Crystal Gazing Apparel Trends 2018

Pic courtesy: Nargis
Pic courtesy: Nargis
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Pic courtesy: Nargis
Pic courtesy: Nargis

It’s a brand New Year and also the time when new trends make waves defining the year. And apparel is one of the key elements that are keenly followed not just by manufacturers and designers but also by customers.

Inspirations Unlimited

There are many trends and looks for 2018, something for everyone, but the overriding feeling is one of femininity. The eras that inspire most in 2018 will be the 1980s and 90s. “Big shoulders, body-con silhouettes, short minis, puffball hemlines and bling accessories are all important. This time around, however, it is less about hard-edged power dressing and more about feminine glamour. The sports trend continues to be big for SS18, but it has moved on from a tomboyish interpretation to a highly feminine one. College stripes and hi-tech performance fabrics are key, but the overall look is soft in both colour and attitude. Utility Cargo garments are mixed with lace and sequins, for a highly glamorous take on army inspired looks,” says a spokesperson from Cover Story. Updating wardrobe classics was a big catwalk trend for 2018. Giving items like the trench coat, pencil skirt, fit and flare dress and classic shirt a real contemporary twist, by playing with proportion and volume, is a must for the season. Use of asymmetric hemlines, placement ruffles, and statement sleeves gives wardrobe basics a very modern lift. “Vintage America is a big inspiration for the coming year. This is seen two ways; through soft, romantic Prairie looks, or via a funky Western Tex-Mex cowgirl spirit. Prairie looks to pastel colours and vintage wallpaper florals. Whilst Western looks have an earthier, festival spirit, and borrow from Native American and traditional Mexican patterns and motifs. 60s London and 70s/80s Paris were also strong catwalk themes. Expect to see plenty of cute Breton stripes, chic French slogans, and cheeky British mod-era graphics. Coming through for summer there is a new interpretation of kitsch retro resort wear, inspired by a mix of original Art Deco Miami and 80s pop. Candy stripes and ombre tie-dye effects sit alongside stylised palm tree and beach motifs, for a fresh feminine take on summer dressing,” adds a spokesperson from Cover Story.

Pic courtesy: Vajor
Pic courtesy: Vajor

Contemporary Chic

As opposed to 2017, which was more about prints, clean cut silhouettes, 2018 will see more of solids and flared silhouettes. “There will also be a lot of ‘gather’ and ‘pleats’ play over not only dresses, but jumpsuits, pants, and tops as well. Though 2017 saw a lot of print on apparels, home decor, footwear, 2018 is more about printed tops with flared sleeves. Sleeves with details are going to be the focal point of the garment,” says Shreyasi Pathak, Stylist at Vajor. Denim silhouettes continue to be slim and tapered. Good stretch denim fabrics and blends with modal, tencel etc. provide the necessary comfort and ease for activity and movement. Knitted denims with authentic looks provide the perfect versatility demanded by millennials. Rip & Repair, hand stitched uneven patchwork inspired by Japanese Boro technique continues, giving artisanal appeal besides giving the message of reuse and recycle. “In terms of washes, they vary from super dark clean looking minimalism to high contrast washes with true vintage denim looks to extremely washed out sun-faded ones to suit one’s mood. With fitness becoming an all-encompassing part of our lives, so clothing that functions across work, rest, travel and play, and caters to the all-day active consumer will be the trend. Activewear and sport inspired clothing with functional details hence will be a big trend. Apart from these bold colors, bold print patterns and colorful plaids would be in trend. Warm brush rose pink is particularly strong for men coming summer. In terms of styling look out for seventies-style military shirts, double breast pockets with slouchier cut. Camouflage prints in innovative patterns and colours continue to make a style statement,” says Manjula Gandhi Chief, Product Officer, Numero Uno Clothing Ltd.

Pic courtesy: Vajor
Pic courtesy: Vajor

Materials & More

Tassels and jacquard tapes are going to rule this New Year just like they did in 2017. They add an instant oomph to the garment, and have the ability to turn any simple dress or top into something which adds more personality to your look. Surface ornamentation and elegant embroidery along with statement silhouettes are going to be a hit this year. There are many looks and trends to play with in 2018, giving apparel customers a wide choice, and leaving room for personal experimentation. It is an ‘anything goes’ time, giving womenswear customers a lot of freedom to try out looks and dress according to how they are feeling, or how they want the world to see them. “The year 2018 will be dominated by florals, geometric, circular, stripes, fusion wear, high necks, and stylist dupattas. From tassels to beading to ruffles, frilly pieces will be found on every type of clothing. Hues of lavender are the color for spring 2018.  Also, a floor length lehenga paired with a long jacket, high-waist pants and skirts can set the trends that may have an enduring effect on the industry, which means they are almost guaranteed to have staying power as the New Year commences,” avers Anshul Paul, Director, Nargis.

