fashion research topics 2023

The Most Intriguing Fashion Research Topics and Ideas for 2023

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117 Awesome Fashion Research Topics: Inspirational Ideas List

Finding some decent fashion research topics that you can use for your next papers is not easy nowadays. You want something new, something original. Your classmates are probably scouring the Internet as we speak, so why are you still wasting time? Take a look at our long list of 117 exceptional fashion research topics and choose the best one right now.

What makes our topics different, you ask? Our experts are constantly updating the list and adding new ideas. This means you will always be able to find an original idea here on this page. We will soon be adding new topics for 2023, so stay tuned!

What Is The Fashion Research Paper?

Keep in mind that finding some great fashion topics to write about is not enough. You need to be able to create a well-organized, concise research paper. To help you do just that, we will show you the 8 main parts of a research paper:

Title page (or cover page) Start with a hook to catch the attention of your readers, then talk a bit about the background of the problem and present your thesis. Literature review. Here, you will need to demonstrate that you have analyzed the literature related to the topic and that there is a gap in knowledge that needs to be addressed. Research In this section, you will explain in great detail all the methods you have used to gather the data. Be as specific as possible. Data analysis. This is the section where you present and analyze the data. Be objective and avoid discussing the results. This is the section where you can discuss your findings and prove how your research results back your thesis. Don’t forget to acknowledge the limitations of your research. Restate your thesis and summarize your research and findings. Show your readers how your findings answer the research questions. References page. This is where you list all the resources you have used to write your research Make sure you don’t miss any.

Now that you know the overall structure of a research paper, it’s time to give you some excellent topics to write about:

Brand New Fashion Research Paper Topics

We will start our list with the brand new fashion research paper topics. These have been added to the list recently, so you can pick one right now knowing that it’s original:

Fashion in Ancient Rome
The impact of Jane Austen on the world of fashion
Swimwear in the 1980s
Using bizarre colors in fashion
The rise and fall of the jeans
Peer pressure related to fashion trends
Social networking and fashion
The life and work of Giorgio Armani
Talk about hippie fashion
Fashion in Islamic religions

Interesting Fashion Topics To Write About

If you are looking for something out of the ordinary, we have a long list of interesting fashion topics to write about. Take a look at the following ideas:

The rise of the Chanel brand
Does price reflect quality?
Fashion in Ancient Egypt
The sense of fashion in women
The link between art and fashion
Discuss ethics in fashion
The relationship between style and money
The role of clothes in your culture
Interesting fashion hacks

Fashion Research Topics 2023

In the fashion research topics 2023, you can find topics that were greatly appreciated in 2023. These may or may not be as appreciated in 2024 though:

Fashion in developing countries
Research smart casual fashion
Compare Asian fashion with American fashion
Fashion and aesthetics
Marketing a new brand of clothes
Fashion in vlogging
What are cycles in fashion?
The rise of the Versace empire
Fashion in Paris

Advanced Fashion Topics To Discuss

We also have a list of more advanced fashion topics to discuss. Just keep in mind that the following topics are not easy to write about. But as an option, you can buy a dissertation on any topic.

Negative effects of fashion on the environment
Forecasting new trends in 2023
Celebrities and fashion
Negative effects of fashion on the human psychology
Influencer marketing of fashion products
Fashion from a religious standpoint
The place of leather in fashion in 2023
Largest fashion shows in the world
The importance of Fashion Weeks in Eastern Europe

Fun Research Topics On Fashion

Who said a research paper can’t be fun? Choose one of these fun research topics on fashion and start writing the perfect paper today:

Fashion in 1990s media
Funny fashion mishaps
Men in fashion advertisements/commercials
Fashion in medieval times
Crossover fashion in 2023
Can you start a fashion business?
Fashion in the royal family (the UK)
Fashion and school uniforms

Important People In Fashion

One of the easiest ways to write a research paper in the field of fashion is to research an icon. Here are some important people in a fashion that you can talk about:

Karl Lagerfeld
Stella McCartney
Audrey Hepburn
David Bowie
Princess Diana
Charles Frederick Worth
Harry Styles
Kim Taehyung
Coco Chanel
Designer Paul Poiret

Fashion Research Paper Topics For High School

If you are a high school student, you need some easier topics to write on. Check out these fashion research paper topics for high school and pick the one you like:

Fashion in Ancient Egyptian times
Michael Jackson’s fashion
Fashion in Western Europe
Fashion at the workplace
Fashion in schools in the UK
Discuss fashion in North Korea
Luxury products and the human brain
Fashion trends and the science that explains them

Captivating Fashion Design Research Paper Topics

In case you want to discuss fashion design, we have a nice list of captivating fashion design research paper topics right here. All these topics are, of course, 100% free to use:

Fashion in the LGBTQ community
Fashion in Nazi Germany
Fun facts about beachwear
The role of Versace in fashion
New York as a fashion center
Effects of Tik-Tok on fashion
The origins of ethnic clothing
Mixing 3 styles the right way
Fashion and sexism in 2023

Fast Fashion Research Paper Topics

Don’t want to spend a lot of time working on that research paper? No problem! Simply choose one of these fast fashion research paper topics:

The role of politics in fashion in the United States
Talk about wedding ceremony fashion
Talk about trends in baby clothing in the United Kingdom
The role celebrities play in fashion marketing
Talk about 3 iconic fashion characters
An in-depth look at fashion in the punk world

Fashion Topics To Research In 2023

It’s time to think about the topics that should work great in 2023. In fact, our experts have already compiled a list of fashion topics to research in 2023:

Talk about the notion of “invisible branding” in fashion
Research women’s fashion in the 1980s
The role played by art in fashion trends
Research 3 major fashion companies
Talk about the low rise fashion trend
Discuss the women’s oversized bomber jackets trend

Fashion And Marketing Research Topics

As you probably know, fashion and marketing go hand in hand. Take a look at our latest and most interesting fashion and marketing research topics right here:

Fashion marketing on social media
Fashion marketing in the 1960s
Effective marketing strategies for luxury products
Style vs. functionality in marketing
Marketing and fashion cycles
The role of fashion in TV commercials

Fashion Ideas For College Students

College students should research topics that are more complex in nature. Don’t worry though; we have more than enough fashion ideas for college students:

Research the hoodies under blazers fashion trend
Compare Asian and European fashion
Research Jane Austen’s style
A closer look at minimalist fashion
The beginning of the Haute Couture
Fashion and the Internet

Unique Ideas Related To Fashion

This list of topics has been revised recently to make sure all ideas are unique. So, if you’re looking for unique ideas related to fashion, you have definitely arrived at the right place:

Analyze the cropped cardigans trend
Research the plus-size fashion industry in Indonesia
The impact of feminism on fashion
Social issues caused by fashion
Fashion and cheap labor
Effects of religion on fashion

Easy Fashion Essay Topics

If you want to make sure you ace that research paper, you should find an easy topic to talk about. Take a look at these easy fashion essay topics and pick one today:

Discuss the notion of “color blocking”
Fashion trends during World War II
The evolution of men’s suits over the last 100 years
Fashion and child labor
What is organic clothing?
Talk about the rise of wig fashion

Creative Fashion Research Questions

Professors really appreciate creativity, so you should definitely go through this list of creative fashion research questions:

A closer look at the puff sleeves trend
The Kardashian family’s impact on fashion
How did Chanel rise to fame?
Sustainability in the fashion industry
Fashion and body types
Interesting fashion trends in Dubai
Talk about fashion in the armed forces

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Tips on How to Choose Interesting Research Paper Topics about Fashion

Here are our topic recommendations of how to choose the topic that will be appealing for you:

Define a specific niche. Narrow down your search by defining whether you’ll be writing about stylistic trends for kids, teenagers, adults or seniors. Besides, you might be focusing on modern fashion or on some particular period.
Design an engaging title. The subject itself allows you to be as creative as possible. Try to engage a reader right from the title of your paper.
Make a prior research. Google the topic you’re interested in, look for some sources you can use to support your ideas in the college library. Search for some celebrities’ examples and pictures you can add to enhance your writing.
Think about the main message of your research. Every new writing should bear some value. Think about the main statement of your work. Is there any new approach you would like to share with your readers? Each essay should have its own unique idea.

To help you choose some nice options for your research, we’ve composed a list of 110 paper topic ideas dedicated to style for you to get inspired. College students who are into fashion and want to analyze some of the newest trends will have no trouble finding a compelling topic to write about from the list below. Feel free to modify those you find the most suitable to make them more precise and personalized.

We’ve made sure that all topics from the list you’ll find below are relevant for those who have connected majors. The ideas we share are either somehow connected to present trends or serve as an analysis of stylistical ideas from the past. Those old ones are essential for understanding modern culture as well, as they can change our modern-day perceptions and views. Besides, all trends have a tendency to reappear from time to time due to the fact fashion is cyclical.

What should be included in fashion research?

A student who starts writing on the task is expected to have an academic approach in developing the topic and rely on historical facts and information worthy of inclusion in the research paper. Prior writing, we recommend analyzing recent trends in clothes and connecting them to history, business, science, or art. This step will help to choose some relevant research paper topics on fashion. Exploring fashion research paper topics can be fascinating, but if you need specialized assistance for your healthcare-related assignments, seeking nursing paper help can ensure your nursing papers are thorough and well-crafted.

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Historical and Cultural Perspectives Topics

Want to write a research paper on the subject but lack the proper title? Here’s a list of creative fashion research topics for you to get inspired.

The evolution of fashion from the 1920s to the present.
The impact of royal figures on fashion trends throughout history.
Cross-cultural influences in fashion: East meets West.
The role of fashion in the feminist movement.
Fashion during the Renaissance: A symbol of status and power.
The influence of punk culture on mainstream fashion.
Traditional costumes around the world and their modern interpretations.
The history of haute couture and its relevance today.
Fashion icons of the 20th century and their legacy.
The evolution of men's fashion: From formal to casual.
The impact of war on fashion design and materials.
African textiles and their influence on global fashion.
The kimono: From traditional wear to fashion statement.
The flapper dress: Symbolizing women's liberation in the 1920s.
The history and significance of the fashion show.
Fashion in the Victorian era: Constraints and extravagance.
The rise and fall of the corset: A historical perspective.
The influence of cinema on fashion trends.
The globalization of fashion: A historical overview.
Fashion and identity among indigenous cultures.

Fashion Industry and Business

The economics of the fashion industry: Challenges and opportunities.
The role of fashion weeks in shaping industry trends.
Sustainable fashion: Strategies for a greener industry.
The impact of fast fashion on the environment and labor markets.
Luxury brands and their marketing strategies.
The rise of e-commerce in the fashion industry.
Fashion merchandising: Principles and practices.
The psychology behind consumer behavior in fashion.
The role of fashion influencers in digital marketing.
Ethical considerations in the fashion supply chain.
Brand collaborations: A strategy for innovation and reach.
The future of retail: Physical stores vs. online shopping.
The impact of technology on fashion design and production.
Fashion entrepreneurship: Starting a brand from scratch.
The role of intellectual property rights in fashion.
Consumer trends shaping the future of fashion.
The challenges of size inclusivity in fashion.
The impact of social media on fashion brands.
Fashion and luxury goods counterfeiting: Impacts and solutions.
The role of fashion editors and magazines in the industry.

Fashion Design and Technology

The intersection of fashion design and wearable technology.
3D printing in fashion: Opportunities and challenges.
The role of computer-aided design (CAD) in fashion.
Smart textiles and their applications in modern apparel.
The future of virtual reality (VR) in fashion design and retail.
Sustainable materials and innovations in textile production.
The evolution of fabric dyeing techniques and their environmental impact.
The influence of architecture on fashion design.
The science of pattern making and garment construction.
The role of color theory in fashion design.
Adaptive fashion for people with disabilities.
The impact of biomimicry on textile innovation.
The resurgence of artisanal and handcrafted fashion.
The role of costume design in film and theater.
Gender-neutral and unisex design in contemporary fashion.
The psychology of fashion design: Color, form, and function.
The influence of technology on fashion illustration.
Upcycling and repurposing in fashion design.
The future of bespoke and made-to-measure fashion.
The role of textiles in fashion: From natural to synthetic fibers.

Fashion Trends and Styles

The cycle of fashion trends: How old becomes new again.
Streetwear: Origins, evolution, and influence.
The impact of celebrity culture on fashion trends.
Athleisure: Blurring the lines between sportswear and casual wear.
The role of subcultures in shaping fashion trends.
Minimalism in fashion: Aesthetic and philosophy.
The revival of vintage and retro styles in contemporary fashion.
The influence of music genres on fashion.
Eco-fashion: Trends promoting sustainability and ethics.
The role of accessories in completing a look.
The impact of global travel on fashion trends.
Seasonal trends vs. timeless style.
The influence of art movements on fashion design.
The role of gender fluidity in contemporary fashion trends.
The impact of social movements on fashion statements.
The evolution of swimwear: From modesty to fashion statement.
The significance of the little black dress in fashion history.
The influence of youth culture on fashion innovation.
The role of bridal wear in fashion design.
The impact of social media trends on fast fashion.

Fashion and Society

Fashion as a form of self-expression and identity.
The role of fashion in social status and class distinction.
The impact of fashion on body image and self-esteem.
Cultural appropriation vs. appreciation in fashion.
The influence of fashion on gender norms and expectations.
Fashion activism: Using style to make a statement.
The psychology behind fashion choices and personal style.
The role of uniforms in society: Schools, military, and corporations.
Fashion and age: Challenging stereotypes and expectations.
The significance of dress codes in different cultural contexts.
The impact of fashion on LGBTQ+ identity and visibility.
The role of fashion in religious and cultural practices.
Fashion and disability: Inclusivity and adaptive design.
The influence of political events on fashion trends.
The role of fashion in historical and cultural preservation.
Fashion as a tool for social change and empowerment.
The impact of globalization on local fashion and traditions.
The role of fashion in celebrity culture and fandom.
Fashion and the representation of race and ethnicity.
The ethics of beauty standards imposed by the fashion industry.

Fashion Photography and Media

The evolution of fashion photography: From magazines to digital platforms.
The role of fashion photographers in shaping brand image.
The impact of social media on fashion photography trends.
The intersection of fashion and art in editorial photography.
The influence of digital retouching on perceptions of beauty.
Behind the scenes: The making of iconic fashion campaigns.
The role of fashion films in storytelling and branding.
The impact of fashion bloggers and influencers on industry trends.
The evolution of fashion magazines and their role in culture.
The significance of cover shoots in fashion media.
Ethical considerations in fashion photography.
The role of street style photography in capturing trends.
The impact of celebrity endorsements in fashion media.
The challenges of representing diversity in fashion photography.
The influence of technology on fashion film production.
The role of visual merchandising in fashion retail.
The impact of fashion advertising on consumer behavior.
The role of fashion editors in curating content.
The significance of fashion exhibitions and retrospectives.
The future of fashion media in the digital age.

Sustainable Fashion and Ethics

The principles of sustainable fashion: Reducing environmental impact.
The role of upcycling in promoting sustainable fashion.
The impact of fast fashion on the environment and labor practices.
Innovations in eco-friendly materials and textiles.
The challenges and opportunities of ethical fashion branding.
Consumer responsibility in promoting sustainable fashion.
The role of certifications and standards in ethical fashion.
The impact of water usage and pollution in textile production.
Strategies for reducing waste in the fashion industry.
The role of technology in creating sustainable fashion solutions.
The economics of sustainable fashion: Cost vs. benefit.
The impact of second-hand and vintage markets on sustainability.
Ethical issues in animal-derived materials: Leather, fur, and wool.
The role of fashion education in promoting sustainability.
Collaborations between environmental organizations and fashion brands.
The challenges of transparency and traceability in the supply chain.
The role of government and policy in supporting sustainable fashion.
Consumer trends and demand for ethical fashion products.
The future of sustainable fashion: Innovations and predictions.

Fashion and Globalization

The impact of globalization on traditional dress and fashion.
The role of global fashion brands in shaping consumer culture.
The influence of global fashion weeks on international trends.
The challenges of maintaining cultural identity in global fashion.
The impact of trade agreements on the fashion industry.
The role of global sourcing and manufacturing in fashion.
The influence of global celebrities and icons on fashion trends.
The impact of global economic shifts on fashion markets.
The role of digital platforms in globalizing fashion retail.
The challenges and benefits of cross-cultural fashion collaborations.
The impact of migration and diaspora on fashion innovation.
The role of global fashion media in shaping trends.
The challenges of ethical production in a globalized industry.
The influence of global tourism on fashion consumption.
The role of international fashion exhibitions and fairs.
The impact of cultural exchange programs on fashion education.
The challenges of language and communication in global fashion.
The role of international fashion awards in promoting designers.
The impact of global environmental concerns on fashion sustainability.
The future of fashion in a globalized world: Trends and predictions.

This extensive list of fashion research paper topics, divided into eight categories, offers a wide range of subjects for exploration, from historical and cultural perspectives to sustainability and globalization. Each category provides a unique lens through which to examine the multifaceted world of fashion, encouraging in-depth research and critical analysis.

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Fashion Research Paper Topics: History, Consumer Behavior and Industry Trends

Table of contents

1 How to Choose a Research Paper Topic On Fashion
2.1 Fast Fashion Research Questions
2.2 Sustainable Fashion Topics To Write About
2.3 Ethical Fashion Essay Topics
2.4 Topics about Fashion Designers
2.5 Fashion Brands
2.6 Business of Fashion
2.7 History of Fashion Topics to Research

Fashion is a dynamic and ever-evolving field, blending creativity, culture, and commerce uniquely and captivating. It is an expression of personal style and a mirror reflecting societal changes, technological advancements, and varying aesthetic preferences across different eras and regions. Delving into fashion research opens a world of exploration, from the dazzling allure of high fashion and iconic designers to the critical issues of sustainability and ethical production practices.

This paper aims to provide a comprehensive list of fashion research topics, encompassing this complex industry’s diverse and vibrant aspects. It also covers a wide range of subjects, from the impact of cultural shifts on fashion trends to the evolving landscape of fashion marketing and retail. These topics offer a rich terrain for in-depth study and analysis.

How to Choose a Research Paper Topic On Fashion

Choosing the right research topics about fashion is a critical step that sets the tone for your entire study. It’s a delicate balance of aligning personal interest with academic value.

Start by pinpointing your area of passion within the broad spectrum of fashion. It could be anything from the intricacies of design and the rich tapestry of fashion history, to the pressing issues of ethics and the evolving dynamics of the fashion business of fashion articles.
Next, immerse yourself in current trends and pressing issues within the fashion world to carve out a unique and relevant angle for your research.
Availability of resources and existing literature is paramount. Ensure sufficient material and data are available to underpin your study with credible information.
Selecting a topic for a fast fashion argumentative essay that resonates with current discussions and contributes a fresh perspective or addresses market research in fashion is advantageous.
Striking the right balance between specificity and breadth is key; your topic should be focused enough to provide clear direction for your study, yet broad enough to encompass comprehensive exploration and analysis.

This approach guarantees a more manageable research process and enhances the potential for meaningful and engaging contributions to the field of fashion studies.

List of Research Topics On Fashion

Dive into the fascinating world of fashion with these compelling research topics. Covering everything from the glitz of designer brands to the pressing issues of sustainability, each topic offers a unique perspective on the multifaceted fashion industry.

Fast Fashion Research Questions

Environmental Impact of Fast Fashion. Investigating the ecological footprint of rapid production cycles in the fashion industry.
Consumer Perception and Fast Fashion. Understanding how consumer attitudes towards sustainability affect fast fashion.
Economic Viability of Fast Fashion Models. Analyzing the long-term economic sustainability of the fast fashion business model.
Social Implications of Fast Fashion. Examining the social consequences, including labor practices, of fast fashion.
Innovative Solutions to Fast Fashion Problems. Exploring new technologies and business models to mitigate fast fashion issues.
Globalization and Fast Fashion. Assessing the impact of globalization on the spread and practices of fast fashion.
Fast Fashion and Waste Management. Investigating waste generation and management in the fast fashion cycle.
Consumer Behavior in Fast Fashion. Analyzing how consumer buying patterns contribute to fast fashion.
Marketing Strategies in Fast Fashion. Understanding the role of marketing in promoting fast fashion trends.
Ethical Challenges in Fast Fashion. Examining the ethical dilemmas posed by fast fashion.
Fast Fashion and Cultural Appropriation. Investigating instances and impacts of cultural appropriation in fast fashion.
The Role of Media in Fast Fashion. Exploring how the media influences the fast fashion industry and consumer choices.
Fast Fashion and Its Impact on Traditional Retail. Analyzing how fast fashion is affecting traditional retail models.
Sustainability Initiatives in Fast Fashion. Examining efforts by fast fashion brands to become more sustainable.
Future Trends in Fast Fashion. Predicting future developments and changes in the fast fashion industry.

Sustainable Fashion Topics To Write About

Sustainable Materials in Fashion. Exploring eco-friendly materials used in sustainable fashion.
The Lifecycle of Sustainable Fashion Products. Understanding the production, use, and disposal of sustainable fashion items.
Consumer Awareness of Sustainable Fashion. Assessing how consumer knowledge impacts sustainable fashion choices.
Challenges to Sustainable Fashion Manufacturing. Investigating barriers to adopting sustainable practices in fashion production.
Innovations in Sustainable Fashion Technology. Examining technological advancements in creating sustainable fashion.
Sustainable Fashion and Global Supply Chains. Analyzing the role of global supply chains sustainably.
Marketing of Sustainable Fashion Brands. Strategies for marketing sustainable fashion to a wider audience.
Economic Aspects of Sustainable Fashion. Understanding the economic implications and viability of sustainable fashion.
Policy and Regulation in Sustainable Fashion. Examining the role of policy in promoting sustainable fashion practices.
Social Responsibility in Sustainable Fashion. Exploring the social impact of sustainable fashion on communities and workers.
Sustainable Fashion and Consumer Behavior. Investigating how sustainable fashion influences consumer buying habits.
The Role of Designers in Sustainable Fashion. Examining how designers can drive sustainability in fashion.
Upcycling and Recycling in Fashion. Exploring the role of upcycling and recycling in sustainable fashion.
Sustainable Fashion and Cultural Shifts. Assessing how cultural changes are affecting sustainable fashion trends.
Case Studies of Successful Sustainable Fashion Brands. Analyzing successful examples of sustainable fashion brands.

Ethical Fashion Essay Topics

Defining Ethical Fashion Topics. Understanding what constitutes ethical practices in the fashion industry.
Transparency in Fashion Supply Chains. Examining the importance of transparency for ethical fashion.
Consumer Role in Promoting Ethical Fashion. Exploring how consumers can influence ethical practices in fashion.
Ethical Fashion and Labor Rights. Investigating the intersection of fashion production and labor rights.
The Impact of Ethical Fashion on the Environment. Assessing the environmental benefits of ethical fashion practices.
Challenges in Implementing Ethical Fashion. Understanding the obstacles to adopting ethical practices in fashion.
Ethical Fashion and Cultural Sensitivity. Examining the importance of cultural sensitivity in an ethical fashion.
The Business Case for Ethical Fashion. Analyzing the economic benefits of adopting ethical practices in fashion.
Ethical Fashion and Consumer Trust. Investigating how ethical practices influence consumer trust in brands.
Innovations in Ethical Fashion. Exploring new developments and practices in an ethical fashion.
Ethical Fashion and Globalization. Assessing the impact of globalization on ethical fashion practices.
Marketing Strategies for Ethical Fashion. Understanding how to market ethical fashion effectively.
The Role of Governments in Ethical Fashion. Examining the role of policy and regulation in promoting ethical fashion.
Ethical Fashion and Social Media Influence. Exploring the impact of social media on ethical fashion trends.
Case Studies of Ethical Fashion Initiatives. Analyzing successful examples of ethical fashion initiatives.

