REFLECTION Lifestyle Trends Autumn/Winter 2014-2015
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Autumn/Winter 2014-15 a season of REFLECTION Over the past few years our world has revolved around some economic difficulties, a miss mash of reality TV, and an increase in social media use — Motivation and uniqueness has been lost within the realm of our chaotic technological world. Autumn/Winter 2014-15 will be a season of REFLECTION; a chance to look into our past and move forward to an evolved future. Our time will be used to escape from the oversaturation of media, reimagining our childhoods, and adapting to new technological discoveries all while reevaluating our motivations to achieve happiness. As we reevaluate our interests their originality and desirability will be restored—escaping from the stresses of modern life by relaxing in the tranquility of outdoors, fondly looking back on past myths and fairytales, looking outside ourselves to other cultures, adapting to the ever increasing presence of technology, and finding a new sense of optimism through our research that will universally create a deeper sense of happiness. These new insights will bring light to the dreary weather with explosions of playful, colorful design in the Autumn and Winter months ahead.
Nature Trance
Mystifying Romance
We will return to our roots in nature through this naturalistic trend by taking a break from social media and reflecting in outdoors. Being inspired by artists like Andy Goldsworthy who creates ephermal nature art, the outdoors will become our new sanctuary to let go and decompress from the chaos of the modern technological world.
Exploring past myths and fairytales translate to a dark romance in fashion and design. “The age of narcissism” has prevailed the past few years, and we are now straying away from this ideal and focusing on an absence of the human form and anonymity while rediscovering ourselves through childhood fairytales and magic.
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Folk Contemplation
Digital Adaptation
Joyful Juxtaposition
As we reflect on ourselves we feel the need to be more connected on a global level, and expand ourselves by connecting with folklore from other cultures. Our minds are filled with awe and wonder from this multi-ethnic world of storytelling that has been passed on for generations.
Technology will prevail in 2014 with the rise of new advances like 3-D printing. While we reflect on our priorities, we adapt to the newest technological trends and develop our individuality. Exploring ourselves and the universe will lead to an increase in metallics and bright colors reminiscent of the space age in fashion.
Reflection will result in increased levels of happiness that will be evident in playful forms, an offseason series of bright colors, and juxtaposition of digital prints in design. There will be a renewed sense of optimism; we will track and share our emotions through apps like Expereal and share the universal language of laughter.
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Nature Trance
Return to our roots in nature: We now find the need to remove ourselves from the oversaturation of media in our chaotic technologydriven world; the necessity to take a break from smart phones and reflect in the serenity of the outdoor environment will lead to natural coloring and earth tones in our clothing and interiors. A heightened awareness of the importance of sustainability, raw foods, and healthy lifestyles will be prevalent as we pay more attention to the environmental impact we have on our world. 5
Influences
Movement, change, light growth and decay are the lifeblood of nature — the energies that artist Andy Goldsworthy tries to tap into. Goldsworthy is an innovative artist whose ephemeral creations are uniquely personal and reflect the increasing presence of tactile touch and earth within our culture. His connection with nature will influence our outdoor entrancement. Artist Paula Hayes creates nature art that is safe from the outside world; influencing the overall theme to escape from the chaos of the modern world. Taking a technology break will dominate in 2014: recent studies show that two-thirds of Facebook users have taken a multi-week break, 27% plan to reduce time on the site in 2014.
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Influencing Escapism Recent studies show that when we’re in a environment of hyper stimulation, like a city, we expend a great deal of direct attention on tasks like avoiding traffic and other pedestrians. When we’re interacting with nature, however, we use an indirect form of attention that gives our brain a chance to refresh. Simple interactions with nature can produce increases in cognitive control; in 2014 consumers will begin to escape from the technological world, oversaturation of media, and the chaotic nuances of city life.
Reality has become simulated; our days consisting of staring at a computer screen, hours spent looking at photos rather than experiencing the physical world. According to CNN, Americans spend at least eight hours a day staring at a screen; some experts say everyone should take a tech vacation to reconnect with family and friends, to stop missing special moments of real life, and to relieve the stress of trying to maintain various social media accounts. Escaping from overstimulation of social media allows a reconnection to our roots in nature; reflecting in solitude and taking in the serenity of outdoors. 9
Color
This trend will bare its roots in nature; deep earth tones with pops of tangerine and delicate 16th century floral, will tell the story of a lush deep forest where contemplation meets serenity. Fabrics and patterns will evoke this natural aesthetic; abstracted organic forms and dark floral in silk, chiffon, fleece, and tweed.
Materials
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Patterns
Delicate floral, a jungle of plants, simulated tree bark will dominate in bold graphics and patterns that reflect our deeper connection with the natural world. Accessories will be indigenous by nature, created from wood or felt that simulates biological forms. We are entranced and tangled in a web of natural purity that translates into our clothing and interiors.
Accessories
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Products Nature trance inspired products will accentuate the tactile qualities found in nature utilizing neutral tones and materials like roots or salvaged wood. Interiors will focus on bringing the outdoors to the forefront of the home; creating an indoor sanctuary. There will be a focus on raw foods, healthy living, and sustainability in products.
