For my final images, I have decided to base them surrounding the predicted fashion trend “Denim”. As much as it is a very classic piece of clothing, it deemed a very popular choice for upcoming trends for Autumn/Winter 2021/2022. It was interesting to see the difference in the clothing pieces currently and what was being predicted, including such things as, “Clean block denim”, “climate disruption denim” and “Paler denim”. I absolutely loved how the trend predicted that all of these styles would be sustainable and environmentally friendly, and this seemed to be a running theme though out the denim predictions and a lot of other upcoming trends. This is what helped me to finalise my decision.

I have a lot of denim in my wardrobe and so will be using my favourite items to conduct the photoshoot. In one image I have decided to use double denim (a pair of denim jeans and a denim jacket, with a brown top underneath) as this will really help to show off the different looks that you can get out of the fabrics. I will also be using denim jeans and a top to show off the generic style but also showing that denim is very current of course, and still may have the same look in a couple of years, but the fabrics and dyes will be more sustainable.

For makeup and hair I will be using London fashion week A/W 2020 as my inspiration, as after conducting my research, I loved the look of the “no makeup, makeup” look, and so will be using very natural and glowey makeup for the photoshoot. For hair I will be taking it from the same inspiration, using a trend from London fashion week with the middle parting and using the hairstyle of a low bun to create a sleek and classy look.

My set up will be against a white wall, as I really want to recreate a David Bailey style of photoshoot. I will be using myself as the model due to the circumstances of being unable to go outside at the moment and will be photographing using my phone on a tripod.

Checklist

For my photoshoot I will be needing:

• Denim outfits = Denim jacket, denim jeans etc
• Tops
• accessories = bag, belt etc
• makeup
• hair bands
• hairbrush
• phone
• tripod

Using resources such as WGSN, I will be looking into future trends for the next couple of years and using this information to create two trend boards of my choice, surrounding two different trends. I will then be picking one of these trends to use for my final photography piece. The first future trend I will be looking into, is the variations of denim.

The first trend that came up a lot when looking at Autumn/Winter for 2021/2022, was Denim. Denim already is a big trend now, but seems to be even more so in the next year. One article very much focused on how sustainable denim is and how this will really benefit the planet if denim was to become big. With denim material lasting its best as stated for three years, denim is a fabric that if kept well, will last much longer. Consumers buying denim will allow them to buy the clothing with a clear conscious, as it is a nice item of clothing to invest in as its durability and long ware. It’s a material that so many people are reassured with, as it’s comfortable and reliable. With all that is going on in the world at the moment, it is a reflection of how everyone wants to feel like they can depend on something, especially the clothing they are spending their money on. Denim is classic, it looks great and most of all it’s so versatile. With sustainability being a big trend now, it is nice to see that this will carry on over to next years trends.

Although classic denim is a great look, the Autumn/Winter 2021/2022, trend prediction says claims there will be a lot more of a block colour to denim, named specifically “clean blocking”. It is vintage inspired and is message is having low wastage, using a more resourceful use of fabrics to make the clothing. The next was a denim trend called “climate disruption”. This trend seems to be predicted due to, “an era of climate disruption.” The clothing seems very retro, but practical, with a “self-pattern utility fabrics with a discreet textured look.” The colours look vintage with kaki and matte tones. The clothing itself, introduces more “utility” themes items, including, “sculptural, upscaled bellows pockets on core jackets and pants.” This style is more of a ware down, work look. The final one I will be looking at is “Paler denim”. This trend is basically based on a lighter denim look, meaning fewer dips of the product into harmful dyes. This is said to be big as company will make sure to communicate how many dips into the dye the clothing will be getting, another great sustainable path.

The next future trend that I will be looking into, is Knit and Jersey. Then from my research of both this trend and the denim future trend, I will be able to complete my trend boards allowing me to use these resources to finalise my ideas for my photoshoot.

Knit and Jersey, is a staple in the current autumn/winter wardrobe. It really always has been and always will be. It’s comfortable, stylish, cosy and warm when the winter months hit. The only thing about it is, it never really changes. To some this works, but others prefer a change in their style. It’s a classic piece, but for the Autumn/Winter trend for 2021/2022, it seems that is will be vamped up a notch! The future trend, claims it will have more of a darker theme to it, due to rising anxiety that is caused by “social and environmental uncertainty.” Themes such as horror films will inspire this trend, alongside Alexander mcQueen and the photographer Tim Walker. It will almost “update historical themes”, and work its way towards creating 3D textures, creating more simple and dramatic silhouettes for a more sophisticated look. They will also work their way towards cutting waist with new technology. It will be digital software that will reduce waste and create a more sustainable solution. Different materials will be used for the clothing, more of a sustainable option being introduced. Instead of generic wool being used, materials such as, Sorona recycled polyester and bio-based Lycra, which are better for the environment.