Topics about Fashion Designers

Influence of Iconic Fashion Designers. Exploring how legendary designers have shaped fashion trends.
Biographies of Renowned Fashion Designers. Investigating the life stories and career paths of famous designers.
Emerging Fashion Designers and Industry Impact. Examining the influence of emerging designers on the fashion industry.
Fashion Designers and Brand Identity. Analyzing how designers shape and define brand identities.
Collaborations between Fashion Designers and Brands. Exploring successful collaborations and their outcomes.
Fashion Designers and Cultural Influences. Investigating how cultural backgrounds influence designers’ work.
Sustainability Focus of Fashion Designers. Examining designers’ approaches to sustainable fashion.
Fashion Designers and Technology Integration. Analyzing how designers are incorporating technology into fashion.
Fashion Designers and Political Statements. Exploring how designers use fashion to make political statements.
Innovations by Fashion Designers. Investigating groundbreaking innovations introduced by fashion designers.
Fashion Designers and Celebrity Influence. Assessing the impact of celebrity endorsements on designers’ work.
Design Philosophy and Techniques of Fashion Designers. Examining the unique design philosophies and techniques of designers.
Fashion Designers and Global Trends. Analyzing how designers respond to and shape global fashion trends.
Fashion Designers and Ethical Practices. Investigating how designers are incorporating ethical practices into their work.
Fashion Designers’ Role in Fashion Education. Exploring the involvement of designers in fashion education and mentorship.

Fashion Brands

History and Evolution of Major Fashion Brands. Tracing the development and growth of leading fashion brands.
Branding Strategies in Fashion. Analyzing effective branding strategies used by fashion companies.
Consumer Perception of Fashion Brands. Understanding how consumers view and interact with different fashion brands.
Luxury Fashion Brands and Market Positioning. Investigating the strategies of luxury brands in the fashion market.
Sustainability Initiatives of Fashion Brands. Examining how brands are incorporating sustainability into their operations.
Fashion Brands and Global Expansion. Analyzing how brands are expanding and adapting to global markets.
Collaborations between Fashion Brands and Designers. Exploring the impact of collaborative projects.
Fashion Brands and Technology Integration. Investigating how brands are utilizing technology in fashion design and retail.
Marketing and Advertising Strategies of Fashion Brands. Analyzing the marketing approaches of successful fashion brands.
Fashion Brands and Consumer Engagement. Understanding how brands engage with their customers.
Fashion Brands and Social Responsibility. Examining the social and ethical responsibilities of fashion brands.
Innovations in Fashion Branding. Exploring innovative branding techniques in the fashion industry.
Fashion Brands and Cultural Impact. Assessing the cultural influence of prominent fashion brands.
Challenges Facing Fashion Brands Today. Investigating current challenges and how brands are addressing them.
Case Studies of Successful Fashion Brand Revivals. Analyzing how struggling brands successfully reinvented themselves.

Business of Fashion

Globalization and Its Impact on Fashion Business. Examining how globalization has transformed the fashion industry.
Fashion Retailing Strategies. Analyzing effective retailing strategies in the fashion industry.
Fashion E-Commerce Trends and Challenges. Investigating the rise of online fashion retailing and associated challenges.
Business Models in the Fashion Industry . Exploring different business models and their effectiveness in fashion.
Marketing and Promotion in Fashion. Analyzing marketing techniques and promotional strategies in fashion.
Fashion Industry Supply Chain Management. Examining supply chain dynamics in the fashion industry.
Fashion Brand Management and Development. Investigating strategies for managing and developing fashion brands.
Consumer Behavior Analysis in Fashion. Understanding consumer purchasing patterns and preferences in fashion.
Fashion Business and Sustainability. Analyzing the integration of sustainable practices in fashion business operations.
Innovations in Fashion Business Models. Exploring innovative approaches to fashion business and retail.
Fashion Industry Economic Analysis. Examining the economic aspects and impacts of the fashion industry.
Fashion Business and Global Market Trends. Assessing global market trends and their influence on fashion businesses.
Fashion Startups and Entrepreneurship. Investigating the rise and challenges of fashion startups.
Fashion Business Ethics and Social Responsibility. Examining ethical considerations and social responsibilities in the fashion business.
Case Studies of Successful Fashion Business Strategies. Analyzing successful strategies implemented by fashion businesses.

History of Fashion Topics to Research

The Evolution of Fashion from Ancient Civilizations. Exploring fashion trends and their significance in ancient societies like Egypt, Greece, and Rome.
Medieval Fashion and Social Hierarchies. Analyzing how fashion in the medieval era reflected societal structures and class distinctions.
Renaissance Fashion and Artistic Influence. Investigating the influence of Renaissance art and culture on fashion trends of the era.
17th Century Baroque Fashion. Examining the opulence and extravagance of Baroque fashion and its reflection on the socio-political climate.
18th Century Rococo Style and Femininity. Discussing the Rococo style’s emphasis on ornamentation and its impact on the perception of femininity.
Fashion During the Industrial Revolution. Understanding how technological advancements in the 19th century transformed the fashion industry.
The Birth of Haute Couture in the 19th Century. Tracing the origins of haute couture and its founding designers like Charles Frederick Worth.
Fashion in the Victorian Era. Exploring the fashion trends and social norms that characterized the Victorian period.
The Roaring Twenties and Flapper Fashion. Delving into the revolutionary changes in women’s fashion during the 1920s.
Fashion During World War II. Investigating how wartime restrictions influenced fashion, introducing utility clothing and fabric rationing.
The Post-War Fashion Boom and the New Look. Analyzing the impact of Dior’s New Look in shaping post-WWII fashion.
Swinging Sixties and Youth Culture. Examining how 1960s fashion was influenced by and influenced youth culture and social movements.
Punk Fashion and Subculture in the 1970s. Exploring the emergence of punk fashion and its challenge to mainstream norms.
The Influence of Pop and Celebrity Culture on 1980s Fashion. Discuss how pop culture icons and music influenced 1980s fashion trends.
Fashion in the Digital Age. Understanding how the advent of the internet and digital media in the late 20th and early 21st centuries has transformed fashion consumption and trends.

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The Big Fashion Industry Trends for 2023

Brandwatch research reveals some of the biggest trends for the fashion industry for 2023. Explore the latest data here.

What’s been bubbling up in online conversations relating to the business of fashion?

In 2023, what trends will we see pick up speed? And what does that say about the future?

We take a look at some of the most popular topics in consumer discussions relating to the fashion industry.

Trend #1: The impact of K-pop on fashion continues

The popularity of K-pop exploded in the last decade, with the likes of Psy entering mainstream Western culture first (remember the Gangnam Style song?), followed by many talented artists like Jungkook and BTS , GOT7, Exo, and the list goes on.

These artists brought their sense of fashion and culture to the world, influencing every industry including the fashion sector.

One look at the topic cloud representing consumer discussions relating to fashion revealed keywords like “Paris Fashion Week”, “Blackpink”, “Lisa”, “fashion show”, and Celine, whose global brand ambassador is Blackpink’s Lisa.

And if we filter the conversation by people, the influence of K-pop becomes even more evident.

Why should retail and fashion brands pay attention to K-pop?

Not only do K-pop stars have a lot of influence over their followers, their fans are typically highly engaged. They are trendsetters as they are always retweeting, liking, and sharing other fans’ content, expanding the reach, and bringing lots of exposure to any topics relating to their favorite global stars.

Trend #2: Environmental commitment in fashion is here to stay

In 2022 there were close to 53m online mentions relating to sustainability and fashion.

We used Google Trends and Consumer Research to look back five years. As you can see, Google searches and consumer mentions relating to sustainability and fashion have grown steadily since 2017.

It looks like sustainability and ethical fashion will be more important than ever before in 2023 if the upward trend continues.

Examining the social posts more closely, we found topics like "sustainably made" and "slow fashion" trending in conversations.

What is slow fashion?

As the name suggests, slow fashion is the opposite of fast fashion and it lives under the umbrella of sustainability. Slow fashion represents a conscious approach where consumers may buy fewer items of higher quality that also meet certain ethical standards, such as organically grown textile, no animal testing, ethical manufacturing, and fair working conditions.

To better understand the sentiment behind consumer conversations relating to slow fashion, we dug deeper using Brandwatch’s Topic Cluster and customized the chart to focus on keyword groups and associated adjectives.

Notice how “fast” in relation to clothing is associated with “cheapest”, “irresponsible”, and “consumption”. On the other hand, keywords like “recycled”, “outstanding”, “versatile”, “conscious”, and “ambiguous”, connected to “people” and “movement”, show how slow fashion is a movement that’s generating positivity online.

While doing our research, we also came across some negativity related to sustainability in fashion, and “expensive” was one of key topics in those discussions.

Many consumers discussed how thrifting and sustainability in fashion have become a hot trend, influencing the price point, as many brands have jumped on the opportunity to come up with a sustainable idea to boost profits.

Trend #3: Minimizing shopping anxiety

At this point, many of us have been working from home for several years, and this has impacted how we dress for work and leisure. Moreover, today shoppers are confronted by so much information and choice – whether it’s clothing options or retailers to choose from – that it’s overwhelming. Shopping anxiety is real.

That and escalating environmental concerns have made many consumers rethink their wardrobes.

A recent UK study found that 37% of consumers 35-years-old and above feel overwhelmed by the volume of trends sweeping the fashion pages and social media feeds.

In order to engage and attract these shoppers, fashion brands will need to work on alleviating shopping anxiety for consumers, ultimately making shopping more convenient and appealing.

A retailer that's leading the way here is Nordstrom which puts together outfits on its website based on current fashion trends so you don't have to.

Trend #4: Fluidity in fashion and retail

Changing consumer attitudes towards gender identity and expression have pushed designers, brands, and retailers to rethink their products, how they market them, and what the shopper experience might look like in the future.

In the last few years we’ve witnessed the return of boyfriend jeans, cargo pants, and examples of the fashion industry embracing inclusivity and collaborating with models from all walks of life.

Importantly, celebrities are embracing gender-fluid fashion. In 2021 Harry Styles launched a gender-neutral beauty brand. And Maluma has just launched his first fashion collection with Macy’s with the description: “The collection embraces inclusivity and a fluid design concept that allows shoppers to mix and match between the women's and men's collections.”

While a loose cut – something that both cargo pants and boyfriend jeans have in common – provides greater mobility, gender-fluid fashion opens the door to greater exploration and experimentation. While there’s still some debate , this trend should be a source of joy for many in 2023.

Trend #5: New category of retail: recommerce or resale-as-a-service

According to Statista , in 2021, the global market value of secondhand and resale apparel was estimated to be worth $96bn and its value is projected to reach $218bn in 2026.

How have brands turned selling secondhand into profit?

A growing movement towards sustainability in fashion has pushed the fashion industry to innovate. And the last few years have witnessed the growth of the new retail category: RaaS or resale-as-a-service.

Resale-as-a-service has reinvented the way in which consumers shop and sell pre-owned clothing items and accessories. To do ‘thrifting’, consumers no longer have to physically go to a thrift store.

But it’s not just that. RaaS makes it easier for brands to resell garments as well, while conducting business in a more eco-friendly way.

Some brands have already launched their own resale marketplaces, like Patagonia . Others have partnered with companies like ThredUp and Poshmark, which enable brands to sell gently used clothing directly to their communities of consumers.

For example, Athleta and Madewell have both collaborated with ThredUp, offering their customers to trade in pre-owned clothing items for an in-store credit towards a purchase of a new item. Trade-in items are then sold on the ThredUp website under the ‘Partners’ section.

We compared the online conversation relating to five popular resale marketplaces online between June 1 2022 and December 1 2022.

As shown on the chart, Poshmark, ThredUp, Depop, and TheRealReal all saw an increase in mention volume in the second half of 2022 and when compared to the previous six months.

Collaborations with resale marketplaces can turn highly beneficial for brands in the fashion industry. Some of the benefits can include:

Getting more data points on your customers and prospects
Gaining access to new revenue channels
And, importantly, improving brand image, as today’s consumers have a lot of love for environmentally conscious brands.

Resale tech: RaaS and AI

For resale companies that operate distribution centers, processing and cataloging incoming secondhand items can become time consuming and labor intensive.

One company took a step further to accelerate the adoption of resale with the use of proprietary technology and ongoing automation.

ThredUp has leveraged artificial intelligence (AI) and visual recognition technology that helps inspect incoming items and tag them with multiple attributes that consumers can then filter for when shopping on the website.

Not only is the company able to scale with automation in place, it provides a better customer experience on the website as well.

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TOP 10 fashion phenomena of 2023

Designboom rounds up the top 10 fashion phenomena of 2023.

Looking back at 2023, we can’t help but remember how Adobe stunned the world with its shapeshifting Project Primrose dress; how MSCHF’s big red boots brought the cartoon world to shoewear ; how the GANNI x Modern Synthesis Bou Bag made headlines with its sleek bacteria textile; and how Balena elevated its circular economy game with biodegradable sandals. Combined, these new material explorations and technologies have shifted the currents in fashion design , bringing our attention closer to what style and attires can do for the world — beyond the runway and beyond the closet. Check out our TOP 10 picks spotlighting this year’s most innovative fashion phenomena that swooped in and shook up the status quo.

USING CAMERA DETECTORS, YING GAO EXPLORES ROBOTIC CLOTHING AS AMBIGUOUS LIVING PORTRAITS

Montreal-based fashion designer and professor Ying Gao returns with her latest mind-bending robotic clothing collection, this time exploring photographic ambiguity, blurred identities, and the public gaze. Titled In camera, the project features two pieces of garments equipped with camera lens detectors that come alive when a person photographs them. Nodding to British figurative artist Francis Bacon’s portraits, paintings created from photographs, these garments evoke hybrid and provisional entities. Their ambivalence is at the heart of the work whose name says it all: both private, behind closed doors (the literal translation of ‘In camera’), and public since they depend on the gaze of the viewer/photographer. The result is a pair of living portraits that echo the faces of strangers, partially hidden behind their phones or cameras, merging in a gallery of blurred identities that are both distinct and similar.

BALENA’S THERMOPLASTIC-INFUSED BIODEGRADABLE SANDALS DECOMPOSE BACK TO EARTH

Balena plays the circular economy game. Rather than betting on companies who deem themselves as sustainable-products churners, it forges its own path by producing soft compostable sandals ‘BioCir Slides’ made from flexible biodegradable thermoplastic and mixed with the recycled waste of the fashion industry . Balena relies on science and research and has developed its in-house system BioCir, driven by compostable and biodegradable thermoplastic materials including natural and easily scalable biodegradable polymers. When the compostable sandals reach their end life, they fully decompose and return to the ground, turning into crumbles that fertilize the earth.

YUME YUME X MYCOWORKS DEBUT HEAD-TO-TOE OUTFIT MADE OF MYCELIUM LEATHER

YUME YUME, the Amsterdam-based brand renowned for its bold, functional designs, unveils a head-to-toe look made from Reishi™, a revolutionary leather alternative developed by Biotech company Mycoworks using Fine Mycelium™. Showcasing at Amsterdam’s Buro Stedelijk, this unique collection unfolds as a multi-sensory celebration of the fascinating world of mycelium , all while demonstrating the brand’s pivotal shift towards learning from the natural world that responds to the needs and uses of our time. As YUME YUME founder, Eva Korsten, tells designboom: ‘This is the future of materials, it’s so fascinating what kind of intelligent living system it is. I feel there’s a shift happening in the fashion industry’s mindset. Making design pieces entirely with Reishi™ shows that a different future in fashion is possible.’

WASHABLE 3D-PRINTED SHOES BY ZELLERFELD CAN BE BROKEN DOWN AND REMADE AGAIN

Shoe company Zellerfeld wants to democratize sneaker-making. In fact, it tailors all of its 3D-printed shoes based on the user’s fashion tastes and feet size. The thermoplastic material it uses for the shoes allows Zellerfeld to produce spongy and recyclable footwear. When the user is over their Zellerfeld kicks, they can just give them back to the company. Zellerfeld then will break the shoes down and remake them from the same filament that sews the shoes. The neon shades of Zellerfeld’s 3D-printed shoes immediately capture attention. From vibrant orange to saturated red, the colors give a confident impression from the get-go. The design follows through with the recyclable footwear’s futuristic style: bulging dots, crocodile skins, swing-style loafers, and boat-shaped smiles. The closed-toes shoes vary in designs too, and those who prefer boots-like or office sneakers can find their own pair from Zellerfeld’s collection.

MEET PROJECT PRIMROSE, ADOBE’S REAL-LIFE INTERACTIVE DRESS THAT CHANGES DESIGN EVERY SECOND

video stills by Adobe Creative Cloud via Youtube

Adobe premiered Project Primrose, an animated, shapeshifting, and interactive dress that can change its design and style almost every second at the Adobe MAX 2023: Sneaks presentation in Los Angeles on October 10th. Christine Dierk led the unveiling where she shocked the audience as at a click of a button her interactive dress covered in scales began to shift its patterns almost continuously and at her command. Later on, as seen in the video, she tells the viewers that they can also just leave the created designs animated and that the outfit can even detect the movement of the wearer, making the design sway and slosh in the direction the wearer goes. Project Primrose’s premise is to make a wearable, adaptable, and flexible dress made with non-emissive textiles where content creators and designers can flash their designs and creations onto the interactive dress as if it were their canvas.

TIGER SUMMER PUFFER JACKET USES COLD BEER TO COOL DOWN BODY TEMPERATURE

Heatwave loses as Tiger Beer and fashion designer Izzy Du create the first summer puffer jacket that keeps the body temperature cool, lowering it by up to five degrees Celsius using cold beer cans. Viewers can try the wearable technology firsthand in Paris at Izzy Du’s pop-up on 127 rue de Turenne between October 1st and 3rd, 2023 and during Paris Fashion Week 2023. The fashionable summer puffer jacket has a network of tubes filled with water which is pumped around the wearer’s body. These tubes make contact with key points where the arteries are closest to the skin. As soon as the wearer puts ice-cold cans in the beer pockets, the canisters transmit their temperature to the network of tubes to chill the water, thus cooling down the body temperature before sweat begins to form. Wearing a puffer jacket in the summer might attract attention from onlookers, but donning it is no longer just for fashion. In the case of Tiger Beer and Izzy Du, it means protecting the wearer’s health from suffering extreme heat.

CHAMPION’S BIODEGRADABLE SWEATSHIRTS AND JOGGERS DECOMPOSE OVER TIME

Good things may come to an end, and that’s definitely the case for Champion’s new biodegradable sweatshirt and joggers designed to decompose over time. The Eco Future Reverse Weave collection has an expiration date. It doesn’t mean to last long; it is meant to be worn repeatedly until its materials break down from having been worn so often. Champion’s Eco Future Reverse Weave is crafted with CiCLO, an in-house, eco-friendly technology designed to speed up the natural breakdown of materials used to produce the sweatshirts and joggers.

STONE ISLAND’S THERMAL-REACTIVE ICE JACKET SLOWLY CHANGES COLOR FROM HOT PINK TO COLD WHITE

image courtesy of Stone Island

For its AW24 collection, Stone Island unveils its thermal-reactive Poly Strata Ice Jacket which changes color from pink to stucco white when it gets exposed to heat or cold. The heat-sensitive garment was first introduced by Stone Island in 1989, and today, its Poly Strata Ice Jacket gets an upgrade as the brand infuses reactive pigments micro-encapsulated into the double layer of polyurethane. When the thermal-reactive Poly Strata Ice Jacket moves from a hot to a cold area, the design brings up a mix between the pink and stucco white shades, creating patches that resemble thermography scans.

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Sexy Grunge, Maxi Skirts And Tom Ford’s Gucci: The Trends Tipped To Take Over In 2023

Vogues Trend Forecast For 2023 According To Experts

Despite the endless obstacles that 2022 threw at us, fashion rumbled on as it always does. As trends ebbed and flowed, a recurring theme emerged: investment. Shopping for the long-term will carry over into the new year, as the focus on clothes and accessories that are more than just a quick thrill becomes ever more emphatic. (Liane Wiggins, head of womenswear at Matchesfashion.com, calls this approach “wardrobing”.)

Read more: The 10 Key Spring/Summer 2023 Trends To Know Now

As Heather Gramston, head of womenswear at Browns, notes: “2022 was without a doubt the year of sexy dressing and going out again,” a mood that led to a rise in special party pieces with timeless appeal, as well as luxury rentals.

So what can we expect in 2023? According to buyers, the fashion crowd will be split into two groups: those who embrace the sheer looks that swept the spring/summer 2023 runways, and those who take the understated route via maxi hemlines and sleek tailoring. Over on TikTok, Gen-Z will continue to fuel appetite for all things 1990s and 2000s, and the vintage market will keep growing.

Read on for the lowdown on what to expect from fashion in 2023.

Bottega Veneta spring/summer 2023.

Everyday wear, but elevated

It speaks volumes that this year’s most-Googled pieces – jeans and oversized shirts, according to Google’s Year In Search Report – are as unassuming as it gets. Kate Moss’s turn in jeans, a tank top and a plaid shirt at Bottega’s spring/summer 2023 show had us immediately reaching for basics (even though her “denim” was actually made from trompe l’oeil leather).

The standout everyday shoe to say yes to this year? Ballet pumps, which have been a breakout hit ( see Miu Miu’s satin pairs ). “Ballet flats are here to stay as our customers look for polished styles to complement their hybrid lifestyles,” says Wiggins. Fanny Moizant, co-founder of resale site Vestiaire Collective, meanwhile, anticipates fancy flats will dominate the vintage market.

According to experts, the best pieces to invest in transcend trends and will stand the test of time. “We are seeing a shift in the way our customers are buying, moving further away from trends and instead looking for luxury pieces with a democratic price point that will work as an investment for the long term,” explains Wiggins.

Karoline Vitto spring/summer 2023.

Fashion for everyone

Fluidity won’t manifest as stereotypical “borrowed-from-the-boys” silhouettes this year, says Sara Maggioni, head of womenswear at WGSN. “It’s about thinking beyond boxy and outsized styles and considering flexible fits and adaptive sizing instead, with clever design details, from straps and fastenings that can be regulated to fit different body sizes and shapes, to extra stretch options for smarter jerseywear,” she says. “It’s also about going back to the drawing board and looking at design considerations such as crotch, armhole and shoulder widths, strategic subtle darts for soft volume, which flatters all genders; investing in technologies to get the style right like 3D-design and scanning will also be key.”

Expanded offerings from Miu Miu and Simone Rocha – the latter officially launched menswear this season – as well as trailblazing designs from Raul Lopez of Luar and Ludovic de Saint Sernin, will keep the spotlight on fluid fashion. “Fashion seems to be on the way to getting rid of gender stereotypes,” says Margaux Warin, head of fashion and insights at Tagwalk.

Chopova Lowena spring/summer 2023.

Grunge, but with a sexy twist

Lace up your DMs, grunge has returned to the mainstream. The shows made way for sexier, more grown up takes on grungy staples: undone knits, sultry slips and tartan were all on the agenda. Maggioni cites “the emotional rollercoaster and chaos collectively experienced in recent times” as the force behind grunge 2.0 , which is more romantic this time around. The look is gaining traction in the vintage space, too. Moizant predicts plenty more denim, utility trousers, leather and chains.

Ferragamo spring/summer 2023.

The future is sheer…

“Less is more,” declares Tiffany Hsu, vice president of womenswear, kidswear and life fashion buying at Mytheresa. “Sexy 2.0 was full throttle [at the shows], with every conceivable iteration of micro-minis, cut outs, sheer and mesh out to play,” agrees Gramston.

Warin says that searches for cut-out and transparent looks surged by 40 and 53 per cent respectively during autumn/winter 2022 , and 77 per cent of designers included transparent looks for spring/summer 2023. Skin-baring pieces cropped up in the menswear space, too – revealing fashion was up 504 per cent for spring/summer 2023 compared to spring/summer 2022.

Alaïa spring/summer 2023.

… But modesty is in, too

A demure dresser? Don’t despair. “For 2023, I feel we will continue to see a progressive shift from overt sexiness and a move towards longer hemlines, sleek tailoring and less skin on display,” asserts Gramston.

Tailoring, in particular, will pick up after becoming one of the “most affected categories” during the pandemic, according to Maggioni. “Although working patterns are certainly more hybrid than they used to be and the casualisation of career-wear continues, overall, a more put-together aesthetic is emerging as consumers seek a fresher direction,” she says.

As for hemlines, Hsu can see maxi skirts having a moment next year, while long dresses dominated the recent shows (81 per cent of designers included long dresses in their collections, reports Tagwalk).

Tom Ford for Gucci autumn/winter 1996.

Brace yourselves for yet more nostalgia

The obsession with the not-so-distant past isn’t going anywhere. Moizant puts it simply: “The ’90s and 2000s nostalgia will remain.” It might look a little different – “the more psychedelic end of the boho look will be important” come festival season, says Maggioni – but it’s the same mood we’ve been reacquainting ourselves with for seasons now.

