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Revolutionizing fashion norms, the denim trends for AW25/26 defy convention with rebellious flair. Embracing innovation and individuality, this forecast promises a departure from the ordinary, ushering in a new era of style that challenges the status quo and celebrates creative expression through denim.
The Kingpins Denim fair offers more than just shopping for denim and networking. Each edition features the popular Denim Dudes trend presentation by Amy Leverton and Shannon Reddy. Held in the seminar room at SugarCity in Halfweg, the Netherlands, the venue fills up quickly with eager attendees seeking insight into the denim trends for AW25/26. Leverton and Reddy's presentation revolves around four narratives: the rise of Generation Z in the business realm, the emergence of political statements, a nostalgic longing for 2014, and the growing emphasis on individual style. These stories share a common theme: rather than waiting for things to improve, we should focus on adapting to the new normal without succumbing to burnout. In essence, it's about rewriting the rules.
In 'Avant Activist', Generation Z revolutionizes conventional norms. As these young adults, aged between 12 and 26, step into the workforce, they confront "the demise of the old order and the dawn of a new era." This narrative portrays a shift from idealism to a recognition of instability, disillusionment, and discontent. The act of rewriting established conventions marks a pivotal moment in fashion history, emphasizing diverse designs, self-expression, meaningful garments, and the deliberate sharing of narratives with a rebellious undertone.
Leverton and Reddy reference the retirement of Dries van Noten in this context. The Belgian fashion icon, upon stepping down from his eponymous label, declared his decision as an opportunity to "make room for a fresh generation of talent to infuse their vision into the brand."
'Avant Activist' expands upon the 'Resurgence' trend introduced in the SS25 trend presentation, showcasing Generation Z's reshaping of 'design' through exploration of brand archives like Sean John and Karl Kani. The new directive is clear: allow self-expression to take center stage. In the realm of denim, this translates to exploring unconventional proportions and embracing experimentation in craftsmanship, intricate details, and imaginative flourishes. Fashion brands are no longer seen as authoritative figures; instead, individuals are encouraged to express themselves authentically. A prime example of this trend in action is the Danish label Stamm.
This narrative aligns with the 'Low-Key' flex theme from the SS25 season, where individuals struggled to match the affluence of their wealthier counterparts, feeling overwhelmed by the relentless pursuit of wealth. It was a call to break free from the endless cycle of capitalism.
In 'Reframed Archives,' the concept takes a bold step forward, relinquishing all constraints. It advocates for an 'anti-trend movement,' challenging the dominance of celebrity fashion, consumerism, and instant gratification in favor of prioritizing personality and authenticity. This movement heralds a reshaping of fashion history by a rebellious and open-minded generation, eager to explore the world around them.
In terms of clothing norms, this translates to a call for garments that are easily accessible and authentically expressive. Whether through personal embellishments, brand reinventions, or innovative combinations like the jort-boot ensemble, outfits should prioritize wearability and comfort for all. Dries van Noten and Tommy Hilfiger have already exemplified this ethos in their recent AW shows.
In 'Terminally_Online,' as anticipated, the narrative shifts to the digital realm. Online platforms now dictate trends with greater speed and impact than traditional catwalk presentations. Despite the perceived acceleration of trend cycles, fashion history sees a resurgence, leading to a movement characterized by an 'anything goes' approach to personal style and everyday attire. This movement embraces bold and unconventional aesthetics.
Fashion-wise, this translates to futuristic ensembles infused with a nostalgic flair. Thus, in AW25, mid-00s denim styles experience a revival, 'swag' emerges as a prominent theme through the fusion of graphic tees and skinny jeans, and curved seams become emblematic of this trend narrative. FashionUnited delves into Acne Studios' archives to exemplify this trend.
The time required to create a fashion show or garment varies depending on factors such as complexity, scale, and the designer's creative process. Generally, the process involves multiple stages including conceptualization, design development, pattern making, sample creation, fittings, and production.
For a fashion show, the timeline typically spans several months, with designers working closely with their teams to bring their vision to life. This includes designing the collection, sourcing materials, creating prototypes, organizing fittings, and coordinating logistics for the runway presentation.
Similarly, creating a garment can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on factors like design intricacy, fabric selection, and production techniques. It involves sketching, pattern drafting, cutting, sewing, and finishing.
In recent times, there has been a growing emphasis on quality over quantity in the fashion industry. This shift has led to increased attention on the creative process and craftsmanship, with young designers prioritizing innovation and originality. Established brands are also adapting to this trend by refining their designs to better resonate with consumers.
In the 'New Normal' trend, creativity takes precedence, leading to the deconstruction of traditional pieces, the addition of playful volumes, and occasional garment sculpting. Fluffy details and layering are also prominent features of this trend story. Brands like Sacai and Diesel have already demonstrated a strong understanding of this trend, incorporating these elements into their collections.
This article originally appeared on FashionUnited.NL. Translation and edit by: Rachel Douglass.
Source: fashionunioted
