As the fashion world continues to evolve, even the most stylish among us struggle to keep up with the latest trends. For those of us who want to stay abreast of the newest styles, fashion critics have become invaluable sources of information, scouring the world for the latest fashion renegades and earliest adopters of new looks. In this article we take a look at the art of trendspotting and find out what’s driving the rising tide of emerging fashion movements.
1. Uncovering the Secrets of the Fashion Elite
It can be hard to know where to begin when it comes to defining the fashion elite. After all, the definition of ‘elite’ is open to interpretation. But, there are certain traits that tie fashion’s top influencers together. Here are some key characteristics of the fashion elite:
- A bold sense of style
- A keen eye for trends and arbiters of taste
- The ability to look good in any situation
These characteristics aren’t limited to the super-rich or famous. From street style stars and bloggers to fashion influencers and boutique owners, anyone can make the cut. For the truly elite, though, it’s all about the attitude: having a strong sense of self and an unshakeable confidence that extends beyond their wardrobe choices. There’s truly nothing more fashionable than wearing something with complete ownership.
The fashion elite also know how to talk the talk. They’re more than familiar with fashion buzzwords and runway lingo. They often speak with a deeply knowledgeable voice about the nuances of styling an ensemble and the ensembles of others. At the same time, they’re open to discussing their favorite trends and how they’re shaping the industry.
2. Discerning the Shift: Spotting New Trends
In the fast-paced world of business, change is constant. Companies must stay ahead of the curve or risk getting left in the dust. But how can they spot emerging trends that will drive their business forward? Here are a few tips for discerning the shift and staying ahead of the game:
- Connect with the Community – The best way to stay up to date is to connect with the global business community. Join relevant forums and discussion groups, or attend industry events so that you can stay abreast of current trends as they are forming.
- Spot Disruptors – Disruptive innovation is a surefire sign of a great new business opportunity. Pay close attention to new technological developments and emerging markets, as they often open new doors for creative enterprises.
- Listen to Your Customers – Your customers often know more than you do. Stay attuned to any changes in their purchasing habits or behaviour, and adjust your strategy accordingly. This will keep your business competitive in the long run.
Your success as a business depends on your understanding of the current market trends and movements. Only then can you leverage these changes to your advantage and remain on the cutting edge. With the right attitude and knowledge, it’s possible to stay one step ahead and create a thriving business.
3. Peering Into the Future of Fashion
Fashion industry forecasters simply can’t be predicted. This ever-evolving industry continues to grow with no signs of slowing down anytime soon. We’ve already seen how tech and sustainability have played a big role in shaping fashion. But what can we look forward to for future fashion trends?
The innovative use of technology is something to watch for. From 3D-printed materials to virtual clothing pieces, increases in innovation and freedom in creativity will make creating and wearing garments more accessible. For instance, virtual clothes can now be marketed with the ability to scale up or down depending on size and personal preference.
Sustainability is still being further explored. Not only is it necessary for the health of our world but it has great potential for being the basis for future fashion designs. It encourages designers to come up with creative and sustainable ways to make clothes in an environmentally friendly way. Many are looking to use materials made from recycled products, natural fibers, and plant-based dyes.
Moving forward, fashion consumers will continue to crave exciting trends and unique pieces. Now more than ever, fashion is not only being worn to make a statement, but to also tell a story. It’s about being individual and creating a wardrobe that reflects the wearer’s personal style. In the near future, we can look forward to more:
- Shop Experiences: Brands will continue to focus on providing the highest quality of personalized customer service experiences. Systems such as virtual shopping will open the door to help shoppers find the perfect garment with ease.
- Redesigned Silhouettes: Focus will be shifted away from fast-fashion and more towards unique designs that are timeless and comfortable.
- Smart Clothing: This technology-infused clothing can do a lot from measuring your body temperature to tracking your activities.
These are just a few of the innovations we’ll be seeing in the ever-changing fashion industry. It’s an exciting time to be a fashion enthusiast!
4. Charting the Wave: Following Current Movements
Keeping Your Finger on the Pulse
Digging below the surface of the mainstream discourse can sometimes be hard – especially when there are so many diverse and evolving trends to keep track of. But keeping up with the movement of ideas and current conversations is an essential part of staying informed and engaged as a society.
To track the flow of current movements, it’s helpful to take a step back and map the contours of the cultural awareness. Grouping the conversation into macro-trends allows you to quickly identify the following:
- Mainstream themes popular among a wide range of media outlets
- Underground conversations that have just started raising awareness
- Emerging topics that are gaining traction
- Related secondary stories
When taken together, these elements give a fuller, more nuanced understanding of what’s really going on. Following the waves keeps you ahead of the curve and allows you to make connections and promote understanding between the diverse perspectives of thought that make up our cultural conversations.
5. Looking Ahead: Predictions for What’s Next
The sun is setting on 2020, and the world is looking ahead to a 2021 that promises wins, losses, and a certain degree of unpredictability. So what does the future hold for 2021? We can’t be certain about what shape the world of tomorrow will take, but here are five predictions of where we might be heading in the coming new year:
- We’ll see the normalization of video meetings and remote work. With more companies allowing employees to work from the comfort of their own homes, it’s looking like the trend of using video conferencing and other remote collaboration tools isn’t going anywhere soon.
- We’ll see a rise in digital shopping. The pandemic has pushed many people to make their purchases online, and this trend shows no sign of slowing. This isn’t just confined to shopping for clothes and groceries either — we’re likely to see an increase in people using digital commerce solutions for more complex needs too.
- AI-enabled technologies will become more advanced. As AI keeps developing, we’ll see it being used in more and more applications. We’ll see AI being used in healthcare, customer service, marketing, and beyond.
- We’ll see a continuation of the push towards clean technology. With more people and businesses paying attention to their environmental impact, the trend towards green energy and sustainability is here to stay in 2021.
- We’ll see more countries adopting cryptocurrency. The world of cryptocurrency is growing rapidly, with more countries recognizing the value of digital assets. More countries are likely to follow suit and adopt their own virtual currencies in the new year.
These are just some of the trends that we’re likely to see in 2021 as the world continues to evolve. As we ring in the new year, it’s exciting to think about the possibilities of what’s to come.
With each new season, fashion critics around the world spot emerging trends that individual fashion lovers can use to make sure they are ahead of the curve. Whether it be through years of experience or simply an eye for the finer details, fashion critics have an uncanny knack of spotting trends before they come into the mainstream. As time passes, the trends they pick out become less obscure and more attainable, transforming those common style choices and influencing the fashion landscape of the future.