Declining Fashion VS Rising Fashion... This Year's Fashion Keyword is 超Individualism

[Asia Economy Reporter Yujin Cho] In the fashion industry, the key consumer trend for this year’s fashion is identified as 'hyper-individualism,' which emphasizes personal satisfaction. It is forecasted that the mega trends that once dominated the fashion market will disappear, and fashion and trends reflecting the unique needs of each consumer will be favored.

On the 11th, Hyunjin Park, a researcher at DB Financial Investment, stated, "In times of great economic uncertainty, consumer behavior becomes more sensitive," adding, "Consumers will consider whether a brand truly holds the values they desire and whether they can trust that brand when choosing products or brands."

Hansome, a fashion company affiliated with Hyundai Department Store Group, also noted, "In a specialized survival market where customer needs are becoming more specific and segmented, only designs that are more distinctive and differentiated can survive," and presented 'EPIC,' an acronym derived from the first letters of 'Elegance, Practicality, Identity, Classic,' as this year’s women’s fashion trend keywords.

Hansome predicted that the modern elegance style, which signifies contemporary elegance, will lead this year’s women’s fashion trends. The elegance style maximizes femininity and luxury, but it had been overlooked recently due to the rise of retro fashion and genderless fashion that blurs distinctions between men and women.

A Hansome representative said, "As casual looks of similar styles have spread like a trend, more customers are feeling a sense of rejection toward them," adding, "Since last winter season, sales of skirts, blouses, coats, and knitwear emphasizing femininity in brands like Time, Mine, and Lanvin Collection have surpassed sales of neutral styles such as jeans and outerwear."

Additionally, items that are lightweight, comfortable, and practical are expected to gain attention. Since last year, the ‘athleisure look’ (a blend of athletic and leisure wear) has emerged as a key fashion trend by breaking down the boundaries between everyday wear and sportswear, and due to the contraction of consumer sentiment, customer demand for versatile items that can be used in various ways has increased.

Finally, a revival of classic styles such as trench coats and tweed jackets is also anticipated. This is analyzed as evolving into a new classic look that is feminine and chic, intertwined with the retro fashion boom that started last year, reflecting consumers’ desire to boldly express their femininity and character.

The Samsung Fashion Institute also presented 'righteousness,' which aligns with consumers’ beliefs and worldview, as next year’s fashion keyword, pointing out that "market hegemony is shifting to consumers, and consumer needs are becoming increasingly fragmented."

They suggested that to implement this year’s fashion keywords, a strategic approach is needed to shift perspectives toward consumer-centricity across all management activities of fashion companies.

The institute emphasized that fundamental structural innovation centered on consumers, rather than makers, is necessary?from responding to diversified e-commerce trends and readjusting offline distribution to establishing rapid sourcing and production systems and marketing promotions aimed at targeting rapidly changing consumer tastes.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.