2020 was a downer in more ways than one and the fashion industry was no stranger to its brutal happenings. Thankfully for us all, the fashion industry is a fighter. Going into the new year slightly humbled, lockdown life unexpectedly saw the industry flourish in new ways. The industry saw changes and there’s more on the horizon- both in the interests of fashion fiends and environmental enthusiasts. Talk about a win, win!
Considering that more than 80% of transactions in the fashion industry happen in physical shops, we can’t be all that surprised the industry had a tumultuous time – what, in the year of lockdowns, quarantines and isolations. With our lives having fallen almost entirely to the digital, for many of us, it has meant PJ parties all day, every day. Empty social calendars and rare outings into the outside world has left it easy to understand why the industry’s performance hasn’t been at its peak.
Refusing to give up without a fight, the fashion industry salvaged itself with its loungewear sales. With small need to go out, less trumped more and as such, according to Browns in London, the multi-brand luxury boutique reported a 70% increase in loungewear sales. Whacking on those mini-skirts and dangerously tight, boned corset tops doesn’t seem all that necessary with many of our days now spent inside, so it’s no wonder we’re seeing more comfy queens and a spike in ‘throw on’ fashion.
Across social media, the focus on tie-dye ensembles have been, um… questionable. This – undeserved – plastering across our pixeled screens may have made days seem bleak, but there is light at the end of the tunnel. Each day is a step closer out of this COVID-inflicted slump, bringing us closer to our debut back into a normal-functioning society. After what feels like an eternity of being cooped up, it’s time to be noticed again. If you’re looking for the future bombshells of the fashion industry, perhaps obscenely cinched waist garments, strong-shouldered silhouettes and statement textures and sheers are the way forward.
Coming out of lockdown, two things are clear; the fashion police probably need to come knocking on our doors, and the environment needs help. We think our wardrobes have problems right now, but none of that compares to those of the environment.
The fashion industry is hugely polluting, producing about 1.2 billion tonnes of carbon emissions per year – and for some time has been under huge pressure to become more sustainable. The fashion industry is at an exciting crossroad and has a chance to initiate positive changes for a better tomorrow. Brands and labels are soon sure to be recognised and rewarded for their eco-efforts, with the industry already subject to exciting tech innovations that can help our planet breathe easier.
It seems transparency is key is easing minds which is why the likes of Swedish Menswear brand, Asket, is introducing a new kind of receipt, highlighting the true environmental impact of a garment’s creation. Pretty nifty, and it stands out from market competitors, too!
Brands have also been known to release eco-conscious lines and boycott detrimental materials – remember when Burberry went fur-free? Changes such as these shine light on consumer demands for better practices, with sustainability now a non-negotiable fashion standard for many.
And there we have it! Slowly but surely, the fashion industry is taking steps forward to make mother-Earth thrive. There’s a long way to go yet, but we’re headed in the right direction. Hopes are high for the industry’s future… and that of us serving looks that are bomb dot com.
