various public data sources such as Instagram posts, comments, likes, tweets, news articles, and fashion reviews to build comprehensive datasets for trend analysis.

  Mare (09:28): "Anything from pictures on Instagram, to comments on Instagram, to likes on Instagram, to tweets, to news articles, to reviews on vogue.com."

• Sentiment Analysis Challenges:
  She employs sentiment analysis to gauge public perception but acknowledges the complexities of interpreting nuanced language and slang in social media discourse.

  Mare (11:31): "It's very hard. ... you have to tweak it a little bit."

• Human Intervention in Data Analysis:
  Mare emphasizes the necessity of human insight in refining data interpretations, ensuring that trends are accurately captured despite linguistic variations.

  Mare (11:56): "Humans are always kind of needed to intervene, and that is a good example of that."

4. Understanding the Nature of Fashion Trends

The conversation delves into what differentiates lasting trends from fleeting ones.

• Staple vs. Micro Trends:
  Mare distinguishes between stable trends, which are versatile and can be personalized (e.g., button-down shirts, pointed-toe shoes), and micro trends, which are highly specific and short-lived (e.g., mob wife trend).

  Mare (19:53): "Trends that are much more accessible and play off of staples stay around for longer."

• Factors Influencing Trend Longevity:
  Trends that allow for personal customization and don't necessitate significant wardrobe changes tend to endure. Conversely, trends requiring specific purchases often fade quickly.

  Mare (20:16): "It's more about how accessible the trend is and how it can be adapted to personal style."

5. Nostalgia and the Revival of Past Trends

Mare and Liv discuss the cyclical nature of fashion and the resurgence of earlier styles.

• Embracing Old Trends with a Modern Twist:
  There's a tendency to revisit and reinvent past trends, balancing nostalgia with contemporary fashion needs. For instance, skinny jeans remain popular despite mixed opinions, as they can be styled in various ways.

  Mare (17:07): "People wear them tucked into boots. People probably have a pair that they've had for a long time."

• Consumer Attachment to Classics:
  Iconic items like the Burberry scarf or Louis Vuitton Neverfull bag often cycle back into popularity, underscoring their timeless appeal.

  Mare (22:36): "Once people have kind of forgotten enough about it, it's like, oh my God. Yeah, of course. Like, I had one of those when I was younger."

6. Top Fashion Trends for 2025

Mare forecasts the leading trends for the current year based on her data analysis.

• Western Aesthetic:
  Rooted in cultural influences from major artists and fashion shows, the western look continues to dominate with elements like denim and cowboy boots.

  Mare (26:02): "I don't think the western aesthetic is going anywhere. ... cowboy boots are as well."

• Emerging Shades of Green:
  Green is poised to evolve into a staple earth tone, transitioning from vibrant lime to more muted olive and emerald hues, aligning with a broader trend towards nature-inspired colors.

  Mare (26:45): "Green kind of is an earth tone. ... I think almost like green will be the new earth tone."

• Bag Charms and Personalization Accessories:
  Functional and stylish bag charms are gaining traction as affordable luxury accessories that allow for personal expression without overhauling one's wardrobe.

  Mare (28:26): "Bag charms ... are becoming utilitarian ... a really good way to just kind of do it. It's easy. It's low risk."

7. The Role of Technology and AI in Fashion

Exploring how advancements in technology are shaping the fashion industry.

• Personalization Through AI:
  Mare highlights how AI enables brands to offer personalized shopping experiences, enhancing customer engagement by tailoring recommendations and campaigns to individual preferences.

  Mare (32:12): "Personalization ... brands ... make it feel like you're just talking to me one on one."

• Democratization of Fashion:
  Technology lowers entry barriers for aspiring designers and brands, allowing more diverse voices and innovations within the industry.

  Mare (33:34): "Tech does a good job of that ... allow more people to enter fashion or access fashion or learn about fashion."

• Human Creativity vs. AI Automation:
  While AI assists in data analysis and personalization, Mare asserts that human creativity remains indispensable in fashion design and trend creation.

  Mare (32:19): "Humans, especially in an industry that's so creative and requires a human touch, will always be there."

8. Concluding Insights

The episode wraps up with Mare la Puerta sharing her optimistic view on the synergy between technology and fashion. She envisions a future where data-driven insights and human creativity coexist, fostering an inclusive and dynamic fashion landscape.

Mare (34:46): "Tech does a good job ... allowing more people to access fashion and learn about it."

Liv Perez expresses her appreciation for Mare's insights, highlighting the enriching conversation that bridges the technical aspects of trend forecasting with the artistic nuances of fashion.

Key Takeaways:

• Intersection of Tech and Fashion: Leveraging data and coding skills can revolutionize how trends are identified and analyzed in the fashion industry.
• Importance of Consistency: Regular content creation is crucial for growth and engagement, both for influencers and brands.
• Stable vs. Micro Trends: Understanding the nature of trends helps in predicting their longevity and impact on personal style.
• Nostalgia in Fashion: Revisiting and reimagining past trends allows for timeless style adaptations.
• Future of Fashion with AI: Technology enhances personalization and democratizes fashion, but human creativity remains paramount.

Notable Quotes:

• Mare (02:16): "I really struggled because it kind of seemed like the only opportunities in tech were, like, Silicon Valley tech, bro, working at a tech company."
• Mare (04:14): "I learned a lot by just posting a lot and being more consistent."
• Mare (11:56): "Humans are always kind of needed to intervene, and that is a good example of that."
• Mare (19:53): "Trends that are much more accessible and play off of staples stay around for longer."
• Mare (26:02): "I don't think the western aesthetic is going anywhere."
• Mare (32:12): "Personalization ... make it feel like you're just talking to me one on one."
• Mare (34:46): "Tech does a good job ... allowing more people to access fashion and learn about it."

This episode offers a comprehensive look into how data science and trend forecasting intersect with the ever-evolving world of fashion, providing listeners with valuable insights into the future of style.