TREND FORECASTING S/S 2017
PREPARE FOR TAKEOFF
In 2005, Thomas Friedman published a breakthrough novel concerning the future of our world called The World is Flat. His writings opened up the eyes of many that our scope of knowledge is broadening through technology, business and the literal opening of borders to allow for tourism. Flash forward a decade, where consumers go both virtually and physically to every inch of the earth to seek new cultures, information and goods. Fashion, which was following in the footsteps of these innovators, has now jumped ahead and takes inspirations from far-flung regions, gaining a fondness for the exotic. Women are looking to fashion as an outlet to express themselves and their new awareness concerning the widening world. In Asia specifically, a wealth of new arts and societies are emerging, begging to be represented in the greater Western world. Travel with us to some of the most unique and hidden areas of Asia to find where local art, music, and literature meet high-end fashion.
“You must learn to be still in the midst of activity and to be vibrantly alive in repose� - Mahatma Gandhi
The addictive feeling of exploring the unknown and being placed into situations where no English is spoken and only listening with your eyes will bring you inner peace. She will wonder off to places she has never been to, discover silhouettes and feel materials that will inspire her throughout her journey through Asia. Once she believes she has what she needs, she is off and already on the next plane, traveling to places that are still missing of her long list. A red ribbon of fire, dust, frost, dirt and florescent light are all following her throughout her journey - a path that is inspired by the five elements. Modern influences of her busy and flashing life tie the journey together to help recall the memories. It is her aim to find her balance in the midst of the activity, while continuing to vibrate in the minutes of silence.
THE GLOBETROTTER
Well-spoken, well-read women aged 30-45 are the ideal aspirants for travel-based trends. They are businesswomen who are looking for quality clothing to show their classic and professional tastes. They are feminine, yet independent, women that decide what to buy and how they want to look. They are always on top of the latest fashions and trends, and are not afraid to experiment with new textures and colors. They want items that are easy to go to work in – they can be simple and minimalistic, but have to be high quality or have unique details to make them stand out. However, they will wear whatever they like on the weekend no matter how bold the color, crazy the print or edgy the silhouette. Our women are world travellers, and find inspiration in the places they go. They have a busy, fast paced lifestyle where they need clothing that enables them to dress up or dress down. These women are confident and follow their own hearts and always know what they want.
(pinterest.com)
UNDERSTAND BARCODE Travel is deeply constructed within human beings’ DNA. Nomads roamed the earth for hundreds of years to find ideal locations to settle and reproduce. This long history has involved into the modern, tech-based activity that travel is today. One of the most notable elements to global travel is the presence of the barcode. Whether it’s the access granted by the barcode on our passports, helping us locate our luggage on baggage claims, or even financing us by the back of our credit cards, barcodes are an omnipresent, albeit silent, symbol of travel. Over the years barcodes have taken a black and white format to ease misinterpretation around the world (Seidman). This black and white color association has easily translated to the global trend of black and white as preferred colors when travelling for ease. Crossing cultural differences and boundaries, black and white is now associated with an international look and eases any consumer, especially the luxury clientele, into any new destination.
(shutterstock.com)
BARCODE
FASTEN YOUR SEATBELTS Moving effortlessly together in both positive and negative space, the barcode transcends expectations and restrictions worldwide to ease travelers during their journeys. Strong geometric patterns mix with fluid, parallel lines to create a story without using words. The barcode is our entry and exit point to any new country, culture or trend.
FASTEN YOUR SEATBELTS Fabric
Lines in minimal shades of black and white are the main focus of this trend. Sturdy, high class fabrics lend structure to the garments, while softer, thinner fabrics are comfortable to the touch.
FASTEN YOUR SEATBELTS Silhouette
Inspired by the straight lines of the airport runway, the silhouettes chosen for this trend are clean, and fuss-free. While comfort is the main focus of this trend - one must be comfortable while traveling, after all - it also emphasizes that looking effortlessly chic should never be sacrificed.