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Mystifying Romance
Reimagine a magical disposition: When we reflect on our childhoods we can begin to reimagine a magical time in our lives. This lingering magic will be evident in all areas of fashion and design — A dark romance that mixes both feminity and mysticism will prevail in the Autumn/Winter months as we yearn for a simpler time where fairytales and dreams collide. Nostalgia for the baroque period will be evident in golden motif and decoration. As we look inward, a focus on anonymity, the subtraction of the human form will take center stage: rediscovering memories and magic in our lives. 17
Influences
Influences of mythology mixed with the idea of anonymity ignite a mystifying romance: We revisit fairytales with the 200th anniversary of the Brother’s Grimm Fairytale books, while creating a new level of consciousness by experimenting with the absence of the human form. Artists who play with mythology and modern form spark our interests and ignite our passion for magic, like Artist Matthew Cox who explores iconic mystical characters such as the Indian god Krishna as a way of combining ancient mythology and modern science. Designer Neri Oxman has developed a series of garments infused with elements of the super-human; each piece is based on mythical beasts and encapsulates a magical gift from the goddesses.
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Influencing Mythology Artists and designers are being inspired by mythology, magical powers, and ancient stories in their works. French artist ClĂŠment Briend combines the textures of trees with light projections to cast striking images of gargoyles onto the leaves, breathing life into inanimate forms.
MIT scientist and designer Neri Oxman believes “Design and Mythology are both media for storytelling that represent general cultural truths and their human meaning. Like design, mythology is a universal language by which to decode human culture�. The boundaries between modern design and mythology are blurred. 21
Color
Mystifying Romance will encapsulate deep and romantic jewel tones. Materials and decoration will be inspired by the “magical fractal wonderland� series by the talented Silvia C — artworks that look like macro photographs of jewels, fungi and plants from a magical wonderland. Gold and glitter will be common motifs, taking elements from the baroque period and mixing it with a modern take on lace, silk, and jersey knits.
Materials
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Patterns
Golden and glittering, hard metal mixed with feminine floral elements, webs of shimmering embellishment epitomize accessories for this trend. Patterns embrace our nostalgia for embellished antiques, digitized floral, magical fungi, and simulated x-ray silhouettes.
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Products
Inspired by baroque elements and mythology, products will focus on the dark romance of anonymity. We will see fractal elements in design as well as transparent glass works inspired by Qubus designs. Fashion designers will take influence from Thom Browne, Ann Demeulesmeester, and Petra Metzger, who create soft and elegant romantic silhouettes with elements of mystique and an esoteric fantasy.
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Folklore Contemplation
Reawaken cultural diversity: As we become in tune with our cultural heritage and desire to connect with other cultures globally, folklore contemplation will allow us to explore the renewed interest in folklore; it shows us a contemporary, multiethnic world that will be evident in waterfall floral, patterns, and motifs in an expanding global culture. We are filled with awe and wonder from infinite storytelling that has been passed on for generations. Products will be rich in pattern with an emphasis on Russian fabric trends in the Autumn/Winter season. 29
Influences
Folklore Contemplation pulls from a variety of sources that focus on expanding ethnic culture. “The Kiss” by Gustav Klimt reawakens multi-cultural styles and motif. Illustrator Tara Dougans creates crafted gifs of mystical fashion drawings. Artist Droog has turned the old into the new with his 16th century based transfer tattoo, which reflect cultural traditions. Architects are tapping into the local folklore of regional landscapes, creating fairytale-like structures such as “The House of Essex”, a building inspired by the psyche of the country on the east coast of England, created by FAT architects as a collaboration with Grayson Perry.
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Color
Materials
Blazing reds, oranges, and yellows bring a deeply ornate cultural feeling to the trend. Forest greens and plum add to the air of romance while artists inspire ornamental trims and motif. Klaus Haap Aniemi is renowned for his signature style of fusing folk art and cartoon motifs from Eastern Europe. Russian Glamour is brought to the forefront of fabrics in the form of fur, velvet, and floral satin. 33
Patterns
An entanglement of beaded necklaces, ornamental headbands, crafted 3D elements and floral embellishments contrive our renewed interest in folklore. Patterns reflect cultural heritage with tribal elements and ornate picturesque illustrations.
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Products
An increasing interest in folklore leads to waterfall florals and delicate floral shapes dominating in interiors. The original beauty and intensity of Russian folk costume will emerge in fashion and design; the Russian designer Ulyana Sergeenko’s most recent collection will impact 2014 mainstream fashion as a whole. Her work pays tribute to her Russian heritage with fur, hand-carved wooden heels and babushkas.