A few of the new clothing items/fabrics that are being predicted for this future trend are, Shadowed Mesh, for clothing items such as Out ware jackets, dressed and roll necks. Sultry lace, for evening ware dresses, mock neck tops, skirts and cardigans and iridescent reflections, used to make heavy and fine gauge sweaters, dresses, jackets and tops.

London Fashion week has come and gone again for another year, so I want to look into some of the top 3 trends surrounding the beauty and styling of the infamous Fashion show. Starting today with colour, texture, pattern and Shape. I will be delving into finding out what looks were at the top!

Colour

This years February London Fashion week, spoke absolute VOLUME, with is wide range of colouring. There actually appeared to be a strong mixture of bright and bold colours, alongside Natural and earthy tones, something that helped to differentiate between different designers. Block colour on many different statement pieces, spoke the loudest so will be sticking as my number one top colour trend. With yellows, reds and greens making their appearance. Beige, earthy tones adorned the catwalk alongside the block colours, often appearing with lots of pattern and detailing, a strong second place contender for this year. In third place, was a classic black. Many models strutted down the catwalk showing off an all black outfit, worn in many different ways, from dresses, to suits.

Texture

The range of textures for the A/W show this year, were absolutely stunning! The main texture that popped up more than others, was a beautiful Satin. Not worn as a block piece, but added with many other fabrics to compliment the look. The Texture that appeared second, was leather. Many leather “biker” jackets were worn, and surprisingly, unlike the satin where it was incorporated into outfits, the leather was put together as full outfits. Something different, but none the less eye-catching! Last but by no means least, Denim was shown throughout many of the pieces at Februarys show. Denim was incorporated into looks and also worn as a “double denim look”, that was styled to look cool and trendy despite the feud against double denim being worn!

Pattern

When particularly focusing on the patterns from the fashion show, there were some evident contenders for a top 3! The very first (and my personal favourite), is a tartan pattern. Giving off a very ‘Burberry’ style. Full outfits were worn off this gorgeous fabric, even the shoes and accessories complimenting the look with the same tartan pattern. It’s bold, statement and works so well! The second is floral. Considering this was the Autumn/Winter show, floral still seemed to make an appearance throughout! Dresses covered from head to toe in vibrant floral designs and beautiful spring like prints, seemed a popular choice amongst a few designers and even with an Autumn/Winter show, still dazzled with its elegance and grace. Lastly, striped outfits were not as popular as tartan and floral, but still appeared in elements of outfits, particularly within shirts and trousers, adding a fun and cool look to the pieces.

Shape

When looking at all the catwalk styles, there were a wide range of shapes that could be seen. The first in particular was a “shift” shape. Mostly seen in the dresses, the long and flowy shape looked elegant and was a throw back in time, almost a nod to the first ever Chanel dress in this style. It is a classic look, but still wowed on the runway. The second was ‘Straight cut’. This certain shape was seen on many models, sporting dresses and skirts, paired with heels to give a sophisticated yet feminine look all in one. Last of all, was a tailored shape. This was seen throughout, as suits, skirt suits and even dresses took to the runway. Again in a very sophisticated look, that could be worn to the office. It screamed “Girl Boss”, and was an excellent addition to Februarys show.

The Autumn/Winter, February London Fashion show this year, was a hotspot for some beautiful hair and makeup looks! I will be narrowing down the top 3 looks, that seems to appear the most out of them all. Hair and makeup plays such an important part within the runway, just as much as the Fashion, and is why it is focused on in the media just as much as the clothing designs are. The looks bring together the outfits, and therefore, the show!

Makeup

Starting with makeup, the look that was seen the most consistently throughout, was, a Natural makeup look. This is often referred to as a “No makeup, makeup look”. Rather than throwing on gallons of makeup, this technique is used to enhance the features of the model, with glowing skin, fluffy eyebrows and gorgeous long eyelashes. The next, quite opposite to the first, was actually a bold eyeshadow look. Bright colours were used on many of the models, to compliment the colours within the outfit, and to create a statement eye look. The bold and bright eyeshadows can be seen on models that have fairly natural looking makeup all but the eye, to make this feature really stand out. Last of all, glitter and gems were seen on many of the models. Used both on the eyes and on the face, this technique was a very clever one for allowing the makeup looks to really stand out and look different from the rest. The glitters and gems were used of different sizes, shapes and colours, looking gorgeous on many different looks.

