In the wake of the pandemic, in addition to a bevy of other natural calamities, the globe is rapidly waking up to the realisation that it is necessary to adapt and modify in order to continue surviving. Not only that, but a change can also be noticed in consumer attitudes, in behavioural changes that will slowly be replicated throughout the entirety of the fashion business as a whole. Not only that, but this movement can be seen in both of these areas. Research conducted by WGSN and information provided to FashionUnited by a member of the forecasting agency indicate that there are three defining trends that consumers should keep an eye out for in the coming year. These trends lean into the newly formed survivalist mindset and all of the society-driven aspects that are linked to it.
Clothing that is composed of modules
According to WGSN’s analysis, convertible clothing and modular garments were key factors. These aspects are linked to both travelling and athletic performance, two lifestyle characteristics that are emblematic of the growing mindset. One of the key focuses of the organisation was the interchangeable sneaker, which it said would transform the conventional trainer into an item that is suitable for usage outside and has the capability of being versatile. It also placed a focus on this characteristic inside clothing, making it possible for garments to be luggage-friendly and to have various end uses. This resulted in goods that were simpler to pack while on the move. The survey recommended items such as cargo pants that can also be worn as beach shorts or flip-flops that can be transformed into boots. The goal of these designs is to provide customers adaptability as well as value for their money, which is especially important in this day and age when consumers are finding themselves with less disposable income.
The latest in workwear utility apparel
In the same vein as the movement that came before it, WGSN’s interpretation of utility wear is focused on performance characteristics and modular construction. The idea of usefulness, on the other hand, has been taken to a higher level for the luxury market. It combines factors such as the return of post-pandemic travel with the backdrop of global instability and unpredictability in weather, promoting a survivalist lifestyle that has brought protective design into the mainstream. This fashion trend is characterised by the use of technical characteristics that promote the safety of a garment, such as buckles with a quick release mechanism and materials that are rip-proof. WGSN went on to mention that this shift has also had an effect on smaller firms that sell luxury leather goods. These businesses, according to WGSN, had been experimenting with the concept through items such as belt bags.
Algae alternatives
The globe is desperately searching for production methods that are less harmful to the environment, and as a result, the usage of natural components has naturally began to increase because these ingredients seem to be useful in this field. According to WGSN’s predictions, renewable algae will become an increasingly important component in the production of low-impact fibres, foams, and fabrics in the near future. The organism requires light, carbon dioxide, and water in order to rapidly expand, and it possesses properties that make it suitable for replacing oil-based alternatives in products such as shoes. The organisation stated that algae is developing as a “alternative to resource-intensive synthetics,” such as nylon, for the production of garments, and that numerous manufacturers are already adopting the ingredient in test programmes. The conclusion reached by WGSN was as follows: “Expect algae to thrive in fashion in 2023 and beyond.”
Reference:
Douglass, Rachel. “3 Trends to Expect in 2023 Directly Influenced by the Evolving World around Us.” FashionUnited, 9 Jan. 2023, https://fashionunited.uk/news/fashion/3-trends-to-expect-in-2023-directly-influenced-by-the-evolving-world-around-us/2023010967133.
