The Best of BoF 2014 | Global Currents

LONDON, United Kingdom — This year, BoF explored far beyond the four main fashion capitals to unearth stories from Jordan to the UAE, Poland to Russia, and Kenya to Australia.

Today, we bring you our top stories on industry-wide movements and trends in 2014 from around the world.

Global Gatekeepers
The gilded key to the world's most dynamic emerging economies is a combination of on-the-ground intelligence and loyal contacts. Six in-demand emissaries in global fashion sat down with BoF to share a few home truths about the markets on their doorstep.

Profit and Loss on the 'Champs-Élysées' of a Syrian Refugee Camp
Inside Za'atari, a Syrian refugee camp in Jordan, a nimble micro-economy worth about $12.7 million per month, which hosts a growing number of shops selling fashion and accessories. BoF reports.

Taking China's Temperature
When it depends on one nation more than ever before, how concerned should the global fashion industry be about a less-than-feverish Chinese market?

Can Post-Crisis Dubai Become the World's Largest Consumer Fashion Hub?
After London, Dubai is the second most popular place in the world to shop for fashion and luxury goods. Can it become number one? Six years after the devastation of a global recession, BoF sits down with Mohamed Alabbar, architect of the emirate's retailing success, to understand his vision for the future.

East of Eden: How Russia's Isolationism is Impacting Fashion
As Vladimir Putin's policies push Russia further away from the global community, new laws limiting foreign ownership of Russian media will force publications in the country to restructure. Should the fashion press be worried? In the first of a two-part series, BoF examines the country's changing fashion media landscape.

Mexico Enters the Limelight
As Brazil's fashion market gets ever more crowded, Latin America's smaller giant to the north begins to finally shine.

Riding Poland's Next Wave
Now a prosperous nation with an eye for quality and dressing bang on trend, Poles are craving more individuality and opulence in their wardrobes.

Kenya, Africa's Next Frontier
As Nigeria and Angola dazzle the luxury sector, Kenya seems focused on building a fashion market for everyone.

Fashion's Missed Muslim Market Opportunity
Socio-economic and political developments, aided by the connectivity of the Internet, have galvanised a newly emergent Muslim consumer demographic, creating significant, if complex, opportunities for international fashion brands.

Black Milk, 'Sharkies' and the Rise of a Fashion Fandom
Black Milk's rabid fan base is the driving force behind the fast-growing Australian clothing brand, influencing everything from product design to marketing. BoF examines one of fashion's most obsessive fandoms.

For more articles on industry-wide movements and trends, check out our Global Currents channel.