Transparent skirts, digital fitting rooms and Whatsapp becoming the newest
social medium for sharing fashion advice: FashionUnited lists the top ten
fashion and retail trends for 2016.
Raf Simons departure from Dior in October sparked a ferocious debate within
the industry surrounding the increasing fast pace the fashion world has
taken on. “Designers – by their nature sensitive, emotional and artistic
people – are being asked to take on so much. Too much,” wrote Suzy Menkes,
Vogue’s International fashion editor, following Simons resignation.
Similarly, Alber Elbaz, who ruled over the creative helm for fourteen years
at Lanvin, vocalised his feelings concerning the increasing pressure under
which designers must operate, days before his departure from the fashion
house in late October. Therefore, the new year will be marked by a
significant change in the fashion industry. More designers will advocate
slow fashion, which will see fashion houses around the world looking for
new ways to appease both designers and discerning consumers next year.
Simultaneously, this will affect the once alluring pull that fashion house
had over young designers, which in turn will make it hard for these
companies to elect the right candidates for their vacant positions.
The one person in the family that most women would rather not be associated
with when it comes to fashion is their grandmother. However, in 2016, all
the nerdy glasses and over the knee skirts will be pulled out of the
closets once more as granny chic is set to become the year’s new
black. The main perpetrator behind this trend is none other than Gucci’s
creative director Alessandro Michele, who won many a hearts over with his
debut collection for the fashion house. If it where up to the Italian
designer, next year’s street style will be dominated by pussy-bow blouses,
colourful berets, and matching trouser suits that emphasis the waist.
Photo: Gucci
Ongoing developments in technology means that more and more tasks which
were once accomplished by human hands are now being outsourced to robots.
Even driving a car has become a redundant task for humans today with the
emergence of driverless cars. Within the fashion industry this development
has led to the steady rise of 3D printing. Until now, the concept of 3D
printed dresses was something associated with (and limited to) the catwalk,
but more and more designers experimenting with 3D production with the
commercial arena in mind. 3D printed dresses, shoes and jewellery are
increasingly finding their way into the wardrobes of the consumer and will
continue to do so next year.
White will be the predominant colour in everyone’s wardrobes next year.
From subtle, draped dresses, to sharply tailored
suits, everything goes as long as its some shade of white. “White will
become representative of unification and unity in society, although not
necessarily religious as god will not be present and people will have self
reason to come together and pray,” predicts trend forecast Lidewij
Edelkoort. After a year which saw war and terrorism being two of the most
debate subjects, next year the fashion industry will strike back at the
tide of darkness with a colour which symbolism peace and harmony.
Photo: Boss, Chloe and Diesel Black Gold
Time is of the essence, and that is why more ad more consumers are
demanding a shopping experience which focuses on convenience. One way
brick-and-mortar fashion retailers can guarantee this is by introducing
“digital fitting rooms” into their stores, in which customers are not only
offered extra information on the garments of their choice but are also able
to ask for assist with a single click. Although the number of retailers
with such technology in store can be counted on one hand, innovations in
technology and the desire for efficiency from retailers will certainly lead
to an increase in the number of digital fitting rooms.
The time when a mobile phone was merely used for calling and sending SMS
now seems to be light years behind us. Retailers have begun to play an
increasing part in rise of the smart phone and have adapted to this trend
by launching mobile stores, apps and tapping into social media channels
such as Instagram and Snap Chat. Next year will see many fashion retailers
take things further by offering customers exclusive and personal style
advice through the preferred form of communication via mobile: Whatsapp.
Dutch e-tailer Wehkamp currently offers this service, and as of next year
so will German fashion online giant Zalando through its curated shopping
service.
In 2015 half of the fashion world fell madly in love with the culotte. The
other half remain hesitate to embrace the trend of the wide pants as the
garment does not follow or emphasis the female lower half but rather
conceals it. The latter part of the group may breath a sigh of relief, as
we have good news: in 2016 legs will be seen again. As with the rise of the
granny chic however, this trend revolves not about showing as much skin as
possible but rather revealing the legs in a more subtle way. Legs will be
safely veiled under a layer of transparent material, which in turn will
ensure that the contrast of the skirt is not harsh with the current,
preferred androgynous look.
Photo: Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci and Miu Miu
The time in which consumer would flip through shiny brochures to find
outfit inspiration seems to be on the wane. Today, many young consumers
prefer to find inspiration in short films and videos, something which is
reflected in the immense popularity of Youtube and Vine. Instead of
shooting a regular campaign advert, more and more retailers are now
releasing stoppable videos. By offering direct links to the products shown
in the video within the video itself, consumers can click and purchase said
items online without ever having to venture outside.
Photo: Céline, Balmain en Proenza Schouler
In a age where trendy, fast-fashion retailers continue to flourish and many
luxury fashion houses are still held in high esteem, the middle-market
segment must scramble and do all it can to differentiate itself. Next year
will see department stores doing this by focusing on the premium segment by
offering a quality and innovative product range. For example, British high
street favourite John Lewis is set to open a string of shop in shops in
Dutch department store group de Bijnekorf next year in order to bring its
offering to an entire new market.
Photos: Vogue.com and Findthefit.it
Translated and edited by Vivian Hendriksz, Original by
May-Anne Oltmans for FashionUnited NL