Fashion Wish List 2017

The fashion buys to wish list now for 2017

                                         


Will pink, which littered the runways in September, really make it into stores? Will we all be adopting the utility trend for 2017? These are just a few of the big fashion questions we're asking as we head into 2017. To help you get ahead, we picked the brains of fashion’s movers and shakers- the people who know what we'll be wearing next before we do- to get a head start on the trends which are set to stand out over the coming months.

Logo tees and ornate skirts, says Sarah Rutson, Vice President of Global Buying at Net-a-Porter.com

“The key pieces for the year are going to come from brands that are on fire right now in 2016" explains Rutson. "There is this sense of streetwear pervading, be it over sized sweatshirts that are selling out at a rate of knots from Vetements and Off-White, or the logo mania we’ve seen at Gucci.

I loved the logo t-shirts which Alessandro [Michele] sent down the runway at Gucci paired with ornate skirts and accessories and J.W. Anderson’s ‘Pierce’ bags. These are items we know will continue to fly out the door. I also predict that pool slides will be everyone’s go-to flats; they will be the replacement to the sneaker in everyone’s wardrobe.

We have seen them from every brand at every price point. And the kitten heel will definitely be relevant again, whether it’s from Vetements’ collaboration with Manolo Blahnik or Balenciaga’s white stiletto boot – these are the must-have cult items for next year.”

Robes and denim with attitude says Laura Larbalestier, Buying Director at Brownsfashion.com

“Everyone needs to invest in a robe for SS17 - we love those from Attico, Balenciaga, Gucci, Natasha Zinko and Dolce & Gabbana" predicts Larbalestier. Meanwhile, jeans are still on the agenda: "Denim was also a key trend for SS17, but this time with more attitude than ever before. We noticed a resurgence of white denim at Preen by Thornton Bregazzi and industry-favourite Rejina Pyo, as well as cut out statement pieces at Off White, Acne and Y Project."
So which brands to watch out for next year? "Balenciaga is crucial. We really noticed a strong presence of the Demna effect this season. His unique point of view is changing the face of the industry and revolutionising the traditional notions of luxury fashion. Gucci is also super strong...the logo sweater, the tailored jacket, the robe…Gucci’s got you covered! Forever at the forefront, Alessandro truly set the tone for SS17.”

Decorative heels and flatforms, says Cassie Smart, Womens’ shoe and bag Buying Manager at Matchesfashion.com

“Think of satins and embroidered tapestries as summer’s solution to velvet" advises Smart when it comes to what to wear on our feet. "We have spotted it across lots of decorative footwear and bag styles at brands including Loewe. We are also heralding the return if the skinnier heeled stiletto as seen at YSL, Attico and Balenciaga whose knife heeled boots and pumps are set to be shoes of the season."
"Flatforms are still very prevalent for next season too" she adds, relief for those of us who find walking in heels tricky, "Gucci was a key example - while flats and pool-slides are still a big growth category for Matchesfashion.com; our favourites included Chloe’s pink velvet slides."
And how about bags? "The basket bag is a strong theme from many designers which works well for both the city and holiday; we’ve seen some beautiful styles from new brands Kho Kho and Muun and luxury styles from Mark Cross and Rosie Assoulin. Larger bags are also popular - what we are calling bottomless bags - and Chloe’s new Nile bracelet bag is sure to be a best-seller”

It's back to the 80s, says Emily Bezzant, Head Analyst at EDITED

“In times of uncertainty, people seek comfort in nostalgia. One of the biggest trends to span the women’s spring/summer 2017 show season was the eighties" explains Bezzant. "Already making waves towards the end of 2016, the second series of Stranger Things is expected to be released mid-2017 will also help to keep the decade alive."
How will the eighties resurgence look now? "From power suits and slouchy tailored trousers for office wear, through to off-the-shoulder looks, activewear and OTT ruffles - this is a decade that can infiltrate all areas of women’s wardrobes" she adds. "Micro trends within this story are set to be huge looks on their own. Embroidered and appliquéd denim, that looks almost customized, band tees, ruffles, feature sleeves and stirrup trousers that have already been adopted by the fashion pack.”

We'll be wearing the colour 'Kale' says Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute

“One of the things that we saw this year, was a renewed sense of imagination in which color was appearing in context that was different than the traditional" says Eiseman. "Reminiscent of the hues that surround us in nature, our color report evokes a spectrum of emotion and feeling. From the warmth of sunny days with Primrose Yellow, to the invigorating feeling of breathing fresh mountain air with Kale and the desire to escape to pristine waters with Island Paradise, designers used color in playful, yet thoughtful and precise combinations to fully capture the promises, hope and transformation that we yearn for each spring.”

We'll all be more conscious of where our clothes come from, predicts Heather Gramston, Womenswear buying manager at Selfridges

“Our customers, especially millennials, are more and more curious to learn about how the clothes they wear are being produced and where they come from; for us sustainability isn’t a trend, it’s an exciting new standard for the fashion industry," Gramston tells us.
"An interesting brand we have picked up for 2017 is Tortoise Denim which came about through a concentrated focus on revolutionizing the most environmentally harmful, but essential, step in the larger process of making jeans - the wash."

"Other key brands for next year include Magda Butrym’s and Area. A favourite of the street style set, Butrym’s edgy, feminine and beautifully crafted dresses are on the top of list of every fashion-savvy customer. We predict her creations will be seen on all the influencers sitting front row at fashion week and be a great success in store. Meanwhile Area is one of the most exciting new labels emerged from New York fashion scene, we love the brand’s aesthetic and their Dalmatian-print silk jumpsuits and silver metallic dresses, embody a new idea of glamour – fresh, young and very now.”