FW2022 Clothing Trend forecast

METAMORPHOSIS

Our sudden shift away from a steadfast reality has prompted us to become more open to a radically innovative mindset and has forced us to not just be accepting of change but to be inspired by it. With previous boundaries shattered, our imaginations expand infinitely and know no bounds. While most are speculating what the ‘new normal’ will be, this trend anticipates the promise of a previously unfathomable future that formerly, could have only been constructed in our wildest dreams. In a universe that is evolving more rapidly than ever, and that has the potential for abrupt and swift transformation, we recognize that our ability to pivot is vital. A more fluid, responsive, and ever-evolving concept is integral to keep top of mind when it comes to the product design and creation process.

Simultaneously rooted in reality while floating in fantasy. Synthetic and organic tones dissolve into one another distorting boundaries. Deep magnetic shades of purple, brown, and teal are counter balanced by stimulating hues of vibrant blue and reddened pink and atmospheric shades of peach, mint and grey. Theis combination of color helps to achieve dissolving color and pattern, reimagined nature in prints, and textural surface effects that allude to a hovering appearance.

PRIMITIVE

Realigning with nature’s unhurried sense of time established through its natural rhythms provides a sense of balance and tranquility. Timehonored traditional techniques, such as upcycling and circularity, teach us to honor our earth and cherish belongings from our past, while breathing in new life by assimilating a modern twist. While witnessing nature begin to reclaim itself during a period of forced conservation, we recognize and are awestruck by the potential of the natural world when left unbridled. As we behold the self-healing capability of nature, we yearn to envelop ourselves in its restorative embrace. Biophilic design revitalizes us personally while a more ecocentric approach to the conception process helps to restore entire ecosystems both natural and man-made. In this approach, we are reminded that these are the pillars of creation since the beginning of time.

A sense of calm is emitted from a collection of earthen colors that envelop us in nature. Thee warm glow of ember orange provides a sense of hope and healing. Ashen and tawny browns keep us rooted while weathered khaki and straw soothe. Greens symbolize our desire for renewal and our re-harmonizing with natural rhythms. Elevated textures shaped by nature as well as raw and naturally blemished surfaces are highlighted in these shades.

SALVAGED

In the face of consistent uncertainty alternative forms of artistic expression, creation, distribution, and reception have been and will continuously need to be forged. At the heart of these ‘alternative’ forms is a mend and make-do mentality, and the desire to recreate a sense of tactility, connection, and even intimacy. After a time of deep reevaluation on all fronts a strong importance is placed on community as we see that sometimes a smallscale approach yields a bigger impact. No matter the scale, design mentality focuses on creative resourcefulness, yielding pieces that are nuanced and appreciated for their relatability. We see the pendulum of perception and desire swinging towards something that is personalized instead of something that is pristine.

A soulful patchwork of color that is both relatable and personalized. Aged primaries of red and yellow and vintage shades of navy blue, forest green, and slick grey pair with vibrant hues of pink and blue for nostalgic yet inspired combinations. Crafted textures and compositions inspire print, pattern, and details. Salvaged yarns create visual curiosity, and styling is exuberant and expressive.

TECHNICALLY AWKWARD

With the simultaneous boom of digital creation and virtual existences alongside a rise in tactile and social deprivation the path ahead to our blended reality looks clumsy. Trying to remain present and relevant in both the physical and the virtual is an awkward dance. We are learning how to create, connect and interact for the first time in one realm, and re-learning how to do these things once again in the other. We can be physically isolated yet also in a crowd while participating at a virtual fashion show or concert. We are having fun again; we are celebrating again, somehow, somewhere… We are dressing up in our physical lives to celebrate in our virtual existences, and when we transition back into the ‘real’ world we will take these clunky digital aesthetics with us. Theis is transcending into art and design with a playful and unexpected combination of colors, materials and proportions, in all be it slightly uncomfortable compositions. Everything is somewhat askew no matter your vantage point.

Translucent hues at the beginning of the palette counter the boldness of extraverted shades expressed towards the end of the story. Naïve pastels establish a sense of harmony that dissolves into tonal greens. Faded black adds structure, without being restrictive. Rosy coral and bright blue lend an oddball sense of flair. Eclectic grape parlays imaginative vision and creative expression. Awkward and askew proportions in details and styling, reinvigorated traditional patterns in bottomweights and shirtings and illuminated surfaces on iridescent knits lend to the unexpected eccentric nature of this trend.