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Digital Adaptation
Reemerging in the technological world: When we reflect in solitude we acknowledge that technology still plays a vital role in the development of our future. With the rise of new technology like DNA analysis, Google glasses, and 3-D printing, technology will be a dominant theme in 2014. When we consider our priorities we will adapt to the newest technological trends while developing a new sense of futuristic individuality. Colors and design will be focused on an off-season color palette of purples and blues, and metallic accessories reminiscent of space age. 39
Influences Advances in technology are at the heart of Digital Adaptation: 3D printing will be influencing product development in 2014. Google Glasses are being released to the general public in 2014; an augmented reality that allows for integration of the display into day-to-day eyewear. DNA sequencing technology is now so fast that an entire human genome can be read in a matter of hours. Many artists and organizations are taking advantage of the potential of genetic determinism as a cutting edge trend. ConnectMyDNA is a product that uses genetic fingerprinting to display your DNA pattern in a uniquely designed emblem. Artist Heather Dewey-Hagborgs collects strangers’ DNA and makes 3D portraits of uncanny resemblance. DNA analysis will result in a whole new level of personal branding, original design, and self-discovery. We all witnessed the Mars Rover in August 2012 capturing thrilling and magnifying images of space that inspire our exploration of the universe. Space exploration and the use of galaxy in design will continue to be a trend in 2014.
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Influences
Three-dimensional printing utilizes plastics, rubber, and metals to create an object layer-by-layer. 3D-printed fashion and jewelry are now a reality that will transform and revolutionize the runway. Dutch designer Iris van Herpen debuted two 3D-printed outfits made in collaboration with USbased designer Neri Oxman.
Augmented and real reality are blurred and an increasing theme in 2014. Artists take snapshots of the virtual world and recreate them in a physical space in an attempt to overlay real and digital worlds. Street Ghosts by Paolo Cirio uses imagery from Google Street View and super-imposes it back on to the original source. 43
Color
Color and materials will reflect the space age aesthetic by focusing on the universe, kaleidoscopes, and the presence of technology. Colors will be rich in deep blues, turquoise, and muted neutrals. Fabrics will be iridescent silk chiffon, coated leather, silk moirĂŠ, and stretch satin.
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Patterns Stardust, nebulas, dark matter are at the forefront of space exploration and merge into metallic, shimmering, transparent, and threedimensional accessories. Digital iron, fusible rocklike textures, piercing electronic inspired patterns dominate this trend.
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Products 3D printing, metallic fabrics, and the galaxy will influence products — We will see 3D garments and jewelry dominating the runway, and the galaxy trend will continue to prevail as we explore space and the inner mechanics of our DNA.
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Joyful Juxtaposition
Reevaluate how we define happiness: An off-season joyful juxtaposition of pastels and bright colors will reawaken our need to feel exuberant in the winter months. Geometric shapes, floral patterns, and bold colors give us a much-needed state of euphoria and delight. Surrealist playful forms and juxtaposed digital printing intertwine to nurture our universal need for laughter as we revaluate our motivations to achieve happiness.This trend will be most popular in LA and Miami markets.
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Influences
Joyful juxtaposition will revolve around organic lines and shapes, whimsical forms like cotton candy, bright and exuberant colors that warm our heart, and applications and info graphics that reflect our new found happiness. Expereal is an app that allows users to rate and analyze the flow of their feelings, in the hope of improving self-understanding. Installation artwork like “Umbrella Sky”, reflect a newfound sense of optimism; brightly colored umbrellas float in the air creating a magical walkway. “Yellow is the new Pink”. Yellow will dominate with vibrancy making for lively and stimulating color palettes, fabrics and fittings.
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Influencing Optimism Recent research suggests that our definition of happiness is often misguided and lost in translation. As we reflect on every aspect of our lives, now is the time to reevaluate our definition of happiness, and harbor a new sense of optimism. Understanding our motivations for happiness will affect our relationships, products, and future. A new trend of tracking and understanding optimism in our daily lives is emerging. Laughter Yoga Clubs will be prominent in 2014; participants engage in breathing exercises that prompt laughter, increasing overall happiness. With the addition and rise of info graphics, happiness is being captured. Leigh Riley, Thomas Cook, and Arena Quantum created Sunshine & Happiness, which cross-references happiness and life expectancy, and the correlation between happiness and sunlight. Low-Tech Factory displays crafty playful designs, created during a workshop led by Chris Kabel and Tomรกs Krรกl. The resulting projects featured popcorn machines and organic playful forms that will impact design in 2014.
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Color
Joyful juxtaposition will reflect an explosion of bright, happy tones, with pops of shocking pink, blue, and violet. Tapping into the joyful delights of our childhood, we are juxtaposing floral digital prints, playing with whimsical and brightly colored laces and satin.
Materials
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Patterns Pops of brightly colored floral and digitized juxtaposed prints compile patterns and graphics for this trend. Accessories draw inspiration from a sense of whimsy and childlike fun in the form of eyelash decoration, color blocking, and delicate floral accessories that exude joyfulness.
Accessories
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Products NAIF, by Carina van den Bergh is a line of furniture that reflects our sense of child-like wonder. As chairs become cabinets and lamps grow legs, the playful collection allows our imagination to roam and run wild in the way we did as children. Designers like NAIF will affect our interiors; our homes will become more playful and whimsical. Prints and colors are cut-and-pasted to form juxtaposing jigsaws of pattern on the runway. Bright colors and botanical digital designs offer dimensional textures and playful patterns.
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REFLECTION A production created by Ariel Betancourt