Trends for Spring 2021

Spring has very much crept up on me this year, mainly due to the fact that I still feel as if it's March 2020. The national lockdowns and months for many working at home has translated into the arts. As always, fashion and art reflect societal norms. The fashion sector was the hardest hit sector in 2020 (Mintel, 2020). As Consumer financial wellbeing continues to defy the pandemic (Mintel,2020). On a general scale, most peoples disposable incomes are lower and people would rather spend the money they have on loungewear since everyone's now take place between four walls. However, it has meant that when people are allowed to go for a meal or evening drinks, the outfits purchased have been far from smart-casual. The art of dressing up has taken centre-stage which is reflected in runways for AW21 and SS22. The notion of dressing your best to feel your best will continue for many seasons due to the consumer desire to go on holiday, party with friends and attend events. However, following the front of 2020, comfort remains key, with slippers and knits showing popularity for new-season wardrobes, ideal for increased time spent indoors (net-a-porter.com, 2021).

From Left to Right: Brandon Maxwell SS/21, Christian Siriano SS/21, Ellie Saab SS/21, Isabel Marrant SS/21, Christian Siriano SS/21, Alessandra Rich SS/21.

The desire for comfortability has diffused across all fashion garments including intimates. Lyst reported a 59% increase for “granny pants” searches online January-September 2020 (Vogue.co.uk, 2020) and comfortable underwear's popularity has only increased as people’s lifestyles have been impacted by COVID-19 (WGSN.com, 2020), (Vogue.co.uk, 2020). “Women are prioritising their own comfort, but they’re not compromising style” (Vogue.co.uk, 2020). The catwalk of 2020 was very different as many designers turned to the digital landscape to create AI models, live stream runways and even have a zoom based audience in some cases such as Dior. This new landscape allowed luxury brands to be creative with their visual presentation and offers the opportunity for long- term change for the fashion week calendar.

1. Leather clothing:

Matte black leather was big for AW/20 and included trenches, trousers and over-sized blazers as a focal point. For SS/21, leather will transcend across garments including constructed tops, midi skirts and dresses. After FW20’s usage of leather through dark reds and pantone blue and earthy hues of sand, khaki and chocolate, leather is black fin its most simplest form for Spring and summer which adds a classic look and looks fabulous paired with cotton broderie anglaise.

From Left to Right: Alexander McQueen SS/21, Altuzarra SS21, Alexander McQueen SS/21, Saint Laurent SS/21, Alessandra Rich SS/21, Gabriela Hearst SS/21.

2. Avant-garde romanticism:

Mid-market retailer Selkie has gained a massive cult following this year for her puff sleeved designs. For SS/21, the trend continues and has incorporated a sense of attitude in the form of constructed jackets and black dresses.

From left to right: Loewe SS/21, Carolina Herrara SS/21, Isabel Marant SS/21, Altuzarra SS/21, Alexander McQueen SS/21, Isabel Marant SS/21.

3. Feathers:

This is a trend I predicted in 2019, and during lockdown one I hand-sewn ostrich feather cuffs to multiple blazers and oversized shirts in my wardrobe. Feathers will be primarily on collars, sleeve cuffs and the bottom of trousers.

From left to right: Roksanda SS/21, Saint Laurent SS/21, Halpern SS/21, Ellie Saab SS/21, Richard Quinn SS/21, Saint Laurent SS/21, Ellie Saab SS/21.

4. The modern LBD :

The LBD has been met with an abstract ideology for SS/21. Asymmetric lines, edgy cut-outs and sweeping skirt lengths have reinvented the little black dress in new and modern proportions. Black is a major colour for Summer and one not to be missed.

From left to right: Victoria Beckham SS/21, Brandon Maxwell SS/21, Khaite SS/21, Akris SS/21, Lanvin SS/21, Michael Kors SS/21.

5. Retro prints:

Retro 1960s/1970s prints will have a huge influence this season as it has transpired from the nostalgic vintage collections by designers such as Lanvin and Marc Jacobs for AW/20. However, although this is a development from that, this trend has also come from the consumer desire to travel and will continue to influence Spring/Summer 2022 (wgsn.com,2021). 70s prints were bold and included hues of orange and browns and offer uplift in trying times. This trend will transpire into 50s Men's-styled box shirts, retro 70s shift dresses and co-ordinate pieces. As consumers continue to long for a sense of familiarity, the classic resort shirt offers an easy and versatile silhouette which will be used for bold prints and colours.

From left to right: Miu Miu SS/21, Saint Laurent SS/21, Sandro SS/21, Emilio Pucci SS/21, Dolce and Gabbana SS/21, Miu Miu SS/21.

A-Z OF BRANDS:

Akris

Alessandra Rich

Alexander McQueen

Altuzarra

Brandon Maxwell

Carolina Herrara

Dolce and Gabbana

Ellie Saab

Ellie Saab

Emilio Pucci

Halpern

Isabel Marant

Khaite

Lanvin

Loewe

Michael Kors

Miu Miu

Richard Quinn

Roksanda

Saint Laurent

Victoria Beckham

References:

Data.mintel.com. 2020. Fashion & Sustainability: Inc Impact Of COVID-19 - UK -

September 2020. [online] Available at: <https://data.mintel.com/databook/989900/#Q18> [Accessed 24 December

2020].

Design Capsule - women's retro resort SS/22. 2021. Shibboleth Authentication Request. [online] Available at: <https://www-wgsn-com.manchester.idm.oclc.org/fashion/article/90025#page3> [Accessed 6 February 2021].

Nast, C., 2021. Spring 2021 Ready-to-Wear Fashion shows. [online] Vogue. Available at: <https://www.vogue.com/fashion-shows/spring-2021-ready-to-wear> [Accessed 6 February 2021].

NET-A-PORTER. 2021. SS21’s best trends and how to wear them now. [online] Available at: <https://www.net-a-porter.com/en-gb/porter/article-844911deeddee838/fashion/art-of-style/ss21-fashion-trends> [Accessed 6 February 2021].