As the calendar will soon flip over to a new year, fashion enthusiasts everywhere are gearing up to embrace the trends that are set to dominate the sartorial scene. From the runways in fashion month to the streets of London, Paris, New York and Milan, a wave of fresh styles and innovative designs are making their mark on the fashion landscape. While the current fashion trends promise to be diverse and captivating, there’s no denying that staying ahead of the curve is an exciting endeavour. To do exactly that, we set our sights on the runways of the big four global fashion weeks — New York, London, Milan and Paris — and took note of the trends that are likely to rule SS24. Read on...
Sheer drama
The fashion industry cannot get enough of sheer it seems, especially for a season when everyone is ready to shed those winter layers for something a little airier. But, rather than planning to bare it all come spring, designers are providing their patrons with more options to choose from. Chanel, Gucci, and Valentino are at the forefront of using sheer fabrics in their collections. Chanel continues to honour Karl Lagerfeld’s legacy by presenting a collection that showcases the delicate art of sheerness. Delicate dresses are adorned with sheer panels, intricate lacework, and fabrics that seem to float on air. These pieces invite wearers to embrace their inner grace with a subtle reveal of skin.
A sheer outfit by Chanel
Gucci takes sheer fabrics and adds a signature eclectic twist. The collection featured a kaleidoscope of sheer fabrics, where traditional concepts of modesty were challenged. Gucci’s unique approach lies in its ability to blend the avant-garde with the classic, creating garments that are both edgy and elegant.
Valentino presented a collection that transforms sheer fabrics into a blooming garden of 3D rosettes. Each piece is a delicate masterpiece, where sheer fabrics become a canvas for art.
Denim redefined
Labels such as Mugler, Balenciaga and Louis Vuitton redefine denim in their own unique ways, breathing new life into this classic fabric. Mugler showcased denim ensembles that are anything but ordinary. Asymmetric hems, distressed embellishments, and bold detailing transform these denim pieces into artistic canvases. Mugler’s approach lies in his ability to juxtapose the familiar with the avant-garde, creating denim pieces that are a true representation of their eclectic ethos.
Demna Gvasalia, the creative genius behind Balenciaga, reimagines denim with a radical approach. The collection boasts denim jackets with asymmetrical cuts, oversized silhouettes, and distressed elements. Balenciaga’s denim designs challenge conventions, embracing the raw and the unconventional, pushing the boundaries of what denim can be.
Louis Vuitton elevates denim to haute couture status. The collection features denim pieces that seamlessly blend practicality with sophistication. High-quality materials and impeccable craftsmanship make these denim pieces a statement of luxury.
Flower power
Valentino, Dolce & Gabbana and Palomo Spain brought the enchanting world of rosettes to life in their 2024 collections. Valentino, under the creative direction of Pierpaolo Piccioli, presented a collection that showcases timeless romance through 3D floral elements. Each piece is a work of art, where rosettes are meticulously arranged to create a sense of depth and texture. Valentino’s rosette collection is a celebration of nature’s grace and the brand’s commitment to poetic craftsmanship.
Dolce & Gabbana, known for its Italian flair, turns garments into wearable gardens with its rosette motifs. The collection features pieces where floral elements are combined with intricate lacework and sheer fabrics, creating a sense of whimsical charm. Dolce & Gabbana’s unique touch lies in its ability to blend the romantic with the bold, resulting in pieces that exude sophistication and playfulness simultaneously.
Palomo Spain, a name synonymous with timeless elegance, seamlessly incorporates rosettes into its designs. What sets Palomo Spain apart is its ability to make rosettes an integral part of its brand’s DNA. The collection showcases rosettes that are seamlessly integrated into the brand’s classic designs, creating pieces that are both timeless and contemporary.
Bows and ribbons
In the Spring/Summer 2024 mood board, bows and ribbons emerged as a delightful and versatile trend. Several brands infuse bows of varying sizes and styles throughout their SS24 collections. Bows are seen gracing dresses, blouses, and even shoes, adding a whimsical touch to the overall aesthetic. Prada managed to strike a balance between sophistication and a dash of playfulness, encapsulating the essence of modern femininity. Their delicate presence enhanced the overall grace of the designs, offering a subtle yet impactful statement. In stark contrast, Sandy Liang opted for oversized bows, making a bold and fashion-forward statement. The brand's SS24 collection was a tribute to extravagance, and the oversized bows played a significant role in defining this theme. These bows, often positioned at the back or side of garments, added a touch of drama and grandeur. Sandy Liang embraced the larger-than-life trend with enthusiasm, showcasing bows that were impossible to overlook.
