WGSN Trend Forecasts

I was lucky enough this week to attend a WGSN Trend Forecasting Lecture. WGSN is probably the most reliable source of fashion forecasting so I sat up, listened, documented, and then wrote it all down for you all to see.

They named 3 new trends from the coming year in fashion:

'Faux Real', '360 Degrees', and 'Your Space', all very interesting concepts that are extremely varied to satisfy all different genres of taste.

Please excuse the very low-res photos but my usual camera was broken so used a replacement at the last minute. You get the picture.

'FAUX REAL' Autumn/Winter 2011/12

The basics:

• Looking fake as fake becomes real, taking heritage values out of context.
• This trend is all about TEXTURE.

This outfit is by Custo Barcelona.

It is a tactile coat; the pink makes it look obviously fake, a kitsch luxury. Digital printing and matte black solidifying colours embalm the look together. Other fashion ideas to look out for with this trend are colour blocking and body panelling.

With formal wear, there is now a definite anti-sweet, anti-feminine, anti-floaty/boho ideology. It is replaced with tight, black, punky punches but also allow sweeter ideals, like pink hues, to soften the look if it is too much for personal taste.

Overview:

• Angular faceting is a flattering way to mould the female form.
• brash accessories are conspicuously fake.
• Matte black pieces provide a quiet backdrop for manipulated surfaces.
• Look for pieces which pay a playful homage to design icons.

'360 DEGREES' Autumn/Winter 2011/12

The basics:

• Futuristic technologies combine with ancient traditions.
• We take a 360 degree view of a garment.
• Movement and fluidity offer a 3D experience.
• Clever cutting creates a focus on SHAPE.

This trend is all about transition; looking at everything from future technological aspects to ancient rural. We need to see all perspectives and combine them. For example the necklace in the above picture shows a fusion between the stark simplicity of the rope and the contemporary connotations of the metal put together to create a well rounded style - a 360 degree style. SHAPE is outlined as the key aspect in this trend, as was texture with faux real, 36 degrees is all about contortion.

Fashion wise, the look is best when made to look fun and playful. Formal wear should have a healthy dose of eccentricity and very much pieces being styled up, though this is much more folksy where the last one was sporty. Casual wear should show patches of hap-hazard, fun, styling. Spicy construction whilst not forgetting sustainability. There is a mix between digital and spiritual moods. In essence, it is a creative trend that allows a lot of imagination to seep through.

Accessories to look out for:

'Statement' shoes, chunky knits, furs, capes.

This outfit is by Custo Barcelona again.

(ref: navajo coat, vagabond look)

Overview:

• Ancient spiritual patterning is reworked for a digital age.
• Rugged and cosy accessories have a wild folk feel.
• Comfort and movement follow through from casual wear to formal wear.

'YOUR SPACE' Autumn/Winter 2011/12

The basics:

• Clean up, organise, compartmentalise and focus on the essentials.
• Be inspired by uniformity and sartorial etiquette.
• Designs driven by functionality are fit for purpose.

This trend has a formalised look of the 1930's and 1940's but uses it in a unified and contemporary way; honing in on pieces that have longevity, classic and personal appeal. The silhouette differs from the traditional with boxy silhouettes for military - which is still very much an alive trend. The trend, overall, is unmistakably masculine with casual androgyny.

With regards to casual and formal looks and use of accessories:

Denim is still current, a return of tunics, capes, and even aprons. Anything with boxy shapes. The idea of having outfit for best will be prominent but everything should be simple and not over-styled. This does not mean ideas can't be mixed however as pieces such as negligee maxi dresses could be seen frequently. Outfits should 'speak' to you - conversational polkadots and floral prints, feminine nostalgia evoked.

Overview:

• Look at this as the new direction for military and utility looks.
• Think about pieces which are functional and versatile for your consumer's life.
• Hardwearing fabrications provide a rugged practicality.
• Pare back to the essentials and be restrained in editing collections.

WGSN ALSO LOVES...

After the fashion trend talk, WGSN gave a short speech about other ideas to watch out for over the next few years with regards to fashion as an industry, society, and innovation. Thoroughly inspiring and useful to anyone interesting in forecasting.

1. The humble vending machine. Sounds odd but the contraption has already started being used as a method of selling in the fashion industry. This picture in particular shows a vending machine by Katie Grand used for Selfridges. It poses a debate between what is disposable in fashion and what it sought for an unattainable. It also fuses extreme luxury with everyday needs. Also seen using the vending machine idea have been Zandra Rhodes and Commes des Garcons at Dover Street Market.

2. The new androgyny. Gender manipulation is back. Rising numbers of models on the catwalk are toning down the femininity and embracing male influence. Look at Lady Gaga's widely renowned cover for Vogue Japan.

3. The influx of 4d. Fashion film has been growing in popularity as an outlet of both advertising as well as inspiration. 3d has been done to the maximum and so now comes the next realm. Look at Ralph Lauren's show-stopping 4d show on both Madison Avenue in New York and Bond Street in London. The fashion label truly took fashion film out of the context of the internet, adding atmospheric perfume and a loud soundtrack to created a 4d sensory experience. Obviously a highly publicised example but 4d can also be done on a budget which is what makes it great; definitely something to look out for.