“2026 is the year of realignment,” said the trend webinar of the Belgian fashion association Creamoda. The spring/summer season 2026 therefore brings with it an exciting variety of new color trends and styles. The focus is on four formative macro trends based on the forecasts of trend research institutes such as WGSN, Coloro and Francq Colors – supplemented by the trend analyst Laura Buydaert.
Re-imagining sci-fi
In numerous trend forecasts from Expert: Inside it already becomes clear: the uncertainty about the future concerns people and consumers: increasingly inside. It is in the nature of man to fill this uncertainty with its own visions of the future. What this future looks like is individually different.
“It is designed for a utopia,” explains Buydaert. This leads to futuristic designs, but also to concepts that the trend analyst calls “Preparewear”. People want to prepare themselves against potential global crises and at the same time dream of an alternative reality. The need for cocooning – after retreat to a protected room that still offers comfort – is essential.
Dark Romance
Two of the four macrotrends identified by the fashion Deration Creamoda are strongly inspired by historical references. One of them is “Dark Romance”. Here are classic silhouettes, but with a mysterious, dark aesthetics. “It has a touch of Gothic,” explains Buydaert. One of the microtrends for SS26 bears the name “Goddess of Goth”. It is not about classic Gothic subculture, but about “Goth Glamor”-inspired by brands such as Rick Owens and Ann Demeulemester. “Asymmetrical volume with sophisticated elegance.”
In the decoration, floral elements are increasingly being used – especially roses. If you are looking for an embodiment of this trend, you should think of the figure Wednesday Addams from the Tim Burton series from 2022.
Technocraft
This trend is also future -oriented, but combines modern, technological materials with traditional craftsmanship. There is a neuroesthetic design that becomes clothing to extend emotions. Buydaert refers to Jasna Rok’s designs that interact with brain waves. Avantgardist creations that combine technical innovation, bold aesthetics and craftsmanship. With portable technology, the “Technocraft” flow is not only visually distinctive, but also functional-fashion that contributes to physical health.
Vintage voyage
Attentive fashion experts: Inside, the recurring influences of the 1950s and 1970s have already noticed in the past seasons. These styles experience a revival, but in a contemporary interpretation. “Vintage influences are increasingly gaining cultural relevance.” An example of this is Alessandro Michele’s first collection for Valentino.
With this trend, the timelessness of the pieces is important. They should be portable over the season and maintain their vintage aesthetics while they still appear modern. “It is a well thought -out reinterpretation of classic elements.”
This article previously appeared on Fashionunited.nl and was used with digital tools translated.
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