Shifting Paradigms
The gritty and subversive narrative challenging the status quo.
Across cultural influences post-pandemic there has been a continued presence of designs that carry with them a rejection of social constructs. Influenced by the uncertainty of the future there has been a discernible shift in this dystopian outlook of what’s to come.
Films such as 'Crimes of the Future’ provide a curious outlook on what life could look like in a world where humans evolve with synthetic environments and offer a thought provoking viewpoint on future aesthetics.
When we consider the rapid advancements of AI and the shifting landscape of Industry 5.0; this new narrative is not surprising.
Over the past few years, Dutch Design Week has seen designers embrace the unknown through experimental and innovative designs. Conceptualising ways to repurpose materials and fostering a harmonious relationship between humanity and the environment.
One notable example is designer @nolan_le_goff's creation of running shoes envisioned for Mars exploration. These shoes symbolise the potential of footwear as tools for adaptation to new environments, enhancing everyday life.
We can also see this story evolving through the visual interplay between architectural design and AI advancements which is seemingly now making its way into the realms of fashion.
Accounts such as [This Outfit Does Not Exist] are already leading the way in digital fashion, conceptualising garments through boundlessly creative renders. These not only captivate the audience but also encourage critical thinking around the future of fashion and sustainability. Founder Daniella Loftus had been working in finance and blockchain prior to starting Draup, which enables users to access their digital fashion wardrobe for curation, wear, and display across a multitude of digital environments. Backed with an impressive $1.5 million, it’s safe to say that digital and futuristic fashion is an evolving economy to stay abreast of.
Beyond digital fashion, futuristic design is quickly becoming a contemporary aesthetic characterised by exaggerated and fantastical shapes. We can anticipate seeing this look manifest at a more commercial level through oversized details, hybrid fabric combinations, as well as fluid and morphed prints. The introduction of metallics will further support the sci-fi connotations of this story.
Exploring how this trend evolves through print and pattern we can expect to see a continued presence of "Bogcore", which rose to prominence on platforms like TikTok and Tumblr, glorifying the visual appeal of marshes, wetlands, and swamps while taking inspiration from nature with a notable post-apocalyptic undertone. Additionally, alongside this, we can see a shift towards more vibrant colour palettes and disrupted stripes, characterised through less defined and more blurred aesthetics.
Whilst this trend isn’t necessarily a look that we can all get on board with, its distinct presence among new and more established designers is undeniable. It will be really interesting to see how this continues to play out within more attainable retailers, but my guess is this will be through use of hyper-engineered fabrics, print and pattern and these cut-about shapes which emulate wear and repair (albeit some retailers may just create this aesthetic from new materials rather than actually using dead stock).
Below I’ve picked some of my favourite finds and designers tapping into this trend.
These statement rings present a commercial option, the stacked styling also contributes to a futuristic look. Additionally, molten jewellery seamlessly complements this story due to its rugged and irregular textures. The raw and unrefined nature of molten metals evokes a sense of chaos and resilience, perfectly aligning with the mood of dystopian themes.
Offering a fresh perspective for knitwear, this engineered knit offers an innovative new shape to tap into this trend. Combining ribbing and garter stitches in a colour pattern with a glossy, sheer look, the design accentuates the body's silhouette. Whilst this option isn’t the most affordable, I am sure these engineered knits will be more readily available on the high street for Autumn/Winter.
This designer’s whole range is a great example of forward-thinking design. I love the cut on these jeans in particular as a more commercial way to tap into this aesthetic. The panelled details evoke a utilitarian feel and really add to the flattering shape. This panelled look could also encourage more designers to consider using remnant denims and repurposing.
Cracked glazes are perfect to invite this look into homewares. The exaggerated loop handles and irregular form offer an artisanal feel and we can thank the unexpected red theory for inviting red into our homes despite your colour schemes.
BASIC PLEASURE MODE - BAILEY DRESS
This brand’s entire aesthetic is really suiting to this trend and offers statement prints and more worked into shapes that go against the conforms of high street fashion. At an affordable price point they offer an easy way to achieve a more audacious fashion statement.
In the coming weeks I am working on updating my website with exclusive textile designs for brands. If you’re interested in working with me and would like to see some examples before hand - please feel free to reach out.
Let me know what you think of this trend in the comments!
Nico