So how did IBM eschew business machines to become a player in the world of fashion trend forecasting?

FORBES: Fashion's Biggest Trend in 2013-2015 (as Predicted by IBM)? Steampunk

"Consumers are looking back to periods of fashion that remind them of opportunity, " agrees Michael Fisher, menswear editor at Stylesight, a trend forecasting firm.

FORBES: Magazine Article

"Worried consumers are not likely to buy something challenging or too far out, too new, " says David Wolfe, creative director at the Doneger Group, a trend forecasting firm.

FORBES: Magazine Article

In 1997, along with my brother, we revolutionised the trends information business with the launch of Worth Global Style Network (WGSN), which went on to become "the fashion industry bible" (The Wall Street Journal), providing trend forecasting, market research and data for retailers, manufacturers and designers.

FORBES: CEO, Stylus.com

Forecasting the timing of such trend changes is always a challenging (and frustrating) exercise.

FORBES: A Cautionary Fable

However, the Bank thinks this will prove a temporary setback and is forecasting a revival in consumption, although it will grow below trend.

ECONOMIST: The Bank dampens hopes of interest-rate cuts

The Bank is forecasting a rapid economic expansion of nearly 3.5% this year, well above the trend growth rate of 2.5%.

ECONOMIST: Labour market