The pandemic has been another obvious reason for people’s desire to get back to nature. However, as this aspect evolves, trend scouts expect brands to go one step further: functionality and adaptability should become an integral part of everyday wardrobes. in one trend report the German Fashion Institute explained that the increasing pressure to deal with ecological challenges is behind the trend. While trend researcher Carl Tillessen from the institute links this to a sense of calm, comfortable clothing, others believe it is due to the hybridization of outerwear and fashion.
“During the pandemic, connecting with nature was literally our only outlet — the only way to escape from the daily chaos that kept us disconnected from society. We’ve learned to harness and tap into the magic that Mother Nature so easily gives us,” said Fisher of Fashion Snoops. “The ‘Great Migration’ allowed us to move to corners of the world we could only dream of before. The home office enables us to make these dreams come true. The time since 2020 has probably been the toughest of our lives, but it has also made us realize the many treasures on our doorstep.”
Being close to nature is something that has always been associated with sportswear and outerwear brands, but is now being incorporated more and more into haute couture and designer labels. They have recognized the shift towards more functional clothing and incorporate performance aspects into their own designs.
nature conscious
Of course, concern for the environment also leads to a more considerate approach to fashion when it comes to consumption and production. This can also be observed in the design of the collections. The associated color palette, the Trend expert David Shah presented during a presentation at the MarediModa fair, consists of calm, organic tones of earth, clay, brown and sand. Neutrals, many of which can be made sustainably or naturally. Shah added that the materials are mostly pure and simple fabrics, often with granular textures or created using biotechnology.
This point was also underscored by Michael Fisher of Fashion Snoops. He said there could be even more opportunities to develop plant-based leathers and lab-grown materials in the future. The availability of these materials is fueled by Millennials and Gen Z demand for more sustainable fashion, which is driving brands to embrace eco-friendly practices. “We’re just beginning to see the possibilities,” Fisher continued. “Sustainability no longer means sacrificing good taste or luxury.”
nature and spirituality
If there was one thing most fashion makers agreed on, it was the new sense of spirituality that reigned supreme on the FW23 catwalks and is expected to continue to evolve as the season progresses. Fashion has said goodbye to anarchy and rebellion and has become calmer with the new connection with nature. This is also expressed in the slow fashion movement. At Fashion Snoops, this change is called “Soul-Centred”. Fisher describes the phenomenon as “an evolution of our individual and collective well-being”.
“We are in a mass awakening rooted in human maturity and soul discovery. Our lack of stability and trust has led us to question the constructs of society and transform our inner world through a curated path of spirituality.” “By turning off distractions and diving deep into contemplation, we begin to understand that everything is connected. As we loosen the structures around us, we seek to live lives rooted in truth and purpose, and make new demands of ourselves and others.”
This is evident both in the fashion industry – think Patagonia founder Yvon Chouinard’s decision to give the company away to help fight climate change – and in fashion design itself. There it comes in the use of raw materials, more functional fashion and rustic ones Mixtures of materials to express. All characteristics which, in the opinion of Denim dudes will also be found in the SS24 collections. Trend analyst Hilde Franq also referred to their trend forecast on spirituality. However, she sees this as a shift from an initial focus on the moon to a focus on the sun. Franq believes that spring/summer 2024 will see warm, upbeat colors come into play, while delicate textures of silk or intricate beadwork will play a central role in fashion.
This article was published on FashionUnited.uk. Translation and editing: Barbara Russ