2017 right around the corner, it is time to see what designers have in store, and what new trends might be popping up on the horizon. One of the most notable emerging trends is the shift away from technology and complexity, as we find comfort, solace, and retreat in simplicity and the natural world. This theme is evident in both fashion and interior design. As Gudy (2016) points out, emerging design trends reveal "our instinctive need to express ourselves in a world that is, at times, lost in a rush of souls chaos."A similar trend towards simplicity and taking time away from harried lives was evident in New York Fashion Week Spring 2017. Loose-fitting yet highly structured elements make an appearance. Even hooded bathrobes disguised as coats make an appearance, showing that consumers are demanding greater comfort and relaxation from their lifestyles. Similarly, the brashly off-the-shoulder look and billowy white dress invite us to be looser and more relaxed. Colors are also muted, more in the range of earth tones, reflective of the organic qualities that Gudy (2016) refers to in interior design trends. Texture and comfort and more important than bling or flash.
Vogue's Spring 2017 accessories...
The first bag featured in the slide show is a scene of a sky with clouds, covering the entire bag. It has a dreamy appearance, signaling connectivity with nature. Nature and the relaxation of cloud-gazing are more important than the achievements of fame, wealth, and power. Similarly, the puffy blue bag next in the slide show is like a pillow. It could even double as a pillow for the tired office worker. This bag reflects the relaxation and "time out" trend of the bathrobe-style coat seen at New York Fashion Week Spring 2017, and also in the Dolce & Gabbana pool slippers worn with a black chiffon dress (Vogue Spring 2017, slide 5). Even the reviled Crocs have made a comeback, albeit with greater panache, showing that comfort is key. The natural, relaxed lifestyle is also evident in trends showing how to carry yoga mats (Vogue Spring 2017, slide 10). As George-Parkin put it, "athleisure's influence still reigns," (p. 1).
Although retreat, lifestyle, and relaxation have dominated the landscape, quirkiness is still evident in a series of surprise fun elements like the back-front shoe, for when you cannot tell whether…
