TREND FORECASTING 2014
ARABIAN NIGHTS Trend Prediction Arabian/Middle East
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A famous collection of Persian, Indian, and Arabian folktales. Supposedly, the legendary Scheherazade told these stories to her husband the sultan, a different tale every night for 1,001 days; therefore, the collection is sometimes called The Thousand and One Night. The Arabian Nights includes the stories of familiar characters such as Aladdin and Ali Baba.
The Middle East is full of rich textures and colours; this will be introduced to the fashion trend through the colours and fabrics used to create the garments. Taking inspiration from traditional Persian rugs known for using intricate patterns derived from historic monuments and Islamic buildings. There is a wide range of colours that can be used, inspired from a dry and sandy desert to the full exuberance of traditional Middle Eastern clothing, using only the brightest colours and beautiful beading and embroidery. The colours of their culture will be reflected throughout the trend, from the sun, the sweltering heat, dust, the patterns and design that are used in their architecture and the rich colours from the Arabian style that emanates luxury.
OUTER SPACE Trend Prediction Futuristic/Space
“I’LL TAKE YOUR BRAIN TO ANOTHER DIMENSION”
OUT OF SPACE, PRODIGY
This trend is very diverse, it can also encompass an ‘alien-esque’ theme, taking inspiration from the film ‘Alien’, 1979 and TV programmes such as ‘Star Trek’ with the skin-tight space suits and bizarre headdresses. Modernist fabrics are essential for this look; fabrics include ink encased plastics and silver latex, whilst the look is further galvanised by the sharp tailored silhouette and flashes of metallic; creating a futuristic feel but also relating it to technology, the cold, hard feel of metal and industrialisation. It will be a very tough looking tend and even some cases, androgynous. Sci-fi modernism is about making a bold statement, being very dramatic and expressive, with the art of layering combined with digital prints.
WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THESE TWO WORLDS COLLIDE?
There will be a clash of textures; reptile scales making up futuristic forms contrasted against the traditional Arabic patterns. Creating a brand new trend that has never been approached before a new futuristic twist on the modest Middle Eastern way of dressing. Their traditional dress will be modernised with clean and sharp, exaggerated silhouettes like pointed shoulders and cocoon shapes. The jewellery will have the robotic look elements combined with the luxurious and intricate designs of the classical Arabian adornment. Due to global warming people will be covering up more, protecting themselves against the sun’s rays, similar to how the Arabs dress when travelling through the desert. The key is to be bold and embrace things a little strange and alien, playing them down by pairing futuristic pieces with more classic ones.