Trend - A World of Blue: A Relaxed Sophistication

(Edward St, Brisbane March 2012)

With the popularity of period dramas such as Downton Abbey, Mad Men and the anticipated film The Great Gatsby a return to old school dress with a modern twist has increased in popularity.

According to CSIRO a megatrend for the future is this notion of “a personal touch” (CSIRO 2012). This means there will be an increase need for innovation that is tailored and targets specific services (2012). This affects the fashion industry and trends will turn towards bespoke tailoring and personal service.

Future business trends have consumers in the mind set of “flawsome” (Trendwatching 2012). There is a trend for “human brands” – for companies to show flaws and be honest with their weaknesses (2012). It is predicted that consumers “will become increasingly disenchanted when dealing with traditional, boring, impersonal brands” (Trendwatching 2012). This idea that businesses should be flawed rather than perfect influences fashion – instead of overly pristine lines, a more dishevelled and relaxed look is created (Fashionishing 2012).

There will be an increase use of the already popular social media sites such as Twitter and Facebook (Quora 2012). We could in some underlying way link this to the obsession with the colour blue – Twitter and Facebook’s colour template. Or we could just say it’s a nod to past decades where a blue suit was your average attire or we could link shades of blue to relaxation and the Mediterranean (Swide 2012). Either way – it’s back in a big way.

Spotted walking Edward Street this gentleman’s outfit is right on future trend – the pale blue palette reminiscent of the “ice cream pastels” shown in the 2012/13 collections (WeConnectFashion 2012). We also saw blue suits of all shades at Paris fashion week with the likes of Michael Bastian and Tom Ford showcasing some sartorial examples (GQ 2012). This is therefore a trend that has trickled-down onto the streets (Polhemus 1994). The checked suit jacket is a relaxed tailored fit – we saw checks on the Gucci Spring 2012 Runway (GQ 2012). The subtle stripped shirt gives it texture and dimension, brown leather shoes reminiscent of an earlier period.

Look out for blues of all shades and relaxed tailoring – be the man who looks like he cares but make it look effortless.