BUSINESS INSIGHTS

The SOURCING at MAGIC team wants to make sure that our community is well-informed and up to date with everything that’s happening in our industry, from forward-thinking fashion trends to the latest in tech and the current business scene. As always, SOURCING at MAGIC’s mix of expert speakers and panelists shared valuable insights that can help us all be more successful.

Nia Silva, Materials Director of Fashion Snoops, provided the respected forecasting company’s perspective on the big picture trends that will affect color and materials choices for next year. The company monitors cultural signals, consumer needs, and materials shifts to see what is influencing trends in fibers, constructions, finishes, detailing, and color direction. Silva summed those up into four major shifts for next year:

“Our first trend ‘Graceful Process,’ is about nostalgia-finding, or finding comfort in objects that feel familiar and worn down by time. The trend honors our origins, while connecting to our roots, with an emphasis on feminine craft and diasporic histories, focusing on authenticity,” Silva describes. “The trend is a continuation of the slow craft movement, and is inspired by origins, especially of organic, unprocessed materials.”

“‘Odd Grandeur’ reflects a wave of surreal design across industries. This trend goes above the burdens of reality, indulging small moments of fantasy, and a sense of humor in design. This trend incorporates fluid design and expression, including gender inclusive design strategies. Colors are influenced by baked goods, in hues that represent softness and simple pleasures.”

“We see a fresh and positive spin on sustainability in ‘Planet Positive’. Building on a deeper appreciation for nature, this trend is joyous and engaging, not lecturing. It highlights nature to restore a sense of wonder. Key colors incorporate dramatic vibrancy, juicy pinks, beet root, and a vacation aesthetic.

Silva finished Fashion Snoops four key trends with Elemental Comforts, “Based on the ongoing wellness movement this trend is about people of all ages wanting to tap into a more profound level of wellness, including soul-care. It translates into light and breezy fabrics and silhouettes, with a sustainability focus centered on less but better design, adding meaning and worth.”