The Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) under its awareness initiatives program kick-started the first series of Fashion Forecasting Seminars for the financial year 2017-18 in Gurgaon, recently.
The seminars are being organized by AEPC in association with WGSN, the world leading trend forecasting agency. The speaker at the event was Ms. Kim Mannino, Head of WGSN LIVE from WGSN, London office. Kim is very seasoned and experienced professional and has worked for over 30 years in the industry. She has worked with Promostyle for over 20 years and is currently leading the live presentations division of the company. At the presentation, Kim provided insights on Key Commercial Items, colours and trends for AW 18/19 and Textile Trends for SS 19. The AW 18/19 season was divided into 4 broad themes: Thinker, HumaNature, Dark Wonder and Worldhood.
The ‘Thinker’ explored an emerging era of enlightenment where ideas and education were the prized currency. For women’s wear, the focus was on simple, functional designs. The look was preppy, at times awkward and retro, harking back to the rebellious intellectualism of the Beatniks. Comfort dressing was also key, as the boundaries between work and leisure dissolve.
In an era driven by data, ‘HumaNature’ explores the urge to trust our instincts. Natural materials, tactile surfaces and quilted and intricately decorated designs gained prominence. Textiles look at global influences and time-honoured techniques, and layered blankets and salvaged fabrics create pieces that feel both old and new.
Dark Wonder explored the influence of new technologies on fashion. Augmented reality is opening the door to acceptance of more unusual aesthetics and in a world where we can create our own identities, gender fluidity and individuality are embraced. This is a trend that draws on themes of science fiction, escapism and experimentation with the human form.
WGSN's ‘Worldhood’ trend explores an increasingly globalised street culture where influences from around the world are shared and remixed faster than ever. The direction is youthful, expressive and nostalgic. Vibrant colours and clashing patterns are woven together to make familiar looks fresh again and classic items are reimagined in luxury fabrics.
All the above trends were brought to life by 3D ‘moodboards’ developed by WGSN and key commercial items of the season which were developed in-house by WGSNs clients in India.