FASTEN YOUR SEATBELTS Silhouette
inspiration photos from the net
UNDERSTAND JAPAN Tokyo has long been considered a fashion capital with its fearless street fashion and unique styling around the city. Specifically, the Harajuku district is a melting pot of fashion, traditional Japanese heritage and pop culture that emerged as the epicenter of many style tribes in the late 1980’s (Walker, 2005). Styles range from Japanese punk, to schoolgirl uniforms, to babydoll like dress, but all seem to stem from the emergence of the trend to rebel against the traditional Japanese tradition of collectivism. Today, these styles are empowering the women who choose to display their individual styles. While Japan is world renowned for its fashion, its main focus economically is technology. With new products emerging daily, the smart device trend has evolved into wearable tech, and Japan is leading the way (wearabletechjapan. com). Luxury fashion houses have jumped on this trend and are constantly mixing edgy, metallic styles with this developing innovation to give consumers a feeling of the future. With its eyes set towards the future, Japan is hoping to ulitize its influence in both fashion and technology to help revolutionize the way consumers think about style.
JAPAN
TECHNICOLOR DREAM Passing under neon signs in the latest hours of the night, Harajuku is bustling with people shopping in the markets. Lights are reflecting off of smartphones and store windows, giving the entire area a metallic glow. Young girls dressed in their bright, loud and dainty styles are grouped together giggling. Exuding confidence, they embrace their concrete jungle and create their own sanctuaries within the skyscrapers and ever-evolving cities.
Fabrics for this trend involve iridescence and shimmer. Duochromatic effects can be seen when the light shines on the fabric, and glittery, space-age appropriate finishes take the center stage as well. Colors include the a hint of surrealness, with the marbling of dark neutrals and neon pinks and purples.
TECHNICOLOR DREAM Fabric
TECHNICOLOR DREAM Silhouette
This trend takes a hint from the modern-futuristic city of Tokyo, where technology is years ahead of everywhere else in the world. The garments feature unconventional construction bits of fabric sticking out where it normally wouldn’t on ordinary clothes,
long
coats
with
oversized collars. The overall effect is cool, and commands attention.
TECHNICOLOR DREAM Silhouette
(Credit to Marco Reichert)
inspiration photos from the net
UNDERSTAND CHINA China, long known as the next upcoming power, has many obstacles to overcome to really open itself to the world. Government restrictions for business, foreign policy and especially media censorship have frozen progress forward. Stringent laws across all-important economical factors create sharp divides between the conservatives leading the country, and the more liberal youth who populate it. Students are taking it upon themselves to rally against the government’s strict rule, especially when it comes to freedom of speech (Chiu, 2015). However, it’s not only the student who are recognizing the physical restrictions placed upon progress – major Chinese companies like Alibaba also see the hurdles they must cross to be a relevant international company (Hanrahan, 2014). However, luxury companies continue to flock to China and embrace its consumption trend. These luxury companies, in conjunction to the apparell and textile industry in general, have become some of the most important sectors for strengthening the economy. With its growing middle class and positive international influence, the spring thaw seems to be helping melt the wall that China currently has.
CHINA
A SUMMER THAW In the Northernmost regions of China, the spring thaw comes in summer. Sun shines on the face while breath is seen in the air. In the mornings creatures awake from their hiberations, but come dusk the cool air reminds them of the harsh winters. Always tiptoeing the line of a truly summer day, Mother Nature reminds us that this is truly the land of ice & snow.
Interesting, non-traditional lace will emerge in this trend, which will be thinner and look more web-like than floral. Interesting digital prints emulating frozen water will be seen as well. Light, translucent fabric imitating the transparency of ice - is prevalent in this trend as well.
A SUMMER THAW Fabric
A SUMMER THAW Silhouette
Sharp tailoring and the unconventional construction were the benchmarks of this trend, inspired by the crystalline surface of stone cold ice. Interesting, asymmetrical cuts can be seen in this trend, as well as light, fashionforward coats.
A SUMMER THAW Silhouette
UNDERSTAND MYANMAR The world is watching Myanmar, not only because of the political distress happening these days (BBC, 2015) but also because of the booming tourism that the country is experiencing. With the boarders only recently opened, the infrastructure is not yet up to standards. However, with an international population willing to travel around the world to have a last glimpse at an untouched countryside, the economy is growing quickly. Resulting in Myanmar reaching an all-time high of 3 million visitors in 2014 (TTG Asia, 2015), traveling throughout the remote and cultural impressive scenery has been easier than ever. Forty-nine years of an international isolation means that the Burmese have to work hard and quickly to meet the wants and needs of tourism (BBY, 2014). Where Myanmar used to be a paradise for young backpackers traveling on a budget, it is slowly becoming an attractive destination for luxury customers seeking unique luxury options (Abercrombie&Kent, 2015).
