FASHION TRENDS FOR 2018 -- BODIES, SILHOUETTES & TECHNIQUES, TREATMENTS !

With natural disasters, threats of global conflict and terrorism creating uncertainty around the globe, the macroeconomic environment remains in flux. This leads to a wistful mood and yearning for what was. We see in the New Year, a lot of Revival as far as recent most popular fashion trends go-- like  Jumpsuits, Atheliesure, Denim, fringes, Logos, trench coats-- but all with a spin. 

Personalization and Curation are becoming more and more important to the customer who expects everything. Apart from convenience, great price and quality, the consumer is looking for a personal look every time they engage with their chosen brand. So we find that Versatility of a piece of clothing OR as styling continues to gain popularity. 

1) Jumpsuits

Jumpsuits are now a staple item in wardrobes and this year too-- elegant  styles at Tod’s, très chic from Apiece Apart, in a ‘70s reinterpretation at Gucci, pastel at Sportmax,  and  boyfriend style at Public School-- one for every taste and body shape-- mostly, getting a utilitarian twist. The updated silhouettes  from the classic flight suit, with various prints and fabrications, boxy and boyish, others fitted and dotted in florals — whatever the case, these are the one-piece wonders to have a couple of this year! Seen on runways styled also by Tibi, Stella McCartney, and Isabel Marant.

2) Neo Athleisure

Sportswear pieces and fabrics made appearances on the runway in full looks or alongside skirts and silk dresses for a new take on athleisure. The jumpsuits at Dior, Fenty X Puma and Marc Jacobs recalled scuba diving, motocross and skiing suits. In the summer, be creative and mix and match those workout clothes with the less sporty items in your closet. In an Indian context, pairing separate pieces with Sarees and long Banjara skirts would be really cool!

3) Denim on denim

This season it’s going to be even more of a trend-- denim with interesting details! Also denim with denim-- think head to toe denim looks – literally.Some international designers also did  boots  made of denim. I  am eager to see Indian fashionistas experimenting with silhouettes and cuts in denim in the coming year.  At A.P.C. and Oscar de la Renta the blue jeans and denim skirt were paint stained, while at Alexander McQueen and Y/Project the jean jackets were deconstructed to create extra shapes and sartorial possibilities.

4) Layering

While this trend started from slip dresses worn over simple t-shirts, now there are all sorts of dresses worn over all types of shirts, from silk dresses worn over sporty shirts at Off-White to flowy dresses worn over leopard shirts. So have some fun this summer and mix and match your t-shirts, button downs and tops with your dresses for some new and exciting outfits! Match Long kurtas with shorts and sarong-skirts, for sheer on sheer layering. 

5) Colours-- Bright Pink, yellow, Lilac and Ultraviolet

There's loads of Pink on runways! Together with Yellow, which is not going anywhere, pink is going to be one of the main colors this spring/summer 2018. Ultraviolet is the colour of the year and soft Lilac is one of the stars for the summer.

6) Mix'n'Match-- Print on print

To remain in the theme of mixing and matching, another trend we are loving in SS 2018 is the mixing of different prints and patterns in the same outfit, like at Gucci, Marni, Dries Van Noten and Maison Margiela and some Indian designers too. This trend is pretty easy to follow with Indian textiles; experiment with using Sanganeri block prints with Bandhani or leheriya or Kalamkari or even Madhubani. Combining these with Polka dots or the other seasonal trend of Checks would be so fashion forward. Use your creativity and judgement to put together different prints that are very different but somehow can come together to create magic .

7) Checks Mix

There's one print that's dominating catwalks for 2018, and that's checks. You'll find the design most frequently on blazers and trousers, but the detail has graduated from suit sets to asymmetrical tops and breezy skirts. It's also time to mix the pattern with the other perennial favorite: florals. Checks in Drapy Indian silhouettes can create a new fashion language.

8) Modern Romance

Jane Austen would be proud of the Spring '18 lineup that comes with corseted waists, billowy sleeves, and soft, romantic florals. This feminine look was a heroine on the runways — work it into your wardrobe this year with other trends.

9) On the Fringe

If fringe isn't your thing, check out the 2018 iterations. Suffice to say, there's something for everyone with this trend that goes forward this year as well. Some international designers like Alexander Wang, Calvin Klein, and Dior introduced the look sparingly on accent pieces — bags and bustiers and others went all out with technicolor and layers. Fringes have that showstopping finish that elevates a look from regular to tres chic.

Other trends that have potential to work well this year --- Logomania is back. The latest street style trend mixes brand iconography with elevated pieces--  How whacky to be able to use sporty logos and Indian royal family or School crests in quirky new ways. Taking inspiration from the Day Glow mood, look for shimmer on everything from tanks to flowing trousers. Find subtler ways of mixing sparkle into everyday silhouettes that make this trend wearable. They shine even better in the sunshine, wearing them by day would be cool. Next, the trench coat gets a contemporary update with frills, sleeveless silhouettes, and denim iterations for Spring '18.