#STRIKETRENDWATCH Retro-Futurism

It’s your Head of Fashion here, coming to you with something new. Here at Strike Magazine FAU, we are constantly on the lookout for up and coming trends and felt it was only right to share. So welcome to #STRIKETRENDWATCH; a new trend forecast column brought to you on the last Friday of each month by yours truly. Strike Trend Watch is designed to keep you up to date on what we predict will be making its way into the hearts and closets of your fav fashion girlies. Mark your calendars and get your wish lists ready.

With couture week just ending and fashion week being right around the corner, it’s likely about that time where you realize you need an entirely new wardrobe. As your in-house fashion fairy godmother, I am here to help. From knitwear that will make even your grandma jealous, to patterns that will have you second-guessing when you took your last pill, we’ll be covering it all. For our very first Trend Watch, I will be diving into Retro-futurism.

Retro-futurism is on the rise and I predict we are only going to be seeing more of it this season. The idea of Retro-futurism is to create your own vision of the future, using elements from the past. It’s reimagining silhouettes, prints, fabrics, and upcycling unconventional materials. Looking ahead—while also maintaining a sense of nostalgia. The now trend made its first appearance in the ’70s alongside genres “science fiction” and “dystopia.” It was popularized within the fashion industry by French-Italian Designer and icon, Pierre Cardin, who served as a major source of inspiration and influence to French designers who followed him. Many of whom refer to him as the “Father of Retro-futurism” itself.

Retro-futurism tends to make an appearance anytime our present reality takes a turn for the worse. The truth is, it's a weird time and our perception is shifting (they say that can happen after a year in quarantine). The rules no longer apply, and that does not exclude fashion. It’s said that what we wear is a physical manifestation of who we are on the inside. As our reality shifts, we’ve broadened the parameters of what we allow ourselves to wear and started envisioning what could be.

Okay, now that we’re all familiar, let’s get into it. Here are the ways we think you’ll be seeing Retro-futurism this upcoming season.

1. Patchwork - Rua Carlota

Image Courtesy: @ruacarlota on Instagram

This London-based brand has taken reworking to the next level. With their bright colors, funky patterns, and detailed patchwork; Rua Carlota has reshaped the way we view upcycling and landed the first spot on our list.

2. Heels Made for Running - Ancuta Sarca

Image Courtesy: @ancutasarca on Instagram

Designer Ancuta Sacrca has blessed us with the Rihanna of all tennis shoes. Her take includes a pointed toe, paired with kitten heels. I’m confident whoever said you can’t run in heels has never seen these. However, I predict that will change in the near future.

3. Kasia Kucharska

I mean… I think this one speaks for itself.

Drawing great inspiration from lace, German designer Kasia Kucharska took an in-depth look into its origins and put her twist on the renowned fabric using silicone. Kucharska’s staple scribbling designs give a new, abstract definition to the once traditional material.

4. Shape-Shifting - Iris van Herpen

Iris van Herpen via Vogue Runway

Silhouettes have become a major player in fashion. In her Spring/Summer ‘21 couture collection, Dutch designer Iris van Herpen uses 3D printing to create unconventional shapes, breaking the norm on traditional silhouettes. Her collection serves as proof the artistry of couture is still alive and reaffirms our belief that reality can be whatever you make it. So, if you see me shaped like a leaf in the middle of Trader Joes on a Tuesday morning, know it’s because Iris Van Herpen told me to.

5. Wired Up - Alexandra Sipa

Image Courtesy: @alexandrasipa on Instagram

At first glance, you might think Alexandra Sipa’s designs are entirely made out of lace. If you take a closer look, you’ll see there are actually hundreds, if not thousands, of electrical wires intertwined. Using this technique, Sipa turns discarded materials into extravagant gowns, bras, and accessories. As unpractical as it may seem, you’ll never have to worry about support when you’re wearing a bra made out of wires.

**6. Sportswear but make it couture - Paolina Russo**

Image Courtesy: @paolina_russo on Instagram

I hope all my Green Juice Girls are listening because this one's for you. Canadian designer Paolina Russo takes everyday sportswear, for example, Adidas shoes, and turns them into works of art. Her ingenuity is inspiring; almost enough to make me consider that gym membership, not quite, but almost.

7. Windowsen

Staying in the realm of sportswear, Belgian brand Windowsen has creatively turned Nike shoes into things like corsets. I guess they really don't call it runway for nothing. Using a theme of neon colors and heavy tulle, Windowsen adds to the newfound luxury of sportswear.

8. Texture - Chet Lo

If you're anything like me, you’ll be excited for this next one. Asian American designer Chet Lo uses texture unlike we’ve ever seen before. This brand causes us to question our reality, creating the illusion of spikes, through obscure textures and bright, neon colors. Chet Lo’s designs also have you guaranteed to keep people at a 6-foot distance. How perfect.

9. Body Molding - Oksana Ani

Image Courtesy: @oksana.ani on Instagram

Who knew that fashion and science could make such a hot couple? Self-titled “innovation enthusiast” Oksana Ani’s designs force us to look toward the future. With the help of a material called “bioLogic”, Ani creates shapes that resemble the human body, sending our reality all the way into the next dimension.

The question now is, how do we incorporate this into our own wardrobes? I’d first advise you to take items you’ve worn in the past and shape them to fit your present style. If you want to follow the theme of these designers, think eccentric fabrics, loud colors, and maybe even consider upcycling items you already own. Most importantly, remember Retro-futurism is essentially whatever you make it. It’s the future interpreted by YOU.

That’s all for now. Be back next month with another #STRIKETRENDWATCH.

Strike Out,

Sage West

Boca Raton