The best way to buy into nostalgia is by doing it authentically. Score vintage finds from fellow hustlers on Depop, Vinted, eBay and the like, or peruse Vestiaire Collective, Hardly Ever Worn It and 1stDibs to discover special designer treasures. Anthony Barzilay Freund, editorial director and trends expert at 1stDibs, suggests looking out for John Galliano for Dior, Tom Ford for Gucci, Vivienne Westwood and Issey Miyake. On the accessories front, consider ’90s-era Chanel bags and Fendi’s beloved Baguette (which celebrated its 25th anniversary this year) the ultimate trophy pieces.

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State of Fashion report archive (2017-2023)

You’ve reached an archival page. please see our 2024 state of fashion report here ., previous state of fashion editions, the state of fashion 2023: holding onto growth as global clouds gather, state of fashion 2022: an uneven recovery and new frontiers, the state of fashion 2021: in search of promise in perilous times, it’s time to rewire the fashion system: state of fashion coronavirus update, the state of fashion 2020: navigating uncertainty, the state of fashion 2019: a year of awakening, the state of fashion 2018: renewed optimism for the fashion industry, the state of fashion 2017.

In 2023, the global fashion industry will need to weather inflation while finding opportunities in shifting consumer patterns, channel and digital marketing strategies, and manufacturing approaches.

The State of Fashion 2023 Holding onto growth as global clouds gather

After experiencing 18 months of robust growth (early 2021 through mid-2022), the fashion industry is again facing a challenging climate. Hyperinflation and depressed customer sentiments have already resulted in declining growth rates in the second half of 2022. We expect that the slowdown is likely to continue through 2023.

Many industry players are in a stronger position than they were a year ago, however. The fashion industry delivered a 21 percent increase in revenues in 2020–21, and EBITA margins doubled by 6 percentage points to 12.3 percent.

About the authors

This article is a collaborative effort by Imran Amed, representing views from the Business of Fashion, and Sarah André, Anita Balchandani , Achim Berg , and Felix Rölkens , representing views from McKinsey’s Retail Practice.

Looking forward, we anticipate that the luxury sector will outperform the rest of the industry, as wealthy shoppers continue to travel and spend, and thus remain more insulated from the effects of hyperinflation. Based on McKinsey’s analysis of fashion forecasts, the luxury sector is expected to grow between 5 and 10 percent in 2023, driven by strong momentum in China (projected to grow between 9 and 14 percent) and in the United States (projected to grow between 5 and 10 percent). Europe, on the other hand, is under high pressure from currency rates and a growing energy crisis, which are likely to result in modest sales growth for the luxury sector (projected to grow between 3 and 8 percent).

The fashion market, excluding the luxury sector, will struggle to deliver significant growth in 2023. McKinsey analysis of fashion forecasts projects relatively slow sales growth of between –2 and +3 percent, weighed down by a contraction in the European market (expected to shrink between 1 and 4 percent) (exhibit). China and the United States are expected to fare better, growing between 2 and 7 percent and between 1 and 6 percent, respectively. These forecasts are reflective of inflation and are calculated in local currencies, meaning that the real impact for the sector could be more negative than these figures suggest.

These are just some of the findings from The State of Fashion 2023 , a joint report from the Business of Fashion and McKinsey. The report, the seventh in the annual series, discusses the major themes shaping the fashion economy and assesses a range of possible responses. Reflecting in-depth research and numerous conversations with industry leaders, it reveals the key trends likely to shape the fashion landscape in the year ahead.

Inflation and geopolitical tensions loom

Inflation is at the top of executives’ minds for the coming year, according to results from the annual Business of Fashion and McKinsey State of Fashion Survey. They expect that inflation will undercut consumer demand, pushing shoppers to curtail fashion spending or trade down for less expensive products as their energy and grocery bills spike. Fashion companies are also anticipating that inflation will spike their costs, with 97 percent of executives forecasting that their cost of goods sold and SG&A expenses will rise in 2023. Cotton and cashmere prices, for example, have increased 45 percent and 30 percent year on year, respectively. 1 Oliver Guyot, “Caught between inflation and rising costs, fashion seeks to strike new balance,” Fashion Network , July 19, 2022.

Fashion leaders are also watching global headlines closely in the year ahead, as macroeconomic and political uncertainties continue to obstruct business operations and escalate reputational risk. The war in Ukraine is of high concern to the industry, having already disrupted trade routes and triggered an energy crisis that will continue to have impact. In China, further COVID-19 outbreaks and the real estate crisis have undermined the region’s growth trajectory, as well as disrupted supply chains. Meanwhile, extreme weather is negatively affecting supply chains and raw materials across Asia.

This global economic gloom is increasingly reflected in consumers’ shopping habits, and the fashion industry is expecting that demand will be weakened or unpredictable in the year ahead. We foresee that the differences between the shopping habits of low- and high-income households will become more pronounced, as cost-conscious customers are likely to cut back or trade down. Meanwhile, shoppers for luxury items will likely continue to spend largely as they have been, insulated from the impact of the economic slowdown.

Ten themes for 2023

This year’s report presents a difficult outlook ahead, as fashion companies face challenges and revise forecasts downward after an exceptionally strong 2021, per McKinsey analysis of global data in the fashion industry. Inflation and geopolitical concerns dominate the agenda for 2023, negatively affecting both consumer demand and brands’ operating costs. Consumers are adjusting their behaviors, as many trade down to cheaper or discounted items to reduce their spending, though the luxury sector will remain strong, with affluent consumers less heavily affected by inflation.

Fashion companies that can adapt to the increasing complexity by updating their operating models and adjusting their strategies for supply chain, sales channels, and digital marketing will be best placed to weather the upcoming storm. They can lean into the following ten emerging consumer trends:

Global fragility. Amid the highest inflation in a generation, rising geopolitical tensions, climate crises, and sinking consumer confidence in anticipation of an economic downturn, the global economy is in a volatile state. Fashion brands will need careful planning to navigate the many uncertainties and recessionary risks that lie ahead in 2023.
Regional realities. Understanding where to invest around the world has never been easy, but rising geopolitical uncertainty and uneven economic recoveries related to the COVID-19 pandemic, among other factors, will likely make it even more challenging in 2023. Brands can reevaluate regional growth priorities and hone their strategies so that they are more tailored to the geographies in which they operate.
Two-track spending. Consumers may be affected differently by the potential economic turbulence in 2023. Depending on factors such as disposable income level, some will postpone or curtail discretionary purchases; others will seek out bargains, increasing the demand for resale, rental, and off-price products. Fashion executives should adapt their business models to protect customer loyalty and avoid diluting their brands.
Fluid fashion. Gender-fluid fashion is gaining greater traction amid changing consumer attitudes toward gender identity and expression. For many brands and retailers, the blurring of the lines between men’s wear and women’s wear will require rethinking their product design, marketing, and in-store and digital shopping experiences.
Formal wear reinvented. Formal attire is taking on new definitions as shoppers rethink how they dress for work, weddings, and other occasions. While offices and events will likely become more casual, special occasions may be dominated by statement-making outfits that consumers rent or buy to stand out when they do decide to dress up.
Direct-to-consumer reckoning. Although brands across price segments and categories have embraced digital direct-to-consumer channels, mounting digital marketing costs and e-commerce readjustments have put the viability of the model into question. To grow, brands will likely need to diversify their channel mix, including wholesale and third-party marketplaces, alongside direct-to-consumer models.
Tackling greenwashing. As the industry continues to grapple with its damaging environmental and social impact, consumers, regulators, and other stakeholders may increasingly scrutinize how brands communicate about their sustainability credentials. If brands are to avoid greenwashing, they must show that they are making meaningful and credible change while abiding by emerging regulatory requirements.
Future-proofing manufacturing. Continued disruptions in supply chains are a catalyst for a reconfiguration of global production. Textile manufacturers can create new supply chain models based around vertical integration, nearshoring, and small-batch production, enabled by enhanced digitization.
Digital marketing reloaded. Recent data rules are spurring a new chapter for digital marketing as customer targeting becomes less effective and more costly. Brands will need to embrace creative campaigns and new channels, such as retail media networks and the metaverse, to achieve greater ROI on marketing spend and to gather valuable first-party data that can be leveraged to deepen customer relationships.
Organization overhaul. Successful execution of strategies in 2023 will in part hinge on a company’s alignment around key functions. Fashion executives need a new vision for what the organization of the future will require, focusing on attracting and retaining top talent, as well as on elevating teams and critical C-suite roles to execute on priorities such as sustainability and digital acceleration.

Looking ahead

Bereft by global risks and uncertainties, leaders in the fashion industry will need to pay careful attention to macroeconomic and political issues in the regions where they produce and sell their products in the year ahead. They will need to develop risk mitigation strategies that can be implemented quickly as conflicts, fiscal policies, and government regulations evolve. Additionally, they will need to think critically about where they operate, looking beyond top-line growth potential when evaluating new and existing foreign markets. Brands can no longer plan on complete political neutrality as their global customer bases become more connected and outspoken.

In 2023, consumers will be unpredictable and fickle. Brands will need to consider carefully the factors that affect shopping behaviors and respond accordingly. Even as many customers reduce spending, brands have an opportunity to keep customers engaged through, for example, rental channels and off-price retailers. But these strategies will require careful execution to ensure that margins and brand reputations are protected. At the same time, brands will need to update their merchandising and design approaches to reflect shifting ideas around gender lines in fashion and dress codes. Daily office attire will become more casual, and special-occasion dress will become bolder.

Despite the economic headwinds ahead, fashion leaders are in a unique position to reevaluate the ways that their brands produce, distribute, and market their collections. Supply chains remain disrupted from the COVID-19 pandemic, elevating the need to invest in faster and geographically closer manufacturing systems. While direct-to-consumer, digital channels remain a top priority, fashion industry leaders will need to diversify their sales channels to maintain efficiency and market relevance. And finally, brands will need to be more creative in marketing to attract customers through bold, differentiated content that cuts through a crowded digital environment in which data targeting is no longer effective. To execute these changes and respond better to forthcoming regulations around sustainability marketing, the fashion industry should rethink how it allocates talent, promotes, and establishes executive roles and teams—reflecting the key challenges facing the industry in the years ahead.

The outlook for the global fashion industry in 2023 is uncertain and tenuous. Many customers are reigning in their budgets after months of discretionary spending. Growth has slowed in China, and major questions loom about the market’s future trajectory. An energy crisis is disrupting European economies. While the luxury and sportswear sectors have dominated the industry’s list of super successes in recent years, macroeconomic context might change that in the upcoming year. Heading into 2023, the industry’s decision makers will need to prepare to make strategic sacrifices while investing in agility and creativity to succeed when the market eventually recovers.

Download The State of Fashion 2023 , the full report on which this article is based (PDF–21.5MB).

ABOUT THE AUTHOR(S)

Imran Amed is the founder, editor-in-chief, and CEO of the Business of Fashion and an alumnus of McKinsey’s London office, where Anita Balchandani is a senior partner; Sarah André is a consultant in the Paris office; Achim Berg is a senior partner in the Frankfurt office; and Felix Rölkens is a partner in the Berlin office.

The authors wish to thank Sandrine Devillard, Joëlle Grunberg, and Michael Straub for their contributions to this article.

In 2022, the fashion industry can return to growth as changing category landscapes, new digital frontiers, and advances in sustainability continue to present opportunities.

After nearly two years of disruption, the global fashion industry is once again finding its feet. Companies are adapting to new consumer priorities, and digital is providing a nexus for growth. Still, the industry faces significant challenges amid supply-chain disruption, patchy demand, and persistent pressure on the bottom line. With the majority of companies struggling to turn a profit, growth will be a key priority in the year ahead.

This article is a collaborative effort by Imran Amed, Anita Balchandani , Achim Berg , Saskia Hedrich, Jakob Ekeløf Jensen, Leila Le Merle, and Felix Rölkens, representing views from McKinsey’s Retail Practice.

The fashion industry posted a 20 percent decline in revenues in 2019–20, as earnings before interest, taxes, and amortization (EBITA) margins declined by 3.4 percentage points to 6.8 percent. As the pandemic continued to run its course, the performance inequalities that have become a challenge over recent years were more in evidence than ever. A record 69 percent of companies were value destroyers in 2020, according to the latest reading of the McKinsey Global Fashion Index (MGFI), compared with 61 percent in 2019 and just 28 percent in 2011. About 7 percent of companies left the market entirely, either due to financial distress or because they were bought by rivals.

From a geographic perspective, China was the standout performer over 2021, as its economy recovered much faster than those of other countries. In 2022, the industry’s growth will likely be driven by both China and the United States, while Europe lags behind and will need the return of international tourism to recover fully (Exhibit 1). In the meantime, domestic markets are set to continue their recent strong performance.

These are some of the findings from The State of Fashion 2022 , written in partnership with the Business of Fashion (BoF). The report, the sixth in our series, discusses the major themes shaping the fashion economy and assesses a range of possible responses. Reflecting in-depth research and numerous conversations with industry leaders, it reveals the key trends likely to shape the fashion business in the year ahead.

Discount and luxury outperform

Despite a dip in margins, discount and luxury outperformed the wider market in 2020, while the midmarket continued to be squeezed. However, performance was uneven, as countries with strong healthcare systems and economic resilience fared better than others. Among product categories, it was a breakout year for sportswear, with 42 percent of positive economic profit in the MGFI index coming from sportswear companies, amid strong growth for Chinese players.

In last year’s report, we did not publish our annual list of “super winners,” due to distortions and reporting gaps caused by the pandemic. This year, we return to our analysis but with an adapted approach: smoothing pandemic-induced distortions by calculating the average economic profit over both 2019 and 2020. Over that period, the top five performers by economic profit were Nike, Inditex, Kering, LVMH (including Tiffany), and Hermes. The prominence of luxury brands among the top performers was attributable to the economic resilience of wealthier demographics, leading to a continuing demand for bags, luxury jewelry, and ready-to-wear.

Ten themes for 2022

We kick off our ten key themes for this year by taking the temperature of the global economy and analyzing the complex impacts of the pandemic as it continues its unpredictable progress. Amid these challenging dynamics, the imperative for brands will be to secure their recovery. At the same time, they must adapt to evolving consumer demand and ensure they take the opportunities offered by new digital frontiers. As sustainability becomes a more urgent concern, brands need to ramp up their efforts to reflect customer values in their assortments, supply chains, and ways of working. Finally, amid rising competition for talent—particularly tech talent—brands need to find new ways to attract the best and brightest, with cybersecurity likely to be near the top of the agenda (Exhibit 2).

In many global regions, the business of fashion is set to pick up momentum in 2022, as consumers unleash pent-up buying power and dress to impress (where the pandemic allows). Indeed, recovery is at the top of executives’ minds for the coming year, with 75 percent of luxury-segment executives, 61 percent of midmarket executives, and 50 percent of value executives expecting better trading conditions. However, as they pivot toward growth, a significant challenge is potential shortages of products and resources, as chocked supply chains and rising shipping costs undermine operations. Over recent months, numerous companies reported struggles to manage inventory flows or tied lower sales forecasts to supply-chain blockages. In response, many have turned to remedies that include more nearshoring, in-store supply stocking, and agile operating models designed to respond flexibly to change.

Among the standout themes of the past year has been the continuing flourishing of online business models, reflecting a longer-term trend that accelerated during the pandemic. Hyper-interactive digital environments and investment in e-commerce are increasingly the leitmotifs of brands that are pushing on fashion frontiers. We expect in 2022 that companies will seek fresh approaches to online creativity and commerce, with nonfungible tokens, gaming “skins,” and virtual fashion edging closer to the mainstream. Some brands over the past year expanded into the digital “metaverse,” rolling out virtual stores, gaming, and digital events. In the coming 12 months, these efforts will gather pace, as in-app social commerce plays an increasingly important role.

More than ever, sustainability is dominating consumer priorities and the fashion agenda. Consumers want to know where materials come from, how products are made, and whether the people involved are treated fairly. In response, more and more companies are expanding their sustainable assortments and working to boost the sustainability of their supply chains. As part of those efforts, some are leveraging digital product passports. These can be embedded in items to support after-use activities such as resale and recycling. Brands are also turning to passports, married with distributed-ledger technologies, in the battle against counterfeiting.

As fashion brands invest in new digital applications, they must work harder than ever to protect their systems, partners, and customers. Amid intense competition, cybertalent will be at a premium. And more broadly, all-time-high vacancy rates mean brands must find novel ways to attract and retain employees—as other industries compete hard on salaries, sustainability, and job security. Authenticity and employee well-being will be more important than ever.

The bottom line going into 2022 is that the fashion industry faces a complex mix of challenges and opportunities , in which there is little room for missteps. Decision makers have their work cut out to manage the demands of digital, sustainability, and the supply chain. That said, the past year’s experience shows that consumers are resilient and that as economies recover, demand will follow suit. Therefore, the task for companies will be to unlock growth, align with changing customer needs, and focus intently on the bottom line.

Download The State of Fashion 2022 , the full report on which this article is based (PDF–14MB).

Anita Balchandani is a partner in McKinsey’s London office, where Jakob Ekeløf Jensen is an associate partner and Leila Le Merle is a consultant. Achim Berg is a senior partner in the Frankfurt office. Saskia Hedrich is a senior knowledge expert in the Munich office. Felix Rölkens is an associate partner in the Berlin office. Imran Amed is the founder, editor-in-chief, and CEO of the Business of Fashion and an alumnus of the London office.

The authors wish to thank Pamela Brown, Emma Bruni, Dunja Matanovic, Michael Straub, and Robb Young for their contributions to this article.

In 2021, the COVID-19 pandemic will accelerate industry trends, with shopping shifting to digital channels and consumers continuing to champion fairness and social justice.

With the COVID-19 pandemic dominating thoughts and minds, fashion executives are planning for a range of scenarios and hoping for a speedy global recovery. However, amid increasing pressure on performance, shifting consumer behaviors, and accelerating demand for digital, there is an imperative to act decisively to prepare for the next normal.

After a year in which the fashion industry posted record-low economic profits, business leaders are on the front foot, seeking to innovate while continuing to engage their core constituencies. Given the disruptions of recent months, many companies are reconnecting with their supply chains , making tough decisions—for example, about ROI at store level—and ramping up omnichannel services. The beauty segment, covered for the first time this year in our The State of Fashion 2021 report, has remained relatively insulated from the pandemic, offering consumers a comforting pick-me-up in challenging times. As we move toward recovery, companies in the beauty segment have a chance to align with shifting category and regional opportunities.

Those are some of the findings from our latest report, The State of Fashion 2021 , written in partnership with the Business of Fashion (BoF). The report, the fifth in our annual series, drills down into the major themes affecting the fashion economy and assesses a range of possible responses. Reflecting our conversations with industry leaders over recent months, it examines the ten key trends likely to shape the business over the coming year. Our latest reading of the our global fashion index, meanwhile, reveals new insights into company performance by category, segment, and region.

Silver linings

The sober mood among fashion executives surveyed in last year’s report has evolved over recent months into a strong determination to manage the industry through the COVID-19 pandemic. Our calculations, based on the changes in market capitalizations over time in our index on global fashion, suggest that the industry’s economic profit will fall by 93 percent in 2020 after rising 4 percent in 2019 (Exhibit 1). That translates into a significant increase in the number of companies that are “value destroyers,” which we expect will rise to 73 percent of those in the index in 2020, compared with 60 percent in 2019.

Still, there are silver linings among the clouds. While the crisis has visited a devastating impact on businesses and jobs, it may also have accelerated responses that can lead to positive outcomes. Indeed, many fashion companies have taken time during the crisis to reshape their business models, streamline their operations, and sharpen their customer propositions.

Looking forward, our base case is cautiously optimistic, with the virus more effectively controlled over the coming year, thanks to a strong public-health response. 2 McKinsey analysis. At the same time, government interventions will partially offset economic impacts, and global travel will pick up, alongside the possibility of larger social gatherings. In that scenario, we would see markets such as China recovering strongly. We predict a 5 to 10 percent sales growth in China in 2021 compared with 2019. Europe, on the other hand, will probably continue to feel the effects of subdued tourist arrivals, leading in 2021 to a 2 to 7 percent sales decline from 2019. Moreover, precrisis levels of activity are unlikely to return before the third quarter of 2022. We expect a similar trajectory in the United States, with sales down 7 to 12 percent next year compared with 2019, and only a modest recovery before the first quarter of 2023.

Where there is positive momentum, the primary driver will continue to be digital channels , reflecting the trend established before the COVID-19 crisis and the reluctance of people in many countries to gather in crowded environments. Indeed, recent data show that we have vaulted five years forward in consumer and business adoption of digital in a matter of months. Around the globe, we expect more than 20 percent annual digital growth in 2021 (with 30 percent in Europe and the United States) compared with 2020. 3 McKinsey analysis. Other positive trajectories will include the growing influence of platform propositions as customers warm to marketplace experiences and renewed appetite among both brands and consumers for local engagement—the personal touch that reflects the priorities of many.

Against this background, fashion-industry fortunes are highly polarized. Given the disruptions in financial year 2019, it was not possible for us to calculate our annual list of 20 “super winners” accurately. Instead, we referenced our 2018 list to gauge the fortunes of the elite group. Perhaps unsurprisingly, investors this year had more confidence in the top 20 than in other companies, and super winners were less badly hit by the April stock market sell-off than their peers were (–26 percent from December, compared with –33 percent on average). By the time the Northern Hemisphere went on its August vacation, the super winners had recovered on aggregate to just 5 percent below precrisis levels.

Companies that have performed the best over recent months tended to share at least one of two key characteristics (Exhibit 2). Many have had a strong Asia–Pacific focus, reflecting the economic strength of the region and the relatively lower impact of the pandemic there, and many have offered a compelling digital proposition. E-commerce players, such as ASOS, FARFETCH UK, Revolve, and Zalando, have consistently outperformed in 2020, as locked-down customers turned to digital devices to shop. By August, such digital-first players were trading 35 percent higher, on average, than they did in December 2019.

Given the standout performance of digital channels in the current environment, we expect digital to remain king in 2021. Indeed, some 22 percent of executives say it will be the key momentum driver in the coming year—a percentage point less than the proportion that cites “uncertainty” and slightly more than the 20 percent that pick “challenging.” 4 McKinsey State of Fashion 2021 Survey; McKinsey analysis.

Ten themes for 2021

As the world recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic, what will be the defining themes in the business of fashion? Our discussions with industry executives suggest that the key drivers will include shifting consumer behaviors (in relation to digital channels, social-justice concerns, and a reluctance to travel), opportunistic investment, and the need to build more efficient, simple, and demand-focused operating models (Exhibit 3).

As decision makers continue to manage uncertainty , the most successful will be those that get a grip on the trends shaping the fashion landscape. That means focusing on an omnichannel perspective, of course, but also emphasizing the importance of sustainability through the value chain. Consumers (and increasingly, investors) will reward companies that treat their workers and the environment with respect, and the deeper relationships that emerge will bring benefits in agility and accountability.

Physical retail has been under historic levels of pressure. In the United States alone, some 20,000 to 25,000 stores were expected to close in 2020, more than double the number that did so in 2019. With the pandemic adding to the segment’s woes, many brands have embarked on strategic reviews or have compressed multiyear transformations into just a few months. In 2020, Nike announced the acceleration of its digital strategy and investment in its highest potential areas, which it said would lead to job cuts in stores. 5 “NIKE, Inc. reports fiscal 2020 fourth quarter and full year results,” Nike, June 25, 2020, news.nike.com. Zara said that it plans to cut 1,200 stores over two years and invest €2.7 billion in store-based digital. 6 “Zara Owner to Invest $3 billion to Expand Amid Covid-19 Crisis,” Bloomberg, June 10, 2020, https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-06-10/inditex-has-first-quarterly-loss-since-zara-owner-went-public Still, we do not believe the curtain is falling on physical channels. Instead, from the wreckage of 2020, a sleeker, more focused offering will emerge. That offering will combine the best of human and automated services—the beginning of a truly “bionic” customer experience.

We see brands rethinking store formats and leveraging data and analytics to predict footfall, manage assortments, and built personalized offerings. Flagship stores will be branded as discovery zones and tasked with creating emotional connections with customers. We have already seen Burberry and Nike, as well as digitally native ARIAS New York, invest in hybrid spaces and deploy technologies such as apps and body scans to create more compelling experiences. At the same time, we are likely to see more nuanced assessments of store ROI based on a combination of digital and physical lenses. With companies in China leading the way, brands will engage even more closely with social media to offer shoppers exclusive content and personalized experiences.

