Pure: WGSN Trend Predictions A/W13

(An introduction to Pure London – this trade show has a mixture of new and established brands showcasing their following season’s collections of footwear, clothing and accessories. A vast amount of catwalk shows and seminars take place throughout the three days with different key speakers and topics each season. Every season we feel it is paramount to visit this show to get a feel for the upcoming season.)

Twice a year we head over to London Olympia to source new brands, view our current brands following season collection and watch the WGSN trend forecast for the following season. Visiting Pure before doing the bulk of the buying for the shop always inspires and prepares us for what is to come next season and gives us time to consider how those trends will fit into our store.

Here are the three Macro trends that WGSN predict for Autumn Winter 2013.

Hack-tivate

Here unexpected styling and layering opposite colour blocking and inventive cutting are all key aspects of this trend. Earthy army inspired tones of mushroom, slate grey, stone and port paired with metallic shades of antique gold and enhanced by undertones of bright white and midnight blue.

Formal wear key items are the tailored biker jacket, the military coat, spliced pencil skirts with sequin accents and the utility shirt. By adding leather into the mix the tough urban edge of this trend really comes through. Occasion wear in contrast has a minimalistic feel with simple sporty shapes being used in luxe fabrics with wet look coatings and metallic finishes creating a casual yet luxurious feel. Accessorise this look with colour blocking hi-tops, thick crepe soled shoes and boots and futuristic finishes to bags and materials.

Casual wear has a modern and clean feel mixing sequins with metallic surfaces to update classic pieces from previous seasons such as the bomber jacket and cropped hoodie. Skater skirts in metallic and leather finishes and all over sequins will be embraced by the braver, more fashion forward individuals. Accessorise here with chunky jewellery, cat eye glasses, simple cuffs and thick heeled shoes and boots.

21^st Century Romance

21^st Century Romance focuses on craftsmanship, luxury and beau

Casual wear contrast the soft romance with grunge styling and street influences such as lace, embellishments and painterly prints with vintage references. Staple wardrobe items such as the luxe

skinny jean are reworked with brocade prints and metallic foils making the trend wearable for all ages.  Accessories in this look are the slipper shoe, slim extended toes, embellished collars, pouch bags and gothic inspired jewellery.ty with a contemporary sharpness using delicate colo

urs of nude, ivory, putty, lilac grey and soft sage offset with a variation of blues, black, golds and silvers that adds that feeling of opulence and glamour.

Occasion wear creates a dark and opulent feel using heavy weight velvets and high sh

ine leathers contrasted with delicate sheers and tone on tone prints. The baroque dress and clerical work shirt take on new gothic prints and religious inspired motifs. Decorative techniques update the peplum top, leather skirt and bodycon dress. Tailoring takes on a more minimal architectural look with domed shoulders and sharp pleating; hoods, high and decorated neck lines and cinched in waists are all popular elements of this look.

Living Design  

The final macro trend merges the animal and technological to create an urban palette of navy, metallic grey, mushroom and bluey green punctuated with burnt sienna, black, copper and bronze. The focus here is on heavy wool and flannel worked into bulky oversize silhouettes. In casual wear the collarless jacket and duffel coat are update with fur accents while the puffa jacket with continue to work through this season. Items such as tabards, polo neck sweaters and the full gathered skirt along with quilting and brushed textures will use smooth, rounded lines to create voluminous shapes. Accessories here include the beany hat, fur lined boots with knitted cuffs and structural wedges.

Occasion wear combines delicate fabrics such as chiffon and viscose with metallic leathers and silk jersey items in garments such as the fluted skirt and layered dress. Prints and colour here take their inspiration from oil slicks and rippling water reflections; while detachable feather collars bring an animalistic feel to an outfit while retaining the ethereal prettiness that inspires this trend. Accessories are very traditional in this look with simplistic shoes, sheer overlays and cut out backs with faux fur and metallic leather trims adding a tough urban vibe.

Tonally these trends are something we all have a bit of in our wardrobe from previous seasons – rework these with key accessories from the trends you feel most comfortable with and you are bound to shine this season.