As fashion is constantly evolving, always at the forefront of new trends and ideas, what better way to predict what’s next in style than to look to the runways? From the cutting-edge designs of New York Fashion Week to the bold, avant-garde looks of London Fashion Week, it’s undeniable that what we see in the runways often sets the pattern for what’s to come. In this article, we’ll explore how experts analyze the runways to predict what fashion’s future holds.
1. Charting the Course of Fashion’s Future
Fashion moves fast; one season’s groundbreaking silhouettes can look tired by the time the next season comes around. As the speed of change increases, it’s hard for designers to keep up complex trends. So, what will fashion’s future look like?
The answer lies in part with technology. Wearable technology is slowly but surely becoming integrated into ready-to-wear pieces. Smart materials like fabrics that respond to touch, or flexible LED displays are already being used by some designers. With consumer acceptance becoming more widespread, designers are viewing technology as another tool that can be used to create innovative garments.
Nanotechnology, which allows materials to be coated with substances on the molecular level, is also transforming the way fashion is created. Fabrics can be treated to repel odors and dirt while still being lightweight and permeable to air. In the future, clothes could even be coated with substances that would detect hazardous chemicals and other environmental factors.
Designers are also exploring the possibilities of creating 3D-printed clothing. Spurred on by successful runway experiments, homegrown fabrications via 3D-printing is increasingly popular, although the technology is yet to make a real impact. In addition to the advantages of creating wearable items quickly and at a lower cost, 3D-printing could offer personalization, with pieces tailored specifically to individual body shapes.
Finally, sustainability will become even more important in fashion. Replacing fast fashion and disposable garments with items that are both stylish and low-impact is a goal. The trend for reducing waste is growing, with numerous sustainable initiatives emerging. Repurposing and recycling materials, sourcing fabrics ethically, and exploring new methods of production are some of the strategies being used. As fashion evolves, these will become more commonplace.
2. Exploring Runway Shows as a Source for Trend Forecasting
Runway shows are the premier source for understanding the fashion industry’s performance, forecasting future trends and setting the direction for the season.
Identifying Key Trends
- Watch for trending looks including: prints and patterns, fabrications, colors, styling, and overall modern silhouettes.
- Identify larger trends based on ideas that span multiple shows.
- Analyze the garment construction and focus on details such as trims, textures, and fabric mixes.
Building Influencer Connections
Every season, designers and fashion houses invite their friends, celebrities, and influencers. Establishing relationships and networking with these influential persons is an essential part of providing trend forecasting services and developing style guides.
Visual Tracking
Maximizing the use of photos and videos is part of the show experience. Creating a portfolio of images to supplement the trend documentation and style guides with visuals from the shows reinforces the concept of a trend.
Consumer Profiling
What better way is there to forecast trends than to look at the customers wearing them? Street style, seen outside of the runways, provides invaluable insight to consumer habits. Seeing how ready-to-wear pieces are bought and styled gives another perspective to interpreting trends. Incorporating consumer feedback is another layer of data useful in trend forecasting.
3. Decoding Designers’ Sartorial Signals
Fashion is a form of self-expression; like body language, how we choose to dress says a lot about us. Consumers can, however, improve their ability to interpret a designer’s sartorial signal. For starters, these cues send the message that the wearer values quality and elegance. Not only is the wearer proud to adorn themselves with such cultivated pieces, but they may have splurged on a particular item or waited until it was discounted so that they could show off their designer savvy.
Colour Palette: Many fashion designers use bright colours to convey emotion, while others opt for muted tones and subdued combinations. Any combination of colours, however, stands out from the mundane to impart a unique message, be it bold or subtle. Colours often reflect a designer’s mood or experience, which communicates with viewers in an unspoken manner.
Style: Designers communicate style by weaving stories into their creations. A polka-dotted dress might denote playfulness and whimsy, while a chiffon blouse with ruffled sleeves could symbolize decadence. Before making a purchase, ask yourself how the item makes you feel or what it inspires you to do–these cues are part of the item’s narrative.
Fabric: Light, airy, and woven textiles such as cotton and linen often appear feminine and classic, while sturdier materials like leather and wool may denote extreme sophistication and edginess. Some designers also like to use fabrics for texture, such as quilting or embroidery, which adds visual interest as well as quality.
Accessories: As the cherry on top, accessories communicate the message that the wearer values attention to detail. Shoes, jewellery, scarves, hats, and other adornments offer a window into the person’s personality and taste. It is important to consider the occasion when selecting an accessory, as items such as berets or fedoras work better for dressed-down occasions, whereas headpieces or fascinators add a certain elegance to black tie events.
4. Assessing the Impact of Tomorrow’s Trends
As the world is constantly evolving, staying on top of today’s trends is essential to success. However, in order to stay ahead of the competition, we must also be mindful of what tomorrow has in store. To that end, is key.
To evaluate and prepare for changing trends, it’s important to identify potential opportunities and threats. Start by asking yourself questions like “What new trends are emerging in the market?” or “How will they affect my organization?” Next, consider the following:
- Conduct Market Research: Gather intelligence from reliable sources and use data to discover what’s in store for tomorrow.
- Engage With Industry Professionals: Network with people in the same field as you. Learn from their experiences and insights.
- Scrutinize Current Trends: Analyze current market changes and determine how they may affect future trends.
It’s also important to weigh the importance of trends. For instance, if a trend is affecting several markets, you’ll need to pay closer attention and consider the potential risks it may pose for your business. Additionally, recognizing whether customer or organizational needs are met by a trend should also be taken into consideration before deciding to commit.
Finally, remain agile and adapt quickly. Trends can come and go faster than you think, so it’s important to be proactive with any changes. Being able to identify and act on future trends can give your business an edge over the competition and ensure future success.
Fashion’s future: it’s ever-changing and always exciting. From the latest runway trends to the innovative designs being conceived, the art of fashion is as much about anticipating the future as it is about appreciating the past. And although season changes and technology often sends fashion in new, sometimes unexpected directions, one thing we know for certain is that fashion will always be an important part of our lives.