Pic courtesy: Nargis
Pic courtesy: Nargis

Trend Check

Although denims with details made an entry last year, 2018 will see a more subtle avatar of the same. “Till now ripped and rugged denims have made rounds throughout the market. 2018 is more about clean cute silhouettes with typical denim hues. Tie-up necklines and backs are something designers have been working with, and probably 2018 will see more of such detailed garments,” adds Pathak. Floral prints will rule. They will be seen in all scales, big and small, and will be printed all-over garments or placed to make bold visual statements. They will be inspired by soft vintage wallpapers and fabrics, or seen as bold photographic digital prints. “Oversized spots and bold stripes will update wardrobe classics and basics, whilst camouflage and animal prints will give sport and utility looks some pattern relief. Mesh and tulle continues on into 2018, and is seen in soft romantic styles, and simpler sportier layers. Sheer fabrics will be key and metallic finishes, including sequins will be big, for daytime as much as evening wear, hi-shine or matt finish. The big new metallic colours have a foil look to them, with red and electric blue being important. Seductive satin and lingerie lace are styled for daywear, for a dressed-up look, or contrasted against vintage worn-in denims. Leather and suede looks continue, particularly for new interpretations of the rock-chick biker jacket and jean. Slogans will continue to dominate for tees and tops, and motifs/graphics will be less girly and have more of a quirky, darker edge to them – tattoo art, ‘Goth’ symbols and insects. For SS18 white and pastels will dominate. However bold pop brights will be a refreshing antidote. Lilac and purple shades were strong on the catwalks, so expect to see them everywhere next year,” says a spokesperson from Cover Story.

Pic courtesy: Vajor
Pic courtesy: Vajor

Looking Ahead

With the comeback of velvet fabric, the industry has set a trend in the year 2017 and brocades and banarasi fabrics will rule the coming year. “The 2018 summers and monsoon will witness experiment with black or white polka dots, leopard print, and checks. Lucite green and turquoise tones are totally modern and elegant. Winter fall and winters however will see the unexpected mixing of colors and patterns, knits will be ruling the trends. Pink with fringes and pearl and shades of midnight black and blue will be the tone of the season,” says Paul. The 80’s styles will make its entry in the year 2018. Though they won’t be that unflattering but surely shirts and jackets will be seen loaded with 80’s fashion. Oversized blazers and knits will be all over the year. “Year 2018 will see a lot of comebacks and that will give fashion industry a boost. This year it will be all about comfort with style. I am excited to see the challenges that the coming year bring. Simple just won’t cut it this year so there will be lot of space to experiment with the frills, drapes, embroidery, sequins, patterns and colours,” concludes Paul.

Trends by Rashi Goil, Founder, Sarto Label

  • Lavender seems to be the new millennial pink, taking over the runway.
  • Layering at its best featuring the classic trench, reimagined with its new cuts, materials, and detailing like feathers and ruffles that work for every season.
  • Fringe makes a comeback on everything from clothes to accessories and it’s bolder and better that ever.
  • Major pop art influence in fashion with bold and popular prints, also in sync with the paint box brights and primary colour palette trend.
  • Workout gear gets a high-fashion makeover and retro workout pieces are what the town’s best dressed are going for.
  • Shiny, clear standout PVC accessories, trench coats and dresses are now officially a thing.
  • Following the 90s urban vibe, the ultimate comeback is the dark denim. Dark wash polished jeans and tailored denim are having a major revival, seen on everything from classic jeans to structured dresses.
  • 60s inspired flower prints make for a playful addition to the wardrobe this season, bigger and bolder than ever, in a variety of colors and retro-inspired prints, on everything from dresses to trenches to suits.
  • Coming up as a top pick of the season was plaid. From the classic tartan or small gingham-inspired checks, menswear-inspired blazers to unexpected plaid accessories, there are endless ways to weave the trend in this season.

This story appeared in Apparel magazine’s Feb 2018 issue here: Trends for season

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