FT NEWS

The fog is already lifting – a major chunk of 2020 has been clouded by the gloominess caused by the COVID-19 pandemic which has affected every single industry throughout the world and urged business to think of new and innovative ways to communicate their strategies.

Among them is our fashion and apparel world, which initially were dampened with a halt in processes and manufacturing, but quickly regained force by adopting digital formats of communication and shows. Amidst such ups and downs, the recently showcased presentations across the fashion capitals of the world have brought to light the trends set to dominate the upcoming Spring/Summer 2021 season.

The overarching vibe of gloom and doom is definitely out as designers and high-fashion brands alike present a heavy dose of disco-inspired and head-to-toe printed looks indicating a return to happier, more carefree times.

Upbeat and fun collections are highlighted with bizarre proportions that come alive via statement balloon sleeves and fierce, boxy shoulders. Less is more as designers take a page out of the book of intimacy to bring boudoir influences into the limelight – we see a plethora of fishnet details spun into every piece of clothing imaginable – right from pants, to caged dresses to sleeve details to floor grazing slips and bralettes – which feature as a key piece this season.

BRALETTES

Paired with high waist trousers, skirts, worn under see-through diaphanous dresses and dungarees or over slip dresses and oversized crisp white shirts, these skimpy pieces seamlessly transition through various looks to deliver statement looks.

HEAD-TO-TOE PRINTS

Maximalism is taken up a notch higher as the fashion world tilts towards an overdose of prints come the Spring/Summer 2021 season. Ranging from geometrics such as linear patterns and polka dots, to florals, to abstract art to monogram placements – designers went all out and all across garments by splashing a variety of prints over coordinated sets, suits, and dresses.

BALLOON SLEEVES

Statement sleeves are here to stay – and the style gaining mass approval this season are blown up balloon sleeves.

FISHNET

Graduating from their reserved spot as stockings, fishnets get upgraded as pants (as seen at Acne Studios), floor grazing dresses as at Balenciaga, caged numbers at David Koma and Hermes, and a stand-out laser cut look à la Lanvin.

SILVER

After a hushed year fraught with quarantine and a gloominess in the air, the fashion industry is adamant about injecting a bit of party cheer. Stepping out from the shadows of gilded golds, silver is the new sparkle in town – ready to amp up the vibe.

SWEATPANTS

Casual meets chic as brands pair street-style approved sweat pants with hoodies, tank tops, figure hugging camisoles, bralettes, and romantic ruffle blouses.

LOW WAIST PANTS

From trousers to pants, to cargos to denim jeans, to skinny pants to trousers – the slouchy, about to fall length has taken over all types of lower silhouettes for the upcoming Spring/Summer 2021 season.

DISCO BALL

Be it via reflective and holographic sequins, sheen struck trousers, head-to-toe palettes, or beaded embellishments, the options are aplenty but all with one common message – ‘Put on your party shoes!’