Hair

When we think of doing out hair in the cold autumn and winter months, it often comes with a sigh and the dread of having to get yourself ready to go out to work. London fashion week really hit the nail on the head for their simple but effective hairstyles this year! The first look was a middle parting. Seen on many of the models, this style of hair left the models face open , allowing the makeup to be seen and gave off fierce and glamorous vibes. The second appeared to be natural waves. This again was very cleverly done from the designers perspective, as it can be easily recreated at home by anyone, and is a perfect go to, quick look for the winter months. The third was a slicked back look. Again, another perfect winter months “lazy” style that can be easily recreated, but looks put together and classy. Seen in pony tails, buns and even let loose with gel to slick back the top.

Perviously I have spoken about the bubble up effect within fashion and what an important role it plays within the industry. A just as important effect is the “Bubble up effect”, which I will be speaking about today.

In a nutshell, the bubble up effect is essentially a fashion “trend” that starts lower down the chain, starting with economy brands ending up in “Haute Couture”. It is almost a reverse of the trickle down effect, designers taking inspiration from these economy brands and create something of a designer look with these ideas.

The brand will begin purely economy. This does not just include clothing, it could be anything from food to television shows. It then makes its way into high street stores, stocking the particular clothing.

Then moving onto diffusion lines, known as a secondary line of merchandise where “products may be on sale alongside designers’ signature line but they can also be made available at concession outlets and certain chain stores.” This means that the products that the designer is selling is separate from their signature line. Their aim is to draw in a wider range of consumers from different revenues. Selling the products in chain stores and concession outlets, but still retailing for a higher price point.For example, H&M and Moschino collaborated on a clothing line that deemed very popular and successful.

The next would be bridge brands. Bridge brands are clothing lines that are just below designer collections higher price points. They generally have the same look to designer products but will be made from fabrics and materials that are not as expensive as the higher designers. For example this may include brands such as Dolce and Gabbana and Chloe. After this would come luxury fashion meaning designer brands would start to introduce this into their collections and then finally famishing with Haute Couture, “Expensive, fashionable clothes produced by leading fashion houses.”

An example of this would be Moschino, sporting a ‘Mc Donald’s’ themes range showing it off on the catwalk in 2014. It was very on brand and themed, clearing showing of the essence of the Mc Donalds brand whilst still making it look stylish and designer. Moschino also included the Tv show Spongebob Squarepants to include in a range.

Moschino catwalk 2014 fall ‘Ready to wear collection.’

SpongeBob Squarepants 2014 Fall ‘Ready to wear collection’

A current Zeitgeist is “The defining spirit or mood of a particular period of history as shown by the ideas and beliefs of the time”. We were asked to go away and create a Vox pop around the current Zeitgeist, asking people questions to do with the current mood of the times, asking how people are feeling and what trends that they are recently liking. It was a interesting task as answers were not to dissimilar on certain questions, the occasional being fairly different, and so I feel from the answers there is a very distinctive ‘Mood of the times’.

Each questionnaire ‘Vox pop’ includes 7 questions, each trying to gauge a rough idea around peoples opinions on views on the current trends and mood of the world.

1. what do you feel is the current mood of the times? How are people feeling?

This question I felt was a good starting point. Asking people what they generally thought the mood of the ‘times’ (world) is, was interesting as it was a very open question, allowing people to interpret it how they want. Many people had a negative feel of the world, explaining how Brexit, the Corrona virus and global warming are affecting how the world is feeling and the worry and stress it is putting on us as a country. The few that were positive, did also mention Brexit and how people are feeling excited/unsure about it, others mentioning a divide in the country. I feel that as a whole, many more people felt that the mood of the times wasn’t as positive as it could be due to world issues.

2. What is a positive social experience that you have had recently?

I liked this question as it’s a bit more positive and the answers were nice to read. Many answers included meeting up with friends, chatting with friends and going out and being social. I feel like this could be due to what is going on in the world being fairly worrisome and stressful, its nice to meet up with friends and family and enjoying life as you can. Other answers included, compliments that has been given, charity fundraisers, work promotions and volunteer work. It was nice variety, and it was clear that it all included things that would make people feel good, and if the mood of the times isn’t exactly positive in peoples eyes, doing something to lift spirits and having fun, is understandable.

3. What going on in the world do you feel is creating negative feelings? What are those feelings?

World issues were predominantely brought up again with this question, relating back to negative feelings within the world, I feel this would be the main issue right now. The pandemic in Wuhan was brought up again, alongside issues such as global warming, President Donald Trump, failing NHS and social care and politics. It seems as things that we have no control over to an extent, people feel creates negative feelings as most of the time we are helpless having to watch these issues go on. You get to understand the anger and frustration of how everyone is feeling, again relating back to people wanting time to spend with their closest friends and family as the feelings of stress and anticipation can be reduced.

