Straight from the fashion runways in New York, London, Milan and Paris we’re highlighting some of the fashion trends for Spring Summer 2021 (SS21) this month.
We believe many of these trends will eventually make their way onto the streets, red carpets, and ultimately, most likely, your Instagram feed over the next 12 months.
For this season, a sense of optimism and positivity has shone through the catwalk, reflected in reactive prints and the approach by fashion studios to a new way of working.
A mass of bright florals, organic marbling patterns, textured animal skins, ethnic influence, retro revival geometrics, and vacation-channelling patterns are some of the uplifting collections for SS21.
This enthusiasm has been reflected across social media channels as followers and buyers are given a sneak-peek into designers’ creative process. Artworks are strong as ever, with creativity remaining high.
So let’s explore these trends a little more to help you plan your next digital print collection.
Marble print trend
Psychedelic tie-dye (SS20) moves into more organic marbling patterns for SS21, helping evolve this huge print story for another season. Although primarily youth-driven, this look can easily pivot for the mature consumer with a muted palette and smaller-scale repeat.
Easily adapt to season and market by keeping colours muted or put through a digital filter. Spotted at Première Vision Designs, the largest textile design show in the world, marbling emerges as the latest move on to the buzzy tie-dye trend.
Art in fashion print trend
Drawn blind, these artistic designs delve into “processes that explore inner instincts without the guide of sight”. Expect creative and experimental prints to make an appearance in coming seasons, thanks to a new appreciation of craft spurred by at-home art projects during the COVID-19 lockdown.
With designers granted more time to experiment through periods of isolation during the 2020 global pandemic, expect a return to expressive prints as a key fashion direction. Expressive all-over brushstrokes create a direction feel, while subtle paint smudges and splatters feel more commercial.
African/ethnic print trend
Shweshwe was used to create simple traditional dresses but has become part of a fashion movement that is modernising the use of this print. Designer Maria McCloy is at the forefront of the modern adaptation of Shweshwe. It truly transforms a cloth that was reserved just used for dresses into many artistic forms. Geometric global trend draws inspiration from traditional African prints.
Animal Skin print trend
There is no denying that animal skins are gaining momentum. Looking at the latest trends for SS20/21, there was a noticeable increase in animal prints. This was also reflected in pre-summer catwalk, as animal print grew its presence five times across collections, indicating it’s set to stay for a further year. The newest update sees warped and psychedelic lines emerge for a more youthful approach to the perennial favourite.
The focus is on true-to-form colourways, with zebra and tiger set to take over from leopard print thanks to buzzy brands such as Aries, a London-based streetwear brand, and Chloé, a French luxury fashion house. This is a must for dresses and skirts. Intricate animal textures offer glamour in diverse techniques.
Reptile skins in varying scales, as well as abstract giraffe sequin patterns, are becoming a textile trend. Following the womenswear’s lead, cowhide is now taking off for menswear, with outerwear a clear route to market for this directional animal print. Opting for cowhide in details and trims or at micro scales will soften this bold statement skin.
Retro Revival print trend
The Retro Revival look comes straight out of a 70s movie. Think of music album covers and geometrics slowly returning to commonplace each season as Retro Revival designers look back to archival patterns.
In times of uncertainty, the familiar becomes sought-after since it breeds a sense of comfort. This theme has an eclectic palette, retro-inspired prints and rich velvets. A sense of optimism sparks inspiration for upcoming kids ranges.
For women, the 70s provides this along with a treasure trove of inspiration, as all things retro come to the fore. Classic pieces are reimagined with a modern twist and paired with vintage items that can offer one-of-kind appeal. The focus on 60s and 70s nostalgia moves from gentle retro florals to bold geometrics and stripes, often grounded in golden browns.
Start your own collection at DFS with polyester and cotton
Digital Fabric Solutions have an array of polyester and cotton fabrics that can be the ideal starting point for your upcoming online or retail digital print collection for SS21.
Our excellent vibrancy and colour yield will magically set off the trend palette for SS21. We can courier samples to you to take a closer look! It’s as easy as completing your details on our contact form.
