Taking on the role of trend forecaster/
creative director for LSOLE’s SS15 collection has meant that I have had to
carefully think, dissect, develop and refine the foundations of my trend origin.
I took significant historical reference and inspiration from trend forecasting
topics discussed within my past dissertation that I completed in January.
"Trend forecasting
analyses past fashion influences, historical styles and previous ideologies to
gauge what has already happened. By determining the past it helps to form new
conclusions about modern day societal beliefs, and is critical to the
understanding of where trends will move to next"
With this said, it was clear to me that my SS15 trend should
embody connotations of bygone eras and primeval philosophies that influence
twenty-first century fashion and market behaviour. Researching concepts on WGSN
led me to the trend ‘History 2.0’ which highlighted the importance
of ‘story telling as imaginations expand into the ancient past and
not-so-far-off future’. As the creative
director of my brand it is extremely important for me to communicate that I AM
NOT WANTING TO COPY this trend, but instead take pieces of it to help inspire,
guide, refine, and develop to create my own concept that is completely original
and unique to LSOLE.
(Below: Images taken from WGSN, used as an initial starting point in my trend development)
Examining further into the visual ideologies associated with
‘History 2.0’ such as “ancient environments” “make-believe” and “craftsmanship”
led me to think about mythology, my Italian heritage, religion, iconic
historical figures, and cultural identities. Through brainstorming I started to
look at imagery linked with Roman Gods and Goddesses, the contrast of holy
water with solid lines, cathedral structures, and marbling.
Gods to inspire the SS15 collection, but also embody the
brand’s natural, sleek and adventurous identity:
Adeona- Representing Journeys
Hora- Beauty and Pleasure
Antevorta- Time and the Future
Neverita- Water
Salacia- Oceans
Sol- Sun God
The Roman Goddess Antevorta links to
themes discussed within my dissertation topic with great relevance. Trend
forecasters look back at future dominating events and eras to help guide and
influence the flow and direction of future fashion movements just like the
characteristics that Antevorta possesses.
"The aesthetical factors of the Zeitgeist sculpt the dimensions of
an era, they can be identified through looking into society, history and
psychographics, all of which guide and influence the directional flow in
fashion trends, or trend forecasting. The prolific term of trend forecasting
can be defined simply, as the building blocks in which forecasting teams employ
to calculate and project accurate future fashion readings."
The idea of Antevorta as a historical
juxtaposition draws interesting links between ancient myth and contemporary
forward thinking. Even in the prehistoric Roman era her philosophical demeanour
was focused on prediction and looking ahead, which draws on modern day
connotations of lifestyle and fashion prediction. I was able to dig out my old holiday photos taken from various locations around Italy as a source of primary research and inspiration.
The
images below of traditional Italian architecture, form, structure and statues
pose as a solid starting point for my design process for the LSOLE SS15 garment
and product range plan. I have been experimenting with colour palettes, form,
shape and pattern directly drawn from my own photographic images, as you can
see below. You can also view my “Structure SS15” board here on Pinterest where I
have gathered and edited all my favourite and influential photographs taken in
Italy. I will be using this material to direct and guide the creative process
of my project.
(Above: My own photographic imagery that I have digitally manipulated, enhanced and developed to influence my design process)
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