Trends to look out for in 2017

Fresh take on a new year, and why not have it start with FRESH and exciting with trends that will follow in the 12 months ahead of us. Here are some of the trends that will be big in retail and consumer trends that will help shape the fashion industry in 2017.

1) Streetwear

It's no lie that streetwear is coming to rise given an input on individuality and edge. Its distant cousin athleisure creates a combo of activewear and streetwear if you are looking for something in between. The mother and founder of them all- activewear will ultimately be a staple. Yoga pants becoming the new jeans? Been there done that! But keep an eye out as fast fashion retailers will go forward with this high-end streetwear vibe but cutting it at athleisure where they can afford to sell to the masses. Brands like Supreme and Kith are reaching that high pedestal with branding logos and ironic graphics with a cool urban palette with a looser fitting silhouette.

2) Off-the-shoulder / shoulder sleeves

From leg ‘o’ mutton, bishop, flared, bell, extra-long, puffed, to asymmetrical the catwalk has seen it all! This diverts from another trend coming to the rise - 80's with that Victorian and Madonna flare. The gracious shoulder trend was seen all over the S/S 2017 runways during fashion week late 2016. Take a look at Gucci's, Prabal Gurung's, and Simone Rocha's collection for the upcoming S/S '17 season. Velvets, lace and accent bows paired well with these vivacious sleeves.

3) Clan Defining Merchandise

Last year tour merch was sold at a grand scheme from Bieber to Beyonce and Drake. They took it from the stage and into the retail fronts. As digital social media is always on the rise, mostly Millennials use it as a way to self-identify and set themselves apart from the masses and to voice their opinions and beliefs. Fashion will take a culture clash and diverge into subcultures inspired skatewear and streetwear and make it into their own. This will go beyond music and extend into merchandise that identifies its consumers belonging to any kind of lifestyle, club, or philosophy.

4) Pink Popularity

From shades of magenta and violet to blushing nudes and corals, pink popularity will be the hottest colors seen this year and will be a win in retail. Pantone claimed that Kale was the color of 2017, but in all honesty we totally disagree. I think they are a bit behind in that kale trend. Even take a look at our palettes for Solstice Eclipse (Home Fashions) and Night Out In Bangkok (Young Contemporary) - they scream pinks! Valentino, Fenty Rhianna X Puma, and Lela Rose can prove you right with their S/S '17 collection.

5) Wide Trousers

Silhouette styles change every so 5, to 10, to 20 years. That being said there seems to be a trend in being more relaxed and laid back rather than restricted and formal not only in fashion but in lifestyles too! Designers will take a new approach on classic staples this year - pleated fronts and wide legs. It gives a touch of class and sophistication but also a look of ease and rebelliousness. Not only will it be seen in menswear but in womenswear too with relaxed straight leg jeans.

6) Portrait Prints

Designers have set grounds years ago when screen printing tees with familiar prints such as houndstooth, herringbone, and polka dots to give clothing some sort of edge. One print that was showcased at many tradeshows and in designers S/S '18 collections were portrait prints. Designers collaborating with artists and photographers seems to be rising to the fronts of the fashion plate. These portraits provides as a way for the designer to commemorate famous figures and other mediums of work.

7) Elongated Sleeves

Considered more of a fashion statement rather than function, elongated sleeves have caught the latter eye of most. Seen more in streetwear, it is making its way to high end fashion houses, such as Vetements. Some may think this is a new trend on the rise but others point back to the 90's grunge phase when most were seen wearing oversized and baggy tops. Fashion over function? What side would you take?

8) Industrial Accessories

Seen more in menswear, there is a rising trend of industrial accessories. From buckles to clean lined graphics, and utility belts take on an artistic utilitarian approach. A-Cold-Wall*'s designer Samuel Ross redesigned a handyman belt into a shoulder-slung bag. Some designers have even been inspired by the belts of roller coasters!