Strategically, there will be an imperative in 2021 to manage commercial opportunities actively and to be acute in picking winning segments, markets, and channel combinations. With tourism in the doldrums, domestic outlets will become more important than ever. We also expect to see a rise in M&A activity as companies take advantage of low valuations and grab share in fast-growing markets.

There is little doubt that 2021 will continue to be tough for many as the COVID-19 pandemic tracks an uncertain trajectory. The task for decision makers, therefore, is to find silver linings, knowing that times of change are inherently rich with opportunity. Fashion companies that double down on strategy, align with key trends, and reflect an evolving consumer landscape are likely to emerge from the crisis stronger, leaner, and ready to thrive in the next normal.

Download The State of Fashion 2021 , the full report on which this article is based (PDF–9MB).

The authors of this article are Imran Amed (founder, editor in chief, and CEO of the Business of Fashion, and an alumnus of McKinsey’s London office), Anita Balchandani (a partner in the London office), Jakob Ekeløf Jensen (a consultant in the London office), Achim Berg (a senior partner in the Frankfurt office), Saskia Hedrich (a senior expert in the Munich office), and Felix Rölkens (an associate partner in the Berlin office).

The authors wish to thank Sarah Andre, Althea Peng, Sonja Penttilä, and Robb Young for their contributions to this article.

By Imran Amed, Anita Balchandani, Achim Berg, Saskia Hedrich, Jakob Ekeløf Jensen, and Felix Rölkens

Fashion executives are focusing on crisis management now but eventually must shift to reimagining the industry. How will changes to the global economy and consumers’ behavior affect fashion in the postcoronavirus world?

Even before the coronavirus disrupted financial markets, upended supply chains, and crushed consumer demand across the global economy, fashion-industry leaders were not optimistic about 2020. The industry was already on high alert, and executives expressed pessimism across all geographies and price points in our annual report, The State of Fashion 2020 , released late last year. But fast-forward a few months, and fashion’s outlook has gotten dramatically and suddenly bleaker. The industry is now on red alert.

This unforeseeable humanitarian and financial crisis has rendered previously planned strategies for 2020 redundant, leaving fashion businesses exposed or rudderless as their leaders confront a disorienting future and vulnerable workers face hardship and destitution. With this special coronavirus update to The State of Fashion 2020 , we have taken a stance on what our new normal will look like in the aftermath of this “black swan” event to provide insights (from analyzing surveys, data, and expert interviews) for fashion professionals as they embark on the 12- to 18-month period after the dust settles.

The black swan and fashion

COVID-19 could spur the biggest economic contraction since World War II, hitting every sector from finance to hospitality. 7 “ UN chief says coronavirus worst global crisis since World War II ,” France 24, April 1, 2020, france24.com. Yet fashion, because of its discretionary nature, is particularly vulnerable. The average market capitalization of apparel, fashion, and luxury players dropped almost 40 percent between the start of January and March 24, 2020 8 McKinsey analysis, based on data from S&P Capital IQ. —a much steeper decline than that of the overall stock market.

Humanitarian repercussions are expected to outlast the pandemic itself. Dire consequences for fashion, one of the biggest industries in the world, generating $2.5 trillion in global annual revenues before the pandemic, 9 McKinsey analysis, 2019. entails joblessness or financial hardship for people across the value chain.

We estimate that revenues for the global fashion industry (apparel and footwear sectors) will contract by –27 to –30 percent in 2020 year-on-year, although the industry could regain positive growth of 2 to 4 percent in 2021 (compared with the 2019 baseline figure). For the personal luxury goods industry (luxury fashion, luxury accessories, luxury watches, luxury jewelry, and high-end beauty), we estimate a global revenue contraction of –35 to –39 percent in 2020 year-on-year, but positive growth of 1 to 4 percent in 2021 (compared with the 2019 baseline figure). If stores remain closed for two months, McKinsey analysis approximates that 80 percent of publicly listed fashion companies in Europe and North America will be in financial distress. Combined with the McKinsey Global Fashion Index (MGFI) analysis, which found that 56 percent of global fashion companies were not earning their cost of capital in 2018, we expect a large number of global fashion companies to go bankrupt in the next 12 to 18 months.

The interconnectedness of the industry is making it harder for businesses to plan ahead. Just as China inched through recovery, outbreaks worsened in Europe and the United States. But it is in the developing world, where healthcare systems are often inadequate and poverty is rife, that people will be hit the hardest. For workers in low-cost sourcing and fashion-manufacturing hubs, such as Bangladesh, Cambodia, Ethiopia, Honduras, and India, extended periods of unemployment will mean hunger and disease.

The crisis is affecting daily lives, instilling anxiety and uncertainty in the minds of almost everyone. Indeed, consumer pessimism about the economy is widespread, with 75 percent of shoppers in Europe and the United States believing that their financial situation will be affected negatively for more than two months. 10 McKinsey COVID-19 Consumer Pulse Survey: for Europe, held March 20–26, 2020, with 5,614 respondents (France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Spain, and the United Kingdom); for United States, held March 23–29, 2020, with 1,119 respondents.

Although the duration and ultimate severity of the pandemic remains unknown, it is apparent that the fashion industry is just at the beginning of its struggle. By causing blow after blow to both supply and demand, the pandemic has brewed a perfect storm for the industry: a highly integrated global supply chain means that companies have been under immense strain as they have tried to manage crises on multiple fronts as lockdowns were imposed in rapid succession, halting manufacturing in China first, then Italy, followed by countries elsewhere around the world.

A freeze on spending is aggravating the supply-side crisis. Widespread store closures for an industry reliant on offline channels, coupled with consumer instinct to prioritize necessary over discretionary goods, hit brands’ bottom lines and depleted cash reserves. Even online sales have declined 15 to 25 percent in China, 5 to 20 percent across Europe, and 30 to 40 percent in the United States. 11 McKinsey analysis, based on data from Amazon and Stackline.

Once the dust settles

Once the dust settles on the immediate crisis, fashion will face a recessionary market and an industry landscape still undergoing dramatic transformation. The exhibit 12 To view exhibit, refer to The State of Fashion 2020: Coronavirus Update . unpacks five areas that could see significant changes; the full report explores these areas in greater depth. We expect a period of recovery to be characterized by a continued lull in spending and a decrease in demand across channels. As noted in our previous articles on “ getting woke ,” radical transparency , and sustainability first , the consumer mindset was already showing signs of shifting in certain directions before the pandemic.

Now, the resulting “quarantine of consumption” 13 Marcus Fairs, “ Coronavirus offers ‘a blank page for a new beginning’ says Li Edelkoort ,” Dezeen , March 9, 2020, dezeen.com. could accelerate some of these consumer shifts, such as a growing antipathy toward waste-producing business models and heightened expectations for purpose-driven, sustainable action . Meanwhile, some of the shifts we will witness in the fashion system, such as the digital step change, in-season retail, seasonless design, and the decline of wholesale, are mostly an acceleration of the inevitable—things that would have happened further down the road if the pandemic had not helped them gain speed and urgency now.

The coronavirus also presents the fashion industry with a chance to reset and reshape the industry’s value chain completely—and an opportunity to reassess the values by which it measures actions. We expect that themes of digital acceleration, discounting, industry consolidation, and corporate innovation will be prioritized once the immediate crisis subsides. Even after witnessing waves of insolvencies, industry leaders will need to get comfortable with uncertainty and ramp up future-proofing efforts as the potential for further outbreaks and lockdowns loom.

This will also be a time for collaboration within the industry—even among competing organizations. No company will get through the pandemic alone, and fashion players need to share data, strategies, and insights on how to navigate the storm. Brands, suppliers, contractors, and property owners should also find ways to share the burden.

This joint report by the Business of Fashion and McKinsey is an effort to advance the discussion beyond crisis management and immediate contingency planning by outlining the areas in which the fashion industry must focus once the dust settles on the current crisis. Exactly when this will happen is impossible to know for sure, except that it will, in all likelihood, be linked to the discovery of a workable antiviral treatment and delivery of a proven vaccine, which some experts say is at least 12 to 18 months away.

Navigating this uncertainty will not be easy for fashion leaders. Players need to be decisive and start putting recovery strategies into motion to emerge with renewed energy. The crisis is a catalyst that will shock the industry into change—now is the time to get ready for a postcoronavirus world.

Download The State of Fashion 2020: Coronavirus Update , the full report on which this article is based (PDF–3MB).

Imran Amed, the founder, editor-in-chief, and CEO of the Business of Fashion, is an alumnus of McKinsey’s London office, where Anita Balchandani is a partner and Jakob Ekeløf Jensen is a consultant; Achim Berg is a senior partner in the Frankfurt office; Saskia Hedrich is a senior expert in the Munich office; and Felix Rölkens is an associate partner in the Berlin office.

The authors wish to thank McKinsey’s Tiffany Wendler, as well as the Business of Fashion’s Robb Young, for their contributions to this article.

By Imran Amed, Anita Balchandani , Achim Berg, Saskia Hedrich, Shrina Poojara, and Felix Rölkens

The industry is not looking forward to 2020—suggesting strategic clarity will be important.

The prevailing mood of fashion leaders is one of anxiety and concern. On the one hand, evolving channels, shifting markets, and groundbreaking research offer revenue opportunities and the chance for radical innovation. On the other, global economic growth is slowing and competition is more intense than ever.

To thrive in this environment, companies must think strategically, sharpen their decision making, and keep their fingers on the pulse of customer demand. They need to get digital right and to address consumers increasingly concerned by the climate-change agenda. At the same time, they must cater to local tastes across multiple markets and cultures. One size will not fit all.

These are some of the findings from our latest report, The State of Fashion 2020, written in partnership with The Business of Fashion (BoF) . This fourth in our annual series analyzes major themes around the fashion economy and breaks new ground to explain the dynamics driving the industry. Our survey of 290 global fashion executives and interviews with thought leaders and pioneers have helped us identify ten key themes that will set the agenda in the year ahead. The latest reading of the McKinsey Global Fashion Index (MGFI), meanwhile, reveals new insights into fashion-company performance by category, segment, and region.

A darkening mood

For many in the fashion industry, the glass is half empty. The mood among respondents to our executive survey is sober across geographies and price points, and the pockets of optimism seen last year in North America and the luxury segment have steadily evaporated (Exhibit 1). 14 To view exhibit, refer to The State of Fashion 2020 .

The MGFI forecasts that growth will slow to 3 to 4 percent in 2020, slightly below the predicted rate for 2019. Strikingly, only 9 percent of respondents think conditions will improve next year, compared with 49 percent who said the same last year.

Economic profit grew for the second year running in 2018, following consecutive annual declines from 2012 to 2016 (Exhibit 2). 15 To view exhibit, refer to The State of Fashion 2020 . The 16 percent year-on-year rise came largely from improved operating margins driven by cost cutting. The average industry EBITA 16 To view exhibit, refer to The State of Fashion 2020 . margin was 10.8 percent, a tick up on 2017 and the highest since 2014.

One reason that executives are not breaking out the bunting is that the outlook for the global economy is less rosy than it was a year ago. Against this background, fashion-industry fortunes are highly polarized. For an exclusive group of “Super Winners,” the sun is shining (Exhibit 3); 17 To view exhibit, refer to The State of Fashion 2020 . by economic profit, these 20 companies added more to the industry bottom line in 2018 than all others combined. The Super Winners include three new entrants—Anta Sports, Heilan Home (HLA Corporation), and Lululemon—reflecting the strength of sportswear and the growing influence of Chinese players. In luxury, Kering made an impressive rise through the ranks, driven by Gucci’s double-digit sales growth and strong performance in Asia–Pacific markets such as Japan. Not only are leading companies highly value-creating, they are also at the cutting edge of innovation. They are also most successful in attracting funding and talent, often leaving the rest to fight over scraps.

Alongside public companies, we also identified a group of “hidden champions.” These privately owned gems often dominate their category areas and generate significant revenues. Some are household names, while others are less visible but still pack a punch. Among the well-known brands, Chanel is a significant player, with revenues of more than $10 billion, while Rolex is one of the few large independent and private luxury watch brands remaining. At the opposite end of the price spectrum is Primark, whose commitment to its core value proposition has made it a formidable competitor. These players show that there is a great deal of industry value outside the spotlight, and the “hidden champions” too have much to offer alongside their listed counterparts.

Of course, for every success, there are also relative failures. A growing number of publicly traded and private companies have become “value destroyers.” The midmarket in particular is in the doldrums, generating negative returns for shareholders. For some, the abyss beckons.

Ten themes for 2020

What will define the industry in the coming year? Based on our executive survey, the words on everyone’s lips are sustainability, digitization, and innovation (Exhibit 4). 18 Earnings before interest, taxes, and amortization.

When it comes to sustainability, the industry’s track record remains a source of concern. The textile sector still represents 6 percent of global greenhouse-gas emissions and 10 to 20 percent of pesticide use. Washing, solvents, and dyes used in manufacturing are responsible for one-fifth of industrial water pollution, and fashion accounts for 20 to 35 percent of microplastic flows into the ocean. Consumers are increasingly waking up to this reality and demanding change. In August 2019, Kering CEO François-Henri Pinault spearheaded an industry-wide pact to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. According to McKinsey’s 2019 Apparel Chief Purchasing Officer Survey , while the absolute number of sustainable fashion products remains low, there has been a fivefold increase over the past two years.

Looking forward, we see more research into sustainable materials and technologies, as well as the circular economy . This should lead to a move beyond 2019’s focus on transparency toward real commitment. That’s great news for consumers and for companies that can make sustainability real. However, given the scale of investment required, it means nervous times for small and midsize players.

Equally, consumers and advocates are calling for the industry to become more inclusive . We see 2020 as being a watershed for “Inclusive Culture,” with diverse races, genders, and sexual orientations increasingly present across organizations and in leadership roles.

Digital disruptors will face more cautious investors in the year ahead. Stock-market valuations of tech players have reached dizzying levels, reminiscent of the dot-com boom of the early 2000s, while a number of private companies have reached unicorn status. The trick in 2020 will be to prove to investors they can turn potential into profit. At the vanguard, we are seeing a new breed of direct-to-customer companies. Asia in particular is emerging as a fertile ground for small and midsize enterprises that leverage e-commerce to reach out from the factory floor.

At the forefront for many is the future role of brick-and-mortar stores. Although they are written off by some as “too 20th century,” we take a more constructive view. We see local stores in particular building a role as partners in the digital revolution, helping customers touch, feel, and experience in convenient locations as they browse online and offline .

The bottom line? The coming year will be tough, as the digital shakeout gathers pace, customers demand more on sustainability, and slower growth puts pressure on margins. However, there will be opportunities. Brands that can align with the dominant trends and continue to innovate are most likely to ride the challenges and emerge ahead of the pack.

Download The State of Fashion 2020 , the full report on which this article is based (PDF–7MB).

Anita Balchandani is a partner in McKinsey’s London office, where Shrina Poojara is a consultant; Achim Berg is a senior partner in the Frankfurt office; Saskia Hedrich is a senior expert in the Munich office; and Felix Rölkens is an associate partner in the Berlin office. Imran Amed is the founder, editor-in-chief, and CEO of The Business of Fashion .

The authors wish to thank McKinsey’s Tiffany Chan and Marilena Schmich, as well as The Business of Fashion’s Robb Young, for their contributions to this article.

By Imran Amed, Anita Balchandani , Marco Beltrami, Achim Berg, Saskia Hedrich, and Felix Rölkens

The industry as a whole is embracing new opportunities—even as dangers lurk.

The year ahead will be an awakening after the reckoning of 2018—a time for fashion companies to look at opportunities and not just at surmounting challenges. The ones that will succeed will have come to terms with the fact that in the new paradigm taking shape around them, some of the old rules simply don’t work. Regardless of size and segment, players now need to be nimble, think digital-first, and achieve ever-faster speed to market . They need to take an active stance on social issues, satisfy consumer demands for radical transparency and sustainability , and, most important, have the courage to “self-disrupt” their own identity and the sources of their old success to realize these changes and win new generations of customers.

They also need to invest in enhancing their productivity and resilience, as the outlook is uncertain. External shocks to the system continue to lurk, and growth cannot be taken for granted.

These are some of the findings from our latest report on The State of Fashion , written in partnership with the Business of Fashion (BoF) , which explores the industry’s fragmented, complex ecosystem. Our first two reports, last year and the year before , laid the foundation for rigorous in-depth research and analysis, focusing on the themes, issues, and opportunities affecting the sector and its performance. The State of Fashion is now the largest and most authoritative overview of the industry, surveying more than 275 global fashion executives (approximately 30 percent more than last year) and interviewing thought leaders and pioneers. We also highlight the ten trends that will define the fashion agenda in 2019 (interactive).

The report includes the third readout of our industry benchmark, the McKinsey Global Fashion Index. This database of more than 500 companies allows us to analyze and compare the performance of individual companies with their peers, by category, segment, or region.

Sunny intervals but storms ahead

For fashion players, 2019 will be a year of awakening. External shocks to the system continue to lurk around the corner, and growth cannot be taken for granted: the McKinsey Global Fashion Index forecasts growth of 3.5 to 4.5 percent, slightly below 2018 figures. By geography, the most optimistic about the coming year are executives in North America. By segment, the most positive are executives from luxury brands , reflecting their strong growth trajectory in 2018. In all other regions and segments, executives are notably pessimistic, reflecting the potential challenges ahead (Exhibit 1). 19 To view exhibit, refer to The State of Fashion 2019 .

All this comes against a backdrop of the fashion industry having turned a corner in 2018, with increased growth justifying the optimism expressed in last year’s global fashion survey. The caution in the economic outlook is also reflected in the BoF–McKinsey State of Fashion Survey, with 42 percent of respondents expecting conditions to become worse in 2019.

The rise of the ‘superwinners’

Polarization continues to be a stark reality in fashion: fully 97 percent of economic profits for the whole industry are earned by just 20 companies, most of them in the luxury segment. Notably, the top 20 group of companies has remained stable over time. Twelve of the top 20 have been a member of the group for the last decade. Long-term leaders include, among others, Inditex, LVMH, and Nike, which have more than doubled their economic profit over the past ten years (Exhibit 2). 20 To view exhibit, refer to The State of Fashion 2019 . According to our estimates, each racked up more than $2 billion in economic profit in 2017.

Ten trends for 2019

This caution is one of our ten trends to watch in 2019. Another is that India is on the rise—its growing middle class, powerful manufacturing sector, and increasingly savvy tech have made it an essential destination for fashion companies. Our third trend is Trade 2.0: a warning that companies should make contingency plans for a potential shake-up of global value chains . The apparel trade could be reshaped by new barriers, trade tensions, and uncertainty. However, there may also be new opportunities from growing south–south trade and the renegotiation of trade agreements.

On the consumer side, we foresee the end of ownership, as concerns about sustainability grow and consumers and companies alike worry about how to alleviate their impact on the environment. Sustainability, which breaks into our respondents’ list of the most important challenges for the first time, is evolving from a tick-box exercise into a transformational feature. And “woke” consumers are also pushing for greater transparency into supply chains—and rewarding their favorite brands for taking controversial political stands. At the same time, they are demanding ever-quicker and more seamless fulfillment, from mobile shopping to drone delivery .

In response, wise companies are self-disrupting before upstarts do it for them, engaging in a digital landgrab to diversify their ecosystem, and using automation and data analytics to produce on demand to reduce waste and react rapidly to trends.

The speed of change

Overall, the industry continues to hover in a state of flux, and the fortunes of individual players can turn with frightening speed. As our ten trends indicate, new markets, new technologies, and shifting consumer needs present opportunities—but also risks. We predict that 2019 will be a year shaped by consumer shifts linked to technology, social causes, and trust issues, alongside the potential disruption from geopolitical and macroeconomic events. Only those brands that accurately reflect the Zeitgeist or have the courage to “self-disrupt” will emerge as winners.

Download The State of Fashion 2019 , the full report on which this article is based (PDF–3 MB).

Anita Balchandani is a partner in McKinsey’s London office, where Marco Beltrami is a consultant; Achim Berg is a senior partner in the Frankfurt office, Saskia Hedrich is a senior expert in the Munich office, and Felix Rölkens is a consultant in the Berlin office. Imran Amed is the founder, editor-in-chief, and CEO of the Business of Fashion .

The authors wish to thank McKinsey’s Johanna Andersson and Dale Kim, as well as the Business of Fashion’s Robb Young, for their contributions to this work.

By Imran Amed, Johanna Andersson, Achim Berg, Martine Drageset, Saskia Hedrich, and Sara Kappelmark

After a challenging stretch, has fashion turned the corner? Things are looking up, but the rebound may be uneven, says this year’s The State of Fashion report.

There is general agreement that 2016 was one of the most challenging years the fashion industry has ever seen. But we are now detecting glimmers of hope: executives report optimism (even amid uncertainty), and the McKinsey Global Fashion Index forecasts industry sales growth to nearly triple between 2016 and 2018, from 1.5 percent to between 3.5 and 4.5 percent. Emerging markets remain a crucial source of this growth; indeed, in 2018, for the first time, more than half of apparel and footwear sales will originate outside Europe and North America.

These are some of the findings from our latest The State of Fashion report, written in partnership with the Business of Fashion (BoF) to explore the industry’s fragmented, complex ecosystem. Our first report , last year, laid the foundation for rigorous in-depth research and analysis, focusing on the themes, issues, and opportunities affecting the sector and its performance. (For more, see our infographic on the ten trends that will define the fashion agenda in 2018.) This year, we are seeing real signs of change.

Fashion’s growth outlook by region, and by category

Although the fashion industry appears to be turning a corner, the rebound is not being felt evenly across the globe. In fact, 2017 signals the end of an era, as the West will no longer be the global stronghold for fashion sales—more than half of apparel and footwear sales will originate outside of Europe and North America. The main sources of growth are emerging-market countries across Asia–Pacific, Latin America, and other regions; they are forecasted to grow at rates ranging between 5 and 7.5 percent in 2018 (exhibit). 21 To view exhibit, refer to The State of Fashion 2018 . Meanwhile, the economic outlook in the mature part of Europe is stable, and fashion-industry sales growth is likewise expected to remain at a modest but steady 2 to 3 percent. In North America, while overall consumer confidence is strong, the impact of policy changes is uncertain, and markdown pressures, market corrections, and store closures continue. Here, we expect a modest growth of 1 to 2 percent. Not surprisingly, this regional divide is reflected in fashion executives’ sentiments, as respondents to the BoF–McKinsey Global Fashion Survey from emerging countries are more optimistic about the industry’s outlook in 2018 than their European or North American counterparts.

The outlook for the fashion industry varies across different value segments, too. The industry continues to polarize : consumers are trading away from the midmarket price points even while the luxury, value, and discount segments are picking up speed. When it comes to categories, the improvement of fashion-industry sales is reflected in stronger sales growth forecasts across the board, including apparel and footwear. Handbags and luggage, and to some extent watches and jewelry, are returning slowly to their historic highs, driven by demand in Asia–Pacific. Athletic wear is the only category where record growth rates look to slow down slightly in 2018, as the “athleisure” trend has reached its peak in some mature markets. Nonetheless, this is still expected to be the fastest-growing category, with continued strong demand in many markets.

Shifts among consumers

These developments take place at the same time as the fashion industry goes through other transformative shifts. Mainstream customers are moving into a decisive phase of digital adoption , and online sales of apparel and footwear are projected to grow rapidly. Consumers in Southeast Asia spend about eight hours a day online on average. The modern shopper’s comfort with digital channels and content has created a complex customer journey across online and offline touchpoints. But regardless of touchpoint, consumers expect a consistent brand experience across channels. Consumers also have higher expectations of customer experience and scrutinize convenience, price, quality, and newness. Digital-first companies such as Alibaba, Amazon, Net-a-Porter, and Zappos continue to force fashion companies to provide an even more premium experience. Many consumers today expect perfect functionality and immediate support at all times, coupled with rapid delivery times as players constantly compete to expedite products.

Renewed optimism for the fashion industry

Customers’ attention is also tuned to new channels. This has a profound impact as purchase decisions are influenced by social media, peer reviews, influencer marketing, and traditional marketing, and even many purchases themselves are made consumer-to-consumer. With information and the ease of comparison at their fingertips, consumers are becoming less brand loyal among millennials, two-thirds say they are willing to switch brands for a discount of 30 percent or more. Shoppers are also becoming more selective. More and more, they base their purchase decisions on whether a company’s practices and mission aligns with their values—while at the same time they are highly price sensitive.