MYANMAR
LIGHTER THAN AIR As the sun emerges, hot air-balloons rise above... Myanmar in spring has a hot and dry climate, with temperatures reaching up to 35C. A light breeze will float around your sun kissed face, with the soil drying out by the days passing by. When the monsoon season starts and temperatures start to cool down, summer has arrived. As the sun rises, hot air-balloons rise above the temples of an orangehued, misty Bagan - an inspirational world. A truly inspirational composition of dust, mist and warm colors, dip dying everything in a surreal atmosphere that takes ones breath away.
LIGHTER THAN AIR Fabric
Light, breezy fabrics take center stage in this trend in the form of chiffons and silks in dusty pastels. These fabrics lend themselves to the airiness of this trend. Breathable, cushion-like mesh fabrics in a variety of soft pastels also provide a bit of structure to the trend.
LIGHTER THAN AIR Silhouette
This trend puts an emphasis on roundness and lightness to channel the hot air balloons of Myanmar. As such, round, airy shapes dominate this trend, taking the form of wide skirts and flared hems.
LIGHTER THAN AIR Silhouette
inspiration photos from the net
(Credit to Roman Mersh)
UNDERSTAND THIALAND While the international news might have stopped reporting on the political coup in Thailand’s capital (Time, 2015), when walking through the main streets of Bangkok, where the military now holds its place, the atmosphere is tense. The 25 million tourists that come to Thailand every year might not be bothered about the distress at this stage, but everyone is carefully watching the situation (Thai Websites, 2015). The street styles in Bangkok’s local quarters are slowly changing back to basic and traditional colors. The further north one travels, the greener the scenery turn, mixing with the jungles that fill the northern landscape. Thailand, a country that is still highly loved by backpackers, is most recently emerging as a destination for luxury travels.
THAILAND
DOWN TO EARTH A smell of warm and wet air is around. Big raindrops fall from one branch or palm leaf to the other green below, resulting in a gentle water supply for the colorful flowers on the ground. The soil, with its muddy earth tones is lusting for the sunshine to follow, while a peacock is elegantly marching through the trees. Warm earth colors, saturated greens and royal peacock blues that build a truly inspirational composition.
Natural linens take the center stage for this trend and come in a variety of earth tones, which are offset with more saturated turquoises and yellows. Very light and comfortable knits are the fabric of choice, as they allow for plenty of mobility. In place of the traditional floral print, prints of palm trees are at the forefront.
DOWN TO EARTH Fabric
DOWN TO EARTH Silhouette
The silhouettes are meant to emphasize easy wearability, mobility and comfort. Tops like the sleeveless knit t-shirt are essential basics, while the midi skirt with the slits looks chic, comfortable and sexy.
DOWN TO EARTH Silhouette
inspiration photos from the net
UNDERSTAND INDIA With 37 million more men in India than women, women have always been the minority in India. With little support from public authorities, women’s voices were often unheard and left in silence (Trivedi, 2013). The 2012 violence towards women in Delhi had all eyes on the country. Shortly after the news broke, more victims came forward, putting a spotlight on the country. With an international audience finally listening, pressure was put on authorities to find a solution (India, 2015). After this, women’s rights became a major topic of discussion around the world, encouraging discourse and change. Today in India, women are gaining their pride, confidence and volition back. Women’s inner fire and spirit is releasing, igniting a voice in India to inspire and reveal their heat. A turbulent flame of independent, strong women is forming. United by bold colors, their powers and beliefs are helping propel India into the international stage as a destination to explore with confidence.
INDIA
FIERY SPIRIT A hint of smoke is in the air; candles and incense sticks are scattered around. A food cart cook is stoking a flame to prepare a meal with hundreds of different spices, dip dying the rice in burning saffron red and shining yellow. The aromas around are strong and the hot air is hanging, putting us in a trance while we walk through this country. Ahead lies a hidden world of beautiful colors and light that touches the soul.
