Spring Summer 2017 Fashion Trend Forecast
As we await the brighter months of the year, we bring to you Glossi’s Spring Summer 2017 Trend Forecast.
As with every New Year, the world was excited to see what 2016 had in store for us. From Brexit, President-elect Trump, global warming, the devastation in Syria to the loss of cultural icons such as David Bowie, Prince, Muhammad Ali and Alan Rickman – 2016 brought us heartache and fear. Fashion is a reflection of the times, which is why Glossi forecasts that 2017 will incorporate military elements and power statements, as well as whimsical and futuristic escapism.
prints
Floral patterns in spring typically reflect the start of a refreshing new season. In our Spring Summer 2017 Trend Forecast, it takes us on an escape from the darkness of 2016. Dries Van Noten takes floral and infuses it with a bit of last year’s grimness via military-inspired outerwear. Animals, stripes, dots, landscapes, hearts, plaids, logos and messages also made print appearances on the runway. Major print enthusiasts this season include Elie Saab, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Zimmermann, Altuzarra and Gareth Pugh.
SS17 Ready-to-Wear (L-R): Dries Van Noten, Marques’ Almeida, Fendi, Altuzarra
Fabrics
Lace and all things transparent dominated the runways. Just as we gradually demand more transparency with government, we see this reflected in fashion. From resort to formal to office attire – transparency is showing up in all avenues of life. Layering and draping of fabrics were also predominant on the spring runways, proving that this look is not just a trend. These fabric styles were seen at Loewe, Louis Vuitton, Rick Owens (The Prince of layering, next to the King, Yohji Yamamoto), Céline and Chalayan.
SS17 Ready-to-Wear Collections L-R: Public School New York, Louis Vuitton, Simone Rocha, Alberta Feretti.
Colour
Bright and delicate colour is predominant in spring – marking the transition into our brightest season. There was one colour in particular that made a big impact – YELLOW. If it wasn’t yellow on the runway, then it was her sister, gold. The colour made bold appearances on even the shadiest of runways. It was the brightest and boldest at Rick Owens, Louis Vuitton, Jason Wu, Sies Marjan, Alexander Wang, Haider Ackermann and Maison Martin Margiela.
SS17 Ready-to-Wear Collections (L-R): Rick Owens, Sies Marjan, Haider Ackermann, Maison Margiela.
Loungewear and Intimates
Silk slips, nightgowns, camisoles, bras and pajamas are no longer to be worn at home. These pieces are loose fitting, mildly suggestive and perfect for layering. They add delicacy to any spring outfit. Loungewear and intimates showed up in Prada, Altuzarra, Marques’ Almeida, Giambattista Valli and Mara Hoffman.
2017 Ready-to-Wear Collections (L-R): Frame Denim, Prada, Marques’ Almeida, John Galliano.
Shoulders
The emphasis continues to be all on the shoulders. The bare shoulders that reigned over 2016 has transformed to just one-bare shoulder, or a now overly-emphasized shoulder. The exposed shoulder reflects the unpredictable weather that has become the norm due to global warming, while the exaggerated, strong shoulder is a statement of strength and power for women in a Trump-world and doubles as an ode to the 80’s icons that were taken from us in 2016.
Shoulders made headlines in Balenciaga’s SS17 Ready-to-Wear show and appeared everywhere – Saint Laurent, Prada, Elie Saab, Louis Vuitton, Yohji Yamamoto, Rodarte, Dolce & Gabanna, Burberry Porsum, Emanuel Ungaro and Marni. Shoulders are, well, big.
2017 Ready-to-Wear Collections (L-R): Balenciaga, Celine, Loewe, Saint Laurent.
Pant Suits
Hilary Clinton made many headlines in 2016. Her major presence continues in 2017 in the realm of politics, feminism and fashion. The pantsuit has made its way from the Democratic stage to the runway, appearing at The Row, Jil Sander, Anne Demeulemeester, Balenciaga, Alberta Ferretti, Gareth Pugh, and Celine, to name a few.
With women’s bodies constantly being politicized and policed and major female figures making bold moves in the world of politics (Hilary Clinton, Theresa May and Elizabeth Warren), the pantsuit sheds its boring office attire and becomes a powerful, elegantly stylish statement.
2017 Ready-to-Wear (L-R): Alberta Ferretti, Marni, Anne Demuelmeester, The Row.
As Teen Vogue writer, Lauren Duca recently put it to Fox News’ Tucker Carlson, “A woman can love Arianna Grande and her thigh-high boots and still discuss politics… we treat young women like they don’t have a right to political conversation and that they can’t enjoy Kylie Jenner’s Instagram and worry about the future of this country – these things are not mutually exclusive.”
The pantsuit first started as a power statement for women living in a man’s world. It eventually evolved to become a gender-bending statement of androgyny. In 2017, the pantsuit has gone full-circle to once again proclaim women’s position in the male-dominated realms of social, political, economical and environmental discourse. Women are powerful forces with valid opinions and rationale and should be taken seriously, regardless of their pursuit and appreciation of fashion and beauty.
Karina is a contributor at Glossi Mag.
As a lover of the unconventional and celestial, you can find this Gemini either on the hunt for vintage treasures, having a tarot card reading, or eatin’ some hot stone bibimbap.
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