The world might have come to a halt owing to the novel coronavirus which struck out of the blue earlier this year, but the human spirit is bouncing back. The fashion world was quick to respond by shifting to a digital format for shows and presentations, manoeuvring their existing stock to create in-demand products, as well as taking some time off to rethink of a more cohesive and sustainable fashion future.
In the midst of all this, whilst some fairs and shows got postponed to a later date, or adopted a digital outreach, the international menswear showcases for the upcoming season of Spring/Summer 2021 took place.
Apart from delivering a memento on the trends of the future and an insight into consumer psyche, the shows also provided a relief from the doom and gloom we have been subjected to during this period, all the time signalling a return to a more positive ‘new normal’.
In the report mentioned below, we talk in detail about the top trends set to influence the coming seasons and also the key drivers of this trend in the market.
There certainly is a huge shift towards artistic and creative elements, be it in the form of vibrant prints or silhouettes or accessories – as an effort to escape the current scheme of things to something more surreal.
Comfort and utility rage on, sparking a growing trend of fuss-free and multi-purpose clothing which aims to make life easier rather than more complex.
Lastly, no summer is complete without a dose of happy brights – and these are seen in numerous collection presentations in the form of new age pastels which blur bender norms. Expect to see sorbet tones like green, pink, powder blues and lavender take centre stage.
Also Read: Cruising through Resort 2021: A roundup of the top trends of the season
Utilitarian Motives
The outbreak of the novel coronavirus earlier this year has led to a higher demand for functional clothing. Eyeing for products that are functional yet on-trend, consumers have shown marked inclination towards utilitarian pieces that serve both of these purposes.
Advancing the functional vest, we have simple functional round collar sweatshirts featuring pockets, with a similar loose silhouette.
Details such as protective and waterproof materials, multiple gigantic pockets with flaps, adjustable drawstrings and zip and buckle hardware feature on top of this list for the upcoming Spring/Summer 2021 season.
Layered fabrics and all-in-one shapes are functional yet decorative to cater to the growing youth market.
Tie and Dye
In a COVID-struck world, bright colourways and psychedelic patterns symbolise vitality and new hope, which in turn, provide a sense of healing that soothes consumers.
An increasing number of fashion labels and designers tap on handcrafted as well as digitally created tie and dye prints which are further enhanced using beaded embroidery, flocking and jacquard in order to make a stronger visual impact.
Spring/Summer 2021 sees the mainstream boho technique tilt towards a softer colour palette – wherein we see a plethora of blurred, hazy effects, soft focus and ombre effects.
Watercolour, digital feel and ombre effects are combined together to bring an ethereal visual effect. Advancement in technology has further assured that the charm of hand done tie and dye is well preserved even by digital printing methods.
Multi-coloured tie-dye effects, as seen at Blue Marble and Celine, utilise soft prints that are overlapped and integrated to bring a watercolour effect in place, rendering the print more abstract. On the other hand, the washed-out look achieved via ombrepastels adds vitality in order to appease to a younger set of consumers.
Leisurewear
If there is one product category to have seen a stupendous spike in the past few months since COVID-19 struck, it is the homewear or leisurewear category.
It is no surprise that Work From Home models urged everyone the world over to ditch their bottom down clothing requiring you to only show up for Zoom calls dressed presentably the torso up – even if you could be confined to the comfort of your pyjamas or boxers down below.
Comfort is the key word here – which translates into baggy and roomy trousers, oversized knits and free-flowing and light dresses, and fuss free clothing options perfect to lounge around in.
Tapping on the growing demand for the category, designers as well as mass retail brand such as Zara, H&M and ASOS have ensured their digital shelves to be stocked up round the clock.
Also Read: Form & Function: Top silhouette and detail fashion trends for Fall/Winter 2020
Artscape
Seeking an escape from reality has always been the norm whenever the world has found itself to be submerged in catastrophes – be it economic, political or in today’s case – a pandemic.
Over the period of the extended worldwide lockdown, people of all backgrounds, age and ethnicities have resorted to creativity, be it in the form of art, craft, music, writing, blogging or cooking, etc. Keeping the same momentum alive, designers have translated themes that provide us with an escape from the current day scenario – as well as a chance to wear our individuality or thoughts out in the open.
Everything you could imagine – from abstract art, to blown up faces, to a splatter of paint strokes to Polaroid iterations – dominated the scene at the Spring/Summer 2021 collections.
Key themes included nostalgia, which was communicated via distressed and faded elements and tropical influences which pointed towards a growing urge within the population to travel.
Polo Necks
Forecasted as one of the key selling products of Spring/Summer 2021, the classic polo shirt is revamped by different shapes such as diagonal plackets and buckles, spliced details in a variety of fabrics like denim, and interesting takes on the collar.
Tapping on the ongoing leisurewear trend, designers and brands are presenting the simple polo shirt in breathable knit fabrics with added moisture-wicking properties, in order to attract new customers.
New variations include buttoned plackets on the collar being replaced by zippers, which add to the design element while reducing the cost of placket production at the same time. An interesting version of a sweatshirt style is gaining popularity and feeding the younger clientele.
Army
It is no surprise that cargo pants and army jackets have doubled as staples in the menswear fashion world owing to their durable, yet functional properties – and sticking to time tested principles, a multitude of designers and high fashion brands alike tapped on army influences for the approaching Spring/Summer 2021 season.
A new and revamped camouflage print taps on abstraction and digitalisation to bring forth a more modern vibe. Simple patterns are accentuated using bright colour tones to appease to a wider audience.
81GB Community Clothing uses gigantic camouflage patterns which are heightened using eye-catching tropical motifs as decorations to make the style chic and individualistic. Similarly, Etro, Reese Cooper and Celine, provide a new take on the trend by changing the definition of the traditional camouflage, all the while injecting fresh patterns in vibrant colourways.
Traditional khaki serves as the base of many a collection, appearing as a top favourite among cargo pants, army vests and jackets.
Also Read: Trend report: Shifts in global prints and colour trends during COVID-19