So consumers expect it all: convenience, quality, values orientation, newness, and price. In response, leading fashion players are offering innovative business models, using granular customer insights as a source of differentiation, and pushing the limits of go-to-market times. Sales of the traditional fast-fashion sector have grown by more than 20 percent over the last three years, and new online fast-fashion players are gaining ground. To keep up, leading fashion players are accelerating their speed from design to shelf. This “need for speed” is driven partly by social media accelerating the movement of fashion trends to the masses, and by industry leaders using analytics and customer insights to meet customer needs better and increase responsiveness.

But speed and flexibility bring added complexity. Shortening lead times requires major changes to the traditional business model and supply chain, and a shift in focus to a customer-centric model . Laggards face increased fashion risk and excess inventory if they fail to match customer demand. Frontrunners are building agile supply chains supported by higher-quality consumer insights—with the frontier being close to a real-time supply chain fed by “test and learn” and data analytics.

In the light of all this change, the performance gap between frontrunners and laggards continues to widen: from 2005 to 2015, the top 20 percent of fashion companies contributed 100 percent of the industry’s entire economic profit; in 2016, the top 20 percent’s contribution had increased to 144 percent.

The challenges of a fundamentally changing industry and a continued unpredictable macroeconomic environment has led fashion players to toughen up. Industry players are coming to accept unpredictability as the new norm, and fashion executives will in 2018 respond by focusing their energy on improving what is within their control. For those leaning forward and willing to help design the new features of the modern fashion system, the opportunities at hand to truly connect with fashion consumers across the globe have never been greater.

Download The State of Fashion 2018 to view the exhibit and read the full report on which this article is based (PDF–3 MB).

Johanna Andersson is a consultant in McKinsey’s Stockholm office, where Sara Kappelmark is a partner; Achim Berg is a senior partner in the Frankfurt office, Martine Drageset is a consultant in the Oslo office, and Saskia Hedrich is a senior expert in the Munich office. Imran Amed is the founder, editor-in-chief, and CEO of the Business of Fashion .

Fashion is one of the past decade’s rare economic success stories. Over that period, the industry has grown at 5.5 percent annually, according to the McKinsey Global Fashion Index, to now be worth an estimated $2.4 trillion. In fact, not only does it touch everyone, but it would be the world’s seventh-largest economy if ranked alongside individual countries’ GDP.

Yet 2016 was one of the industry’s toughest years. Terrorist attacks in France, the Brexit vote in the United Kingdom, and the volatility of the Chinese stock market have created shocks to the global economy. At the same time, consumers have become more demanding, more discerning, and less predictable in their purchasing behavior , which is being radically reshaped by new technologies. It’s against this backdrop that McKinsey has teamed with the Business of Fashion to shine a light on the fragmented, complex ecosystem that underpins this giant global industry.

2016: A year to forget

Our first The State of Fashion report (PDF–8MB) finds that it’s not only external shock waves that have roiled the industry. Companies have also been looking inward, implementing changes to the core operations that are reshaping the entire fashion system, from shortening the length of the fashion cycle to integrating sustainable innovation into the core product-design and manufacturing processes. Perhaps unsurprisingly, 67 percent of executives said conditions for the fashion industry have worsened over the past 12 months.

This fact is clearly borne out in the industry’s financial performance. Sales growth seems set to slow to a mere 2 or, at most, 3 percent by the close of 2016, with stagnating profit margins. Speculation and uncertainty over the repercussions of the US election outcome could further dampen consumer sentiment and affect sales. This is in stark contrast to the fashion industry’s performance over the previous decade, which saw the industry expand at 5.5 percent annually.

Yet this sluggish overall growth masks some big winners: affordable luxury, value, and athletic wear.

With respect to sales growth, the affordable-luxury and value sectors have outperformed all other segments by one to one-and-a-half percentage points. This is consistent with their compound annual growth rate (CAGR) over the past three years, which has been 9 percent for affordable luxury and 6 percent for value, the highest of any segment since 2013.

Affordable-luxury players benefited from consumers trading down from luxury, particularly among Chinese consumers . However, their profit margins are expected to decline, especially after 2016, because of a pricing-arbitrage disadvantage across geographies and fluctuating foreign-exchange rates.

The value segment continued to grow in 2016, particularly as a consequence of large global players expanding geographically. With its clearly defined value proposition, the value segment has been taking share from discount this year.

In 2016, the 8.0 to 8.5 percent growth for athletic wear is more than double any other category. This is consistent with its 10 percent CAGR of the past decade, driven by consumers’ more active lifestyles, the rise of “athleisure,” emerging brands in the high-end segments, and product innovations. As athletic wear continues to grow, it will become a category with the ability to compete on equal terms with clothing and footwear, particularly in the midmarket and premium segments.

2017: Glimmers of recovery

So what will change in 2017? No one would put money on volatility and uncertainty lessening. Nonetheless, our report finds that fashion companies are hopeful they can improve their performance through a combination of organic growth and leveraging new technologies . Successful companies will invest more to nurture local clientele: 2017 will be the year of organic growth by deepening relationships with existing clients, rather than through geographic, channel, and store-network expansion. And digital innovation will go behind the scenes: digitization will be the key to supply-chain efficiency, lowering procurement costs, and the enhancement of sourcing opportunities.

Some 40 percent of executives we interviewed expect conditions for the fashion industry to improve in 2017, compared with the 19 percent who reported improving conditions in 2016 (exhibit). 22 To view exhibit, refer to The State of Fashion 2017 . This is particularly true for the major players within each of the market segments and product categories. Many of them have already undertaken significant cost cutting and restructuring, and they are now primed to capture the benefits.

All things considered, we expect fashion-industry growth will increase to 2.5 to 3.5 percent in 2017, although the days when the industry outpaced GDP growth by as much as two percentage points seem over. A return to the riches of the previous decade appears unlikely. But equally, there is no call for rags just yet.

Performance will vary depending on the individual dynamics of specific market segments and categories. Value and affordable luxury will probably be the big winners, both outpacing the industry average at a projected 3.0 to 4.0 percent and 3.5 to 4.5 percent growth, respectively. That said, almost all other market segments should see a slight improvement in sales growth of half to one-and-a-half percentage points. Only the discount segment is likely not to be part of the recovery trend.

Product categories are expected to grow in line with the overall industry average, but the biggest winners will be those companies with coherent channel strategies and clear value definitions. Athletic wear is set to become the absolute category champion, maintaining 6.5 to 7.5 percent sales growth, although it will be unable to reproduce the double-digit growth of the past. The affordable-luxury segment seems likely to continue benefiting from consumers trading down from luxury, while signs point to the continued growth of the value segment as large global players expand internationally.

In short, the industry next year has an opportunity to stabilize and reset, and success stories will probably be written by those already planning for the year ahead. They should bear in mind the three trends that we believe will shape the 2017 fashion industry: the global economy, consumer behavior, and the fashion business model.

Economically, we see a number of trends that will shape the industry, including fashion’s response to intensifying volatility, continued challenges in China , and the rise of urban centers . To address consumer behavior, players will have to learn to serve shrewder and more-demanding customers and adjust to a shifting demographic profile. Finally, 2017 will also be a critical year for the fashion business system, with developments expected around the fashion cycle, technological advancements, and a shake-up in the ownership of fashion companies, as players restructure and industry outsiders step up their activities in the fashion sector.

The bottom line is that amid this uncertainty and change, our analysis suggests cautious optimism is warranted. It’s a sentiment shared by industry executives: 40 percent expect conditions for the industry to improve in the year ahead. As with everything in this fast-moving sector, we’ll just have to wait and see.

This is an edited excerpt from the first joint report from McKinsey and the Business of Fashion, The State of Fashion (PDF–8MB). Download the report to view the exhibit.

Achim Berg is a senior partner in McKinsey’s Frankfurt office, Leonie Brantberg is an associate partner in the London office, and Saskia Hedrich is a senior expert in the Munich office. Imran Amed is the founder, editor-in-chief, and CEO of the Business of Fashion .

The authors wish to thank Robb Young, the Business of Fashion ’s global markets editor, for his contribution to this article.

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1905 – André Derain, Lucien Gilbert

15th century – late byzantine silk damask dress and taffeta tunic, katazome (stencil printing), 1995 – lee, sense and sensibility, the fez and the ottoman path to modernity.

artwork analysis
garment analysis
film analysis

1906 – John White Alexander, Study in Black and Green

1900-1909 , 20th century , artwork analysis

Alexander replicated this same evening gown in paintings over a six-year period as it slowly progressed from fashionable to outdated.

1787 – Adélaïde Labille-Guiard, Madame Adélaïde

1770-1779 , 18th century , artwork analysis

1801 – Marie Denise Villers, Young Woman Drawing

1800-1809 , 19th century , artwork analysis

1876 – James Tissot, Summer

1870-1879 , 19th century , artwork analysis

1869 – Red Silk Dress

1860-1869 , 19th century , garment analysis

This red silk dress embodies the late 1860s transition in fashion towards the bustle and the period's taste for bold colors and intricate detailing.

1977 – Vivienne Westwood/Malcom McLaren/Jamie Reid, “God Save the Queen” T- shirt

1970-1979 , 20th century , garment analysis

1855 – English Blue and White Print Day Dress

1850-1859 , 19th century , garment analysis

1948 – Christian Dior, Eugénie evening gown

1940-1949 , 20th century , garment analysis

1800-1809 , 19th century , film analysis

The film Sense and Sensibility is based on a novel of the same name by Jane Austen, originally published in 1811. The adapted screenplay was written by Emma Thompson, who also plays one of the lead characters, Elinor Dashwood, whose costumes are the focus of this study.

1997 – Besson, The Fifth Element

1990-1999 , 20th century , film analysis

1939 – Cukor, The Women / 1956 – Miller, The Opposite Sex

1930-1939 , 1950-1959 , film analysis

1941 – Wyler, The Little Foxes

1900-1909 , 1940-1949 , film analysis

designer profile
thematic essays
year overview

1922-1985 – Rudi Gernreich

20th century , designer profile , LGBTQ+

About the Designer Rudi Gernreich was an avant-garde designer whose works questioned the status quo of the fashion industry and often reflected his own political...

1927-2001 – Maija Isola

1950-1959 , 1960-1969 , 20th century , designer profile

1948-1987 – Willi Smith

1970-1979 , 1980-1989 , BIPOC , designer profile , LGBTQ+

1818-1907 – Elizabeth Keckley

1860-1869 , 19th century , BIPOC , designer profile

Inès Gâches-Sarraute and the Straight-Front Corset

1890-1899 , 1900-1909 , 1910-1919 , 19th century , 20th century , thematic essays

Often anachronistically called the ‘S-bend,’ the dramatic straight-front corset of the early 1900s was invented by a doctor for health purposes and quickly swept up into the tides of fashion.

Norell: Flappers Back In Fashion

1920-1929 , 1960-1969 , 20th century , LGBTQ+ , thematic essays

Beetle-Wing Embroidery in Nineteenth-Century Fashion

18th century , 19th century , 20th century , Asia , thematic essays

Treasures of Sitio Conte and Personal Adornment of the Coclé

Americas , ancient , thematic essays

1980-1989 , 20th century , year overview

1983 featured a flashback to the 1940s with menswear influences like strong shoulder pads and oversized coats. The overall look of the year is accentuated by the power belt that minimizes the waist and emphasizes the hips. In summary, volume fashion was a hit.

1880-1889 , 19th century , year overview

1860-1869 , 19th century , year overview

We Were There: Harlie Des Roches on the Black Presence in Renaissance Europe

Hymn to apollo: the ancient world and the ballets russes, frida kahlo: appearances can be deceiving, grand opening of the museum of historical costume in poznan, poland.

Middle Ages
14th century
15th century
16th century
17th century

Americas , ancient , term definition , X

A xicolli is a sleeveless, sewn vest usually embellished with fringe that comes in various lengths worn by priests and high rank warriors in ancient Mesoamerican cultures.

eye of Horus

Africa , ancient , E , H , term definition

Africa , ancient , F , term definition

14th century , 15th century , 16th century , 17th century , 18th century , 19th century , Americas , ancient , T , term definition

huipilli/huipil

17th century , 18th century , 19th century , Americas , ancient , H , term definition

clavus/clavi

ancient , C , term definition

Asia , Byzantine , culture overview

Clothing during the Byzantine era was strictly regulated based on identity, status, rank, and gender. Visual and literary sources from the period provide a glimpse to Byzantine court and upper-class dress.

12th century – Norman Mosaics

artwork analysis , Byzantine , Middle Ages

545-549 CE – Imperial Mosaics of the Basilica of San Vitale

1300-1349 , 1350-1399 , 14th century , 15th century , B , Middle Ages , term definition

1964 – Glenville, Becket

1960-1969 , film analysis , Middle Ages

Byzantine , T , term definition

14th century , 15th century , 16th century , 17th century , 18th century , 19th century , 20th century , 21st century , Asia , B , term definition

An outer garment worn by Muslim women that covers the entire body, often with a cutout or mesh at the eyes.

14th century , 15th century , 16th century , 17th century , 18th century , 19th century , Asia , C , K , term definition

cochineal dyes

14th century , 15th century , 16th century , 17th century , 18th century , Americas , C , term definition

14th century , 15th century , 16th century , Africa , Americas , L , term definition

1410-1419 , 1420-1429 , 1430-1439 , 14th century , 15th century , P , term definition

1350-1399 , 1400-1409 , 14th century , 15th century , P , term definition

1490-1499 , 15th century , decade overview

The 1490s was an influential decade that set the groundwork for the following years to come in terms of predominant trends and silhouette. At the same time, regional influence held strong both in Italy and Spain.

1480-1489 , 15th century , decade overview

1470-1479 , 15th century , decade overview

1460-1469 , 15th century , decade overview

1450-1459 , 15th century , decade overview

1440-1449 , 15th century , decade overview

The Virgin as a Fashion Icon: How the Virgin of Guadalupe Shapes Latinx Identity

16th century , 21st century , Americas , BIPOC , thematic essays

The image of the Virgin of Guadalupe is one that is intertwined with Latinx heritage and her identifiable symbols have been appropriated as an expression of individuality, identity, and pride.

1583/5 – Annibale Carracci, Portrait of a Woman Holding a Clock

1580-1589 , 16th century , artwork analysis , BIPOC

1592 – Marcus Gheeraerts the Younger, Elizabeth I (1533-1601), Queen of England

1590-1599 , 16th century , artwork analysis

bombast/bombasted

16th century , 17th century , B , term definition

1590-1599 , 16th century , decade overview

1510 – Titian, Portrait of a Man with a Quilted Sleeve

1510-1519 , 16th century , artwork analysis

17th century , 18th century , 19th century , 20th century , A , Africa , BIPOC , term definition

Produced by the Asante peoples in Ghana, adinkra is a flat, cotton textile that is stamped with symbols which create the meaning of the garment.

17th century , 18th century , 19th century , B , term definition

raffia cloth

17th century , 18th century , 19th century , 20th century , Africa , R , term definition

17th century , 18th century , 19th century , 20th century , 21st century , Africa , K , term definition

17th century , 18th century , 19th century , Americas , term definition , W

17th century , 18th century , 19th century , Americas , Q , term definition

18th century
19th century
20th century
21st century

1785 – Adélaïde Labille-Guiard, Self-Portrait with Two Pupils

1780-1789 , 18th century , artwork analysis

The self-portrait of Adélaïde Labille-Guiard alongside two of her students, Marie Gabrielle Capet and Marie Carreaux de Rosemond, shows the influence of the Rococo and Neoclassical styles in the late 18th century.

1780-1789 , 18th century , decade overview

1770-1779 , 18th century , decade overview

1760-1769 , 18th century , decade overview

1750-1759 , 18th century , decade overview

1740-1749 , 18th century , decade overview

19th century , 20th century , Africa , Americas , BIPOC , D , term definition

A loose-fitting pullover tunic traditionally worn in West African cultures that was adopted by African diasporic communities as a symbol of African heritage in the 1960s and then more widely worn as a popular item of "ethnic" fashion.

1885 – Henry Lerolle, The Organ Rehearsal

1880-1889 , 19th century , artwork analysis

1880s – Amédée François, Blue Silk Day Dress

1880-1889 , 19th century , garment analysis

1893-94 – Mary Cassatt, The Boating Party

1890-1899 , 19th century , artwork analysis

1870-71 – Paul Cézanne, The Conversation

1855 – Black Taffeta Day Dress with Rose and White Stripes

1970 – Rudi Gernreich, Caftan

1970-1979 , 20th century , garment analysis , LGBTQ+

Rudi Gernreich's 1970 caftan reflects the designer's politics and his tireless effort toward creating genderless clothing. The piece features his characteristic loose silhouette as well as his technique of using patterns to de-accentuate the assumed gender of the wearer.

19th century , 20th century , 21st century , A , Asia , term definition

bogolanfini

20th century , Africa , B , term definition

dentalium cape/dress

19th century , 20th century , Americas , D , term definition

1995 – Thierry Mugler, “Birth of Venus” Dress

1990-1999 , 20th century , garment analysis , LGBTQ+

19th century , 20th century , A , Americas , term definition

The Authentication of Chinese Culture in African Fashion

2000-2009 , 2010-2019 , 21st century , Africa , Asia , thematic essays

Since the mid-20th century, relations between Africa and China have grown stronger leading to a significant change in the mutual adaptation of fashion between both nations. A 21st century, Sino-African style has been formed by the intercultural meshing of traditional garments, textiles, and motifs.

2003 – Alexander McQueen, Oyster Dress

2000-2009 , 21st century , garment analysis

2000-2009 , 21st century , decade overview

pelete bite

19th century , 20th century , 21st century , Africa , B , P , term definition

chantilly lace

17th century , 18th century , 19th century , 20th century , 21st century , C , L , term definition

A History of Women’s Swimwear

18th century , 19th century , 20th century , 21st century , thematic essays

1770-96 – Agostino Brunias, Free Women of Color with Their Children and Servants in a Landscape

1770-1779 , 1780-1789 , 1790-1799 , 18th century , artwork analysis , BIPOC

1787-9 – Alexandre-August Robineau, The Fencing-Match between the Chevalier de Saint-George and the Chevalier d’Eon

1780-1789 , 18th century , artwork analysis , BIPOC , LGBTQ+

1955 – Charles James, Butterfly dress

1950-1959 , 20th century , garment analysis , LGBTQ+

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Fashion and Textiles is affiliated with The Korean Society of Clothing and Textiles

Fashion and Textiles is supported by the Korean Federation of Science and Technology Societies Grant funded by the Government of the Republic of Korea (Ministry of Education).

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Citation Impact 2023 Journal Impact Factor: 2.3 5-year Journal Impact Factor: 2.6 Source Normalized Impact per Paper (SNIP): 1.478 SCImago Journal Rank (SJR): 0.539

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ISSN: 2198-0802 (electronic)

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57 Interesting Fashion Dissertation Topics and Ideas

by Antony W

June 28, 2024

Culture and fashion intersect to a great degree, and this is a great area to study and write a dissertation on. So if you’re interested in examining the relationship between culture and fashion and the role the two play in the human life, you should explore the best fashion dissertation topics, identify the topic idea that interests you, and present your research in your dissertation project.

The most important rule when choosing a dissertation topic in culture and fashion is to focus on a subject that reflects your concerns and interest. It also helps to ensure that the topic you choose merges well into the current trends and focuses on key areas.

It’s important to note that the link between fashion and culture is complex and dynamic. Given that diversity, you will need to implement sociological and psychological research.

In this dissertation topics series, we look at some examples of topics that are worth looking at in the culture-fashion field.

Fashion Dissertation Topics

We’ve divided the following sections into categories to make it easy for you to identify the area you would find interesting to explore in your work.

Iconography Topics for Dissertation Research

Trying to keep up with the Kardashians: The Kardashians’ effect on the fashion industry is being tracked
Imagining Monroe: A look back at one of the world’s most stylish ladies
Fashioning the Elite: What Hubert de Givenchy and Audrey Hepburn’s lifelong friendship contributed to the fashion industry
‘Pride and Prejudice’: how Austen continues to captivate designers’ minds today.
What Elvis gave to the fashion world: glitz, glam, and an increasing girth.
Gender fluidity: Investigating the importance of androgynous fashion icons
If appearances could kill: Kylie Minogue and the pop princess image.

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Co-creation in the Fashion Industry

To what degree has digital technology aided in the global fashion industry’s co-creation?
Is the ‘culture of co-creation’ in the fashion industry the way of the future?
‘None of us are as strong as all of us,’ says the fashion industry on co-creation.
Co-creation via social media: A fashion industry case study
What is the function of co-creators’ culture in SME fashion brands?

History of Fashion Dissertation Topics

A discussion of 1970s fashion icons and what they contributed to the fashion industry
How fashion in the 1980s reflected political and cultural beliefs of the period.
Royal attire and the many identities of rulers across the world
Material marriages: The origins and evolution of the English wedding gown
The effect of vintage clothes on today’s fashion business is discussed in this article.

Fashion Topics on Clothing, Leisure and Place

Shakespearean theatre and the aesthetic image: how Shakespearean plays influence current fashion trends
Changing Times: The closure of the rural-urban fashion divide during the previous century
The uniform: the history and transformation of school uniforms in the United Kingdom during the last century
Celebrity fashion influence: an examination of celebrity-endorsed design lines
What is the function of the heel? A look back at the history of high-heeled shoes in fashion

Children’s Clothing Fashion Dissertation Topics

Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, and the trendy imagination are the essence of the fairy tale.
A critical examination of the controversies around promiscuity and children’s clothes
T-shirts, chains, and baggy pants: In children’s fashion, the meaning of skateboard culture
Is children’s dress representative of current societal values? Children’s clothes from the Victorian era to the current day is being studied.
Return to nature: The incorporation of natural-world emblems and symbols into modern fashion.
“If everyone else can do it, why can’t we?” An examination of the impact of fashion advertisement on children

Help for Assessment can write your paper fast and deliver on time.

Dissertation Topics on Sex, Body, and Presentation in Fashion

Adoration and adornment: A critical examination of the significance of body art and piercing in Western civilizations
Fashion and religion: An investigation into the issues about appropriate dress
The real and the subversive: Mannequins and models have been used since the 1960s.
Dressing monks and nuns through the centuries is a lifelong practice.
To what extent is modern fashion concerned with appearing nice naked?
Have transgender models had an impact on mainstream fashion design?

Material and Designs Fashion Dissertation Topics

The impact of health and safety, as well as the expansion of gender shifting roles, are all factors to consider when it comes to public service attire.
Materials that matter: an examination of the shifting usage of materials during the nineteenth century
The morality and appeal of natural textiles such as leather and cotton are currently being debated.
Statements made by accessories: How diverse materials have influenced accessory styles.
From the 1990s to the present, distressed fashion and damaged garments have been popular.

COVID-19 Impact on Creative Industries

What role did digital advancements play in assisting the creative sectors throughout the pandemic?
Examine new crossovers in culture, education, and health resulting from the COVID epidemic.
Why did COVID have such a detrimental impact on the creative industries compared to many other sectors?
Investigate students’ perspectives on employment opportunities in the fashion industry following COVID-19.

Fashion Entrepreneurship Dissertation Topics

Describe the variables influencing the performance of small and medium-sized firms in the cultural and fashion industries in the United Kingdom.
Discuss the obstacles or concerns that fashion entrepreneurs encounter.
Fashion design entrepreneurship: Required skills and a solution Starting a business
Contribution of fashion entrepreneurship on the country’s economic growth
Education in fashion entrepreneurship: A handbook for aspiring fashion entrepreneurs
What criteria should you consider before starting a new fashion firm in the United States or the United Kingdom?
For luxury fashion firms, social media marketing is the most successful method.

Good Fashion Dissertation Topics

The effect of fashion on the young generation as a result of celebrity lives and movies they watch
What is the difference between a fashion brand’s brand image and brand identity, and how does it benefit entrepreneurs in today’s market?
Analysis and examination of the history of the hat and how it has evolved over the ages with new designs
Since the early 1800s, a chronological examination and study of men and women’s fashion has been conducted
Nuns’ and monks’ clothes and style during the last few decades
In today’s society, does luxury apparel necessitate good social media marketing?
What films, both past and present, have had a significant effect on society in terms of fashion?

About the author

Antony W is a professional writer and coach at Help for Assessment. He spends countless hours every day researching and writing great content filled with expert advice on how to write engaging essays, research papers, and assignments.

