Diversity takes on more feminine forms for SS25

If you wanted to dive into the denim trends for SS25 at Kingpins, you had to be quick. About twenty minutes before the trend presentation began, the seminar room was filled with well-dressed guests. Apparently everyone was in the mood for a game of trend watching. And not for nothing, because Shannon Reddy pulled out all the stops for three quarters of an hour to present the trends as clearly as possible.

Reddy told the trend story, as we have come to expect from Denim Dudes, in four chapters: Future Atelier, Embody, Low-key Flex and Resurgence. The overarching theme that seems to be at the center is self-expression, permission to be who you are.

Future Atelier

In the SS25 season, the “Quiet Luxury” trend enters a new era. This year, “Quiet Luxury” was all about discreet and minimalist luxury, with wearers assuming that “real wealth” doesn’t need to draw much attention to itself. It was said that restraint was also a way to stand out. The proponents of this trend primarily rely on brands such as The Row, Khaite, Brunello Cucinelli and Jil Sander. They have no logo and are only recognizable to insiders.

In this new era, the focus is on quality craftsmanship, no flashy frills, diversity and high-quality details. In addition, large corporations are making way for young, authentic fashion houses. In the denim look, this can be seen in androgynous outfits with diamond details here and there and in upcycled denim clothing. “It’s OK to be normal” is the message here.

Embody

‘Live your best life‘ is the message conveyed here. The trend focuses on the proactive approach of Generation Z. This generation thinks about what truly makes them happy and what they want to achieve in their lives. Now that she seems to have found a way to shape the future, she’s going a step further and looking for communities that share the same mindset.

The world has been about being able to be yourself for some time now, and this trend continues. In the past, this was primarily expressed in masculine, neutral and oversized silhouettes. Now it is taking on more feminine forms and we are in a post-Barbie era. It is expressed in a color palette of bright pink and purple, alternating with (dark) shades of blue.

The global tolerance of self-expression and access to a seemingly infinite online world enable people to discover themselves there too. These futuristic online looks are ultimately carried over into the here and now. Looks with very short tops with something special, creative flat denim pieces and cut-out pieces are on the rise.

Low key flex

Low key flex not only ties in well with the chapterFuture Atelier but goes one step further. This trend is making people think. These days they try to keep up with their wealthier peers; They are, so to speak, going under in order to keep up with the financial elite, which had less to prove from the start, according to the echo of the trend presentation. Is it time to stop participating in the endless capitalist cycle if you can’t afford it, Reddy asked.

Luxury and therefore a high price quickly make an item unaffordable for most people and create exclusion. In today’s world, where inclusion is becoming increasingly important, this is no longer possible. Low-key Flex’s clothing regulations are therefore as follows: Clothing should be easily accessible and convey an inclusive attitude. Whether it’s clothes you already have hanging in your closet, a second-hand piece of jewelry you found at the thrift store, or that one simple t-shirt; it exudes a reduction in inequality. Low-key Flex is reminiscent of the 1990s.

Resurgence

Avant Y2K makes room for Resurgence. Avant Y2K
was entirely dedicated to Generation Z, the generation of young adults between the ages of 12 and 26. It mixes elements of pop culture with technical details from the early 2000s, combining futuristic details with retro inspirations. Think bold graphic tees, double denim, glitter galore and low-rise jeans.

Now there is a new guard of designers ready to “redefine design. While Avant Y2K delves into the archives of fashion houses, Resurgence focuses on brands like Sean John and Karl Kani.

Gen Z is reinventing denim with an eye for detail. For example, she adds additional pockets or zippers or cuts pants extra low. In addition, body shapes are visible in denim outfits that fall under the term “Resurgence”. A faded sweater is also a typical element of this trend, as are nods to the ’90s and ’00s through handwritten brand names.

This article originally appeared on FashionUnited.nl. Translated and edited by Simone Preuss.