The fashion industry is ever-evolving, with each season bringing fresh trends, innovations, and a reflection of cultural shifts. The period between Fall/Winter 2017 (FW2017) and Spring/Summer 2021 (SS2021) is particularly noteworthy, as it was marked by significant global events, technological advances, and a redefinition of what fashion means in the modern world. From streetwear dominance to sustainability movements and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the trends that shaped this era are profound.
This article will explore the key fashion moments from FW2017 to SS2021, focusing on the cultural, technological, and creative developments that defined this period.
Fashion in FW2017: The Rise of Streetwear and Inclusivity
Streetwear Ascendancy
FW2017 marked the continued rise of streetwear as a dominant force in fashion. No longer confined to niche communities, streetwear took center stage, influencing high fashion and luxury brands. The collaboration between Louis Vuitton and Supreme, one of the most talked-about partnerships in 2017, demonstrated the merger of high fashion and street culture. This collaboration not only showcased streetwear’s influence but also marked a pivotal moment where luxury brands began to embrace urban aesthetics.
Brands like Off-White, helmed by Virgil Abloh, became leading voices in the intersection of streetwear and luxury. Abloh’s ability to merge high fashion with street-inspired designs resonated with younger consumers, making him one of the most influential figures of the late 2010s. His collections, full of bold graphics, deconstructed tailoring, and ironic labels, captured the spirit of the time.
The Push for Inclusivity
Another significant trend of FW2017 was the growing demand for inclusivity within the fashion industry. With models like Ashley Graham and Paloma Elsesser challenging the traditional standards of beauty, brands began to embrace a wider range of body types, ethnicities, and gender expressions on the runway.
Fashion houses such as Chromat and Rihanna’s Fenty collection played a major role in normalizing diversity on the catwalk. Chromat, known for its bold, architectural swimwear, celebrated bodies of all shapes and sizes, while Rihanna’s Fenty revolutionized the lingerie market with her inclusive range of skin tones and body-positive designs. This shift was not merely a trend but a movement that sought to challenge and dismantle the narrow beauty standards that had long dominated the fashion world.
Fashion in SS2018: Bold Colors and 1980s Revival
Return of the 1980s
The Spring/Summer 2018 collections were dominated by a revival of 1980s fashion, with bold colors, oversized silhouettes, and extravagant detailing taking center stage. Designers like Marc Jacobs and Balenciaga brought back power shoulders, neon hues, and statement accessories, evoking the exuberance and excess of the decade. These throwback elements resonated with a generation looking for optimism and fun amid global political and social uncertainties.
Neon, metallics, and exaggerated tailoring became hallmarks of the season, signaling a return to maximalism after years of minimalistic trends. SS2018 was an invitation to be loud, daring, and unapologetic in fashion choices.
Bold Color Palettes
Bold, vibrant colors were a defining feature of SS2018 collections, with shades of electric blue, neon pink, and bright yellow lighting up runways. Designers like Versace embraced these striking hues, often combining them with retro patterns and oversized prints. Versace’s SS2018 collection, a tribute to Gianni Versace’s legacy, encapsulated this bold, maximalist approach with iconic patterns, gold embellishments, and striking color contrasts.
This boldness was a reaction to the subdued, neutral tones that had dominated previous years. In a way, fashion became a form of escapism, allowing individuals to express creativity and individuality through vibrant, eye-catching ensembles.
Fashion in FW2018: Sustainability and Ethical Fashion
The Rise of Sustainable Fashion
FW2018 marked a turning point for sustainability within the fashion industry. As awareness about climate change and the environmental impact of fast fashion grew, brands began to prioritize ethical practices and eco-friendly materials. Stella McCartney, already a pioneer of sustainable luxury fashion, continued to lead the charge with collections made from recycled materials and organic fabrics.
In response to consumer demand for greater transparency, brands started adopting sustainable practices, including using ethically sourced materials, reducing carbon footprints, and implementing fair labor practices. This shift was fueled by a growing call for accountability, with consumers pushing for more environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional fashion production methods.
Circular Fashion Economy
The concept of a circular fashion economy gained momentum during FW2018. This idea involves creating a closed-loop system where products are reused, repaired, or recycled, significantly reducing waste and minimizing the environmental impact of the fashion industry. Brands like Eileen Fisher and Patagonia were at the forefront of this movement, encouraging customers to return used items for repair or recycling.
This shift towards circular fashion not only reflected changing consumer attitudes but also indicated the industry’s growing recognition of its environmental responsibility. The fast fashion model was increasingly being questioned, as consumers sought out more sustainable and ethical alternatives.