Fashion research paper topics 2023 to write an appealing paper

Uncategorized

Question:How to select an ideal fashion-based topic for a research paper? Share a list of fashion research paper topics 2023.

Edith Head says, ‘You can have anything you want in life if you dress for it.’

Fashion in the 21st century has enlarged so amazingly that even a kid realizes its significance. It is one of the fast-changing fields, and students pursuing this discipline face several complexities in keeping up with changing trends when selecting a fashion research paper topic. So, to assist you in the fast-changing fashion trends, we are here with some fashion research paper topics 2023that can help you keep moving.The blog will help you with interesting details about writing a fashion research paper.Continue reading this blog to explore more about fashion research papers.

Strategies to choose appealing fashion research paper topics 2023

Both college and university students can be asked to write a research paper on fashion. Still, it is inappropriate to modify topics from the internet or take inspiration from a previous submission. Selecting an appealing fashion topic for a research paper at the college or university level may involve considering several factors. These factors can ensure that the research experience is interesting and successful. In this section of the blog on fashion research paper topics 2023, we will share a few strategies that can be applied while selecting an appealing fashion research topic.

Decide the scope of research:The scope of the subject is much more diverse than one can imagine.It spreads across all life spheres, from clothing and interiors to culture.When you can understand the field’s restrictions, you tend to perceive what you were finding.In this way, you will get an interesting idea more swiftly for your next fashion research paper.

Explore the relevancy: Select a topic that is much talked about in the fashion industry or consider issues whose solution can add new insights to the fashion industry.Ensure the selected topic can be supported with adequate sources like books, articles, case studies, news releases, etc.Having sufficient resources can add value to the research paper.

Analyze current resources:You need to make sure that you find current resources that can help in the initial investigation process. It is vital to conduct preliminary research about the topic before finalizing it.It will help you to analyze the feasibility of the research work in the selected field and determine the probable gap areas.

Frame a captivating researchquestion: It is essential to frame a research question while writing a research paper. Do not rewrite the topic in the form of a question. The research question must be clear and focused, which can help make your fashion research paper topic more specific. The answers to the research question can help you write the paper in an organized manner.

Evaluate your expertise:Fashion research topics 2023 must be from an area of your interest. You must select a topic from an area corresponding to your immense knowledge and interest. If you cannot find a topic in your interest, then you need to prepare yourself to explore other areas of fashion. You must develop a new area of interest to write a compelling fashion research paper.

Consider practical implications: Select a topic with probable implications for the fashion industry. It will help you effectively research the area, and you can hold back the readers’ attention. In addition, the topic will make the readers inquisitive about how the writer has addressed the gaps. Topics with practical applications can also be selected to attract the reader’sattention.

By considering the strategies mentioned above in the fashion research paper topics 2023 blog, you can easily select a fashion research paper topic.The topics chosen by applying the above strategies can make your research paper worth reading. Furthermore, it will assist you in finishing a task which is intriguing and compelling for the readers.

In the next section of the blog on fashion research paper topics 2023, we will guide you with some interesting topics. With some interesting topics at your disposal, you can easily become a champion.

List of fashion research paper topics 2023

Are you also of the opinion that fashion is all about clothes? No, it isn’t. As stated previously in this blog on fashion research paper topics 2023, it is a vast subject covering movies, entertainment, music, makeup, art, etc. So, when asked to write a research paper on fashion, you cannot limit yourself to clothes. The idea of a fashion-based topic can be generated from online materials, fashion magazines, fashion books, fashion shows, etc.Usually, much of your time goes into researching and identifying an appropriate topic for yourself, but what if you get a list of unique topics, we are sure that you will be more than happy. So, here we are with a list of fascinating fashion research topics you can consider.

Fashion research paper topics 2023 for college students

1. What is your view on fashion as one of the world’s leading forces?

2. Do you think fashion is limited to beauty or comfort? Explain.

3. Explain society’s role in creating a fashion change

4. Do you think designers are the only ones responsible for changing fashion trends?

5. Why do you think that women are more concerned about what they wear than men?

6. Examine the cultural appropriation problem in the fashion industry

7. Examine the role played by a class in influencing fashion

8. Provide a comparative view of brand and trend

9. Discuss the absurdity of fashion trends in the 21st century

10. Discuss in which ways culture and fashion are interrelated

11. Examine the role of demand, supply, and industry in fashion

Fashion research paper topics 2023 based on fast fashion

1. What is your view on fast fashion as a social justice issue?

2. Discuss the ways through which fast fashion manipulates people

3. Explain the connection between fast fashion and corporate globalization

4. Give your opinion on the obsolescence culture developed by fast fashion

5. Analyze the advantages and disadvantages of fast fashion

6. Discuss the impact of fast fashion on human well-being, and on the environment

7. What are the career opportunities that a fashion student can explore?

8. Explain the results of not stopping fast fashion

9. Explain how fast fashion is ruining the Earth

10. Analyze the amount of wealth generated by fast fashion

Excellent fashion research paper topics 2023

1. Examine the swimwear options for people who do not want to show their belly fat

2. Describe the essential bags that every individual must have

3. Comment on the winter outfits that can keep you cosy

4. Explain the luxury items from your wish list

5. Explain the ways that can be used to choose colors according to skin tone

6. With the aid of an example, explain how to style a trend differently

7. Explain the effective ways to make a capsule wardrobe

8. Explain the ways to care for luxury fashion items

9. Explain the fashion items that will not be out of fashion in future

10. Explain how to select vintage fashion items

Interesting fashion research paper topics 2023

1. Explain the link between modern democracy and dress code

2. Why do you think outdated clothes come into trend again?

3. Provide a comparison between fashion trends in rural and urban areas

4. Is there any relation between brand and quality?

5. How do you perceive music impacting fashion trends?

6. What is your view about women in their 40s following the fashion of youth?

7. Explain the demand for minimal fashion

8. Give an account of iconography considering the case of Carl Lagerfeld

9. Explain the role of advertisement in enhancing fashion

10. Explain how blogging can help in the growth of designers

Fashion research paper topics 2023 based on the history of fashion

1. Explain how democratic development influenced global fashion

2. Discuss fashion during the Cold War

3. Explain your views on withdrawal from ownership of slaves as an effect of freedom of fashion

4. Explain the significance of retro style in clothing

5. What was the role of royal families in influencing modern fashion?

6. Discuss the laying down of the red carpet as a stage for fashion

7. Explain the effect of World War on fashion

8. Comment about the trends highlighted in the 20th century

9. Explain the connection between the development of fashion and the Egyptian culture

10. Discuss fashion during the Elizabeth era

Fashion research paper topics 2023 related to fashion marketing

1. Discuss how online stores are stirring up fashion in different nations

2. Study and analyze the baby clothing fashion industry

3. Provide a thorough study on the birth of motifs

4. Provide an analysis of plain and checked fashion dressing

5. Discuss the evolution of beachwear

6. What is your view on influencer marketing for fashion brands?

7. What are the challenges and practices related to influencer fashion marketing?

8. Analyze the consumer opinion about the impact of cultural inclusivity and diversity in fashion marketing advertisements

9. Explain the challenges and opportunities of incorporating fashion marketing strategies for sustainable brands

10. With the aid of a case study, explain the significance of collaboration and brand partnership in the fashion industry

11. Explain your views on informal dressing as an office wear

Controversial fashion research paper topics 2023

1. Explain your views on faux fur replacing real fur in the fashion industry

2. Explain how to print fashion media has influenced culture

3. Explain the vital success factors behind online fashion business

4. Discuss the role of digital marketing in fashion

5. Explain the UK ASOS marketing program in the fashion industry

6. Discuss how Instagram influences fashion choices in Thailand

7. Give an account of the fashion merchandising history

8. Discuss the ways through which companies can enter the fashion industry in France

9. Explain how marketing in fashion is executed through social networks

10. Give your opinion on John Major’s fashion retailing, merchandising and marketing

Fashion research paper topics 2023 for essay writing

1. Explain the rise in the popularity of polo T-shirts

2. Explain the reason behind the falling trend of wearing a tie

3. Explain ways through which sari can be made fashionable

4. Comment in detail about the trends in the UK street style

5. Explain why wearing uncomfortable clothes isn’t fashionable

6. Explain the evolution of mini skirts

7. Discuss the adoption of waste materials in clothing

8. Explain the difference in the outfit of rich and poor in terms of designing and pricing

9. What is your view on globalization affecting cloth design?

10. Discuss the role of ancient societies in designing garments

Fashion research paper topics 2023 for speeches

1. What is your view on following a fashion trend to develop a positive expression?

2. Discuss the impact of fashion on the way people live

3. Do you think following a fashion trend gives you more confidence while communicating?

4. Discuss the influence of fashion in movies of this century

5. Explain the vitality of aesthetics in the fashion industry

6. Establish the link between style and symbolism

7. Explain the mantra for establishing a fashion brand

8. What are the attributes of modern fashion?

9. Explain the role of accessories in the fashion industry

10. What is your view on copying the fashion sense of others?

Creative fashion research paper topics 2023

1. Discuss the cultural ideas of fashion in 80s

2. Describe the city which is regarded as the heart of Vogue

3. Discuss the styling of celebrities on the red carpet

4. Explain the influence of Beyonce on making an outfit to trend

5. Explain the role TikTok in creating an impact on society about fashion

6. Discuss the historical importance of fur in the fashion industry

7. Explain the relationship between fashion and religion

8. Discuss the threats and opportunities connected with a career in the fashion industry

9. Explain the tips to build a successful fashion brand

10. Analyze the connection between fashion and pop culture

Frequently asked questions

Explain the effect of fashion on environment.

Fast fashion has a greater impact on the environment in the following ways:

Usage of toxic dyes which pollutes water
Release of toxic fumes dangerous for all living beings
Leads to the reduction of clean water
Wastage of clothes

How can sustainability be maintained in fashion?

Buy garments from sustainable fashion brands
Recycle old clothes
Avoid disposing of clothes; give it to others in need
Try buying clothes on rent
Reconsider washing techniques

List the current trends in fashion.

Oversized jackets
Hoodies under blazer
Cropped cardigans
Color blocking
Casual trench

What are the marketing strategies adopted by fashion brands?

Making use of Instagram stories
Using Facebook video advertisements
Using influencers
Making a presence on mobile
Host a contest

List some descriptive fashion research paper topics 2023.

1. Explain how fashion influences today’s youth.

2. Explain the ways humans demonstrate fashion in food and eating habits.

3. Can fashion display emotion.

4. Explain the relation between gender roles and chic appearances.

5. Explain how fashion brands like Coco Chanel and Versace are impacting other brands.

Understanding the difference between basic vs applied research with the aid of examples.

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The 2023 Style Trends to Start Shopping Now, According to Experts

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Another year has come and gone, which means it’s time to start planning our vision boards for the year ahead. But first, let's talk about the 2023 style trends that experts predict will take over our closets. Thanks to Pinterest, we know to start shopping for airy styles —think anything with lace, tulle, or ruffles—but what else?

In the name of fashion journalism and looking cute at all our events next year, we spoke with several stylists, fashion influencers, and designers about the 2023 style trends they think are on the horizon. (We also asked for the trends they think will die, because we're thorough like that.)

Among the experts, there was a general theme for the coming year: embracing your own style. The trends below are all fun to participate in, sure, but only if you can make them your own. “I think people are getting more comfortable with pushing the boundaries,” fashion creator Kendall Rayburn tells Glamour . “Fashion is only getting more creative in terms of self-expression.”

So let's get into it! Below are the 2023 style trends to look out for, according to the experts.

2023 Style Trend: Oversized Everything

Gen Z has already banished the skinny jean from their closets, and Rayburn thinks they're onto something. With oversized blazers and extra-large shirts trending on the TikTok For You page every other day, Rayburn predicts the oversized trend will only grow in strength next year, with even the bottom of our pants expanding. So here’s to embracing flared bottoms and wide-leg jeans in 2023.

PARIS FRANCE JULY 05 Model Rayssa Medeiros wears a blue CourrÃ¨ges ribbed mock neck top highwaisted blue panneled flare...

Madewell Plus Perfect Vintage Wide-Leg Crop Jeans

FP x Anna Sui Penny Pull-On Printed Flare Jeans

Free People

2023 Style Trend: Corsets, Corsets, Corsets

Katia Barros, cofounder of popular fashion brand Farm Rio , says the Victorian-era corset looks aren't going anywhere. The trend has been seen recently on celebs like Kim Kardashian and Bella Hadid and is set to stick around next year. “We love the tight-to-the-body, smocked corset dresses with that sexy yet cool look,” Barros tells Glamour.

NEW YORK NEW YORK SEPTEMBER 12 A guest wears black sunglasses sliver and rhinestones pendant earrings a brown and black...

Farm Rio Green Wild Jungle Corset Dress

ASOS Design Corset Bodice Cocktail Dress

2023 style trend: sheer fabrics.

Rayburn and fashion stylist Audree Kate López concur: Sheer fabrics are en vogue. “We saw a lot of this pop up in 2022, and it will continue in 2023 with the lace trend, rhinestones, and sheer panels in clothing,” she tells Glamour . With this comes plenty of layering, both on top and underneath. It's time to ask yourself, “Am I ready for a peekaboo bra moment?” (The answer: yes!)

SAO PAULO BRAZIL NOVEMBER 16 A guest is seen during Sao Paulo Fashion Week N54 SPFW Summer 2023 at Komplexo Tempo on...

Miaou Billie Thermal Pastel Print Sheer Mesh Midi Dress

Urban Outfitters Gossamer Sheer Lace Flyaway Top

Urban Outfitters

2023 Style Trend: Cutouts

Love it or hate it, Barros says that the cutout trend is here to stay. Whether it’s a keyhole in the front of a shirt or a dramatic waist situation, you’ll be seeing even more of this controversial trend in 2023.

9 Shoe Trends to Know (and Shop!) Ahead of Fall

ASOS Design Curve Cutout Midi Dress

Ksubi Detached Jeans

2023 style trend: minidresses and skirts.

The death of the maxidress has finally arrived, at least according to Rayburn. She’s predicting shorter hems taking over the fashion world next year. “Minidresses, tailored skirts, and skirts with cutouts are all styles I think we’ll see more of,” she says. Yes, this means micro miniskirts are coming back with a vengeance.

PARIS FRANCE OCTOBER 04 Jasmine Tookes seen wearing a green Louis Vuitton look with a black Louis Vuitton leather bag...

UO Velvet Minidress

Asos Mini Ruffle Skirt

2023 style trend: a y2k revival.

The embrace of low-rise jeans and cargo pants in 2022 is (unfortunately) here to stay. Brixton women’s design director Eunjoo Kim says we’ll see a sharp decrease in high-rise jeans and an influx of low-rise pants with baggier, slouchier silhouettes.

TikTok’s Sir Bucks and Janina Neoral, a.k.a. @thefashioncouple , agree with this forecast; they say the early-aughts revival isn’t going anywhere. In fact, they bet that double denims (think Justin Timberlake and Britney Spears’s matching Canadian tuxedos at the VMAs) will make a strong comeback. They say feather trims à la Paris Hilton will also resurface.

LONDON ENGLAND DECEMBER 17 Rita Ora leaving The Aubrey Restaurant in Knightsbridge on December 17 2022 in London England.

Levi's Baggy Dad Jeans

Reformation Addison Low-Rise Relaxed Jeans

Reformation

2023 Style Trend: Military-Inspired Looks

“Thanks to Bella Hadid, we saw searches for cargo pants increase,” says creative director and stylist Taylor Okata . “We also viewed them on spring 2023 runways, including at Coperni and Diesel, and will probably see more and more of them on the street. Kim agrees, anticipating that styles will evolve past the utility and workwear trends into more military details and colors in surplus basics.

COLOGNE GERMANY SEPTEMBER 25 Silvia Cristina Alves Machado is seen wearing black blouse from Huatika beige large The...

Cider Cargo Pants

Belle and Bloom Liberty Coat

Nordstrom Rack

2023 Style Trend: Cowboy Cosplay

Consider it Lil Nas X’s impact. Western fashion trends like wide-brim hats, cowboy boots, and even heavy-duty denim are set to hit in a major way, according to Kim. Even if you buy just one specific piece, like a vintage belt buckle or Emily Ratajkowski's boots , the design director says it’s easy to incorporate this style into your existing wardrobe.

NEW YORK NEW YORK SEPTEMBER 12 Aimee Song wears black square sunglasses a silver necklace a beige and black square...

Franco Sarto Cowboy Boots

Image may contain: Clothing, Apparel, Human, Person, Hat, Necklace, Jewelry, Accessories, Accessory, Cowboy Hat, and Pendant

Free People Cash Cowboy Hat

2023 style trend: ballerinas.

While we all might not be able to do pirouettes or chassés, Miu Miu’s impact will bring ballet-core to the forefront in 2023, according to Okata. Marina Larroudé, cofounder and CCO of Larroudé, believes that ballet flats and Mary Janes will be next year’s It shoes. “We sold out of our best-selling Blair Ballet Flat after only two weeks back in August, and our reorder of this style has only been up on our site for a week now and is almost sold out,” she tells Glamour . “It’s safe to say this trend will be a hit for a while.”

LONDON ENGLAND SEPTEMBER 14 Model Adwoa Aboah attends the Molly Goddard dress in black sunglasses a pink dress brown...

Hutch Pleated Tulle Skirt

Anthropologie

Image may contain: Clothing, Apparel, Shoe, Footwear, and Suede

Tory Burch Runway Ballet Flats

2023 style trend: the revenge heel.

López says the kitten heel is out and the revenge (a.k.a. platform) heel is in. We’ve already seen this trend taking off with celebs like Charli D’Amelio and Selena Gomez rocking Larroude’s platforms. Larroudé herself agrees, saying that the platforms are “the new shoe to have.” She suggests taking the revenge heel trend further by going for one with a sultry lace-up detail.

BERLIN GERMANY AUGUST 31 Tamara von Nayhauss wearing a pink vintage long vintage coat by Couture a black turtleneck...

Larroude Dolly Sandals

Goolita Platform Chunky High Heels

2023 style trend: wednesday addams.

“I’m here for the grunge 2.0 of it all—a refined grunge,” says Okata. “This can be interpreted in various ways from the 2023 collections, from Marni to Bottega’s plaid and denim looks to Miu Miu.”

López also believes punk and goth dressing à la Wednesday Addams will maintain their hold on the fashion world in 2023. “Look for lace, leather, chunky boots, silver jewelry, and sheer clothing,” she says for anyone hoping to take part in the trend. Even if the alt-punk look isn’t your typical style, López says you can easily incorporate “tougher elements” into your wardrobe with ease by mixing them with romantic lace, florals, and even disco shimmer details.

PARIS FRANCE OCTOBER 21 Emy Venturini wears sunglasses from Ferragamo earrings a black leather biker jacket a black...

Dr. Martens Jadon Boot Smooth Leather Platforms

Dr. Martens

Daimay Choker Necklace

2023 style trend: ’90s revival.

Sure, the early aughts are having a moment, but that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy relics of fashion’s past. Both López and Larroudé predict ’90s silhouettes will make a comeback. Think column dresses and skirts, Matrix -inspired leather details, and pumps with vintage-inspired details .

HAMBURG GERMANY DECEMBER 09 Vivien Sterk seen wearing black leather blazer green cropped knit pullover black leather...

Lamarque Felina Oversized Leather Blazer

Daisy Street ’90s Cami Minidress

2023 style trend: disco diva.

Think shimmery rhinestones, tons of glitter, sparkly sequins, and slick metallics all making a sort of ’80s glam resurgence. “I'm personally a big fan of maximalist dressing and the resurgence of grandma glam,” López says. “I love the current trends of feathers, strong shoulder silhouettes, fringe, and platform heels, so I am excited to see it really continue to grow in 2023.”

LONDON ENGLAND SEPTEMBER 18 A guest wears blue glitter dress white Coperni bag white laced boots outside Halpern during...

Reformation Breslin Dress

Steve Madden Charlize Platform Heels

2023 style trend: maximalism.

NEW YORK NEW YORK FEBRUARY 16 Greivy Lou is seen wearing green sunglasses gloves striped coat navy dress with floral...

“I think style will be less focused on the minimal, clean-girl aesthetic and more about having fun and pushing boundaries,” Okata says. “Expect a bit more maximalist styling with ’90s and Y2K references. The current climate is overwhelming, and people are looking to vibe shift—more self-expression and speaking up.”

In short, next year will be all about expressing your individualism and decking yourself out with everything and anything—even if society thinks it’s all a bit too much. But that’s the fun of fashion: It can be whatever you want it to be.

The Fashion Couple agree that next year is all about daring to be different. “As time goes by, it is very evident that people are getting more confident in what they wear,” the experts say. “The fashion game is so full of trends yet so versatile. We do believe people will go out of their usual way to dare to be different.”

Barros is on board with this opinion, adding that fashion next year will be all about fun: “In 2023 the vibe will be creative, adventurous, and most of all, fun. Colorful clothes, dramatic shapes, and fun prints will be essential in everyone's closet.”

Farm Rio Belted Fleece Coat

Busayo Adeola Tiered Off-the-Shoulder Dress

Saks Fifth Avenue

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10 Denim Trends That Will Define Autumn 2024

Spring/Summer 2023 Fashion Trends: 21 Expert-Approved Looks You Need to See

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It's time to talk about spring trends for 2023! Spanning four cities, over 350 designer showcases, and more celebrity-model moments than you can shake a roll of body tape at, ask anyone in attendance, and they'll tell you that fashion month was back at its biggest and brightest for spring/summer 2023 . Having pivoted from perching on the front row to sitting in front of our laptops (cup of tea in hand) for the past few seasons, we expected some designers to entirely forgo the frivolity of "real-life" fashion shows in favor of the digital experience. This, however, was not the case; in fact, not a single virtual invitation landed in my inbox. Instead, with a 45% increase in shows compared to autumn/winter, designers appeared to come to the collective agreement that being together will always be better. And, my, did they make it worth washing our hair and putting on our best outfits for.

As we've established, physically attending shows certainly has its charms, and we're grateful that the jubilant omnipresence and full-blown spectacle had, for the most part, returned to fashion month. Still, it would be remiss of us not to mention perhaps the most desired guest at any runway: the smartphone. We hate to break it to you, but fashion editors aren't time travelers. Silliness aside, the reality is we can only be in one place at any given time, and with the sheer volume of shows in different vicinities—heck, different cities—it's impossible to be present at every single one. Cue social media, namely Instagram and TikTok, which gives us more access to the action than any backstage pass ever could and enables us to see every noteworthy second unfold as it happens. And spring/summer 2023 proved to be curated with viral moments in mind.

"The season was dominated by the competition between designers to achieve the best audience engagement through the biggest viral flash," says Libby Page, all-around fashion expert and market director at Net-a-Porter . "Coperni was extremely imaginative with the sprayed-on dress worn by Bella Hadid for closing the show. Paris Hilton at Versace and Cher at Balmain demonstrated the power and influence celebrity endorsements have over the brand's popularity." However, it wasn't just A-list sashays that made for excellent viewing; the sets and spaces in which the shows themselves were held were just as integral to the aesthetic as the clothes and, indeed, the celebrity talent.

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The iconic London skyline served as the Rejina Pyo backdrop, while Chanel created its very own black-and-white movie—starring its loyal ambassador Kristen Stewart, no less—that was projected upon a gargantuan screen, the scope of which can only be realized with the models walking in front of it for measurable context. "Courregès was a standout moment for me, seeing how they have evolved for S/S 23, and the show itself, with the amazing set build and sand hourglass, was a real highlight," says Heather Gramston, head of womenswear at Browns. "Not a new name, but Khaite deserves mention as my New York Fashion Week highlight. The gritty after-dark styling and addition of the snake print was genius; my favorite piece of the season is, without a doubt, the snake-print leather oversize trench."

"I also thought Erdem's show at the British Museum was incredibly powerful," continues Page, "with the guests sat underneath the breathtaking pillars and perfect timing of the rain as soon as the show was over." Ah, London—you never miss a beat.