4. What do you feel people are into right now in general? Why is this?

Again I left this question very broad as I wanted to get a wide range of opinions from different age ranges. Some of the answers included, Technology/Social Media, Veganism/Looking after the planet, Tik Tok, Beauty/Finding their own style and travelling. It seemed to be things that I know that I have seen widely online. This is most definitely the generation of technology and so I can understand as to why every answer is related to it in some way, whether it be apps online, or just advertisements. Trends are spreading faster than they would have done 15 years ago due to the amount of social media platforms.

5. Where is a place that you like to go and why?

This question was nice to look through the answers, as it was finding out places that people like to go and the reason why. Many people said their favourite place to go was on holiday to a specific place. Alongside this, around 3 people said a place they like to go is for a walk along the beach or to the beach. All of the answers indicated that people like to go to relaxing places, again possibly relating back to the world being so stressful at the minute, people find their solitude in places of relaxation and calm. One person said their own home, another perfect indicator that everyone at the moment is wanting comfort and that sense of familiarity.

6. What style of clothing do you like at the moment and why?

Looking through the question answers to this question, the pattern of comfort reflecting on the mood is very apparent. All but three people described that they liked comfortable/practical fashion and the rest said with the trends and either warm, smart, smart causal or vintage. At the moment the weather may reflect this also as it is cold, people tend to go for warmer and comfier clothing rather than in summer going for something different.

7. What is a trend that you have found yourself particularly into and the moment. Why is this?

This question, again, I left quite broad, so answers did differ. Some took it as again to do with clothing trends and others took it as just trends in general. I liked that there was a nice variation of answers as it gave me further insight into what people are really into at the moment. All the answers were so different that I want to list them below.

• 90s style (high waisted boyfriend jeans)
• Veganism
• Jeans/Denim
• Modern and minimalist styles : Because they are simple
• Spotify
• Reading
• False eyelashes and fake tan
• Photography
• Heavy chains and boots : Celebrity influence
• 60s/70s reto vintage look
• Dresses
• Does not follow any
• If it’s a trend find no longer like it “Anti-trendy”

Fashion trends inevitably come and go. Everything is in ‘season’ and stores are constantly stocking and restocking their shelves. Some fashion stays, and some fashion goes, that’s just how it rolls. I want to look into what trend patterns are reoccurring and why this may be.

First I want to start with differentiating between a trend, a fad and a classic, three simple fashion curves that generally get mistaken for each other. I will also be looking into the pendulum swing relating to the changes within the fashion world.

Trend

A Trend can be emerging, building or declining fashion. The clothing may last across a number of seasons or even years. Awareness is built among consumers and it is often widely publicised and everyone is talking about it. For example, in the 90s, leather jackets, acid wash jeans, overalls, Mom jeans and scrunchies, were all items that were a definite trend throughout that time period. Everyone was wearing these at the time, and instead of it being in for a few months, the whole of the decade revolved around this fashion. Even then, 90s fashion has lasted for absolutely years! It even trickled its way into the 2000’s alongside today, 90s fashion is still being considered a trendy look!

Fad

A Fad is considered to be a “short trend”, a trend that is a short duration. The fad is accepted amongst a fairly small number of consumers and fades quickly due to it not being supported by corrosponding lifestyle changes. When looking at fads within fashion, not everyone considers them to be very “trendy” after they have had their time. Many people will look back on a fad from their youth and cringe, why? Because it’s a fad and again the meaning being a short trend that is not widely accepted for a longer period of time. Fads such as overly distressed ripped jeans, Zebra print and “dirty” trainers, all had their time at the beginning of last year, but you no longer see people sporting these items today. Fads that may be not so unfamiliar to many outside of the fashion world, are things such as loom bands, fidget spinners and penny boards. Its a rage at the time, but moving past it is what inevitably happens.

Classic

A classic is as it sounds, a long trend that sticks around. Any item or style that gains visibility, generates multiple purchases, and reaches a plateau level of widespread acceptance that persists over a long period of time. “A classic can stand the test of time and can appear flattering on almost anyone, despite age, decade, or current fashion. Classics are forever.” An example of a brand that sells a classic is Chanel. Chanel is iconic for it’s “little black dress” and has been a wardrobe staple for women for more than 100 years. Alongside this classic items such as the trench coat, leather biker jackets, a white shirt and Chelsea boots, are all considered to be a classic staple item that will continue to be adorned by everyone and loved for years to come.

Pendulum swing

To finalise, fashion likes to change all the time. One minute it will be focused on one particular trend and the next on another. The pendulum swing is “a movement when fashion swings from one extreme to another.” It essentially swings from a point of exaggeration and then moves in the opposite direction. For example, short skirts will get as short as they can get and then the pendulum swing will swing towards longer skirts, then when the skirts can not become any tighter, it will then swing towards loser cut skirts. There is generally a period in between where you see a transition in these changes, like ankle boots being popular, the transitional period in between being calf boots and then swinging to over the knee boots.