TREND REPORT
S/S 15 REBECCA ELAND | DE1133
AN INTRODUCTION
Although 2015 inveitably promises a deeper relationship and further advances in technology, it also offers the opportunity to take a step back and regain some of the endearing traditional traits and values we used to adorn. Within lifestyle, fashion and product futures there is a minority who are seeking this traditionality and aspect of self reliancy as opposed to being technologically dependent. They are the traditionists but they are also the mavens of this era.
“AS NEVER BEFORE, HE UNDERSTOOD THE VITALITY OF TRADITION, THE DIGNITY OF THE WORSHIP OF WHAT HAD EXISTED BEFORE ONE’S OWN SELF HAD COME INTO BEING. THERE WAS NO SHAME IN AWE, THERE WAS EXHALTATION” - Nancy Holder, Love in Vein
TECHNO APOCALYPSE
T
echnological advances in the past ten years have provided us with opportunities we could only have dreamt about. The ability to connect, share and experience the world digitally is a phenoneman, but how far can these advances go before they they destroy traditional elements of conversation and intellect as well as replacing jobs and people? This dark trend envisions a future where humans have lost power over technology. It is a world powered and ruled by the black screens we have allowed to watch every aspect of our lives. How will humans respond to this take-over? The act of prayer will become an important element as the humans seek a power greater than technology and despite the fact that screens covey colour and life in HD quality, the mood is dark and grainy as if the world is in mourning. The humans are aware that they have created this situation themselves due to their technological reliance and dependence. Ultimately this trend questions whether human will rise up out of the dark and ight for reality. Will they take back their jobs, privatise their lives and regain control of society?
“AS CITIES GROW AND TECHNOLOGY TAKES OVER THE WORLD, BELIEF AND IMAGINATION FADE AWAY AND SO DO WE” - Julie Kagawa, The Iron King
THE RISE OF THE HEDONIST
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he youthful are more pleasure seeking than ever before, attending festivals, independently exploring the world and holidaying with their friends. This Hedonistic trend adopts a hippie inspired, sun worshipping and bohemian lifestyle but never strays too far from glamour and wealth. Appearing humbled, carefree and spirited is key but do not be fooled, as the Hedonist definitely has a taste for the finer things in life and enjoys the luxury of being able to do whatever they wish. It is a trend born out of ‘poor little rich girl’. The wealthy are wanting to express luxury in a different way via experience and ‘once in a lifetime’ rather than merely possessions and money. Dusky blues and pink contrasted with bright sunsets and pastel tones set the colour scheme and fringing, crochet, exposed wood and smoke help to explain the texture story. The Hedonist has been reivented.
“ TO LAUGH UNTIL THE THROAT BURNS AND SMOKE A CIGAR TO SOOTHE IT, TO BLACK OUT BUT NOT TO PASS OUT, TO LOVE WITHOUT CLIMAX, TO BE IMMORTAL IN THE MOMENT - WHAT STOIC HAS SUCH FORTITUDE?” - Bauvard, Some Inspiration for the Overenthusiastic
AFTER EIGHT
W
ith technology having such a great influence on the way we choose to entertain ourselves it is not hard to see how this trend for soughting out traditionalism has evolved. Technology is expensive and hinders genuine interaction, even altering reality. The After Eight trend revives old fashioned concepts such as the traditional dinner party, the gentlemen’s club and activities such as chess and polker. The musty tones of leathery browns, mustards and golds are contrasted with the deep forest and mint greens making this trend rich in colour and texture. There are strong elements of sophistication and contradictary to the binge drinking reputation of many young adults today, After Eight encourages drinking in a relaxed and social environment only. There are strong undertones of femme fatale seduction and James Bond but there is also the concept of reprising traditional roles to an extent with the men having a place and time to hang out and enjoy each other’s company. Garden and dinner parties thrown by woman or couples brings that 1950’s housewife element into the trend. Taking a break from technology to enjoy quality time is vital in this era.
“ SHE WAS A WOMAN, WHO BETWEEN COURSES, COULD BE GRACEFUL WITH HER ELBOWS ON THE TABLE” - Henry James
ALL PHOTOGRAPHY AND IMAGES TAKEN OR CREATED BY REBECCA ELAND