Being quite literally on our doorstep, London's offering always holds a special place in our hearts. For spring 2023, it was all the more poignant. This season, we saw a London Fashion Week like no other, as it fell during the official period of national mourning following the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Some designers chose to postpone their shows—most notably Burberry, which has a long history of outfitting our country's royalty. Those who did go ahead as planned paid their tributes to the monarch in truly idiosyncratic and meaningful ways. Richard Quinn, who was honored by the queen when she presented him with the inaugural Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design during his fashion week show in 2018, dedicated his S/S 23 collection to her. The show opened with an entirely black series of regal mourning gowns, paired with veils and crowns, as vintage footage of the queen played on screens in the center of the runway, subsequently capturing the quiet reflection that enveloped the usually bustling streets of the nation's capital at that time.

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Just as Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II assured in a televised address in 2020, we did indeed meet again. "After two years of pandemic-related disruptions, S/S 23 felt like the fashion world had finally returned to its busy and buzzy schedule," says Morgane Le Caer, fashion expert and content editor at Lyst . But what are the top spring/summer fashion trends for 2023, we hear you exclaim? Well, let's get right down to it.

"The collections were a sartorial tale of two extremes," continues Le Caer. "Bright colors, gaudy metallics, and bold 3D florals clashed against 50 shades of black and white, elevated basics, and contemporary formalwear, and the result was an exciting mix of decadent theatricality and pared-back designs."

"For spring/summer 2023, we saw designers creating wearable yet interesting clothes, with a shift towards hardworking, effortless pieces," says Liane Wiggins, head of womenswear at MatchesFashion . "In addition, there were redefined craft techniques not yet seen before, giving customers new reasons to invest in emotive yet wearable garments. It was a real shift to modern luxurious wardrobing and interesting, accessible tailoring to fit all lifestyles, which, after many seasons of high occasionwear, was refreshing to see."

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From our standpoint, there does seem to be a distinct shift from the extreme sexiness that has populated recent collections. Even sheer textiles, which remain very much a thing for spring 2023, are approached in an entirely different manner, worn with sweatshirts in place of sky-high heels. And what of the Y2K aesthetic? Although hints of it remain sprinkled throughout the season, a certain refinement now comes with it. Cargo trousers have been elevated with exquisite tailoring in lighter fabrications, while the spring/summer 2023 take on the '90s feels more Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy in Calvin Klein than, say, Cher Horowitz (who, in all fairness, also looked incredible in Calvin Klein). Still, that's not to say there's no fun to be had! As Le Caer surmises, the collections created a story with two endings: one of pared-back elegance and a focus on wardrobe fundamentals. The other? An explosion of fun and color and shine and unapologetic maximalism! Halpern encapsulated this with its epic '80s-themed party, to which everyone is invited. They may sit at opposite ends of the fashion spectrum, but the sentiment laid out by designers is clear. Whatever aesthetic you choose, commit to it wholeheartedly.

Thinking back, many of the trends showcased this season were a continuation of those displayed on the autumn runways, ensuring that nothing we just recently splurged on will go to waste. This is, perhaps, the most important takeaway of them all. Fashion is cyclical—we know we say this all the time, but it's true!—and any piece you invest in, be it inspired by the trends outlined below or otherwise, should only be purchased if you intend on keeping it in your wardrobe for a very, very long time.

Now, without further ado, keep reading for the rundown of the most noteworthy spring/summer 2023 fashion trends, as told by the experts, including some of our esteemed Who What Wear UK colleagues.

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In a diplomatic turn, designers have extended the lifespan of some noteworthy fall/winter 2022 trends, continuing their exploration of them in 2023 and ensuring we get adequate wear out of the pieces in which we've already invested. Elevated basics are one such trend. Last season, there was a clear '90s directive when it came to minimalism, with logo vests, low-slung trousers, and tube dresses being hero items. Now, things have been pared back even further. Sure, Y2K maxi skirts and oversize suiting are very much a thing, as witnessed on the runways of Peter Do and Roksanda, respectively, but the silhouettes are cleaner, and the color palette looks more expensive. Think shades of teal, camel, and navy.

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"Spring/summer 2023 marks the reinstatement of simplicity and everyday dressing to our wardrobes, with brands such as Bottega Veneta, Valentino, The Row, and Ferragamo embracing simplicity across their collections and are clearly anticipating that customers will be adopting this approach to dressing. The mood also translated into non-apparel, including wrist-length gloves, ruched socks with simple plimsolls, and Loewe's pared-back logo tote, leading us to back this style with almost 500 units across eight variations," says Page.

A great everyday staple.

16arlington + Blaise Strapless Duchesse-Satin Maxi Dress

This looks as if it's come straight from Gwyneth Paltrow's wardrobe archives.

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Metallics are commonplace in autumn/winter collections, particularly as our social calendars fill up with glamorous after-dark pursuits we want to shine for. For spring, however, a surprisingly fresh range of shimmering gold and silver pieces has transformed the metallic trend into a perennial favorite. In lieu of lightweight lamé, there's an exploration of thicker fabrications such as leather and packed-together sequins. We just know Tory Burch's gold coat is going to be a honey trap for fashion magpies.

"Interesting metallics were a standout trend for the season, with highlights including Jil Sander's incredible fabric developments (bouncy metallic chenille, silver sequins, and high craft techniques) as well as Christopher Kane's metallic chain mail," says Wiggins.

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"In-house, we call this trend 'magpie moments,' a continuation from winter's annual trophy dressing but less about full sequin looks and more about adding liquid shine and turning the simplest of everyday items into styles to stand out in," says Page.

Petar Petrov + Reina Metallic Velvet Wrap Skirt

This will look incredibly chic styled with a white shirt and black slingback shoes.

Gap + High Rise Faux-Leather Cheeky Straight Jeans

Pair these standout trousers with a denim shirt and black flat shoes for a low-key styling solution.

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We get it. Some of the trends on this list might not translate seamlessly into everyday life. (If you're prepared to wear a completely sheer skirt to run errands in, more power to you.) However, if you're looking to invest in something you'll genuinely get the wear out of, look no further. Between wide legs and puddle hemlines, slouchy-fit trousers were one of the biggest trends of 2022. Now, for spring 2023, the best jeans will feature these same design traits. From high-waisted dark-wash flares at Tibi to Bally's effortless double-denim moment complete with floor-grazing lengths, looser-fit denim is resolutely where it's at.

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"It's no surprise that a post-lockdown world is leaning towards more relaxed silhouettes, especially when it comes to our denim choices. I spend a lot of my days on social media (for work, naturally), and the jeans styles that I'm seeing across TikTok, Instagram, and Pinterest are so relaxed they might as well be joggers. As the world's number one fan of wide-leg trousers, I'm so happy that the grip skinny jeans had on us is finally over. Now, for the real stuff—this denim style can feel quite daunting if you're new to it. Me? I'll be taking styling cues from the master of jeans himself, Asake. IYKYK. And if you don't, you're in for a treat when you Google 'Asake jeans,'" says Joy Ejaria, Who What Wear UK's social media editor.

The perfect wash and the perfect fit.

Abercrombie & Fitch + Curve Love High Rise 90s Relaxed Jean

These jeans come in an extended size range.

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Fashion likes to work in extremes; typically, you have the overtly oversize and the impossibly teeny tiny, and everything in between is something of a footnote. For the past few seasons, we've seen the latter proportion dominate—Fendi created a microscopic version of its iconic Baguette, while Jacquemus's infamous Le Chiquito has handles bigger than its main compartment. No doubt about it, these bags are fun, but if you're more practically wired (I know I am), then you, too, will laud the return of the jumbo tote , as seen at Loewe, Bottega Veneta, Chloé, and a slew of other designer heavyweights known for their arm candy.

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" Big bags have become a favorite among celebrities, and Saint Laurent’s quilted Icare tote became a trending product for the brand after it was worn by Zoë Kravitz and Hailey Bieber—searches spiked 145% in August after Bella Hadid was spotted carrying it," says Le Caer.

There are plenty of designer options to tempt you, but we can't fault this style from COS.

Khaite's minimal handbags are to be cherished for a lifetime.

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Fashion's fascination with knitwear doesn't disappear with winter; much like the leaves on the tress and the flowers in the ground, it regenerates into something beautiful. Crochet often returns when temperatures begin to rise. Only this time around, it's less about tight purls and moss stitches and more about open, cobweb-like weave work.

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"Crochet featured in so many collections, from The Row to Gabriela Hearst and Proenza Schouler, and spoke as part of a larger and refined craftsmanship trend. We especially loved Proenza Schouler’s gold metallic crochet midi skirts, halter-neck tops, and flared trousers," says Wiggins.

Christopher Esber + Crochet Button Up Cardigan

Love this cardigan?

Christopher Esber + Fringe-Trimmed Maxi Skirt

Then you're going to love the matching skirt, too.

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Since attending the shows back in September, I must have looked at well over 10,000 runway images to discern the looks I'd include in our spring/summer 2023 fashion trend overview. (That's no exaggeration, by the way; if you take 350 shows with, say, 30 models each, the number quickly racks up.) Some trends take some digging to unearth, but others? Well, they're pretty hard to miss. Green falls into the latter category.

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A subtle move on from kelly green—a true grass green—if I had an hour to spare, I could list all the designers that included zesty shades in their collections. Instead, I'll leave you with some more impressive numbers."There was an average of 39,000 page views each month this year for green products on Lyst," says Le Caer. Coincidence? There's no such thing.

A dress you can genuinely wear from now until July.

& Other Stories + Sheer Fine Knitted Top

Just add your favourite trousers.

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I won't waste your time by quoting perhaps the most famous line in fashion-themed cinematic history, but let's just say florals are hardly revolutionary when it comes to the warmer months. At least they weren't until designers decided to double down on the trend and give it the gusto it has long been craving with a new take on blooms. We spotted a plethora of pretty 3D floral embellishments across plenty of collections, from Magda Butrym's rosette choker to Loewe's anthuriums of epic portions.

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"For spring 2023, there was a more surrealist interpretation with standout 3D designs and runway looks embellished with floral motifs. Standouts included provocative sculptural flowers on mini and maxi dresses paired with bold leaf shoes," says Page.

Give your existing wares the 3D-floral treatment with this incredible choker necklace.

Magda Butrym + Strapless Embellished Denim Mini Dress

Fabulous doesn't cut it.

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"Not a tie-dye girl yet fed up to the back teeth with ditsy florals? Then a new wave of digitally manipulated, mind-bending blurry prints will provide you with some sweet patterned relief for the coming season—they're certainly my number one choice when it comes to adding a new, unique motif into my heavily printed repertoire," says Hannah Almassi, editor in chief at Who What Wear UK.

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"The movement could be traced back to Jonathan Anderson's cult-adored blur-print tube dresses from Loewe last summer—the designer kick-started a revival for formfitting trompe l'oeil and cyber prints, and the look appears to be holding strong for spring/summer 2023. But there is also another side to this creative coin; I've noticed an air of bohemia for smudgy surface patterns, with some designers combining lighter-weight, billowing fabrics alongside painterly ombrés to great effect. It's very 'I work in the arts, darling,'" adds Almassi.

Paloma Wool + Yellow Fin De Año Long Sleeve T-Shirt

I can think of three top-tier influencers who already own this top.

A print you rarely find on the high street.

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Gen Z calls it "indie sleaze." I call it my wardrobe when I was 17. Either way, there was an edgy sensibility to many of the spring/summer 2023 runways that, although it's hard for me to admit, does equate to nostalgia. Think muddy hues, distressed denim, long-sleeve tops layered under grubby tees, army jackets, and chunky silver hardware. "Modern utility detailing was peppered throughout the majority of S/S 23 collections, with oversize pockets and cargo shapes spotted at Fendi, Blumarine, Miu Miu," says Gramston.

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"We saw the '90s and '00s, be that grunge or minimalism, firmly returning to fashion with denim maxi skirts, bomber jackets, and biker jackets. We have invested in nine styles from both the runway and true denim brands to scout out the perfect fit, length, and wash," says Page.

Ambra Maddalena + Sheer Raglan Sleeve Knitted Jumper

You can practically taste the teenage angst coming off of this gauzy layering top.

The Frankie Shop + Maesa Pleated Woven Wide-Leg Cargo Pants

A very sleek interpretation of the cargo-trouser trend.

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Every buyer I have spoken to has been most excited by the many pairs of perfectly cut trousers in the spring/summer 2023 collections, which actually should hardly come as a surprise. It's been the year of the trousers, after all, and that looks set to continue as designers have become more and more playful with their pants. From pedal pushers to wide-leg, cargos to puddle hemlines, the gang's all here, and just in the nick of time.

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According to Le Caer, post–fashion month searches for trousers were up 55% on Lyst. That tells me all I need to know.

If you're new to the wide-leg-trouser trend, Reformation's best-selling Mason pants are a great place to start.

Kick-flare silhouettes are also back for 2023.

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"Nothing says springtime like white cotton. Slightly cropped embroidered blouses, loose-fitting shirts, and oversize tent dresses really do make up the DNA of my wardrobe in the warmer months. What’s so fresh about spring/summer 2023's version of this summer classic is that it doesn’t just come courtesy of cotton. In fact, you’ll find PVC ruffles from Batsheva, sequin suits, and Coperni’s now-iconic spray-on dress made with new innovative material, Fabrica," says Rebecca Rhys-Evans, branded content editor at Who What Wear UK.

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"It seems this season is upping the ante when it comes to wearing whites, forging newfound design methods, and experimenting with untraditional fabrics for the season. Of course, the real challenge is not how to style a color so brilliantly simple but how to keep it clean. My advice? Stay clear of all colored foods, children, and the Central Line," adds Rhys-Evans.

This dress silhouette complete with draping to the waistline feels particularly current.

Try layering this mini with a white blazer or ecru knee boots.

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"As seen in Miu Miu's Milan Fashion Week show, knee-length skirts are coming back," says Le Caer. "Already embraced by the likes of Emily Ratajkowski, the formerly 'ugly' and difficult-to-get-right trend has benefited from the current resurgence of all things the '90s, and searches for knee skirts have increased by 81% since January. Searches for pencil skirts, in particular, increased 168% in October, which I don't think is any sort of accident."

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It's been a long, long time since knee-length skirts provided any sort of competition for midis, so this might take a minute to filter into the mainstream—stay tuned.

Look for details like wrapover fronts and pleats to make your knee skirt feel more modern.

Sleeping With Jacques + Francine Silk Lace Skirt

Lace trims on skirts are still big after last year.

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Gucci has been playing with the whole dolly theme for a while now, but this season, there was a stark uptick in the number of collections boasting twee, '60s-style babydoll dresses, giving the runway a playful mood.

"Every season, there is a trend that speaks to the inner maximalist in us. While autumn gave us lurid neons, biker boots, and Y2K glamour, spring/summer 2023 presents something a little sweeter, and those with an aversion to all things 'pretty,' consider this your warning to look away now," says Remy Farrell, shopping editor at Who What Wear UK.

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"From Molly Goddard’s diaphanous skirts to Giambattista Valli’s embellished minis, it’s time to step into the world of the living doll, a candy-colored world of ribbons, ruffles and plenty of drama, as the fresh, new season opens with childlike joie de vivre. Simply dust off your Mary Janes and knee-high socks, and enjoy all of the petticoats and frou-frou that we ironically hated as children but cannot wait to repurpose as adults," adds Farrell.

When it comes to doll-like dresses, independent brand Selkie simply can't be beaten. Plus, every design is size inclusive; this particular dress is available in XXS to 6X.

No one does the doll aesthetic like Gucci.

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There are plenty of '90s things to take note of in the fashion space for spring, and ballet shoes just happen to be one of them. I'm always surprised at just how divisive these shoes prove to be, but make no mistake. In terms of spring/summer 2023 footwear , this is the only shoe style that matters; at least, it was to designers. Thom Browne and Tod's lean into the saccharine sweetness of pastel satin, while Simone Rocha's rust metallic iteration presents a sleek ballet/Mary Jane flat-shoe hybrid.

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"Although they've been cropping up on runways and amongst the street style set for a few seasons now, it's clear that, for S/S 23, ballet flats are back in a big way—and I'm okay with it. Yes, it makes sense to save these precious shoes for a day when no rain is forecast, but the elegance they lend to any outfit makes those limitations completely worth it. This season sees classic leather put on the back burner (although they'll always be chic) in place of luxurious satin and printed fabric styles, which promise to lend their French-girl appeal to any jeans or dress outfit you're looking to freshen up for the months ahead," says Emily Dawes, affiliate editor at Who What Wear UK.

Metallic finishes make this shoe trend feel so fresh.

Porte & Paire + Bow-Embellished Satin Ballet Flats

As do pastel tones.

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Sport holds a huge influence over fashion; you need only think of the tennis skirt or the cricket jumper to confirm this. However, just when I thought we'd seen every athleisure trend there was, along comes motocross. It's hard to pinpoint where this aesthetic might have come from; avid Spotify listeners and pop-culture vultures may be familiar with Spanish singer Rosalía's hit album Motomami , which was released in early 2022. From there, we have sightings of both Bella and Gigi Hadid in what is best described as Formula 1 apparel over the summer. Now, it's time to grab your color-block leathers, boilersuits, and checkerboard boots and start your engines…

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If, however, the idea of a yellow all-in-one feels somewhat daunting, there is an easy way to tap into the motocross energy. "The moto jacket is on our S/S 23 wish list following the vintage-inspired options that walked the runway this season, " says Page.

"Leather jackets are leading the nouveau grunge trend, with Masha Popova, Knwls, and Gucci bringing strong seasonal updates," says Gramston. See? Easy!

If in doubt, you can't go wrong with classic black leather.

Agolde + Harley Denim and Recycled Leather-Blend Straight-Leg Pants

These aren't for the faint-hearted, but how cool are they?

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"We saw a complete shift away from the high-octane glamour that has dominated the space for the past few seasons to a more understated approach that embraces nudity in a subtle and chic way, which was a consistent theme throughout the shows. We have seen customers’ appetite for this mood during fashion month, with searches for 'sheer tops' increasing by 600% compared to the previous month. Saint Laurent owned this trend by showing 10 revealing dresses on the runway, and Valentino paired nude bodysuits with bright pop colors. We also saw a 400% increase in searches for transparent heels during fashion month and have heavily backed this moment by investing in 18 see-through styles for the upcoming season," says Page.

With this nuanced approach to designing with translucent fabrics comes a better understanding of where to reveal and, in tandem, where to conceal. ACNE Studios' sheer gown worn over jeans with a subtle slouch showcases just how versatile this trend can truly be. Fe Noel's sheer sequin maxi dress , complete with long sleeves and finished with brilliantly feathered cuffs, presents another way to interpret this idea.

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"Sheer fashion dominated the trends conversations for S/S 23, as seen at Simone Rocha, Christopher Kane, Rick Owens, and Molly Goddard. We loved Molly Goddard's romantic take on the trend, featuring her signature ruffle details on sheer orange midi dresses," says Wiggins.

I've seen this in real life, and it looks even more beautiful.

Look to dual-layer pieces for more coverage.

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I'm going to make a bold claim: Jewelry is the most impactful way to update your look. Whatever the outfit (or season, for that matter!), jewelry presents an accessible way to make your existing wares feel more current and new for spring and is a piece that will make your basic tops and shirts feel significantly fresher. Long, drop-like earrings that reached the shoulder were easily the most prevalent jewelry trend out there and came in various guises. From boho threads to polished pearls, I very much enjoyed watching these earrings flick in time to the model's walk.

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"I'm not one for necklaces, statement rings, or wrist stacks, but earrings? Earrings I can get on board with. In my opinion, nothing sets an outfit off better than a shoulder-skimming pair. Fortunately, it was this particular accessory that so many designers used to elevate their designs for S/S 23 . Whether you opt for an elegant bejeweled drop like Magda Butrym, Ralph Lauren, and Nensi Dojaka or a more extravagant pair like those seen at Louis Vuitton or Tory Burch, it's time to give your plain gold hoops a rest and go big for the season ahead," says Dawes .

Anissa Kermiche + Gold-Plated Grand Fil D'argent Drop Earrings

The ideal way to pep up a simple knit or T-shirt.

Pearl jewelry never goes out of style.

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Last season, minis and maxis reigned supreme, but now, it would appear that designers are looking to fill the space in between, and a train is, evidently, the most fabulous way to do so. Jaws dropped when Huishan Zhang's bubblegum shift made its way down the runway. Without a doubt, it was one of my favorite looks from the entirety of fashion month.

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"If there's one dress update you consider for 2023, it's this: a dress with a train. Yes, you read that right. Formerly reserved for brides or the red carpet, trains are big news for spring/summer thanks to designers like Bally and Victoria Beckham, who showcased everything from minis to maxis with cascading details. Choose an ice-cream shade (I was particularly taken with the pistachio at ACNE and soft orange sorbet at Giambattista Valli) and a slinky material for maximum impact before adding polished accessories. I can't wait to dip my toe into this trend ahead of wedding season and will be choosing a style with an interesting neckline to keep things on the contemporary side," says P oppy Nash, managing editor at Who What Wear UK .

Halpern + Exclusive Draped Satin Bustier Mini Dress

I'd really, really love to own this dress.

Acne Studios + Bow-Embellished Mini Skirt

Tick off two trends in one with this corsage and train miniskirt.

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If lime green isn't your vibe, rest assured there was another bold hue that practically jumped off the runway and my screen, which was evident from the moment I began this lengthy research process. Striking red ensembles, where shades of saffron were styled from top to toe, were present in the form of tights and tuxedos at Ferragamo, sharp tailoring at Alexander McQueen, impressive fringing at Bottega Veneta, and tube dresses and leggings at Alaïa.

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Clearly, these monochromatic looks made an instant impact too. "Searches for red pieces increased by 29% on Lyst in October," says Le Caer.

Rebecca Vallance + Magdalena Open-Back Satin Midi Dress

The cutouts, pleats, puff sleeves, and tie-back detail make this saffron dress a real showstopper.

& Other Stories + Wide Tailored Press Crease Trousers

I'm into the matching-your-trousers-to-your-blouse look.

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"As someone who can clearly (not fondly) remember their first bra fitting, which resulted in the teary-eyed purchase of what could only be described at the time as 'over-shoulder boulder holders,' it's surprising that I'd now find myself backing this brassiere-revealing trend. Or perhaps that's the point! Lingerie styles for big (and small) cups have improved vastly over the past 10 years, so why not celebrate it?" says Almassi.

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"Combine this design shift with the fact that we're moving into a fifth wave of feminism where many predisposed notions and ideologies tied up with previous movements are being flipped on their head, and this is less "burn the bra" and more "for goodness sake, what does it matter if I show my bra?" Maybe it's that I'm getting older and giving less of a damn, the ongoing body-confidence messaging I see on social media, or that we should all be allowed to wear what we want when we want. Whatever the reason, I'm into it," adds Almassi.

Fleur Du Mal + Cherie Leavers Lace-Trimmed Silk-Blend Satin Soft-Cup Triangle Bra

Textures such as satin and velvet loan themselves especially well to this look.

& Other Stories + Ruched Glittery Metallic Soft Bra

This will look so beautiful styled under a mohair cardigan.

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Thought party season ended at the stroke of midnight on December 31? Think again! The spring/summer runways bear a striking resemblance to all of my favorite coming-of-age movies from the '80s— Sixteen Candles , Pretty in Pink … basically, anything starring Molly Ringwald. Between frothy fabrications, high-shine lamé, lashings of leopard print, and the glorious return of the puffball hemline, this season invites you to play dress-up and not take yourself too seriously in the process.

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"This season, we saw the revival of the bubble skirt. Styled with printed snakeskin and powerful shoulders at Khaite, longer versions at Proenza Schouler reimagined with a low-waist silhouette, and Simone Rocha's metallic mini bubble—these were all highlights," says Wiggins.

River Island + Green Satin Wide Leg Trousers

The color! The fit! The shine!

The Vampire's Wife + The American Bow-Detailed Wool-Blend Lamé Gown

One day, I'd love to own a The Vampire's Wife lamé dress.

This post originally appeared on Who What Wear UK. Next Up: These 8 Trends Are Hot Right Now, and I Found Them All at Mango, Zara, and H&M

Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over thirteen years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content specifically for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys . She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, leads the editorial team in their SEO strategy and keyword planning, works closely with the beauty team on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media, including her own Who What Wear UK TikTok franchise, French Style Fridays. Previously, Maxine appeared on ITV's This Morning in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o.

Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship at Look magazine, she was offered a position on the brand's fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. Her passion and natural talent for writing and styling meant she swiftly rose through the ranks to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion and beauty writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief, overseeing both print and digital, before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others.

Maxine is based remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh where she spends her downtime renovating her house, walking her dogs, hosting friends and trying to master the art of making Old Fashioned cocktails.

