Mens Accessories F/W 2015-16

Mens Accessories F/W 2015-16, Elevated Classics

Courtesy of Fashion Snoops

Color has slowly evolved in importance for menswear, becoming increasingly significant for a market that places such emphasis on elevated and updated basics. Color, like prints and design details, help garments stand out from the crowd, and for F/W 2015-16, the dominant palettes on our radar all confirm various themes that place a renewed focus on Sci-Fi sportsmen, archetypes of men’s uniforms, and plenty of luxe classics that can translate to both cityscapes or country scenes.

Color from the CASTLE SHADES palette

BENCH GREEN

BURGUNDY

COAL

Castle Shades takes inspirations from the cultured enriched landscapes of what remains from the micro kingdoms of the medieval times. Potent and weathered surfaces that respond as muted and vibrant shades echo a noble aesthetic with distinct character. Heir Blue, Wine and Coal are a clear new combination of royalty, prosperity and security. Spy Plane, Bench Green and Jam capture the landscape of a murky battlefield on a cold morning.

From the TERRAIN TONES palette

MESQUITE

BURNT HONEY

CRIMSON

Terrain Tones extracts a palette from aerial perspectives. Functionality broken down into modern arrangements and color placement. A sun beaten palette of concrete, moss bunkers and strategically positioned beacons. Freesia, Mesquite, Crimson and Lead offer up an abstract combo where as Ink, Burnt Honey, Tank and Feather create a sophisticated casual combo.

From the COSMIC BRIGHTS palette

DIGITAL BLUE

SLICKER YELLOW

From the CALM NEUTRALS palette

SOAPSTONE

GREY

Calm Neutrals takes key inspiration from our F/W 15/16 Active Forecast Wolf’s Den. A soft and subtle slew of calming neutrals that is dusty and discrete. Soapstone, Prey and Pure create a dense combo of neutrality. Sandstorm and Flannel Grey offer up a color blocked essential for mixing textiles and silhouette breakdown.

MEN’S ACCESSORIES COLOR WRAP-UP

Super saturated regal shades are the most important, bringing out a romantic dimension for plenty of lush velvets, decorative silk jacquards, and cozy wool, while a slew of masculine hues that could easily be the new neutrals (cherrywood brown, Dijon yellow, iron oxide, saddle brown, and tank olive) pointed towards a more refined version of workwear and time-honored uniforms. Finally, eye-popping brights and a range of frosted neutrals that easily pair back to the tried-and-true mid-tones add a surprising novelty to winter assortments.

Women's Print Trends S/S 2015 Art Attack!

Women's Print Trends S/S 2015 Art Attack!

Courtesy of Trendstop

The arrival of the Spring/Summer 2015 season triggers a creative transformation in fashion, as bold, colorful prints feel inspired, say the trend analysts at Trendstop. Strong Brush Strokes lend a vibrant energy to statement designs, while Art Movement Mix fuses references from iconic styles across time. The report takes a first look at two key print and pattern trends for the women’s apparel and accessories markets.

Brush Strokes

 

image courtesy Trendstop: Celine, Viktor & Rolf, both Spring/Summer 2014, Conor Backman, Acne Studios Spring/Summer 2014.

APPAREL

Taken directly from the artist’s studio, bold brush strokes, paint splatters and ink spills appear in either placement or all-over applications. Loose-fit Celine dresses create the look of walking works of art, as Viktor & Rolf adopt a more urban vibe with spray paint scrawls and Acne jackets come saturated in watercolor splotches.

image courtesy Trendstop: Chanel, Vivienne Westwood, both Spring/Summer 2014, Sarah Anne Wards Dessert Artwork Series, Claire Barrow Spring/Summer 2014.

ACCESSORIES

Over in accessories and footwear, white grounds provide a canvas-like base to set off colorful designs. Chanel’s iconic quilted bag resembles a paint palette, while Vivienne Westwood hi-tops express a favela street art flavor. Claire Barrow works with a DIY feel, as seen in a surreal illustrated face that peeks out from a blue paint panel.

Art Movement Mix

 

image courtesy Trendstop: Gucci, Maison Martin Margiela, both Spring/Summer 2014, Kasmir Malevich, N21 Spring/Summer 2014.

APPAREL

This inspired multi-application trend fuses aesthetic elements from key art movements like Cubism, Art Noveau and Art Deco, as seen in print, embroidery and applique. Metallic-defined lines express a ’20s feel on Gucci shirts, while colored sleeve panels glitter on sequined Maison Martin Margiela designs. Swirling pattern placements stand out on black at N21.

image courtesy Trendstop: Fendi, Paul Smith, both Spring/Summer 2014, Jessica Cole, Andrew GN Spring/Summer 2014.

ACCESSORIES

Similar artistic shapes and patterns are combined in Spring/Summer 2015 accessories and footwear. Fendi bags incorporate tonal linear panels, as multicolored geos on white make Paul Smith shoes resemble chic canvases. Andrew GN totes fuse a variety of graphics for a stark statement in monochrome.

