THE ASK.
Forecast fashion trends for womenswear S/S 2023. Use research to predict trends surrounding color, fabrics, patterns, prints, trims, and details. The forecast includes references from runway shows and street-style looks from the past year.
THE PROCESS.
Analyze the current zeitgeist, and how it will affect future trends in the industry.
The dictionary defines future shock as: “the physical and psychological distress suffered by one who is unable to cope with the rapidity of social and technological changes.” Today’s current zeitgeist of anxiety, rebellion, and escapism is a direct result of this phenomenon.
Over the past 2 years, our world has been put through extreme disruptions in everyday life that have left us unsettled, exhausted, and apprehensive about what the future holds. The present terror of ongoing police brutality combined with the government’s shallow and inefficient attempts of support during a global pandemic has pushed American society further into what has been an already growing distrust for their government. This zeitgeist of anti-establishment is also related to an increasing wealth gap and rise of corporate power as it becomes more apparent this is the result of the greed of politicians and the top 1%. To add to this harm, this greed combined with advancements in surveillance technology has allowed corporations to collect mass amounts of data that is then used to intrusively and unrelentingly advertise to consumers, perpetuating the culture of hyper-consumerism they created. This overconsumption has resulted in damage to our environment so severe it has nearly reached a point of no return. To compound this stress, the isolation of COVID has left the digital world as our only source of human connection, taking our relationship with technology to uncomfortable depths.
These factors combined create a feeling of future shock, which leads us to a theme that evokes this same complex emotion - cyberpunk. Originating from a subgenre of 80s sci-fi literature, cyberpunk media is centered around the relationship between humanity and rapidly evolving technology. These stories often feature themes similar to our zeitgeist of distrust in an increasingly authoritarian government and a loss of humanity due to rapid advancements in technology and AI. These worlds display cityscapes that are often gritty, polluted, and hinting at some kind of ecological collapse or nuclear disaster. The cluttered and overwhelming streets are decorated with neon signs and advertisements that are used to distract from a bleak, unclean reality. Due to these similarities with our current state, we believe the niche styles of cyberpunk will be trending by Spring/Summer 2023.
Video Campaign
To further encapsulate Future Shock, we created a video with clips of popular cyberpunk media that portrays these cluttered, overwhelming cityscapes, intrusive advertisements, and human-like artificial intelligence amongst a soft neon glow. The overwhelming cityscapes evoke feelings of anxiety from our current zeitgeist, while the artificial women represent our longing for connection and escapism.
COLOR STORY
This color palette pulls inspiration from classic cyberpunk films and represents the intersection of a deteriorating environment and the overwhelming, polluted tech that fills it. Inner Warmth pulls from the cyberpunk romanticization of what our world would look like after ecological collapse or nuclear disaster. These bright yet gentle warm tones complement each other to find the hidden beauty in destruction. Polluted Periwinkle may resemble the color of a smog-filled night sky perpetually saturated in a city's neon glow, while Sienna Haze represents the golden sky left after the world is quite literally, on fire. The colors in this palette are the neon versions of your typical jewel tones and come from cooler, more techno glow inspirations. While Cyber and Artificial Intelligence utilize their cool tones to express the buzzing energy of technology in the air, Distrust represents the epitome of a lack of transparency, and ultimately, the complete and utter darkness the government continues to leave society in.
TEXTILES
The six textiles we selected combine functional, technical fibers with durable, eye-catching materials that reflect themes of both anti-establishment and technological advancements.
-
We chose Piñatex, a natural leather alternative, as leather is of course a vital part of any punk aesthetic. In a zeitgeist influenced by climate change and natural destruction, it is important to see this natural leather incorporated into the industry. The Piñatex is created through a circular method, and this alternative is much more innovative and sustainable compared to animal leather. This durable fabric has a chic edge to it that makes it a classic ingredient of any cyberpunk look and a relevant indicator of our current zeitgeist of rebellion.
-
Liquid organza was chosen for its tech, liquid metal-like look. This effect is often achieved by weaving organza with synthetic filament fibers, such as polyester or nylon, to create a movement that looks fluid and futuristic, relating to our themes of technology and innovation.
-
Vinyl was added to our list of fabrics for its durability and commentary on hyper consumerism and pollution. These common cyberpunk themes can be translated through this plastic mass market material that is often damaging to the environment. This lustrous and occasionally transparent fabric, composed of 100% polyvinyl chloride, is also relevant to our theme as it alludes to the idea of an artificial take over - whether that be of intelligence or textiles.
-
Gore-tex is one of the most popular fabrics among tech wear. It is composed of 100% polyester face and polytetrafluoroethylene coating on the back. This lightweight fabric is designed with functionality in mind as it repels wind and water while also allowing water vapor to pass through. Gore-tex relates to our theme as the durable material is common for outdoor use and provides the mobility and protection needed for those fighting or fleeing a government they no longer trust.
-
Lycra is a stretchy and lightweight spandex fiber that is stronger and more durable than rubber. Due to its composition of 82% polyester and 18% spandex, this fabric can be stretched over 500% without breaking, allowing freedom of movement in garments. This material is also relevant to the need for comfort and mobility during heightened tensions between citizens and the government that could result in the need for action at any moment’s notice.
-
Chromorphous is an up-and-coming user-controlled, color-changing eTextile developed at the University of Central Florida. This fabric allows the wearer to control the color and patterns of their clothing and accessories at any time, using only their smartphone. Each thread woven into Chromorphous’ fabric contains a thin metal micro-wire that uses the flow of an electric current to slightly raise the thread’s temperature. A special pigment embedded in the thread then responds to this heat by changing color. This textile is relevant to our theme as it shows an evolution of technology in textiles and allows the wearer the option to change their appearance, something consumers and protestors may seek out as surveillance technology continues to evolve. This kind of technology also offers a solution to hyperconsumerism by allowing consumers to access several different looks through one singular item.
RUNWAY LOOKS
SUITED UP
The looks of suited up feature active silhouettes made from durable materials needed for mobility and protection during protests. These looks combine this futuristic anti-establishment design with feminine features, bright pops of color, and edgy trims such as zippers, belts, and hoods.
ARTIFCIAL GLOW
Artificial glow contains a mix of colors blended through a subtle fuzzy-like glow. These looks represent the overbearing neon advertisements of cyberpunk as well as the blurred lines of human/technology relationships and government morals.
ATORNMENT
Atornment features sleek, feminine, organic cut outs that represent a disregard for social norms and a yearning for escapism. Stretchy, form fitting materials enhance the edgy yet elegant silhouette while providing functionality and durability.
THE OUTCOME.
Completing a fashion forecasting assignment proved to be an enlightening experience that ignited my passion for trend forecasting and analysis. The task demanded a comprehensive understanding of market dynamics, consumer behavior, and emerging design paradigms. Delving into extensive research, I meticulously dissected current trends, scrutinized historical data, and absorbed insights from industry reports. As I navigated through this intricate web of information, I unearthed a profound fascination for the predictive nature of fashion forecasting. The process of deciphering societal shifts, cultural influences, and technological advancements to anticipate future trends exhilarated me. Each trend became a narrative, woven from the fabric of societal evolution, awaiting discovery and interpretation. Through this assignment, I discovered my innate ability to decode the language of fashion, translating it into actionable insights for designers and brands. It was a pivotal moment where my academic endeavor seamlessly intertwined with my burgeoning interest, affirming my aspirations in trend forecasting and trend analysis within the dynamic realm of fashion.
