THE ASK
Create a forecast for the women's fall/winter 2024 by utilizing thorough research to anticipate developments in aspects such as color palettes, fabric choices, patterns, prints, embellishments, and intricate design elements.
THE PROCESS
"Utopia," is a futuristic women's wear forecast for the Fall/Winter season of 2024. Drawing inspiration from the retro-futuristic style of the 1960s, we used this aesthetic as a framework for our forecast. The contemporary zeitgeist bears a remarkable resemblance to that of the 1960s, owing to shared elements such as the renewed interest in space exploration and the pervasive theme of escapism.
I partnered with Courtney Deviney, Madison Lueck, and Megan Piston to create a forecast surrounding the current zeitgeist and industry trends. Throughout this process, we each spent time researching consumer demographics, analyzing past trends, and creating visuals to convey our idea. After months of preparation and a final class presentation, we were then asked to present at the VCU Art’s student preview day in order to inspire future students.
“CHROMATIC” A COLOR STORY
With the help of my partner, Courtney, we developed the first color story by drawing inspiration from the 1960’s.
The '60s were famous for their vibrant, psychedelic colors seen in fashion, home decor, and cars. We aimed to bring back the bright, nature-inspired palette, mixing warm primary colors with cool, modern tones for a contemporary twist on the classic hippie style. These primary colors signify the body, emotions, and the mind.
RUNWAY LOOKS
We are immersed in technology, false realities, and negativity (Clark, 2021) so sometimes a layer of comfort is all we need. Oversized and puffed jackets provide consumers way to feel secure and assertive while staying fashionable. This look revolves around superior functionality. It turns a classic look into an everyday avant- garde style.
In a world that is constantly progressing, we are embracing who we are, and what we want. We are no longer ashamed of sexuality or race, instead we are proud. (Templeton, 2022) This look fosters the confidence and creativity to stand out and make bold choices, starting with a comfortable yet flashy pair of metallic pants. Dressed up or dressed down, Utopia embraces the ability to make a statement.
Utopia is a look into the future. Large and uniquely shaped eyewear is elevating both street style and runway looks. The 60s were known for their colorful and abstract shaped sunglasses (Naranjo, 2020), however the 1960s space race launched the birth of a new look. This item combines these vintage aspects with a more modern and sleek look. They are bold yet practical. Variations of sport glasses in black and silver frames are the latest necessity while drawing inspiration from classic films like Men in Black and Star Trek, which all have different interpretations of what our future could look like.
The Result
Creating this fashion forecast involved learning how to analyze the current zeitgeist and emerging trends in the ever-evolving world of fashion. This multifaceted process required me to have a keen understanding of cultural influences, historical references, and societal shifts that shape design choices. Additionally, this involved studying the preferences and behaviors of consumers, staying up to date on their evolving tastes and values. By synthesizing these elements, my group was not only able to predict upcoming styles for 2024, but also contribute to the intricate relationship between fashion, culture, and consumer expectations.
