There are a number of good sources for trend reports you can seek out, but sometimes it’s nice to have an easy list of the best to make the searching easier. Here are three of the ones we favour when doing this type of trend research. Naturally we work with our clients to source the best trends for them (if they like trends) and look at options to include these types of pieces in their day to day wardrobes. If they don’t like trends, we work to incorporate current elements into their style as needed for updates without drawing them out of their personal style zone.
For example, our more fashion forward clients often select three or four samples of the trends that work, wear them for a season or two and then rotate them out with other pieces. Our more classic or creative clients often incorporate their current pieces more subtly, choosing a colour of the season rather than a cut, or adding an accessory that falls along trend lines instead of using more substantial pieces. It’s good to be aware of what the market is up to, and even better to be savvy about what the market can do for you. Watch our blog over the next few weeks to see our take on making trends useful for different people and different styles. In the meantime, have a little fun with the high art on the runway that will shortly be translated into the mall.
- Elle does a good job of identifying the trend elements and showing four or five examples across the lines at once, so you can easily see how each designer is executing the concept. They also briefly include places where that trend last occurred or where the inspiration may have come from for the ‘new’ pieces.
- Harper’s Bazaar ties their themes in with whimsical titles and features single images and larger pictures. They are good for seeing detail in the different pieces and grouping the trends for feeling or mood rather than taking a more technical, design element based approach.
- Vogue is good for featuring more of the ‘out-there’ looks from the runways; for interesting geometry, unusual detail or bold styling of the trends, this is an important stop for those of you who enjoy a bit more drama and creativity in your trends.
Last but not least, we always enjoy Pantone for their seasonal colour reports. If you know your colours well, you can use this report to see what might be available in the stores before it gets there and plan your new acquisitions/colour scheme accordingly and not waste your time and energy looking for things that aren’t there.
Let us know what you think – what’s your fave website, blog, magazine or other source for trend reports?