Fashion in SS2019: Gender Fluidity and Utility
Gender-Fluid Fashion
By SS2019, gender-fluid fashion had become a central theme, with designers challenging traditional gender norms and creating collections that blurred the lines between men’s and women’s clothing. Labels such as Telfar, Gucci, and JW Anderson embraced androgynous styles, offering clothing that could be worn by anyone, regardless of gender.
The fashion world’s embrace of gender fluidity reflected broader societal shifts toward inclusivity and the breakdown of rigid gender binaries. This era saw the rise of unisex collections, fluid silhouettes, and the incorporation of elements traditionally associated with both menswear and womenswear into a single look.
Utility and Practicality
Alongside the movement toward gender-fluid fashion, SS2019 was also characterized by the rise of utility and practicality in design. Functional clothing, including cargo pants, oversized jackets, and multiple-pocket designs, became highly sought after. Brands like Prada and Fendi explored utilitarian aesthetics, offering garments that were as practical as they were fashionable.
This trend towards functionality was driven by a desire for clothes that could adapt to a fast-paced, ever-changing world. The blending of style and practicality allowed fashion to meet the needs of a more mobile and active generation.
Fashion in FW2019: The Impact of Technology
Technology and Digital Fashion
Technology began to play an increasingly important role in fashion during FW2019. Augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and digital fashion became buzzwords as designers experimented with new ways to engage consumers. Gucci, for instance, launched a digital sneaker in collaboration with Wanna Kicks, allowing consumers to try on and purchase virtual sneakers without ever physically owning them.
This digital revolution in fashion extended to virtual fashion shows, with designers using cutting-edge technology to create immersive experiences. As consumers became more tech-savvy, fashion brands had to find innovative ways to connect with their audiences, often through digital platforms and virtual garments.
3D Printing and Innovation
FW2019 also saw advancements in 3D printing technology, which began to influence how clothes were designed and manufactured. 3D-printed garments offered new possibilities for customization and sustainability, allowing designers to create intricate patterns and shapes that would be impossible with traditional methods. Designers like Iris van Herpen pioneered the use of 3D printing in high fashion, creating stunning, futuristic garments that pushed the boundaries of what fashion could be.
Fashion in SS2020: The Pandemic and Fashion’s Response
The Impact of COVID-19
The Spring/Summer 2020 season will forever be remembered for its intersection with the global COVID-19 pandemic. As countries around the world went into lockdown, the fashion industry was forced to adapt rapidly. Fashion weeks were canceled, and many brands shifted to virtual shows or released collections online.
Loungewear and comfort became the dominant fashion trend as people spent more time at home. Designers like Marine Serre incorporated face masks into their collections, reflecting the new reality of living in a pandemic. The fashion industry’s response to COVID-19 was not only practical but also creative, as designers found ways to incorporate protective gear into their collections while maintaining aesthetic appeal.
Virtual Fashion Shows
With physical fashion shows no longer possible, SS2020 saw the rise of virtual fashion weeks. Brands like Balmain and Valentino hosted digital presentations, using video and AR to showcase their collections. These virtual shows offered a new, immersive way for consumers to experience fashion from the safety of their homes.
The pandemic also accelerated the fashion industry’s shift towards e-commerce, with many brands launching digital platforms and apps to reach customers directly. This transition highlighted the importance of digital technology in keeping the industry afloat during a time of global crisis.
Fashion in SS2021: Sustainability Takes Center Stage
Sustainable Fashion as a Mainstream Movement
By Spring/Summer 2021, sustainability had become a central theme in fashion. What began as a niche movement in earlier years had now taken center stage, with consumers demanding greater transparency from brands about their environmental impact. Fashion houses like Gabriela Hearst and Stella McCartney continued to lead the way in sustainable practices, using recycled materials, zero-waste designs, and ethical production methods.
Sustainability was no longer just a trend but an expectation from consumers. Brands that failed to embrace eco-friendly practices risked falling out of favor with a new generation of environmentally conscious shoppers.
The Return of Optimism
After the challenging year that was 2020, SS2021 collections were filled with optimism and hope. Bright colors, playful patterns, and whimsical designs dominated runways as designers sought to bring joy and positivity back into fashion. Collections from brands like Dolce & Gabbana and Moschino were filled with vibrant prints, floral motifs, and playful accessories, signaling a return to the exuberance that had characterized earlier seasons.
Conclusion
The period between FW2017 and SS2021 was a transformative time in fashion. It was marked by significant shifts in cultural attitudes, technological innovations, and the growing importance of sustainability. From the rise of streetwear and inclusivity to the impact of COVID-19 and the digital revolution, these years reshaped the fashion landscape. As we look forward, the lessons learned during this period will continue to influence the future of fashion, pushing the industry towards a more inclusive, innovative, and sustainable future.