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Sustainable fashion worldwide - statistics & facts

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These Fashion Trends Will Be Everywhere This Spring (And You Can Shop Them All Now)

Hot off the runways and soon to be in your closets.

Well, it’s official: The spring 2023 fashion trends we saw last fall are (finally) upon us. Elevated everyday dressing, high-octane sequins, sheer everything, and anything in between—the collections from fashion’s heavy hitters and emerging stars run the full gamut. We’re already starting to see the early days of spring, which means it’s time to get a start on your wardrobe for the warmer days ahead. Check out the best spring 2023 fashion trends that came from the runways, below. Then, shop each one so you can start wearing them now. After all, there’s no time like the present.

Baggy (and Baggier) Jeans

Denim trends have been leaning towards looser, more relaxed fits for a while now, but this season seals the baggy jeans trend in its place. Say goodbye to those skinnies—according to Bottega Veneta, Tibi, and more, you won’t be needing them for a long time.

Levi’s XL Flood Women’s Jeans

Madewell Superwide-Leg Jeans in Bessemer Wash

Everlane The Baggy Jean

Supersized blazers.

No doubt, we love a power blazer moment. Only this spring, blazers are getting bigger and better. Luar and Coach each showed the world how suiting can be styled to the max with the supersized staple. From pairing it with classic jeans or coordinating trousers, there’s no doubt this will be a head-turning look.

Dal the Label Signature Linen Double-Breasted Blazer

TWP Oversized Double Breasted Stretch Wool Blazer

Pixie Market Pocket Blazer

Maxed-out hems.

No, the micro-mini isn’t going away, but runways from the likes of Altuzarra and Tory Burch showed that floor-skimming maxi skirts will be everywhere come spring. And thankfully, this is one look you can wear for fall, too.

Jacquemus Novio Linen Maxi Skirt

EDIKTED Ruched Satin Maxi Skirt

Jil Sander Ring-Stud Ribbed Linen-Blend Maxi Skirt

Sheer everything.

Seriously though, who doesn’t love a sheer moment during the warmer months of the year? Whether it’s in the form of a fitted turtleneck for a chic transition outfit or a mesh dress à la Maryam Nassir Zadeh, sheer fabrics are the perfect way to show a little (or a lot of) skin this spring.

FANCÌ Yellow Tanned Midi Dress

Urban Outfitters Mimi Semi-Sheer Textured Top

Prada Embroidered Mesh and Leather Midi-Skirt

Drop-waist dresses and skirts.

Heads up: The ’80s are coming back and in a major way. You may think of drop-waist skirts as a thing of the past, but they’re about to make a return in 2023—as proven by Carolina Herrera and Sandy Liang (and they’re looking good). Honestly, we can’t say we aren’t excited about this one.

Rails Selena Skirt

Amy Lynn Tie Shoulder Midi Dress

& Other Stories Off-Shoulder Ruched Maxi Dress

Sleek, simple, and crisp tailoring.

If you’re asking us, solid suit pieces are always a good idea. But for spring 2023, designers like Jil Sander, Peter Do, and Elena Velez are showing you that, with clean lines and beautiful materials, classic suiting can be anything but boring.

Vince Tailored Wool Blend Blazer Vest

Mango Seam-Detail Straight-Fit Trousers

Loulou Studio Cotton-Blend Double-Breasted Blazer

Bubble trouble.

We never thought we’d see bubble skirts make a triumphant return, and yet Khaite, Ulla Johnson, and Proenza Schouler showed us that’s exactly what will be happening this spring.

Simkhai Bubble Hem Skirt

Aje Suzette Bubble Mini Dress

The Row Hana Asymmetric Bubble Hem Silk Maxi Skirt

High-octane sequins.

Remember what we said about the ’80s? Well, if you took a look at Tom Ford’s latest collection (as well as Nensi Dojaka’s, Area’s, and Michael Kors’), you’ll know that includes blinding, shimmering sequins, too. Get your calendar ready—these looks were made with parties in mind, and all eyes will be directly on you, as they should be.

Retrofête Arabelle Dress

Nili Lotan Bonne Sequined Jersey Skirt

Des Phemmes Embroidered Fringe Satin Mini Dress

Heavy-duty leather.

Nothing works for transitional dressing quite like a classic leather jacket . And for spring, the runways are encouraging you to extend your moto-inspired wardrobe beyond outerwear. From skirts and dresses to blazers (like those seen at Coach), the spring 2023 runways are calling it: leather weather is better weather.

Khaite Danielle Studded Leather Pants - Black

Equipment Quinne Leather Shirt

AllSaints Balfern Leather Biker Jacket

Romantic balletcore.

Contrasting the tough edge of leather with the softer side of the ballet, designers made themselves no strangers to the world of dance. From the (literal) ballet flats seen at Interior to the flowing tendrils and draping at Blumarine, balletcore is one trend fashion can’t seem to get enough of.

Rodarte Metallic Knit Off-The-Shoulder Sweater

Larroudé Blair Ballet Flat In Silver Specchio

Calzedonia 20 Denier Sheer Back Seam Tights

Coat of armor.

laquan smith runway september 2022 new york fashion week the shows

As always, there are some trends that come as a pleasant surprise, like breastplates, which were seen at Gabriela Hearst, Bevza, and LaQuan Smith. Combining this trend with oversized blazers and arm cuffs (a spring 2023 jewelry trend , for those who are interested), one might say that spring 2023 is all about strong women. Hey, we can’t argue with that. To sport this trend this season (and other ones, too!), we suggest metallic crop tops or corsets.

Fannie Schiavoni Metal Mesh Top

LaQuan Smith Iridescent Bustier Top

& Other Stories Metallic Corset Top

The rise of the derrière.

Another surprising trend? Butts—literally. Collina Strada, Puppets and Puppets, and LaQuan Smith each had looks featuring details that drew the eyes straight down and to the back. As they say, we hate to see it go, but we love to watch it leave.

Camila Coelho Elena Mini Dress

Subsurface Hostess Pant

Skims Smooth Lounge Low Back Keyhole Dress

fendi runway spring summer 2023 new york fashion week

Acid green is the color of the season—if you need proof, check the runways at Fendi and Miu Miu. It’s giving main character energy.

Brandon Maxwell Radlie Neon Pointelle-Knit Wool Polo Shirt

JW PEI Abacus Mini Top Handle Bag

Bottega Veneta Small Intrecciato Leather Crossbody Bag

Dale Arden Chong is the senior fashion commerce editor at ELLE.com , where she edits and reports on the latest trends, labels, and designers in the fashion space to bring you the best items that will elevate your wardrobe. With a passion for great sartorial stories and getting dressed (as well as a knack for nerding out over the details), she has a robust knowledge of high-quality design, construction, and materials based on testing hundreds of products over her eight-plus years in the industry, writing stories for Glamour , Who What Wear, Entertainment Tonight, and others. So, if you ask her for a shopping recommendation, she’ll give you five picks plus her honest, unfiltered opinions. Dale graduated magna cum laude from the University of Southern California’s Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism with a degree in Journalism and a minor in Communication Design. In 2015, she was a finalist for the National Arts and Entertainment Journalism Award in the Online category of “Commentary/Analysis/Trend” for her article “Calvin Klein Underwear: What Is Plus Size?” Outside of the style world, her hobbies include cooking, playing tennis, ceramics, and watching BTS dance videos on YouTube, among other things. Follow her on Instagram at @dalearden .

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Research: How to Delegate Decision-Making Strategically

by Hayley Blunden and Mary Steffel

Summary .

Delegating work can help free up managers’ time and energy while empowering their employees to take on meaningful tasks. Yet, previous research has shown that delegating decision-making can cause employees to feel overly burdened. In a new paper, researchers examine the negative impact that handing over choice responsibility can have on delegator-delegate relationships. They offer research-backed solutions for delegating decisions more fairly in order to offset some of delegation’s negative interpersonal consequences.

Effective delegation is critical to managerial success : delegating properly can help empower employees , and those who delegate can increase their earnings . Delegation can also be a way for managers to give employees experience and control, especially when they delegate decision-making responsibilities, which allow employees to exhibit agency over important stakes. Yet, some of our recent research has shown that employees can view delegated decision-making as a burden that they would prefer to avoid.

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Green Energy Research: Collaboration and Tools for a Sustainable Future

Science Article | Green Energy | 6 Sep 2024

The Urgency of Green Energy Innovation

The recent Climate Change 2023 synthesis report emphasizes the consequences of delayed emission reductions: fewer effective adaptation options for a warming planet 2 . Geopolitical factors like the Russia-Ukraine conflict further underscore the need for a green energy transition, with Europe’s energy security concerns highlighting the reliance on imported fossil fuels.

The Green Energy Research Landscape

Against this backdrop, green energy development has become a critical area of research, reflected in a more than 10-fold increase in related publications from 2010 (1,105) to 2023 (11,346), according to Digital Science’s Dimensions database. Researchers around the world are striving to improve green energy technology and society’s ability to harness renewable energy sources more efficiently.

According to data analysed by Nature Navigator , which uses artificial intelligence to generate comprehensive summaries of research topics, ‘renewable energy systems and technologies’ is the field’s most frequently mentioned subtopic (Fig.1). At a research concept level, wind power generation, grid optimization and resource management all feature as common underlying themes.

Figure 1: Topic anatomy of green energy research First-level nodes denote the research subtopic (highest prevalence themes emerging from green energy research). Second-level nodes denote the research concepts associated with these research subtopics. Note: only the research concepts mentioned in the highest count of outputs within each subtopic are presented here. Credit: Nature Research Intelligence

Of the primary green energy research subtopics presented by Nature Navigator , it is telling that ‘materials for energy storage and conversion’ is the fastest-growing, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 30.2% over the last five years. This may reflect a growing consensus among researchers and industry that a lack of options to efficiently store electricity generated by intermittent renewable sources for later use is a key bottleneck preventing the greater penetration of these sources into the grid.

Real-World Example: Accelerating Heat Pump Innovation

Changmo Sung, a prominent green energy researcher at Korea University, leveraged Nature Navigator to identify trends, key areas, and potential breakthroughs in heat pump technology. This facilitated a collaborative project with LG Electronics, accelerating their research efforts.

“It also enabled the rapid discovery of researchers and institutions outside Korea working on similar or complementary projects related to heat pumps” Sung says.

International Energy Agency, Global Energy Review 2021 (2021).
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, Climate Change 2023 (2023).

Ut enim ad minima veniam, quis nostrum exercitationem ullam corporis suscipit laboriosam

Madonna shocks at star-studded Luar NYFW show with Offset modeling, Ice Spice in front row

NEW YORK — Just months after Beyoncé shocked New York Fashion Week attendees by popping up at the Luar show , Madonna surprised everyone by sitting front row for the same runway Tuesday.

The pop icon arrived shortly before the fashion show kicked off outside at Rockefeller Plaza, with hushed excitement as everyone asked, "Is that Madonna?"

She rocked a short-sleeved camel trench coat with strong shoulders, black latex gloves, oversized sunglasses and thigh-high leather boots — plus, of course, a large Luar bag. The singer, 66, almost took a fall as she entered the show, but she quickly recovered before taking her seat.

The star-studded show audience included Ice Spice , A$AP Ferg , Tinashe , Hari Nef , Coco Jones , "Real Housewives of Potomac" star Karen Huger , "Real Housewives of New York" star Jenna Lyons and more.

Madonna wrapped her The Celebration Tour in April and spoke candidly on stage multiple about her "near-death experience" last summer after being hospitalized with a bacterial infection and being in a coma for four days. "It's a miracle that I'm alive," she said at a December show, noting, "I didn't think I was gonna make it this summer, but … here I am."

Luar show creates Offset NYFW runway moment

Madonna wasn't the only major artist who had a big role at the fashion event. Rapper Offset walked in the show, modeling a black leather trench coat with the large shoulders that have become a signature of the Luar look, paired with black leather gloves and a black durag. Offset also slightly lost his footing while clearing the step onto the runway, but he maintained a straight face and kept going.

Offset also wrapped up his first solo tour outing earlier this year, teasing to USA TODAY earlier this year that he's "cooking up so I can create a new story. I'm like in a labyrinth; I always have to be moving."

Joining Offset after making his NYFW debut at the show in February was Beyoncé 's nephew and Solange Knowles ' son, Daniel "Julez" Smith Jr. , also in an all-black look comprised of a mock-neck sweater, black straight leg pants and black boots with a cowboy silhouette (though his " Cowboy Carter " aunt was not causing mass hysteria with her presence in the audience this time around). As Smith walked down the runway, A$AP Ferg clapped excitedly and cheered him on as he strutted by.

The collection from designer Raul Lopez underscores the "primal instincts" of Lopez's upbringing in New York, according to the show notes. Leopard print highlighted that concept literally, while textured black looks served as concrete jungle camouflage. The Luar logo popped up on armbands and in a logomania matching set, and new "it bags" made their way down the runway. The brand also debuted leather shoes, with a clog, an oxford loafer and kitten-heeled knee-high boots.

Contributing: Melissa Rugierri

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Disgraced Fashion Executive Nygard Gets 11-Year Prison Sentence for Sexual Assault

Peter Nygard at the Night of 100 Stars Oscar Viewing Party at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on February 22, 2015 in Beverly Hills, CA

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Former Canadian fashion mogul Peter Nygard was sentenced to 11 years in prison by an Ontario judge after being found guilty on four counts of sexual assault.

Nygard received a sentence of 3.5 years on one of the convictions and 2.5 years on each of the other three charges. Prosecutors had been seeking a total of 15 years.

“Peter Nygard is a sexual predator,” Justice Robert Goldstein of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice said as he outlined his reasons for the rejecting the disgraced former executive’s request for a more lenient six-year sentence. Nygard, the judge said, used his wealth and power to prey on women, then used aggressive tactics and degrading language that left his victims humiliated.

Nygard, 83, was wheeled into court wearing a black jacket with a black hood pulled over his head. He was given a chance to speak in court, but declined.

Nygard faced six different criminal charges in a trial last year. A jury in Toronto convicted him in November of assaulting a number of women, beginning in the 1980s. He was found not guilty on one count of sexual assault and one count of forcible confinement.

The women accusing Nygard ranged in age from 16 to their late 20s at the time the attacks took place. The prosecution alleged Nygard had used his wealth and influence in the fashion industry to lure women to his company’s Toronto headquarters, where he assaulted them. Nygard met some of the women on trips to the Bahamas.

Nygard’s sentencing was delayed as he turned over his legal team. During the trial he was represented by Brian Greenspan, who spent weeks challenging the women on their accusations during cross examinations. He quit in January, citing ethical reasons.

Toronto attorney Megan Savard, known for representing musician Jacob Hoggard in a sexual assault trial, took on Nygard’s case until she, too, resigned. Nygard is now being represented by Gerri Wiebe, who told reporters her client will appeal the sentence. She will represent him on criminal charges he faces in the province of Manitoba, she said.

In 2020, Nygard was arrested in Winnipeg on US charges that he trafficked women and girls for sex over a period of 25 years, and the following year he agreed to US extradition on those charges.

He’s been in jail for years and will be given credit for time already served, making him eligible for full parole in 27 months.

Nygard founded Nygard International in the 1960s, which grew to be one of the largest Canadian-owned sellers of women’s clothing. It filed for bankruptcy protection in March 2020.

By Stephanie Hughes

Learn more:

Canadian Fashion Mogul Peter Nygard Guilty of Four Counts of Sexual Assault

Former Canadian fashion mogul Peter Nygard was found guilty of four counts of sexual assault by a Toronto jury on Sunday, according to CBC News.

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The Most Intriguing Fashion Research Topics and Ideas for 2023
117 Fashion Research Topics| Top List Of Ideas
200+ Incredible Fashion Research Paper Topics To Deal With
195 Incredible Fashion Research Paper Topics
200+ Incredible Fashion Research Paper Topics To Deal With
Fashion research paper topics 2023 to write an appealing paper

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COMMENTS

The Most Intriguing Fashion Research Topics and Ideas for 2023
In 2023, there are plenty of intriguing research topics within the fashion industry to explore. It's crucial to stay up-to-date on current trends when selecting a topic that intrigues you. Along with your personal interests, examining available resources and researching diligently is necessary for finding an achievable focus.
117 Fashion Research Topics| Top List Of Ideas
In fact, our experts have already compiled a list of fashion topics to research in 2023: Talk about the notion of "invisible branding" in fashion. Research women's fashion in the 1980s. The role played by art in fashion trends. Research 3 major fashion companies. Talk about the low rise fashion trend.
150+ Fashion Research Paper Topics: A Compelling List
Here's a list of creative fashion research topics for you to get inspired. The evolution of fashion from the 1920s to the present. The impact of royal figures on fashion trends throughout history. Cross-cultural influences in fashion: East meets West. The role of fashion in the feminist movement.
Fashion Research Paper Topics: From Runway to Research
2 List of Research Topics On Fashion. 2.1 Fast Fashion Research Questions. 2.2 Sustainable Fashion Topics To Write About. 2.3 Ethical Fashion Essay Topics. 2.4 Topics about Fashion Designers. 2.5 Fashion Brands. 2.6 Business of Fashion. 2.7 History of Fashion Topics to Research. Fashion is a dynamic and ever-evolving field, blending creativity ...
The State of Fashion 2023: Resilience in the Face of Uncertainty
The seventh annual State of Fashion report by The Business of Fashion and McKinsey & Company reveals the industry is heading for a global slowdown in 2023 as macroeconomic tensions and slumping consumer confidence chip away at 2022′s gains. Download the full report to understand the 10 themes that will define the industry and the opportunities for growth in the year ahead.
The Big Fashion Industry Trends for 2023
Brandwatch research reveals some of the biggest trends for the fashion industry as we head further into 2023. Explore the latest data here. ... Source: Brandwatch Consumer Research | Topic cloud visualizing popular topics in consumer discussions relating to fashion, filtered by people. Data gathered from online public posts between Jun 1 2022 ...
TOP 10 fashion phenomena of 2023
Looking back at 2023, we can't help but remember how Adobe stunned the world with its shapeshifting Project Primrose dress; how MSCHF's big red boots brought the cartoon world to shoewear; how ...
The Future of Fashion in 2023: AI, New Designers, and Menswear
Still, some are embracing generative AI's possibilities for fashion wholeheartedly. A McKinsey & Company report from March estimated that in the next three to five years, the technology could ...
Vogue's Trend Forecast For 2023
Warin says that searches for cut-out and transparent looks surged by 40 and 53 per cent respectively during autumn/winter 2022, and 77 per cent of designers included transparent looks for spring/summer 2023. Skin-baring pieces cropped up in the menswear space, too - revealing fashion was up 504 per cent for spring/summer 2023 compared to ...
Fashion Research Network
The FRN is an interdisciplinary network for researchers in fashion and dress. Through collaboration and critical inquiry we seek to explore, widen and define the parameters of fashion studies. ... LATEST. Featured. Jun 15, 2023. De-Fashioning Education. Jun 15, 2023. Jun 15, 2023. Jun 15, 2023. Style, Satire and Society. Jun 15, 2023. Jun 15 ...
The Spring 2023 Trends Reflect the World Around Us
Topics Spring 2023 Ready-to-Wear. Read More. Culture. ... The latest fashion news, beauty coverage, celebrity style, fashion week updates, culture reviews, and videos on Vogue.com.
State of Fashion report archive (2017-2023)
The fashion market, excluding the luxury sector, will struggle to deliver significant growth in 2023. McKinsey analysis of fashion forecasts projects relatively slow sales growth of between -2 and +3 percent, weighed down by a contraction in the European market (expected to shrink between 1 and 4 percent) (exhibit).
The 15 Fashion Items That Defined 2023 Fashion Trends
In 2023, instead of a fresh pant width or rise length, denim skirts took over the streets. With nostalgia for the indie era of the early aughts on the rise, it would've been easy to assume that ...
Fashion History Timeline
The Fashion History Timeline is a project by FIT's History of Art Department.The Timeline offers scholarly contributions to the public knowledge of the history of fashion and design. Consistent with this mission, the Timeline's written commentary, research, and analysis provided by FIT students, faculty, and other members of the community is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution ...
Articles
As the fashion industry increasingly adopts digital platforms, fashion designers face challenges in digitally exploring and selecting fabrics. This transition underscores the complexities in digitally capturin... Shin Young Jang and Jisoo Ha. Fashion and Textiles 2024 11:20. Research Published on: 14 May 2024.
The Spring 2023 Trends on Vogue Editors' Shopping Lists
When it comes to the spring 2023 trends, there's a lot to look forward to. As noted by Vogue Runway's trend report, the collections reflected many moods: from soft and undone (read draped ...
57 Interesting Fashion Dissertation Topics and Ideas
Dissertation Topics on Sex, Body, and Presentation in Fashion. Adoration and adornment: A critical examination of the significance of body art and piercing in Western civilizations. Fashion and religion: An investigation into the issues about appropriate dress. The real and the subversive: Mannequins and models have been used since the 1960s.
Fashion research paper topics 2023 to write an appealing paper
Fashion is a vast subject that covers movies, entertainment, music, makeup, art, etc. Both college and university students can be asked to write a research paper on fashion, so in this blog on fashion research paper topics 2023, we will discuss fast-changing fashion trends and some topics for your next fashion research paper.
The 2023 Style Trends to Start Shopping Now, According to Experts
2023 Style Trend: Cowboy Cosplay. Consider it Lil Nas X's impact. Western fashion trends like wide-brim hats, cowboy boots, and even heavy-duty denim are set to hit in a major way, according to Kim.
Spring 2023 Fashion Trends: 21 Expert-Approved Looks
It's time to talk about spring trends for 2023! Spanning four cities, over 350 designer showcases, and more celebrity-model moments than you can shake a roll of body tape at, ask anyone in attendance, and they'll tell you that fashion month was back at its biggest and brightest for spring/summer 2023.Having pivoted from perching on the front row to sitting in front of our laptops (cup of tea ...
Sustainable fashion worldwide
This growth is driven by the younger generations, for example millennials and Gen Z accounted for an estimated 68 percent share of sustainable apparel revenue in the United States in 2022. Show ...
The 13 Best Spring 2023 Fashion Trends You Can Shop Right Now
Heavy-Duty Leather. Arturo Holmes. Nothing works for transitional dressing quite like a classic leather jacket. And for spring, the runways are encouraging you to extend your moto-inspired ...
Research: How to Delegate Decision-Making Strategically
Summary.. Delegating work can help free up managers' time and energy while empowering their employees to take on meaningful tasks. Yet, previous research has shown that delegating decision ...
2023 Report: Aesthetics, Fashion Objects, and Health Trends
Content may be subject to copyright. 2023 Report: Asethetics, fashion objects, and health trends. Shiseida Sade Kelly Aponte. Liberty University. Author's Note: This report has been created by ...
Green Energy Research: Collaboration and Tools for a ...
Against this backdrop, green energy development has become a critical area of research, reflected in a more than 10-fold increase in related publications from 2010 (1,105) to 2023 (11,346 ...
SEC.gov
Recent Board inspection reports indicate that 46 percent of the engagements reviewed in 2023 had at least one significant deficiency, compared to 40 percent in 2022, and 34 percent in 2021. This is a concerning trend. For several years, the Board's advisory groups have generally supported strengthening the QC standard.
Madonna at NYFW: Singer shocks at Luar show with Ice Spice, Offset
Madonna wasn't the only major artist who had a big role at the fashion event. Rapper Offset walked in the show, modeling a black leather trench coat with the large shoulders that have become a ...
SEC.gov
To put in context how important it is to update the quality control standards, the PCAOB found that 46 percent—nearly half—of the auditing engagements it reviewed in 2023 fell short of obtaining sufficient appropriate audit evidence.
Statement on the PCAOB's Quality Control Standard
The rush to finalize this rulemaking without fully considering public comment echoes the Commission's previous effort to adopt rules requiring mutual funds relying on various exemptive rules under the Investment Company Act of 1940 to have (1) a board with no less than 75% independent directors and (2) an independent chair, where the Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit found that the ...
Disgraced Fashion Executive Nygard Gets 11-Year Prison Sentence for
Former Canadian fashion mogul Peter Nygard was sentenced to 11 years in prison by an Ontario judge after being found guilty on four counts of sexual assault. Nygard received a sentence of 3.5 years on one of the convictions and 2.5 years on each of the other three charges. Prosecutors had been seeking a total of 15 years.