The fabrics for this trend are drawn from burning coal and the sparks of a flame. As such, materials in deep reds are prevalent in this trend, with specks of lustrous gold on top to offset the darkness. Specks of black create a cracked texture on the surface of the deep colors, resulting in a burnt effect. Warm golds are also seen in this trend to add a touch of luxury.
FIERY SPIRIT Fabric
FIERY SPIRIT Silhouette The silhouettes for this trend were inspired by the saris and sarongs of traditional India. Though they are loose, they are far from unflattering; on the contrary, the garments are tight in areas that should be but flare out towards the bottom, forming billowy shapes that complement the figure. This trend also emphasizes the showing of skin where appropriate.
FIERY SPIRIT Silhouette
RESOURCES Brazilian, A. (2015, May 1). How to Travel the World Through Your Closet. Retrieved May 11, 2015, from http://www.wsj.com/articles/how-to-travel-the-world-through-your-closet-1430501954 Campbell, C. (2015, April 2). Thai Junta Replaces Martial Law With Harsh Decree. Retrieved May 10, 2015, from http://time.com/3768490/thailand-martial-law-article-44/ Chiu, J. (2015, February 23). Students in China rail against government restrictions. Retrieved May 12, 2015, from http://www.dpa-international.com/news/asia/44290624 Colour Evolution - A/W 16/17. (2015, May 1). Retrieved May 11, 2015. Hanrahan, M. (2014, September 18). Alibaba IPO Investors In China Find Creative Ways To Get Around Government Restrictions. Retrieved May 12, 2015, from http://www.ibtimes.com/alibaba-ipo-investors-china-find-creative-ways-get-around-government-restrictions-1691030 Harbin Ice Festival 2016/2017, Ice Festival Tours, China Ski Holidays. (2015). Retrieved May 16, 2015, from http://www.icefestivalharbin.com/ Head, J. (2015, May 16). The unknown fate of Rohingya Muslims stranded at sea - BBC News. Retrieved May 17, 2015, from http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-32763132 Fabric China Selections S/S 16 - Womenswear Fabrics | May Analysis. (2015, May 1). Friedman, T. (2005). The world is flat: A brief history of the twenty-first century. New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux. India marital rape victims’ lonely battle for justice. (2015, May 25). Retrieved May 30, 2015, from http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-32810834 Long, K. (2014, August 20). Myanmar’s young tourism entrepreneurs - BBC News. Retrieved May 10, 2015, from http://www.bbc.com/news/business-28756061 Seidman, T. (n.d.). Barcode History - Barcodes Sweep the World. Retrieved May 20, 2015, from http://www.barcoding.com/information/barcode_history.shtml Slow, O. (2015, January 9). Visitor arrivals to Myanmar soar over 3 million in 2014. Retrieved May 10, 2015, from http://www.ttgasia.com/article.php?article_id=24419 Tourism Statistics Thailand 2000-2014. (2014). Retrieved May 14, 2015, from http://www.thaiwebsites.com/tourism.asp Travel to Myanmar. (2015). Retrieved May 11, 2015, from http://www.abercrombiekent.com/travel-destinations/asia-luxury-travel/southeast/myanmar/ Trivedi, A. (2013, January 16). India’s Man Problem. Retrieved May 20, 2015, from http://india.blogs. nytimes.com/2013/01/16/indias-man-problem/?_r=1 Walker, R. (2005, June 19). Love. Angel. Product. Baby. Retrieved May 22, 2015, from http://www. nytimes.com/2005/06/19/magazine/love-angel-product-baby.html Wearable Tech Expo. (2015). Retrieved May 25, 2015, from https://www.wearabletechjapan.com/ Williams, C. (2007). Thailand (12th ed.). Footscray, Vic.: Lonely Planet.
FASH 419 & LXFM 503 Kimberly Nelson
- Travel and market summary - Barcode, Japan and China analysis + mood text - Color naming - Initial layouts / proofing
Christina Tai - Fabric selections - Boarding passes - Final layout
Ciska van der Schalk
- Elements summary - Myanmar, Thailand and India analysis + mood text - Mood boards - Photo selection
Corinne Syquia - Fabric selections - Illustrations - Technical analysis
Adriana Degwitz - Photo editing - Color boards - Technical drawings