If we talk about fashion, are we talking about inspiration?
In one way or another, every brand draws inspiration from something or someone: the present moment, customer needs, market demand… The possibilities are endless. Without comparing art to fashion—although some great designers’ pieces are indeed art—as Pablo Picasso said:
Inspiration exists, but it has to find you working.
Where do we start?
Inspiration in fashion can come from many sources, both tangible and intangible. As Dries Van Noten points out:
It is more a matter of spirit than of materials. A free mind, the heart, and the enthusiasm of a great team will always be essential. Fabrics are my starting point. They give me the initial inspiration and represent the essence of what my collection will be. We are in a constant search for creation; for me, it is stimulating, it is more or less our drug.
But in practice, what are the main ways to find that creative spark?
Studying Runway Trends
The major fashion capitals—Paris, Milan, New York, London—set the industry’s pace through their runway shows. Observing how collections evolve, how classics are reinterpreted, and what new concepts emerge is essential for any designer or brand.
Inspiration from Streets and Culture
Major cities are not only the stage for fashion shows but also a live laboratory of style. Streets, museums, vintage markets, cinema, and even music can serve as starting points for developing new proposals.
Trend Forecasters
Having a forward-looking vision is crucial to anticipating what’s to come. There are platforms and experts dedicated to analyzing and predicting trends:
- WGSN: A global leader in trend analysis.
- Peclers Paris: With over 50 years of experience, it’s one of the most influential trend-forecasting agencies, specializing in fashion, colors, and consumer insights. Its analyses are used by major global brands.
- Fashion Snoops: A highly innovative trend intelligence platform that combines creativity and technology to anticipate fashion, beauty, and design directions. It’s widely used by designers and emerging brands.
- Lidewij Edelkoort: One of the most influential futurists in fashion and design.
- The Sartorialist: A keen observer of global street style, capturing how real fashion evolves.Influencers: Key figures on social media who can set the fashion course with their style.
Color References
Color is an essential element in any collection. Some organizations and platforms define the most relevant color palettes each year:
- WGSN: Not only forecasts design trends but also color palettes.
- Pantone: Defines the “Color of the Year” and provides essential chromatic guides for the industry.
- Coloro: A color analysis platform that collaborates with WGSN, offering a more innovative and long-term vision of color trends.
- CSI (Color Solutions International): Specialists in color development for the textile industry, providing tools and forecasts tailored to fashion brands.
Textile Fairs
Specialized fairs are a must-visit to experience firsthand the materials, textures, and technologies that will shape the future of fashion. Some of the most important ones include:
- Première Vision (Paris)
- Milano Unica (Milan)
- Texworld (New York and Paris)
Fashion is a constantly evolving visual and cultural language. To innovate and stand out, one must stay in a continuous state of exploration and learning. As Yves Saint Laurent once said:
“Fashion fades, style is eternal.”