The CONCEPT report looks beyond the usual limits of fashion-focused inspiration and reveals a wider view of cultural influences that will impact ALL creative industries. It provides a way to navigate the new season empowered with advance knowledge of upcoming art events, cultural and economic shifts that affect behaviour, and the extraordinary new landscape of AI generated/digitally enhanced art and design. The information is presented as three overarching themes that offer a unique perspective and a solid starting point for limitless creativity.

With every season the industry faces new challenges, fresh goals are set and new ways of working are planned. Only by sharing the advances we make, the information we use and the systems we create, can the fashion community work together to build a better future…
This autumn/winter the CONCEPT report looks at emerging influences that will impact the fashion industry: advances in tech, science and biology, inspiration from contemporary art, interiors and design with cultural shifts that feature cult brands and music/fashion/beauty artists making waves.

A one-solution approach to solve the climate crisis is not an option, it’s clear we need multiple solutions to achieve any goals to cut carbon emissions. In the same way fashion uses a multi-formula approach to reduce its impact on global warming. The report reflects this movement towards sustainable goals by encouraging the use of resource-saving raw materials, ethical manufacturing, reusing existing product and materials and taking a slower, more considered approach to design. CONCEPTs for SS 24 outline the emerging cultural shifts, new events and designs shaping the future, and art that impacts the way we view the world.

Events are causing us to reshape our needs and respect resources like never before. We are transitioning into a new phase in design, one that feels more urgent and powerful. Brands that are speaking honestly and openly, who value transparency and share knowledge for others to emulate, will be the ones to shine in this new environment. This report holds a mirror to culture and society, taking an optimistic view of the new developments in design, tech, art, nature, fashion, food, money, materials, craft and fashion that will inspire and motivate creativity.

The world of design is growing into a gentle, more intentional space. Creatives are navigating a world full of harmful systems to find ways to produce unique and exciting products that do the least environmental harm. As we move into 2023 designers will be measured by their ability to navigate this new era

CONCEPTs emerge out of the brightest new ideas and most inspiring expressions of creativity. This report offers a unique perspective with solid research so we can approach the new season with confidence. Emerging technology, digital advances and shifts in cultural behaviour shape our three concepts.

The world has been shaken by forces beyond our control. This has left us humbled but also resilient and determined. We have witnessed the fields of science and technology motivated to achieve incredible things. This kind of determination will activate a creative streak across the design industries that will fuel innovation and push towards a circular economy.

Events bring home the realisation that we are vulnerable and dependent on our health, the environment and each other. This is the mindset moving into AW 21-22 and a good starting point for meaningful and authentic discussion.

As we move into 2021 the CONCEPTS that we set out in AW 20 have become clearer – and the call for sustainability becomes more urgent. Each of the three themes approaches this future space from a different angle: Source encourages an exploration into ways to minimise the environmental impact of production, Reset looks at technology and how advances are shaping product design, Voice considers ways designers can connect with social, environmental and political issues – fearlessly.