I
always look forward to attending Pure London twice a year and make sure I get
there to start off my visit with the WGSN trend forecast / catwalk. The trend
forecast is really insightful and there is nothing quite like seeing those
looks come to life down the catwalk – and I always fall in love with the
clothes!
This year was no exception with the three very
wearable macro trends being – New Digital Aesthetic (N.D.A), Next Nature and
Living Design.
N.D.A
Here the focus is on
bright colours – orange peel, hot pink and cobalt blue contrasted with layered
shades of denim, amethyst and soft grey while luminous pastels take the place
of neutrals to add freshness to the look.
For
casual wear sport is the main
influence with relaxed shapes with bold prints and distorted pattern detail.
High shine finishes update classic sports shapes like the sweatshirt while
spots, stripes and graphic geometrics bring the printed tee and polo shirt
dress forward into this season. Perforated textures, sheer stripes on knits and
futuristic block colours will give classic items a new sports luxe feel.
Occasion wear has a fantastical feel and
features powerful angular tailoring
in strong primary colours – gloss coatings
and metallic finishes to body-con dresses and contrast panelling and splicing to
the pencil skirt reinvent both these looks making them feel exciting and new. Key
dress shapes here are the sheer layered dress (a simple shift) in a subdued
colour palette, the fit and flare dress and the shift dress with updates in
terms of curved and sheer panels in contrasting fancy tweeds. Twist and ruffles
will make a massive impact on tops and dress and a digital blur print in soft
focus will add a dreamy feel to items. In addition to this Aztec, florals,
checks and cartoon style large polka dots are prints to look out for this
season.
Next Nature
Here the focus is on plant life and how nature inspires
shape, texture and graphics – the main colour palette used in this trend is a
base of kelp, sea-foam, beetroot and plum accented by bright pinks and berry
reds – the colours have a very rich and fresh feel to them.
Casual wear uses exotic and
bright floral and leaf prints in a ‘carefree beach styling’ way using casual
shapes and new cropped proportions to pre-exisiting staples such as the silky
bomber jacket, the printer skinny jean, the skater skirt and the sweatshirt.
Tailoring is very important to this look but with a new sexy
urban feel – the draped back sheath dress and the slim tapered trouser scream
classic elegance while maintaining that sleek contemporary edge. Key styles that
tie in with this trend are the fit and flare dress in a slightly longer below
the knee length, ruched and twisted jersey dresses and racer front tops in
sheer fabrics and block colours. In terms of accessories embellishment to shoes
and bags will add to this look and multi-coloured weave soles will be seen
everywhere.
Formal wear is also inspired by beachwear
with a touch of 70’s boho styling – cut outs and sheer panels are strong looks
on the body-con jersey dress while swimwear inspired detailing gives a sexy feel
to the outfit.
Living Designs
The final trend uses earthy tones of
terracotta and henna punctuated by sharp reds, yellows and blues.
Casual
wear uses basics such as the poncho, open-knit top
and cargo sweatpants but updates them using textile contrasts and functional
elements such as pockets and draw strings. Weathered textures and matt-shine
are used in contrast on basics to portray an outdoorsy but luxe casual look.
Key items to look out for are the sliced sheath fitted dress, long line blazers,
boxy button shirts, asymmetric wrap skirts and loose and tapered trousers.
Footwear takes on a minimalistic feel with simple slip on styles and cut out
leather panels.
Formal
wear takes inspiration from 1970’s styling and
North African decoration – fluid shapes and billowy silks on items such as the
halterneck dress and maxi kaftan's are enhanced by traditional mosaic prints,
metallic Jacquards and shimmering beads and sequins. Tailoring takes on a new
pared back look with contrasting layers of loose and tapered items. Sculptural
splicing brings a modern feel to knee-length fitted dresses and leather panels
rework long-line blazers and pencil skirts. Here accessories take on a Moroccan
feel with natural and crafted leathers in footwear and ethnic touches of print
in jewellery.
I think possibly my favourite trend is the
Living Designs – I love wearing earthy tones in the summer with flowing maxi
dresses – there is something about the freedom in them and the flowing material
that makes me feel like I’m on holiday!
What is your favourite trend? Do you visit
any of the trade shows? We would love to hear what you think!
