Trend -The Textural Jungle

(Queens St Mall, Brisbane 2012)

With the increase use of touch technology and online worlds there will be an increased desire to be able to touch physical textures (WeConnectFashion 2012). We are evolving into this idea of feel and touch; a notion of “living design” (WGSN 2012). This consumer and technological trend is influencing fashion culture through the materials we wear and how we wear it.

Hypercraft is being used to describe the way modern artisans are using technology to add an extra dimension to traditional crafts. This new technology is taking handcrafted designs to new levels (TDWI 2012). There is an emergence for intelligent textiles and creative design (BERG 2012).

For example, Alexander McQueen's 2012/13 collection of alien like proportions and textural elements explored modern design and technology (Vogue 2012). Furthermore, Layers of white lace as featured in Comme des Garcons Spring 2012 collection saw texture and fine detailing (Style.com 2012).

According to Vogue’s top 50 picks of the coming season there is an emergence of “crafty craftsmanship” (2012). Similarly this correlates to an emerging look of “the new naive” – the girl who throws away the rule book like a playful child (Franklin and Wedst 2012, 112).

Boundaries are slipping away – with increase communication through fashion blogs, runway live streaming and online shopping consumers are getting styles and trends fast (Business of Fashion 2012). This web of communication results in consumers having the ability to own the latest thing almost instantaneously, resulting in an increase desire to make a look individual.

This girl had elements of textural mash-up combining a lace shirt with a woollen vest and a statement metallic necklace, cotton skirt and quirky mauve coloured shoes. Furthermore, the shades of purple in the outfit suggest a nod to the monochromatic trend (WhoWhatWear 2012). Her colour palette has an artistic flair and its’ plum shades are a spring/summer 2013 must (Fashion Trendsetter 2012).

Be brave, give textural clash a go – fashion has no rules.