Biomimetic

S/S 2024 Womenswear

Trend Analysis/ Fashion Forecasting

ASK

Develop and present a fashion forecast for the Spring / Summer 2024 season, featuring a narrative theme, color story, social influence, prints & patterns, and real-world examples from high fashion collections.
“Biomimicry is the science of applying nature-inspired designs in human engineering and invention to solve human problems”
Process

This fashion forecast project was a collaborative effort with 3 of my peers. Aside from being the team leader, I contributed to visual design and research. Biomimetic: Visions of the future explores a world in which sustainability is at the forefront, connecting human- beings back to the natural roots we evolved from.

The Process

Throughout history, humans have drawn inspiration from nature in various aspects of design. However, this relationship has been overshadowed by capitalism and overproduction, leading to unsustainable practices. It's time to return to nature's simplicity and prioritize sustainability, equality, and reversing climate change. This solarpunk vision foresees a future where holistic and natural approaches, from medicine to fashion, are prevalent. The Biomimetic trend reflects this return to nature, grounding society in sustainable practices for a vibrant future.
In our group project, I led the creation of the color story for our biomimetic theme. Tropical Thundra blends cool earthy tones with lush and exotic colors, reflecting a solarpunk future emphasizing sustainability and natural healing. Amethyst and Dusty Azurite add a mystical touch, resonating with the holistic zeitgeist. Green tones like Ethereal Emerald symbolize a rebirth of society focused on sustainability, drawing from the protective properties of gemstones like Jade in holistic medicine. Desert Punk represents warmer biomes with neutral earth tones symbolizing stability and balance. Sand Storm, Rich Shroom, and Warm Carnelian evoke personal power and energy, envisioning deserts as habitable oases in a sustainable future. Urban Rust, Root, and Trail signify the growing importance of nature in urban settings, suggesting a shift towards sustainable cities living in harmony with the land.
The fashion industry is a major contributor to environmental pollution, with textile production alone accounting for 10% of human carbon emissions and significant water depletion. Fast fashion exacerbates this issue, leading to textile waste in landfills worldwide. In a solarpunk future, there's a focus on reducing textile waste through the use of alternative fabrics like OCEAN PLASTIC® by Parlay, DESSERTO Cactus Leather, linen, hemp, and organic silk. These materials offer sustainable alternatives while promoting environmental conservation and ethical production practices. Trims and details in fashion are also evolving towards a more earth-centric approach, with distressed weaving and sun-faded denim emerging as sustainable trends that align with the solarpunk ethos.
During our research, we focused on identifying key elements synonymous with futuristic fashion. This included exploring staples such as platform boots, armor-inspired silhouettes, and unconventional bag designs.

OUTCOME

For as long as humans have been on this planet, we have looked to Mother Nature for inspiration in nearly every aspect of design. Much of what we do is because of the surrounding influence that the terrain has on us. What was once a powerful relationship between earth & man has quickly become rampant with capitalistic governments, over-production of manmade waste, and a world that will not be sustainable for future generations to come. It is time to reclaim the simplicity of nature and bring our society back to its roots. In our solarpunk future, we see an emphasis on sustainability, and income equality as well as a reverse in climate change. We are starting to see a trend in holistic & natural approaches to everything from medicine to even fashion! People are starting now more than ever to be more aware and conscious of our natural materials & resources, which leads us to Biomimetic: a S/S Womens Wear forecast on how society is grounding itself back to the roots of nature, and how it will lead to our vibrant and sustainable future.