The fashion cycle consists of four stages: Beta, The Acceptance Stage, The Stages and the Finish. In each stage there are two types of fashion: The Beta stage is characterized by low fashion demand; it is characterized by restrained fashion movements and minimal aesthetic quality. The Acceptance stage is characterized by strong fashion demand; it is characterized by a marked evolution of fashion style and associated fashion products. Finally, The Stages, which is the most important stage, represents a phase when a fashion house tries to test the new trends on the broadest basis possible, in order to determine if the trend is worthy of adoption or not.
During the Beta stage, fashion demands can be seen on the streets, in malls, etc., but they remain unutilized for some years. American menswear designers started taking inspiration from European styles during the Acceptance stage, such as the English country cottons and the French plaids. During the Stages, the trends become more defined, and a number of iconic fashion pieces were introduced. The most famous examples are the American plaids with their striped colors and the European cardigans, both of which became highly popular in the USA. With the popularity of these clothes, many American menswear designers decided to imitate the looks of European fashion and create their own versions.
The Stages represent the traditional fashion cycle of European fashion, influenced by American fashion trends. But after the acceptance stage, fashion movements become much more individual, driven by individual fashion stylists who define their own trends and styles. As the Beta stage fades away, European fashion becomes more influenced by the North American styles, such as the Gothic style, which was influenced by the styles of Jean Paul Gaultier. Today, fashion designers continue to influence the trends and styles of menswear designers all around the world.