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Denim Trends: A Global Undercurrent
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| Around the world, the concept of denim continues to evolve. Some trends, such as 1980s-inspired silhouettes, seem almost universal; while surface trends tend to celebrate the rich diversity of their origins. The individual emerging trends of key fashion cities will gravitate and merge, creating the next global trend—feeding and fueling the evolution of jeans. Why? Because, from New York to Berlin; Los Angeles to Melbourne, the citizens of the world continue to crave denim. There is no stopping their craving for fresh ideas and new applications. To whet your appetite, here is what we in the Cotton Incorporated Product Trend Analysis Group are seeing in the shops and on the streets of the eight key cities:
Sunny Los Angeles, home to chiseled citizenry and rocker-chic, has perfected edgy worn-out black denim and two-tone over-dyes while infusing kick through the use of purples and berry colors. Denim tunic dresses and embossed textures have gained recognition in this star-studded city.
New Yorkers are bewitched by high-waisted denim: both in stove pipe and skinny dimensions. Ice-washed and bright colors are hot, along with pinstripes and zipper details. Jumpers and trousers add cool sophistication to denim silhouettes.
Berlin is leading Europe in color direction through their choice of vibrant cobalt blue. Stripes in varying proportions are found in skinny denim silhouettes. Metallic sheen and decoration along with slippery, shiny finishes complete this German look.
In Stockholm, skinny dropped front bibs, as well as bibs on shorts and skirts are street-cool additions. Scandinavian reinvention is also evidenced in baggy jeans with twisted seams—newcomers to the denim scene. Here, purples and reds remain popular, as well as 80’s influences in denim prints.
Looking east, there is a playful exuberance in denim trends out of Bangkok. Lightweight denim and denim/chambray mixes steal the show in classic western looks, boyfriend styles for girls and cinched-ankled silhouettes. Color choices abound from the important dark grey to soft pastel colors. Pearlescent finishes and soft pleats continue to add gentle, but modern intrigue.
Tokyo maintains its position as a market leader and denim pioneer, and designers there are experimenting with a range of natural dyes and fiber combinations. Layering, using overalls and suspenders, jean shorts with tights, and complete denim outfits (jackets, jeans, vests and shorts), is a very current and important trend. Extremely long legs that bunch and gather at the ankle and carrot legs are two emerging Japanese silhouettes. For women, cropped jackets, bubble skirts and shorts, frayed looks and ruffles are very popular. Zippers are making appearances all over the outside of legs. As far as color, greens and purples dominate along with bleached and whitened denim effects
In Melbourne the top trends in denim include foil pressing, stripes and geometric prints. Buttons are used as embellishment up the front or back of skirts. Western style denim shirts and 80’s style vintage long rise jeans are popping up everywhere.
Last stop: Shanghai, where light, washed-down blues and high waists prevail on jeans and skirts. Pleats and gathering highlight denim bubble shorts and skirts. On jeans, there is an interest in color detailing on the rear; whether through topstitching, appliqués or prints or words and phrases. Also in jeans, there is emphasis on metal hardware in studs and buttons.
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