Women's Top Trend Themes, S/S 2015 Forecast

Women's Top Trend Themes, S/S 2015 Forecast

Courtesy of Fashion Snoops

As forecasted by Fashion Snoops, the S/S 15 top five most influential trend themes of the season for women and young contemporary. From the freshest influences of the season seen with Avant Pop to the minimal designs pushing forward through Formula Solution, and the most feminine messages portrayed in La Vie en Rose for women - to the athletic references in Phys Ed and the bold prints of Tropical Kitsch for Young Contemporary - you are sure to be inspired by the themes forecasted for the upcoming season.

SEASONAL DIRECTIONS

AVANT POP

Reflecting Fashion Snoops’ Visionary theme of the same name, Avant Pop becomes one of the most influential seasonal references, lead by designers like Chanel, Prada, Celine and Preen. Bright colors are essential, while prints and patterns take center stage. Pop art faces and surrealist imagery are most forward, while print mixes and pop blocking offer commercial appeal. Asymmetrical silhouettes and wrapped techniques add an edge, and 3D or jewel encrusted embellishments add to the lively and excessive theme.

FORMULA SOLUTION

Formula = Solution confirms Fashion Snoops’ Visionary forecast of the same name, and progresses our Cubist theme from last season. Leaders of the look include Fendi, Helmut Lang and Yigal Azrouel. A monochromatic palette is essential for plays on patterns like fractured or retro geometrics, while color is added in perspective and patchwork geometric motifs. Transparency is achieved with organza layers, while 3D textures and laser cut materials offer a novelty approach. Asymmetrical silhouettes and wrapped techniques are leading silhouette directions and cutouts are a highlighted detail.

LA VIE EN ROSE

La Vie en Rose is the prettiest and most feminine message of the season. Matthew Williamson, Giambattista Valli and Mary Katrantzou all get in on the action, set to a powdery pastel color palette. A flowing assortment of fabrics include chiffon, organza and lace which turn up on fuller silhouettes and below-the-knee hemlines. Florals are a major take-away, from cherry blossoms to botanical screens and romantic blooms. Flowers also make an appearance on influential 3D appliques, in addition to popular ruffle details.

YOUNG CONTEMPORARY MARKET

Here we highlight 11 of the most influential S/S 15 themes in Young Contemporary, complete with in-depth extensions into color palettes, key runway looks, materials, patterns and design details. Sports Illustrated tops out as one of the most important expressions, confirming athletic reference. 90s Streetwear enters as the new favored decade, nodding to hip hop reference. Tropical motifs appear in kitsch and surf looks, while ethnic Tribal and bohemian Free Spirited themes round out the leading influences.

PHYS ED

One of the most popular and commercial themes to progress forward is athletic reference in sportswear. A diverse lineup of designers that feature the Phys Ed theme includes DKNY, Sacai, Tommy Hilfiger and Gucci. Active bright hues appear, set to an advanced material offering of nylon, neoprene, mesh and perforated materials. Track pants and shorts are key items, and bra tops are often layered under bomber jackets. Color blocking moves forward, while other pattern favorites include stripe remix and varsity numbers. Striped trim is a favorite and zippers are leveraged both for function and design.

TROPICAL KITSCH

Milan designers from Etro to Aquiliano. Rimondi and MSGM take on the tropics with a burst of bold colors and prints. Highlighted patterns center around florals via palms, dark paradise and tropical explosion motifs. Materials dress up the look from silk satin to printed chiffon, while key items like matched sets also celebrate prints. Details include halter necks and slits in terms of silhouette, with more elaborate expressions featuring beading or 3D embellishment.

Women's Color Forecast S/S 2015

Women's Color Forecast S/S 2015

Courtesy of Fashion Snoops

The Top Colors

AQUA

A blue-influenced aqua hue is particularly relevant set to sport or surf influenced collections.

GRAPEFRUIT

Grapefruit comes in as a new color this season, particularly relevant in Milan collections.

RUST

Rust presents itself as the most forward fashion color in Desert Neutrals.

MARIGOLD

Marigold becomes a new yellow expression with rich golden undertones.

CUSTARD

Pastel yellow is whited out into a new custard shade.

LAVENDER

As the most saturated powder shade, lavender progresses from last season.

SHAMROCK

A new green on the horizon this season is a very saturated shamrock shade.

POPPY

Red is still very much a must-have color, with poppy providing the brightest casts.

ELECTRIC BLUE

Electric blue has already achieved popularity as a commercial fashion color, and it continues forward this season.

BOTTLE GREEN

Electric blue has already achieved popularity as a commercial fashion color, and it continues forward this season.

Men's Top Color Trends S/S 2015

Men's Top Color Trends S/S 2015

Courtesy of Fashion Snoops

There’s a new group of colors that keep showing up each season, no matter spring or fall. These masculine hues that include indigo blue, dry sage, earth brown, heather blue and vineyard make up a group that has quickly become the “new neutrals.” This super-saturated palette is easily paired back to brights, pastels, or even true neutrals for a refreshingly complicated experiment in styling that resonates with today’s contemporary menswear customer. 

