SS18 Trend Report: Colours, Fabrics, And Fashion

Fashion Week is not even over, and yet the trends for SS18 are slowly but surely emerging into the fashion and design world.

From the catwalks of London, Paris, New York and Milan, trends, colours, fabrics, and textures are consistently being seen, showing the world that these are what we will be incorporating into our wardrobes next spring. It is hard to get excited about a new fashion season when autumn is just starting, but to get ahead of the crowd means you really know your stuff.

What is a fashion trend?

The general rule of thumb when it comes to fashion trends, is if you spot 3 similar looking looks on the runways, you have a trend. This is what will be interpreted by the high street, splashed across magazines and fashion blogs, and, inevitably, what we will be wearing ourselves in 6 months’ time.

Of course, you must be quite eagle-eyed to spot these. Being the fashion obsessed bunch that we are, we have been studying the catwalks to bring you what we think the big trends will be for SS18.

Emerging trends for SS18

The catwalks were alive with the sights of ruffles, texture, colour, and prints, and we are here to help explain what it all means. And, most importantly, what we will all be wearing.

Glitter and Sparkles

Who said that glitz and sparkle was just for the festive season? You didn’t have to be a magpie to spot this glittering trend emerging from the runways. Designers incorporated sequins, glitter, crystals, and other eye-catching details in unexpected and humorous ways. Erdem, Burberry, and Christopher Kane were among the leaders of this trend; adding crystals and glitz to otherwise sophisticated and toned down looks. This goes for both menswear and womenswear!

Stylish Rainwear

Just because you are trying to shield yourself from the rain, doesn’t mean you must look drab while doing so. On the runways of London Fashion Week, designers created exciting and colourful rainwear, which will ensure you remain stylish despite the showers. The classic mac is given a rebirth with colours and 3D embellishments playing a big role. Look to Mary Katrantzou and Anya Hindmarch for inspiration.

Delicate Florals

Floral prints are never anything new for the spring and summer seasons, but we have been seeing them used differently as of late. Painterly florals have diminished and in their place, designers have evoked sweet and simple petals and blooms. Delicate shades of neutrals and cotton candy pinks with barely there outlines makes this a dreamy and Impressionistic version of the trend.

Ruffles

Whether you loved or hated them this summer, ruffles are continuing to be a darling for designers everywhere. Next season, you can expect an onslaught of ruffles of all sizes. In fact, the bigger and more elaborate the better. Simona Rocha included them on white gowns, which were so large that they collapsed on the floor. At Preen they could be seen in glorious cascading tiers.

Yellow

Forget just mellow yellow, next season you will be sunnier than a canary thanks to designer’s love affair with all things yellow. There will be tones and shades to suit all skin types, from popping sherbets and acid neon, to more sombre and sophisticated mustard and warm lemon. Expect it as the hero colour and in the all-important details.

Polka Dots

For something a little cute and different, why not go dotty? Polka dots were seen in abundance on the runways, from Carolina Herrera and Self Portrait to Jason Wu. Most notably seen in the traditional monochromatic colourway, but with occasional other colours. From dresses to accessories, you will be “spotting” this trend in the months to come.

Sheer Beauty

If there is ever a season to bare a little more skin than usual, it is summer. Transparent fabrics, sheer panels and suggestive nude details were seen in abundance on the runways. Not in a vulgar and overtly sexual way, but with romantic overtures and delicate drapes that just hint at sultry glimpses of skin. Jason Wu and Prabal Gurung demonstrated this trend best.

Rubber Structures

This is one that could definitely turn a few heads. Designers were seen using rubber and other similar fabrics and textiles in their collections. These materials were used to create bold and striking silhouettes, which add definition and drama. Calvin Klein pushed a feminine aesthetic, while R13 went a little more grime!

Lavender

Following on from the romanticism of the sheer trend, lavender was a colour spotted frequently on the catwalks. Tibi and Victoria Beckham showed this pretty and feminine shade on elegant dresses and oversized suits. This rich pastel is flattering on all skin types and is the perfect way to add elegance and delicacy to a more striking composition.

White

We know, hardly ground-breaking for spring and summer, but white really has never looked so good. Monochrome continues to rule, but next season, looks in head to toe white and shades of white will be gracefully making their way into our wardrobes. Mix it up and opt for denim pieces in white and perhaps even some sleek suiting to add a bit of edge.

Oversized Cuffs

Much like the ruffle trend, oversized cuffs was another slightly controversial style that split fashion lovers like marmite. Next season, statement cuffs are set to return. Roksanda showed cuffs cascading over the hands of her models, in a waterfall vision of silk and organza. Puffing out at the wrist and tumbling down so your hands peek out elegantly is the objective here.

Stripes

Bring out your inner candy striper and invest in stripes for SS18. Seen at all widths, from thick and chunky stripes to fine and dainty versions; stripes are where it is at. Jason Wu and Monse had fun with stripes in their collections, which will leave you dreaming of sunny seaside resorts and vintage beachwear.

Hot Pink

Sizzle for summer with an injection of sexy, hot pink in your wardrobe. This warm and vibrant hue is both feminine and super strong. Not for the faint-hearted, designers such as Rag and Bone and Tom Ford dressed their models head to toe in this captivating shade. Wear it as a solid block of colour or break it up into individual items.

Pantone Releases SS18 Colour Trend Report

Of course, it isn’t always about clothing. What colours designers choose to incorporate into their collections don’t just happen by accident. There is a whole industry dedicated to interpreting, sourcing and trend forecasting which colours will play a part in the future of fashion.

Global colour authority Pantone recently revealed a special addition of its Fashion Colour Trend Report Spring 2018, just ahead of London Fashion Week last week. This report featured Pantone’s 12 colour picks for the SS18 season.

What are the colours to watch for in SS18?

From the look of the chart, it appears that the hottest hue for SS17, pink, will once again play a big role next year. The pink spectrum ranges from dusky mauve and lavender to rose and cherry. We also see new core colours emerge from warm neutrals to petrol blues.

• Coconut Milk – warm, milky white
• Almost Mauve – palest mauve, almost white
• Lime Punch – vibrant, neon lime yellow
• Meadowlark – warm, buttery yellow
• Nile Green – soft sage green
• Pink Lavender – pretty pink with lavender hue
• Harbour Mist – grey with blue undertone
• Warm Sand – warm neutral beige
• Blooming Dahlia – salmon pink
• Ash Rose – dusky rose
• Cherry Tomato – vibrant orangey red
• Rapture Rose – bright and vibrant rose pink
• Spiced Apple – rich, dark terracotta
• Ultra Violet – violet purple
• Palace Blue – rich, deep sky blue
• Sailor Blue – dark navy blue

Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director for the Pantone Colour Institute commented;

“Colour’s increased influence in fashion design is being felt around the world. Designers for both the US and UK markets recognise the need to show more colour in their collections. We broadened the direction for Spring 2018 to satisfy the growing consumer appetite for the flexibility of expression through colour. Unique shades for the London runway convey themes of energy, sophistication, and serenity. There are multi-dimensional and grounded hues, while others exude a vibrant breath of fresh air.”

Now that you are clued up on all the hottest trends for the next fashion season, why not have a go at designing yourself? Upload your designs and artwork onto our custom-made clothing and be a fashion designer in minutes!