Fashion Forecast 2018: Pastels, Punk and Pop Art

2017 was a year in fashion we won’t soon forget. With Gucci fever at its peak ushering in a new era of discordant eclecticism and streetwear reaching the upper echelons of the coveted fashion world the year was one of transition. The early 2000’s were referenced to no end, denim was back, and the ugly pretty aesthetic reigned supreme. Tour merch and music collaborations were everywhere, the puffer jacket was deemed the “it” outerwear piece, minimalism fell by the wayside and “Dad” fashion suddenly became very trendy. Now that we’re in 2018, we’re forecasting a few sure-fire trends you’re bound to see dominating the streets this year.

Emo/Punk Revival

In 2018 emo and punk are set to return in a big way. Blouses emblazoned with graphics, leather, studs and lots of black and red, late 2000’s trends are abound on the runways of Spring 2018. Prada, inspired by the idea of “militant women” sent out spiky leather sandals, studded belts and tonnes of punk-esque graphics on its runways this past fall. Dior sent stripes and check and tonnes of black tulle while McQueen honed in on zip detailing and loads of leather. Kenzo accessorized with chunky studded chokers and a stark purple lip paired with a collection filled with (more) leather, neon and stripes.

Prada Spring 2018 (Left) Dior Spring 2018 (Right)

Alexander Mcqueen Spring 2018 (Left), Kenzo Spring 2018 (Right)

Pop Art

In 2018, art collaborations are the latest craze on the runways of Prada, Versace and Comme Des Garcons. Miuccia sent out trenches, skirts and blouses with printed illustrations of female cartoonists and manga artists. Donatella plastered Warholian illustrations over jumpsuits and dresses in her Spring Summer offering, and Comme Des Garcons emblazoned photoshopped Dutch still life paintings and digital prints of the work of 16th-century artist Arcimboldo.

Comme des Garcons Spring 2018 (Left) Versace Spring 2018 (Right)

Transparent Fashion

Plastic is the matériel du jour for 2018. Chanel sent out transparent plastic hats and thigh highs for Spring 2018 juxtaposed by their traditional tweed offerings. Helmut Lang accessorized their season with transparent plastic briefcases, and Valentino opted for bedazzled transparent plastic jackets with zip detailing.

Chanel Spring 2018 (Left) Valentino Spring 2018 (Right)

Sportswear

Sports references seemed to be everywhere on the 2018 Spring Runways. Fenty X Puma sent out a Motocross inspired collection filled with neon leather, spandex and jackets detailed with buckles and straps. Dior offered visors bearing the phrase “J’adior” paired with form-fitting bodysuits and leather biker pants. Even Isabel Marant couldn’t resist some sports references opting for an assortment of haute windbreakers and buckled detailing.

Dior Spring 2018 (Left), Fenty X Puma Spring 2018 (Right)

Mixed Prints/Plaid

Eclecticism was big in 2017 and in 2018, even bigger. Loud prints, clashing patterns and a tonne of plaid and florals are a sure bet for this years street style. Marni juxtaposed plaids and florals on dresses, skirts and trenches, Miu Miu opted for plaid on plaid and Lucian Matis offered bodysuits in (literally) head to toe florals.

Miu Miu Spring 2018 (Right) Marni Spring 2018 (Left)

Pastels

If nude and earth tones have reigned supreme for the past few years, pastels are sure to usurp their throne as the most coveted palette everyone is sporting. Victoria Beckham offered up sheer dresses in serene shades of lavender on the runways this past fall while Chanel was all for soft pinks and mint greens with ruffles and feather details. Hermes sent out subdued yellow suiting with matching handbags.

Chanel Spring 2018 (Left) Victoria Beckham Spring 2018 (Right)

Cody Rooney is a Glossi Mag contributor.

He is a photography aficionado, theatre school alumni, fashion enthusiast, avid Ariana Grande fan and lover of all things aesthetically pleasing.