Fashioning the Future: A Glimpse into the Evolution of Clothing Choices in 2024

Fashion is fluid, and it is constantly evolving to produce new trends. Bachelor of Design in Fashion Design students have to stay updated with not only the current trends but also the upcoming trends to stay ahead of the curve. 

While the coming and going of fashion trends is nothing new, recent years have brought about a new revolution in the fashion industry. Sustainability, culture, and innovation have come to the forefront in dictating trends in profound ways.

The runway is no longer the sole arbiter of fashion trends, and consumers have begun making fashion choices that reflect their individuality, whether or not they align with trends. Let's look at some of the upcoming fashion trends in 2024.

Slow Fashion

B.Des in Fashion Design students graduating into this transformed fashion industry must be mindful of the modern consumer, who demands more than simply trendy clothes. They expect genuine innovation and an alignment of values in terms of sustainability.

This is especially true in the fashion industry, as consumers become conscious of the amount of waste the industry produces, outpacing most other sectors. According to Earth.Org, 92 million tonnes of waste produced by the fashion industry ends up in landfills every year.

While the rest of the world speeds up, the fashion industry may be required to slow down. Consumers are increasingly gravitating towards 'slow fashion', a new approach to making clothing choices in 2024 and beyond. This approach gives great thought to the methods and resources needed to produce apparel, favouring classic, well-made designs over trend-driven items that would wind up in a landfill after a few wears.

From eco-friendly materials to transparent supply chains, sustainability isn't merely a trend but a fundamental ethos shaping clothing preferences. B.Des in Fashion Design graduates can also utilise the recent trends of recycling and upcycling to create fresh and innovative clothing out of discarded materials and clothes.

The shift to sustainability has resulted in consumers paying more attention to classic aesthetics that never go out of style. B.Des in Fashion Design graduates starting out in the industry will have to focus on sourcing high-quality materials, good construction and tailoring, and creating evergreen designs as opposed to simply following the latest trends.

Metallics

Metallics have taken over the runway at every fashion show this year, from Tom Ford to Versace. While metallics always find room in our closets in one form or another, they might be taking up more room this year. Metallics are becoming popular beyond just party wear, showing up in pants, jackets, and coats.

Creating metallic looks that can go seamlessly from day to night could add to their popularity, making this an exciting avenue of experimentation for Bachelor of Design in Fashion students at the top universities in India.

Quiet Luxury

Quiet luxury became one of the most popular trends in 2023, but it is set to dominate the fashion industry in 2024 and beyond. Quiet luxury is all about subtly exuding wealth and status through timeless clothing that is seen as an investment.

The trend fits well with the new generation's concern for sustainability. Its alignment with the values of the modern consumer makes it a worthy investment for B.Des in fashion design graduates, as they can be sure that there will always be demand for quiet luxury.

Quiet luxury includes everything from perfectly tailored coats to structured blazers. Logomania is decidedly out in 2024 for most consumers, making space for quiet luxury in the coming months.

Awareness of future trends is especially vital in the fashion industry, where long design and manufacturing processes are inevitable. Students in B.Des in Fashion Design programmes at the top universities of India must be aware of upcoming trends when they begin the design process, as current trends can go out of style by the time their designs are rolled out.

This is why the top design colleges in Jaipur, like Manipal University, Jaipur, train students in forecasting trends to stay ahead of the curve and fulfil client requirements and expectations in terms of domestic and international market trends and quality standards prevailing in the fashion and textile industry.

Fashion as Entertainment

One consistent trend in the fashion industry in 2024 is consumers valuing novel and imaginative shopping experiences. From brick-and-mortar stores to online shopping sites, all fashion brands are focusing on making shopping fun and interesting. Buying clothes is no longer just a chore but a form of entertainment and hobby.

Innovations like augmented reality enhance the retail experience, allowing consumers to virtually try on clothing items before making purchase decisions and revolutionising how we shop.

Top B.Des colleges have begun integrating such new and innovative concepts in their courses to ensure that B.Des in Fashion Design graduates can stay competitive in the modern fashion industry.

Tech Infused Fashion

Technology has become increasingly integrated into the fashion industry, with the Adobe digital dress — Project Primrose — dominating headlines for weeks. Creating inventive looks infused with technology catches the audience's attention and can put your brand on the map.

3D printing is also becoming increasingly common in the fashion industry. It has transformed production, enabling mass customisation and reducing waste by printing garments on demand.

The 3-D printing process involves using software to fashion intricate designs later fed into a 3-D printer to create unique, ultra-modern clothing. The uniqueness of the process and styles has added to this trend's popularity.

The increasing inclusion of technology in the fashion world has prompted the B.Des colleges to train their B.Des in Fashion Design students in contemporary technology.

Retro Revival with a Modern Twist: Nostalgia Reinvented

Nostalgia takes the forefront as fashion resurrects styles from bygone eras, going as far back as the 1920s. However, old styles are never simply revived as is. They are always infused with contemporary elements to appeal to modern consumers.

From 90s streetwear to 70s bohemian chic, vintage-inspired fashion has dominated runways and street style, appealing to millennials and Gen Z.

Drop waists and headpieces from the 1920s made a big comeback on the runway this season. Paired with modern blazers and leather jackets, this trend from the 1920s has stolen the show a century later.

The top design colleges in Jaipur, like Manipal University, Jaipur delve into the history of fashion, textiles, and manufacturing so that Bachelor of Design in Fashion students can incorporate traditional and retro fashions into their designs and give them a creative and modern twist.

Conclusion

One thing remains certain as we navigate the ever-evolving fashion landscape in 2024: clothing choices are now about more than just what we wear. It is about who we are and the world we inhabit. From sustainability to technology, the threads of change are weaving a tapestry of innovation and creativity in the contemporary fashion industry.

Students in Bachelor of Design in Fashion programmes at the top B.Des colleges must understand that fashioning the future is more than simply following trends. It is about shaping a narrative that reflects our values, aspirations, and collective journey towards a more vibrant and equitable world.