The Fashion Trend Cycle

Name a trend that’s ongoing, name a trend that’s obsolete; from the Birkin bag to the led shoes, and the modest suit to the naked dress, trends, whether we like it or not, manipulate the fashion industry like a ring is moved on a finger.

But who makes trends? Who starts them? And why do people feel obliged to follow them? Why is it, that a long forgotten, or even non-existent, piece fires up all over the place in mere days? 

Behind The Scenes:

Fashion trends are known as styles that are popular during a time, such that a large group of people wear it during the same window. There are many sources from which fashion trends emerge, including the runway, the streetstyle, celebrities, and fashion figures.

Many trends come from the runway. Take, for instance, the soft goth look that went viral in 2023. It originated from Etro’s FW 23 show. Black lace, Victorian accessories, black eye makeup, and dark lips went straight from the runway to TikTok.

ETRO FW 24 - Look #7	MIU MIU SS 24 - Look #4	AGONA FW 2020 - Look #3

A more recent example is the preppy style, originating from Gucci, Miu Miu, and Dries Van Notten themes of 2024. Suddenly, everybody started wearing stripped button downs, blazers, and polo shirts.

While some trends do not outlive their prime, as in the case of the simple goth trend of 2023, others do. In 2020, designers managed to bring back cashmere and wool for cozy runway looks. Surprisingly, cashmere and wool sets remain to be a firing trend.

 In addition, celebrities play a very important role in building trends, since they each have a quite impressionable fanbase. A recent example is the Barbiecore. When Margot Robbie showed up in multiple outfits inspired by her film, Barbie, all shades of pink were all over the place: from designer dresses, to everyday tops and sets, even to suits and business attire.

Margot Robbie in a pink dress during Barbie premiere.

Similarly, fashion bloggers take trends to another level. While a celebrity simply showcases a piece, a fashion blogger tells you how and why to style it and wear it. The latter is exactly what differentiates fashion bloggers from both celebrities and influencers, acknowledging the fact that their roles may overlap. As credible sources of fashion-related information, they have quite a say in what fashion trends emerge as well as continue. Whenever Mandy Lee, a fashion blogger and trend forecaster, reviews a MET Gala look, she influences more that 860,000 followers on Instagram, and millions on TikTok. Many of the videos she makes go viral, not to mention how powerful her writings in fashion are.

 It is also important to note that the street style influences newcomers. Head to Tompkins Square Park, New York City, keeping a close eye on what people are wearing. Chances are you will spot coherent, yet eye-catching fashion. If the case is aiming at recreating the style you observe, it is quite feasible.

The Cycle:
They say trends don’t die. Rather, a trend fires, cools down, and goes back to the beginning again.
1. A trend is introduced by designers, celebrities, bloggers, or street style.
2. Fashion magazine and blog readers, forecasters, and runway eyers replicate the trend.
3. Other people notice the rise of the neo-trend.
4. The trend rises in popularity until it reaches its peak.
5. The trend begins to cool down and phase out, losing its cutting-edge appeal. While still being regarded as awesome, it is quite oversaturated.
6. While sometimes a trend disappears completely, it can also remain dormant, moving back to the beginning of the line.

Closure:
Regardless of whether a fashion trend lives out or fades, what makes a trend beautiful is the fact that it can be born out of anything and by anyone. From designers to teenagers across Times Square, inspiration, styling, and pushing the line are the core of trend-making.