The fashion space was without doubt very dynamic in terms of style trends in 2016. There was the widespread embrace of sport-inspired fashion, specifically the emergence of high-end streetwear labels, and at the same time, a return to a more distinctly feminine style of dressing as epitomized by Gucci under the leadership of Alessandro Michele.
In a Vogue story with merchants for the world’s top, high-end retailers (Nordstrom, Ssense, Browns, Neiman Marcus, Matches Fashion, Barney’s, Saks Fifth Avenue, Net-A-Porter and Bergdorf Goodman), buyers called out their top performing brands, as well as the big trends.
Leading style trends included bombers (shout out to Alpha Industries), ruffled details, off-the-shoulder tops, velvet anything and statement footwear made fun and funky through stone embellishments or fur linings.
Buyers also said shoppers showed a greater openness to try out lesser known designers. Yes, sneakers were mentioned, but news flash, at least one buyer, Brigette Chartrand of Montreal-based SSense cautioned, “Sneakers are still very popular but I believe we’ll see a shift back to heels soon.”
Labels receiving shout outs from multiple retailers:
Gucci: Five retailers
Vetements: Four retailers
Balenciaga: Three retailers
Chanel: Three retailers
J.W. Anderson: Three retailers
Miu Miu: Two retailers
Off White: Two retailers
Sies Marjan: Two retailers
Clearly Gucci designer, Alessandro Michele and Balenciaga and Vetements designer, Demna Gvasalia, are having a major moment.
