As we’re all anxiously awaiting the approach of the summer months, planning holidays and festival outfits, the fashion industry, however, is all set for next autumn and winter. The thought of another winter at this moment in time is, quite frankly, terrifying after the long, cold winter we’ve had. Snow in March.. need I say more? So although we’re looking forward to less layers and more suncream, the recent fashion weeks have differing ideas. Of course, as we know, many designers have been introducing their collections to the ‘ready-to-wear’ concept, but there are many that are still showcasing their runway shows a season in advance. I’m going to give you the run down on what trends to look out for next season, because it’s always a good idea to be prepared well in advance.
Neon Lights
Personally, I would associate neon colours with Spring and Summer, however fashion houses are changing the game by flaunting neon all over the AW18 runways. Balenciaga is all about neon colours in every colour. Demna Gvasalia has designed a colour-clashing outfit that dreams are made of – a cobalt blue blazer with a red turtleneck underneath, it’s so wrong that it’s right. This blazer/turtleneck combo has been repeated in other other bold colours such as red and neon yellow. A more casual way that this colour-clashing was achieved was by layering bright coloured hoodies under coats, which achieves that look in a much less formal way. Margiela was another promoter of this bold colour trend with many looks revolving around the vivid primary colours.
Safari Dreams
Animal print is making a comeback in every shade and every silhouette. Zebra, cheetah, leopard, crocodile. Even outlines of safari animals appeared on a dress at Carolina Herrera. Jeremy Scott, Tom Ford and Zadig & Voltaire all take this trend to the next level by creating these print looks in rainbow colours.
Technicolour Tights
There’s only one person that this trend reminds me of, and that is none other than Blair Waldorf. Bright coloured tights under long coats or dresses is a predominant look on the AW18 runways. Clashing colours and prints is also still very on trend for next season, which can be seen from the likes of Balenciaga and Jeremy Scott.
Utilitarian Chic
Although this trend was mentioned in the run down of menswear fashion trends, it has had just as much of an impact on the womenswear runways over the fashion weeks too. Gosha Rubchinskiy, Margiela and Prada were huge supporters of this utilitarian trend.
Frosting
It’s not abnormal for things to get a bit more ‘sparkly’ in autumn and winter time, and next year will be no exception. Designers have used a variety of different metals and fabrics in order to create glitz and glamour, ranging from chainmail to sequins at shows such as Paco Rabanne and Balmain.
Living Large
The ‘oversized’ fashion statement was taken to the next level at these past fashion weeks, which can be seen at the likes of Commes des Garçons. This trend definitely embodies the sense that more is more rather than less. Oversized coats can be seen at Balenciaga, Marc Jacobs and Vetements to name a few. These large coats and jackets are mostly seen layered with other yet pieces in order to make it seem a bit more put-together.
Teddy is Here to Stay
While on the topic of jackets, the soft shaggy teddy jacket trend isn’t planning on going anywhere for autumn of 2018, which is definitely a relief. Max Mara rock a more classic style long teddy coat and Fendi’s menswear collection also donned a variety of zip-up soft furry coats. Tory Burch and Acne were also in favour of keeping this trend alive for next season.
Shannon Doherty – Fashion Editor
Obsessed with that Balmain set.