Who Starts Trends?

There isn't really a group of people who decide whether or not something is cool. Basically, what happens is that designers and buyers (the people at the stores that buy the merchandise to sell) use their best judgment and throw a lot of different looks out there and see what catches on. Basically, WE decide what's cool by what we decide to buy and wear. What happens a lot lately is that stuff that is worn on the street by young people catches on and makes it way onto the fashion runways. You see, not every fashion idea originates with the fashion crowd (although they aren't likely to admit it) The consumer is in charge.