THE FUTURE OF FASHION. What We Know So Far in 2023

From the catwalks of Paris to the fashion shows of Milan, fashion has been a major part of our world for centuries, and as the world continues to evolve, so does fashion. From the impact of technology to the rise of sustainable fashion, we'll look at the biggest changes and advances in the industry, so get ready to dive right in!

1. The Fashion Forward evolution

Over the past 5 years, fashion has been revolutionized by the rise of influencers, increased use of tech, increased popularity of sustainable fashion, and emergence of digital fashion.

These changes have had a huge impact on fashion design, production, and consumption, so far, allowing for more customization and personalization. All of these changes have helped shape the industry as we know it today, but it doesn’t just stop there.

2. What We Know So Far in 2023

At the start of this year, global fashion brands are taking advantage of the New Lunar Year by releasing products that reference the Chinese zodiac sign of the year 2023.

They are referring to this year as 'The Year of the Rabbit'. Brands such as Louis Vuitton, Dior, Gucci, Mulberry, Moschino, Moncler, Givenchy, Burberry, Prada, and Bottega Veneta have created playful and childlike motifs of the rabbit, collaborated with famous bunny characters, and created poetic narratives exploring the evolving meaning of the Chinese New Year.

Through this, brands are aiming to create special products and promotions that honor the Water Rabbit and its characteristics, while also teaching customers about the Chinese zodiac to form a stronger bond between the brand and its customers, as well as providing a more meaningful experience for them.

3. Increase in Sustainable Brands, Trends, and Materials

In 2023, sustainable fashion trends will be more popular than ever. Manufacturers, designers, and brands will be more conscious of their environmental impact and will be looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint.

By the end of 2023 through 2025, fashion manufacturers will be subject to stricter regulations regarding sustainability, with the aim of reducing emissions and introducing more eco-friendly materials to the market. Consumers will also most likely seek out clothing that is produced ethically, with fair labor practices, and that is produced in a way that is not harmful to the environment.

These materials will include non-plastic, non-synthetic, and vegan fabrics as alternatives to animal-based fabrics. Brands will be looking for ways to utilize more recycled materials to create new products, such as clothing made from recycled plastic bottles.

Furthermore, eco-friendly dyes and fabrics, as well as reusable or recyclable packaging, will also be popular sustainable fashion trends that many clothing lines will adopt.

4. The increasing Role of Technology in Sustainable Fashion

In general, technology has had a tremendous impact on the fashion industry, from the production of fabrics to the marketing of products. Fast fashion and cheap garments have become far less popular as consumers are becoming more aware of the environmental and ethical implications of the industry.

This demanding aspect has enabled the modern manufacturing sector to become more sustainable by cutting down on waste, boosting efficiency, and improving product quality.

In terms of design and production, technology has enabled designers to monitor the supply chain and make sure materials are sourced responsibly, as well as allowing for more efficient production processes, better communication between workers, efficient distribution systems, less packaging, and more sustainable shipping methods.

As for marketing, technology has enabled fashion brands to reach a wider audience and use customer data to create more personalized campaigns.

5. The gradual rise in popularity of Social Media on Fashion Trends

So far, the 21st Century has seen a huge impact of influencers on fashion trends, thanks to social media. Many brands have been able to reach a much larger audience than ever before, and such influence is evident in the way people dress, the styles they choose, and the brands they buy.

Additionally, influencers have been able to build a more personal connection with their followers, share their personal style, give advice, and even collaborate with brands to create unique looks.

This has led to many brands working with numerous influencers as part of their marketing strategies, allowing them to reach a much broader audience and create more interest in their products. This has also enabled fashion trends to become more diverse and creative, with more experimentation and exploration.

6. Virtual Shopping Experiences are on the rise

The digitalization of the fashion industry has led to an increase in virtual shopping experiences. This has allowed customers to access a wider range of products than ever before, as well as access to exclusive deals and discounts, the possibility to compare prices, and make purchases without ever having to leave their homes.

The availability of emerging technologies, such as virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), allow shoppers to experience products in a more immersive way. Virtual shopping experiences can help reduce costs associated with physical stores, such as rent and staffing. As technology continues to evolve, virtual shopping experiences are likely to become even more popular in the future.

7. The evolving demand of brick-and-mortar stores

With thousands of jobs set to be rotated or even lost, changes in fashion retail stores are painful, as leading companies are adopting to modern shopping methods.

The decline in consumer spending through 2022 has been a major challenge for retail stores, due to a range of factors, such as the rise of online shopping and virtual experiences, changing customer preferences, rising cost of living, and, of course, the effects of the pandemic.

Online shopping has made it much easier and more convenient for consumers to carry out their purchases. Additionally, consumers are increasingly looking for unique and personalized fashion items, which can be found more easily online than in traditional stores.

Companies will continue to invest in new technologies that allow for more personalized designs and will offer customers more options when it comes to shopping for their clothing. Companies such as Nike, Adidas, and Under Armour have all embraced this trend and offer customers the ability to customize their clothing with logos, colors, and other features.

As a result, for brick-and-mortar stores to remain competitive in the years ahead they must adapt to keep up with the changing landscape. This may involve store remodeling, layout optimizations, configuring parking lots for convenient access, and organizing in-store events to entertain customers. Additionally, retail stores can evolve by leveraging digital technologies to create a more immersive in-store shopping experience. Examples include virtual dressing rooms, augmented reality displays, or interactive kiosks. Through these tactics, brick-and-mortar stores will be able to provide customers with a unique, personalized experience that will help ensure their continued success in an increasingly digital world.

8. Our Predictions for 2025 and Beyond

By 2025, fashion will become more sustainable, with more brands using recycled materials and eco-friendly production processes.

Consumers will be more conscious of their purchases and will be more likely to buy from brands that are committed to sustainability. Consumers might also be able to customize their clothing to fit their exact measurements and style preferences.

In the future years, we might also see the introduction and popularity increase of smart clothing, with garments that can monitor your health, track your activity, and even adjust to your environment.

Virtual shopping assistants such as chatbots will surely be adopted by more online businesses due to the increase of AI-powered capabilities, helping customers find the perfect outfit in an instant.

Similarly, Virtual (VR) and Augmented (AR) reality technologies will continue to be developed and tested to create virtual shopping experiences and fashion shows, which will further allow customers to try on clothes in novel and immersive ways, without ever having to leave their homes.

Finally, we predict that Blockchain technology will be highly considered by brands to help track the production and distribution of fashion items, ensuring that they are ethically sourced and produced.

The Year of Growth

2023 is sure to be an exciting and memorable year for fashion, with sustainable fashion choices, technological advancements, and social media leading the way for new trends and style personalization. We are thrilled to be a part of the changes in the industry and trust that 2023 will be a year of growth for the fashion world. We hope you share our enthusiasm for the year ahead, and that you found this blog insightful.

If you did, make sure to follow Jos The Artisan for more interesting tips and news on hot fashion trends. With our unique eye on the fashion industry, you won't want to miss out on the latest looks and trends around the globe.