Trend Report

Spring 2013

Overview

After a long period of rampant consumerism, society is discovering that less really is more. Gone are the days of spending for spending’s sake and replaced with a new desire to move autonomously through life, with purpose. We worry about public privacy, wondering if our many passwords are safe. Perhaps it’s time to get our own rhythm back instead of following the rhythm of the masses. Do we dare not have a Facebook or Twitter account? On the other hand, apps are helping to expand our horizons, setting us on new journeys. The virtual is supporting the real. Serendipity and chance are once again our ‘friends.’

Women

Trends

Cotton candy colors rein in bright pinks and yellows. Fibrous, tactile wovens and bonded jersey are sensual and experimental. Bold and dimensional shapes and playful, flocked textiles are adorned with scattered sequins. Geometrics want to play, too in fragmented shapes that exude an elegant austerity. Prints are tattoo inspired with collegiate lettering and florals fusing together; a neo-tattoo. Blue takes prominence, reflecting the worlds of the ocean in turquoise and algae, emulating plankton. Poppy, mulberry and pink reminds us of coral. Sea anemone shells form a textural, layered skin. In technology, Tencel© can be combined with natural marine chitosan to create skin-friendly materials.

Men

Trends

Blue sky and cumulous clouds feel light and airy, reflected in washed out denim and chambray worn head to toe. Printed effects and tie dye softness express an updated 70’s feel in light blues and bright white. Formed shapes give a unisex appeal, especially in covered-up, floor length natural fabric layers. White calms the spirit, offering healing and a feeling of well- being to counteract the stress we feel in this world. But then again, a punk/grunge sensibility is revisited and reworked with a new luxury in checks and plaids that are mixed together. If grunge could have a polished edge, then this would be the main emphasis. Beautiful tailoring with a vintage feel is still on the horizon for suits and outerwear.

Interior Design

Interiors

A mystical aesthetic emerges. A new appreciation for open spaces focuses on the sky, and beyond that, other worlds that can sustain life. Lighting pieces that mimic eclipses and other linear planet formations move to the forefront. Unpolished ceramics mimic natural minerals. Designs like the jellyfish lamp give us the feeling of being under water. Embellishment, like sequins on pillows and pleated lampshades as well as upholstered, smocked effects on couches and chairs brings a couture sensibility to the interior. Dimensional wallpaper, like repeating white paper folds, adds further environmental influence. In a different mood, street pop is making its way into the home, with a riot of color and pattern borrowed from hip-hop, video games, camouflage and animal figures.

Information and analysis for the Style Report is derived from our review of a variety of trend publications and observation of our community's zeitgeist. For more information contact the FIDM Library and get your style on!

Photo credit: Alix Malka

Image provided by Stylesight. To learn more about getting access to Stylesight as a student at FIDM, please contact the FIDM Library at: library@fidm.edu