Expand Your Perspective Q&A

Newsletter week 45

Last Thursday, we organized a webinar called Expand Your Perspective, together with our US agents ESP Trendlab. Thank you for joining and participating, and if you missed it, here are some of the questions that were asked.

*Global talents Digital fashion week Russia 2020*

Are fashion designers losing relevance?

Fashion designers are still relevant, but fashion designers are part of a failing system that needs a reset, many fashion designers now start to work with, for instance, waste fabric to resolve problems. Clothing remains essential as a means for the expression of identity, but expensive shows are not relevant anymore, same as seasons, next to that fashion should be accessible for everyone.

We hope and see a role for creativity and craft, really designing, with knowledge about materials and techniques. Systems can be changed, especially systems that are broken, there is room to experiment.

*The Ecosystem of Wicked problems by Sarkar and Kotler*

How is the current global socio-economic state of affairs influencing the aesthetics of the near and long term future?

It is hard for people not to have an idea where we are heading, so many people feel insecure about the future. They look for comfort and warmth, to feel safe and protected; this means softer colours, softer fabrics and comfort.

We think there will be a big wave of nostalgia, with romantic clothes with references to the past. In our China research, we see that people want a connection with the past, especially when times are hard or changing fast.

Aesthetics will change because more cultures contribute to the aesthetics of global culture, African views, Chinese influences, Indian aesthetics, not just a western aesthetic. We watch movies made in Korea, listen to African music; everything influences global aesthetics and makes it richer.

What influence do you expect Outdoor and Active to have? Will it grow?

Being outside and in contact with nature has been a lifesaver for a lot of people, and we feel this will continue. Travel will be disrupted for a longer time and even researching the outdoor images and trends relaxed us and gave us air. We see people that hike and bike but also take long trips without impact. People that bike from Rotterdam to Barcelona, walk from Tokyo to Kyoto, we have been following Tom Turcich who has been walking the world now for 1400 days. It is a joy to follow their trips now that we can’t travel.

We feel that comfort and protection matter, not like armour but softer, sustainable tech innovation will change all the materials we use today. Smart garments that take care of you. Not technology with batteries in clothing but fibre innovation.

How do you think the art world will change?

Art has been essential as going to museums has been one of the things people were able to do during the Covid-19 lockdown. Through art, we can reflect on the world and look forward. Art has a vital role in society to challenge social issues and for being exposed to diverse views, other than our own. We virtually visited museums and could view talks and masterclasses that we could not see before. A greater connection worldwide, following the things that interest you, maybe that will stay. We are all broadcasters now.

Banner Image, Looop by H&M