Jeans, chunky knits and uniforms will be among the highlights of every wardrobe in autumn/winter next year. As part of a webinar on the career network Linkedin last week, Sylvie Pourrat, trend researcher at WSN, and Michaël Bonzom, creative director for ready-to-wear at the consulting agency NellyRodi, gave an insight into the FW 24/25 trends. The two trend researchers also presented the brands that will present these trends at the next Who’s Next trade fair from January 20th to 22nd, 2024 in Paris.
Utopia
With the name ‘Utopia’, the first trend revolves around the uniform and its hybridization. Since the French Minister of Education Gabriel Attal recently announced that he wanted to test the wearing of uniforms in French schools, this piece is likely to gradually gain a permanent place in consumers’ wardrobes.
The uniform should be both functional and elegant, well cut and made from fine materials in specialized tailoring studios. The main color of this trend is “Worker Blue” in combination with pastel shades such as soft pink. Bonzom invites you to turn to materials such as denim, which are played in a total look, but also wool, cashmere or even leather, “which is preferably vegan”. Classic suits, multi-pocket shorts and micro cargos are combined with more feminine pieces such as satin blouses, lace tops and fitted jackets.
Footwear brand Le Bohemien embodies this trend with its “back to school” style moccasins, a theme that was central to the last edition of Who’s Next. The label will be represented at the trade fair in the shoe area in Hall 4. The company Kings of Indigo, which specializes in denim, will be exhibited in Hall 5.2. It will debut a unisex pair of jeans that are “suitable for both women and men.” New to the trade fair is the South Korean ready-to-wear brand M.ROF, which offers newly designed streetwear-style outfits and will be found in Hall 6.
Wonderland
The “Wonderland” trend is influenced by the outdoor mentality, characterized by the desire to reconnect with nature. It is embodied in practical and versatile pieces that are designed to last and be passed down from one generation to the next. In parallel, Bonzom notes a growing interest in the worlds of childhood, the fairy tales and legends of the North, which is reflected in retail experiences that increasingly focus on immersion and amazement of the senses.
Oak green, spruce gray and also wood brown are typical colors for this trend. They can be perfectly combined with bright colors such as yellow and red. Colorful knitwear and thick raincoats are key parts of the “Wonderland” trend. Accessories also play a crucial role, such as mittens, functional bags and sneakers with Velcro fasteners and laces that protect against the cold and make moving around “in the city or in the mountains” easier.
In contrast to the monochrome silhouettes of the Utopia trend, Wonderland relies on colors and prints. There are pieces with Scandinavian or indigenous motifs or stylized with English embroidery in a retro style.
At Who’s Next, Wonderland style is embodied by Aaluna’s colorful bags, based on the craftsmanship of Colombia’s indigenous population, and Swiss footwear brand Inuikii’s comfortable ankle boots, which promise warm feet all winter long. Both brands will be represented in Hall 4.
Spell
“Spell” or the “new rebellion” illustrates the desire to make everyday life more dramatic in difficult times. Consumers want to experiment and are making more and more bold and confident suggestions. The trend draws on a fantasy around witches, darker stories and rhymes, and Disney supervillains. It is reflected in strong colors such as blood red, deep green and jet black. Lighter shades like pistachio green and cherry red soften these very strong tones.
Strong pieces of clothing in the “Spell” trend include the biker jacket, bomber jacket and dark jeans in a style with 1960s punk/rock influences. They can be mixed with more feminine pieces like lingerie tops.
Strong pieces of clothing in the “Spell” trend include the biker jacket, bomber jacket and dark jeans in a style with 1960s punk/rock influences. They can be combined with more feminine pieces such as lingerie tops.
At Who’s Next, hair accessories brand Matilda Headpieces will embrace the trend with its headbands, which are encrusted or fully embellished with rhinestones, shells and pearls. The Death is Easy label presents T-shirts with graphic prints, cargos and revealing tops.
Eternity
The “Eternity” trend follows on from the shape or skimwear that is very popular this season. He represents gentleness and escape and positions himself halfway between reality and fiction. This is expressed in innovative suggestions and the use of artificial intelligence in product design.
“Eternity” is represented by light colors such as Celestial Pink, Silver Gray or nude tones for a “second skin” effect. These bright colors can be brightened up with fuchsia or lemon yellow.
The main trend pieces are moon boots, raincoats and down jackets. Michaël Bonzom also highlights a penchant for impressive jewelry, such as necklaces and earrings that intertwine rhinestones, pearls and other glittering details.
The trend will emerge at the end of next year and mark the transition from the winter to the spring season. As such, it will include lighter and more festive silhouettes such as sequined dresses and sequined tops paired with puffer jackets and “beautiful, warm knits.”
Soft, lush and enveloping – the Douce Gloire scarf brand fits perfectly with the “Eternity” style,” explained Pourrat. It will be exhibited in Hall 4 of the trade fair. The colorful down jackets and thick jackets of the Gertrude label will be presented in Hall 6 of Who’s Next.
This translated article previously appeared on FashionUnited.fr