A taste of trends to come

Li Edelkoort: A taste of trends to come

Birds will offer inspiration during the next two to three years. And even though there were hints before, this trend will grow into a full-blown movement that will extend from fashion to architecture, says international trend forecaster Li Edelkoort.

“Our relationship with nature and animals is going to deepen,” predicts Li, whose informative and inspirational seminars outline the styles, materials, colours and marketing strategies that will be important in years to come. “I don’t think trends can get better than they are at the moment.”

Major trend: birds in fashion
Exploring the influence that birds will have on fashion during Autumn/Winter 2011/12, Li notes that there will be a strong focus on blurred edges and visual texture, reminiscent of soft, yellow chicks. Fabrics will be soft, cuddly and tactile.

Swans, traditionally associated with dancing, will continue to have an influence: we’ll be seeing more lace, tulle and fluttering knits. Water birds will influence the colour palette: expect to see blue, grey and green, with the pea coat taking centre stage as a key item of the season.

Inspiration will also come from urban birds: colours will be bleak, echoing concrete, and abstract patterns will dominate garments. The healthy, slow lifestyle associated with peasant poultry will also leave its mark: we’ll wear honest clothes in warm, deep colours and vintage prints.

We’ll be inspired by weaver birds and their nests, with fabrics made from hand-spun yarns. The coloured coats of singing birds will inspire us to wear sophisticated brights, while birds of prey will move us towards powerful neutrals, casual clothes and folk details.
Words Carine Visagie, Visi Magazine