The Oxford English Dictionary defines fashion as “a popular trend, especially in styles of dress and ornament or manners of behavior”. Fashion is, arguably, the most diverse and fastest-developing culture in the world.

Charles Frederick Worth, in the late 1890’s, is considered the first formal fashion designer. Many people turn to fashion as an expression of thought, idea, or personality; and some choose to do all three. Combined with these motives and a passion for changing the industry, is where famous designers make their names.

In contrast, there is a subculture of fashion called “fast-fashion” in which the industry is entirely supported by trends and fads.

The fads in question constantly develop and change rapidly. Circumstances that may cause these changes are times of year, media influences, and “who was wearing what, when?” (as I like to call it.).

One of the current kinds of clothing that are engulfing the fast fashion market are varsity or letterman jackets. This style of jacket was designed in the 50’s. Personally, I believe this was started years ago on the runway by Yves Saint Laurent’s teddy jacket–release back in 2013. This specific jacket has been sported by popular actor/director Jonah Hill, and artist A$AP Rocky. With a price tag of $2,990 it appeals to those with either a taste of French high fashion, or deep pockets that want a genuine, vintage look.

Another piece that didn’t originate through the fast fashion culture is work pants. Notable brands for this look are Levi’s, Dickies, and Etnies. Work pants, worn from the likes of plumbers to famous skaters, have been popularized by the influx of alternative fashion. 

Although the idea of work pants have been around since the gold rush with the introduction of Levi-Strauss (modern-day Levis), they are being worn in a different sense. Personally, owning a pair of both Dickies and Wranglers pants, I think they give you the ability to have effectiveness and durability mixed with the versatility of a pair of jeans.

The final thing I will be covering isn’t an article of clothing, but more a design feature. This style is grungy, dark, and edgy. 

Leading designers in this style include the likes of Raf Simmons, Rick Owens, and the current lead designer at Comme des Garçons and founder of Dover Street Market, Rei Kawakubo.

Owens describes his look as “glunge” a mix of “grunge” and “glamour”. Heavy tones of this style include dark, monotone colors, and the adoption of things otherwise seen as feminine. Painted fingernails, crop tops, and others all being worn by male models. 

It’s hard to predict upcoming trends in such a wild and unpredictable industry. For this, I look to the next potential generation of designers, now students at London Fashion College. 

In a recent Vogue article, the magazine interviewed students in Central Saint Martin (CSM). Featured in the article is student Joe Bromley. The magazine photographed him wearing a sharp black trench coat with matching turtleneck, “western style” (as Joe describes himself), red pants which give great contrast, and industrial, gothic looking boots. Accented with black eyeliner and dark jewelry, his style, I believe, perfectly describes the new age of fashion. 

Personally, I think this style will stay longer than normal fads due to certain influencers wearing and popularizing them, and then inherently die out. There is something about the style mentioned before that I believe will stay, or at least leave its impact. Excessive jewelry, dark themes, and certain colorways I believe will have somewhat of a defining aspect of this time.