Interstellar travel has sparked a desire among fashion designers to imagine life beyond Earth, including what inhabitants will wear.
Fashion Snoops’ forecast for Fall/Winter 20-21 shines a spotlight on this intrigue in “Terraform,” a women’s trend story that Melissa Moylan, Fashion Snoops vice president, creative, described as a “balance of supernatural and manmade advancements.” In a webinar with Informa, Moylan shared how the current utility trend is evolving into a style that evokes the feeling of protection and exploration.
Colors and patterns help tell this story. Earthy shades of green and blue combine with mustard tones. Dusty hues and purple becomes increasingly important. Mineral swirls, brushed markings and supernatural surfaces add texture, while atmospheric and molten dye effects are key for denim, Moylan noted.
Straight-leg and girlfriend jeans are a canvas for such techniques. Other essential denim garments include the winter Trucker jacket, refreshed with an oversized shape, mixed media and fur trim, and long-sleeve coveralls with oversized pockets.
These utility shapes are translated to other garments like down-filled parkas, baggy-fit cargo pants and oversized belted boiler suits, Moylan said.
Turtlenecks continue to be popular, but are used as a baser layer and have extra material to create a ruching effect. Loose sweaters with broad necklines and sweater dresses made with high-pile fabrics both feature drop shoulders. And leather pants take on an otherworldly look in color leather and baggy or wide-leg silhouettes, she added.
Chelsea boots with pebbled outsoles, second-skin boots made with glossy leather uppers and platform boots with a fitted silhouette maintain that alien aesthetic. Structured clutch bags are a perfect canvas to introduce python prints, while slouchy extra-large satchels and quilted shoppers serve a utility purpose.
For accessories, expect to see aviated sunglasses with gradient lenses and gold wire frame, embellished belts and pin barrettes with textural surfaces and an antique finish, Moylan said.