Let's predict trends

(Dress illustration inspired by Gucci SS 2012)

It all started when I was asked in January what I thought the next big AW 2012 trend would be. Erm, how would I know? I mean, aren't fashion trends simply some top designer's whim? I'll tell you after I've watched the AW fashion shows! 

But as it turns out, a week later, everyone had their predictions, including myself. Someone suggested a heritage theme -  the London Olympics; another suggested futuristic sports luxe - increased interest in space travel and a recent study showed that that the 'gyming' culture is on the rise; someone else suggested gloves - winter 2012 is predicted to be very cold. What did I say? Gatsby. With the release of the much-anticipated movie adaptation of the F. Scott Fitzgerald classic, starring an A-list cast of Leonardo DiCaprio and Carey Mulligan, the roaring twenties with its flapper dresses and short bobs will be back in full force. 

The answers were all different, yet equally credible. They were each backed up by some observation about major world events, Hollywood trends, technological advancements, societal movements and socio-economic progressions. This is essentially what trends are about. I have by no means become an expert in trend predictions after this discussion, but what I learnt was that fashion trends are so much more a precise science than that amorphous whimsical art that most perceive it to be. And that is why there are professional trend forecasters such as Li Edelkoort and people who do cool hunting for a living. 

Anyway, the day after our discussion, I finally had some time to pick up January's Vogue and realized to my horror that Gucci had already launched its flapper dress line for SS 2012. So much for my trend prediction. That said, those dresses are gorgeous and I have since been in search of the perfect flapper dress for a summer party instead.