No matter how up to date, researched and in-the-know we are, the fashion finish line will always elude us. The million dollar question what is next? defines the very nature of the industry. Sometimes what is now? doesn’t even get a look-in because all eyes are scanning the future for the next – the new – the neoteric.
For retailers, designers, bloggers and every cog in the fashion wheel, it pays to be ahead of the game. The new is the now and the now changes faster than we can possibly process. The fashion cycle spins so quickly that, from afar, it appears like a mess of colour and chaos.
Trends are much more definable in hindsight: we can look back and clearly see the ‘70s flare, ‘80s statement shoulder, and ‘90s grunge dress. Time provides context and gives us the ability to see trends in collective terms, to categorise the expanse of a decade, year or season. This vortex can be cyclical and manic, especially in this climate of fast fashion where an item can be browsed, purchased and delivered within 24 hours. The customer is beginning to respond to this merry-go-round by sitting on the sidelines, watching from afar and trying to make better informed decisions.
So as we move towards 2020 we are ultimately seeing a farewell to fuss; a streamlining and ease to the way we dress. Designers are honing the classics, sticking to neutrals and delivering comfort, quality and wearability. This anti-trend movement is visible in the head-to-toe monochrome offerings, fluid fabrics, curated collections and pared back basics.
Fluidity
Kit Willow led the way with her debut show for new label, Kitx, delivering ease and fluidity with the use of sleek fabrics, soft shapes and gentle details. Her collection was a lesson in sustainability, fluidity, empowerment and comfort.
Monochrome
The statement sleeve of last season was still a big hit, with white cotton on high repetition. Every possible take on shirting was explored, with from the shirt dress through to wide leg pants, bodices and everything in between as seen at Bec & Bridge and Akira.
Oversized
Comfort is proving to be the new chic with soft, loose, oversized offerings replacing restricted tailoring at Han and the always innovative Ten Pieces
A moment in fashion speaks loudly of a particular period, talking volumes about the economy, society, culture and identity at that point in history.
Going off MBFW2016 and remaining in our own (fabulous, I might add) backyard, it looks like this will be the time we stepped back from throw-away fashion and embraced individuality, gender neutrality, sustainability, quality and freedom.