3D florals
This season witnessed a blooming garden of 3D florals adorning the runways, brought to life by fashion houses such as Dolce & Gabbana, Alexander McQueen, and Fendi.Dolce & Gabbana transported its audience to a whimsical garden, where garments were adorned with enchanting 3D floral embellishments. The SS24 collection celebrated the beauty of blossoms, capturing the essence of a vibrant garden in each design. The intricate detailing and artistry of the 3D florals were a testament to the brand's commitment to embracing joy and romance.Alexander McQueen, known for its avant-garde aesthetic, redefined florals in the SS24 collection. The fashion house adopted a bold approach, presenting 3D floral embellishments that were more akin to sculptural art pieces. These bold and artistic florals were strategically placed on garments, often making a striking contrast against darker backgrounds. Fendi, on the other hand, embraced a fusion of elegance and whimsy with its 3D floral-adorned designs. The brand combined intricate 3D floral embellishments with their classic and sophisticated designs, creating a harmonious marriage of style. The 3D florals, placed thoughtfully on dresses, jackets, and accessories, brought a sense of playful sophistication to the collection.
Cargo couture
Luxury brands are redefining the traditional cargo trend. Fashion powerhouses like Balmain, and Stella McCartney played a pivotal role in this transformation.Balmain, known for its urban chic aesthetic, embraced the cargo-inspired trend in a distinctive manner. The SS24 collection showcased cargo-inspired designs that exuded a sense of modernity and edginess. Balmain's take on cargo couture included unique cuts, unexpected detailing, and a bold color palette. Stella McCartney, a pioneer in sustainable fashion, also embraced the cargo trend with a focus on sustainability. The SS24 collection presented cargo-inspired designs that emphasized ethical and sustainable practices. Stella McCartney's cargo couture was characterized by recycled materials, eco-friendly fabrics, and a conscious approach to fashion. The brand showcased that luxury and utility can align with sustainability, paving the way for a more eco-conscious fashion industry.
Crochet lace
Crochet has certainly taken center stage for Spring/Summer 2024 Thanks to the spotlight it received during the fashion week, we can confidently say that crochet vibes are here to stay.Multiple brands and designers graced the runway with their intricate crochet lacework showcased in their collections. These pieces showcased the artistry of crochet and see-through lace fabric, adorned with intricate patterns and delicate frayed sleeves. The craftsmanship was undeniable, reaffirming crochet's place in high fashion.Crocheted garments were elevated with beautiful floral motifs and Grecian solar designs, all masterfully embroidered in off-white lace. These exquisite touches added depth and character to the pieces, making them stand out in a sea of trends.
Autumnal hues
SS24 runways were adorned with the rich warmth of tan suede, a trend elegantly showcased by Tom Ford and Ralph Lauren.Tom Ford, known for infusing sensuality into his designs, skillfully incorporated tan suede into his SS24 collection. The hue was chosen for its ability to evoke a sense of warmth and luxury. Suede pieces were crafted with meticulous attention to detail, highlighting the brand's commitment to luxury and sensuality. Tom Ford showcased that autumnal hues can be not only cozy but also exude a touch of allure.Ralph Lauren, a name synonymous with timeless elegance, epitomized the spirit of autumn with their tan suede pieces. The collection featured a range of garments crafted from this versatile hue, capturing the essence of fall.
Latex revolution
Spring/Summer 2024 witnessed a revolution in bold fashion as skin-hugging latex took center stage, a trend spearheaded by fashion powerhouses such as Alexander McQueen, Diesel, and ROTATE.
Alexander McQueen, redefined traditional norms with their bold embrace of skin-hugging latex. The SS24 collection showcased sleek, futuristic silhouettes that accentuated the natural curves of the body. The material itself seemed to become a second skin, allowing wearers to celebrate their form with unabashed confidence. Diesel, synonymous with opulence and daring style, made an indelible mark in the SS24 runway with their innovative use of latex. The collection featured a range of designs that exuded luxury and sensuality. The skin-hugging latex adorned a variety of silhouettes, creating a visually striking contrast. ROTATE, underlining their reputation for avant-garde designs, presented a groundbreaking take on latex in the SS24 collection. Their embrace of latex was bold and unapologetic, transforming it into a fashion statement that celebrated individuality and self-expression. The collection showcased the endless possibilities of latex, encouraging wearers to break free from traditional norms and express themselves fiercely and fearlessly.
Blue colour palette
A bright cerulean blue emerges as a sophisticated contrast to the Barbiecore pink trend. This versatile colour works year-round and seamlessly fits into any wardrobe. Similar to what we called "Cookie Monster Blue" last season, royal blues have taken over. Perhaps designers were seeking serenity from the colour's soothing abilities and calming attributes as they designed this season's collections.
Christopher John Rogers boldly embraced cerulean blue in a striking oversized overcoat, showcasing his ability to marry contemporary fashion sensibilities with this timeless color. Carolina Herrera brought a touch of tranquility and serenity to her classic and refined designs through cerulean blue. The presence of cerulean blue in the collections underscores its prominence and versatility, making it not just a color but a statement of elegance and enduring fashion allure in the contemporary landscape.