We have all found some comfort in wearing stretchy pants this last year, and “dressing up” has been mostly abandoned. That said, I’m convinced the pendulum will swing back. But how we shop and how we produce fashion in the future, will be forever changed. The large fashion houses are not making as many collections to push out to consumers. They are listening to their customers about how they are shopping and what they are shopping for.
Designers and manufactures are having to be more sustainable and work in a direct-to-consumer market. Gone are the days of designers creating unnecessary pieces and falling under the pressure of retail buyers. The fast-paced fast fashion cycle might be broken. The upside is that we will all benefit as seasonal demands will lessen, therefore making way for designers to go back to designing for body shapes and lifestyle, rather than for an unrealistic demand and over the top runway shows. I guess you could say maybe we’re getting back to basics.
The fashion industry has battled the surplus problem for a number of years, and this last year, thanks to COVID-19, the problem has not improved. Even deep discounting hasn’t helped with the surplus of unwanted inventories. Somehow, manufacturers must find a way to absorb the excess volume through upcycling in creative ways (meaning turning unsaleable mountains of clothing into treasures).
You may have heard the story in 2018 of Burberry burning unsold clothing in order to keep their brand “pure” – or prevent their products from being discounted and possibly cheapening the Burberry brand. Burberry has since joined the Make Fashion Circular Initiative that aims to prevent waste in the industry and support sustainable alternatives to throw-away fashion. Many notable retailers like Nordstrom have signed on to make the fashion world accountable.
Many retailers have gone out of business due to the pandemic in part due to reduced mall traffic and the rise in people working from home. Authentic Brands Group is a company that buys up struggling Iconic retailers including Brooks Brothers, Lucky Brand, Forever 21, and Barneys New York. ABG brokers deals to license their intellectual property out to other firms for big profits. It will be interesting to watch where these clothing lines will be in the years to come.
So, what is the future of fashion and how will we dress?
First off, I am hoping that malls make a comeback, as that is where I have spent the better part of the last decade!
I do not have a crystal ball and I won’t pretend I can predict what you might be wearing this season. Well ok, I can’t resist! Here are my picks… Tie-dye 2pc loungewear, wider-leg high-waisted crop pants, boxy cardigans, and hands-free fanny packs.
Let’s talk about trends. Have you been listening to the chatter about skinny jeans? Are they on their way out? Trends are often made up by the clothing designers and manufacturers to force a shift in our focus and make us covet a new look. Let’s face it, if something becomes too popular, we grow weary of it and want something new. Being part of a trend gives us a sense of belonging, especially in our social media driven society.
True confession; I wear joggers to fit in. I would much prefer to wear a black fitted ankle pant and a cute sweater. That would be my uniform pre-COVID-19. And as long as I am confessing, I still think that leggings should be saved for yoga classes and Peloton bike rides!
I say trends are just that – trends! Not something to get crazy over, especially in these uncertain times. Some trends are lasting and some flit in and out so fast it makes your head spin. That said, a fine line can be drawn between being fashionable, and wearing outdated looks. Trends are also tied to how we see our place in society; fitting in and feeling like we are a part of something. The good news about trends is that they can become new classics – that’s why it’s important to pay attention, remembering to wear what’s true to your own personal style.
Will we go back to the old days of buying clothing for their good quality and lasting style? Will we want to stop buying disposable fads and count on our own good taste to dictate what we purchase?
It’s hard to believe that we are coming up on a year of wearing sweatpants. I do believe we will go back to dressing up. My husband stumbled upon a pair of dress shoes in his closet, noting that they hadn’t been worn in a year! He was thrilled! I guess it’s hard to tell how quickly we will get back to the office and to our social lives again, but, one thing for sure is I can’t wait!
You might find this story about how department stores can change the landscape of a city interesting:
Macy’s Windy City blues
The department store is closing its Magnificent Mile location in Chicago. Some who remember Marshall Field’s wish it had never arrived.
https://www.retaildive.com/news/macys-windy-city-blues/595578/
Finally, here is a bit of inspiration for those of you heading out of town on a spring break soon!
–Click on images for link–