The New Neutrals Color Palette

EARTH BROWN

There’s no denying that all shades of brown have shifted to be a more mainstream option for classifications like outerwear, knits and tailored clothing. After two seasons of rich shades of chocolate and hazelnut, the key brown for S/S 2015 is rooted in the Earth - with saturated shades of red as an undertone.

DRY SAGE

Utilitarian influences and uniform-inspired silhouettes are nothing new to menswear, so shades of olive green always hold a place in seasonal collections. This shade has transitioned from being slightly blue-based in S/S 2014, to warm, yellow-based pea green in F/W 14, to finally landing as a dry sage for S/S 2015. The washed-out appearance is more in keeping with the season’s relaxed fits and techno materials.

INDIGO

Inky shades of navy blue and indigo have become the must-have option for all collections and markets - no matter the season. The “almost black” shades of S/S 2014 and F/W 14 lighten up just a bit for S/S 2015, but still maintaining a saturated look. Multiple shades of indigo seem contemporary when styled together as a monochrome look. For S/S 2015, there’s also a subtle hint of purple under the rich shades of blue.

HEATHER BLUE

Industrial-inspired neutrals have moved from being fashion accent colors to all-season options. The steel blue of F/W 14 lightened up for S/S 2015, with more hints of grey thrown in to look even more utilitarian. The color plays up lustrous surfaces on fabrics like nylon, cotton poplin, and silk.

VINEYARD

Rich and juicy shades of claret and wine have been around for several seasons, but they’re quickly transitioning to be more commercial for knits and jackets. After the super-saturated colors in F/W 14, the vineyard of S/S 2015 is more multi-faceted with novel currents of pink and purple fused together.

Trend Themes Inspired by New Neutrals

DARK PARADISE

DARK PARADISE is the unexpected side of wholesome summers by the sea. With a decidedly expressive approach, this theme celebrates moody nature and its astonishing power. Early surf subcultures, the subversive side of 1950s Tiki kitsch, and gloomy black-and-white photos by famed artist Robert Longo inspire this slightly sinister and somewhat apocalyptic trend. Nature’s juxtapositions are key from dark florals and molten lava textures to blackened surf and sunsets right out of Judgment Day.

LAUREL CANYON

LAUREL CANYON is a neighborhood in the Hollywood Hills where icons of cool have lived and played for decades. Inspired by this storied locale (as well as the early days of Palm Springs and Las Vegas), along with idols like Cary Grant and James Dean, Laurel Canyon puts the spotlight on today’s leading man. With a touch of leisure mixed in with traditional tailoring, this theme is as much about classic comfort as it is looking polished and buttoned-up at all times.

SWEET REBEL

SWEET REBEL finds that the irreverence of youth can be charming and bitter at once. After several seasons of prep school rebels, the bad boy for S/S 2015 turns his eye towards dark cowboys from Nashville, clashing kitsch from LA, and boyish punks from East London. Patterns typically perceived as innocent like florals and teddy bears are contrasted with aggressive leather, metallic, and pinup girl motifs.

MAGIC Sourcing Galleries S/S 2015 Trends

MAGIC Sourcing Galleries S/S 2015 Trends

Courtesy of Fashion Snoops

Trend Gallery: Avant Pop

Avant Pop combines bright hues with abstract art, and bold prints with daring patterns. The expressive theme sees eye-popping visuals fuse with surrealist imagery, and experimentation in art and design presents unlikely juxtapositions. Asymmetric silhouettes and pop art faces are accentuated by jewel embellishments for a 3-dimensional appeal, while textured fabrics, bright colors, outlandish motifs and mixed media elements create a walking art gallery.

Trend Gallery: Streamline

A minimalist approach to design is defined in Streamline, where sophisticated, simple silhouettes create an ultra-modern appeal with a relaxed, athletic influence. Parachute nylon, mesh and foamy textures are colored with soft, muted tones, and are accentuated by transparent layers, contrast trims and industrial zippers. Cotton shirting and organza add further interest, while subtle styling creates a refined expression of the slick aesthetic.

Trend Gallery: Artisanal

There’s an inherent sense of tradition and ritual in our Artisanal theme, as repeated geometric patterns and linear border designs create a majestic visual appeal. Rich, jewel-tones are infused with intricate florals, while lace, suede and jacquard fabrics help to evoke the elaborate nature of the trend. Texture becomes one of the most important qualities, and artisanal accents like fringing and embroidery create a luxurious look and feel.

Trend Gallery: Thrift Shop

Retro inspiration shifts into a new direction with Thrift Shop, effortlessly combining classic comfort with a polished aesthetic. A vintage-hued color palette mixes with pops of kitschy color in conversational prints, while materials such as french terry, crisp poplin and faded denim feature heavily. Patterned fabrics create a craft-inspired look, and suede patchwork complements artful embroidery for a new spin to the thrifty feel of the theme.