By Makenna Underwood
After DC Fashion Week (DCFW), Washington, D.C.’s fashion landscape ushered in a new era of “quiet luxury” and preppy styles.
DCFW is a week-long showcase honoring designers from around the world. Designers and fashion students are already making predictions about the following spring styles.
“Quiet luxury” refers to the style movement focusing on wearing high-quality and exclusive clothing while it favors minimalism over displays of wealth.
David-Edward Brown, a sophomore fashion design major at Howard University, predicts that business casual styles will be emerging this year.
“I’m predicting that there’s going to be an increase in business wear. But, like, casual wear,” Brown said. “So, a lot more blazers, a lot more slacks and a lot more work-esque skirts. But, in a way that’s edgy and creative.”Brown anticipates a resurgence of plaid, lace, and innovative casual styles similar to the business casual trends of 2013. He also thinks smart-casual trends will remain a fashion “classic” for years to come.
Brown, a sophomore fashion design major, sits on The Yard at Howard University. He said he uses a blend of “timeless styles” with trends to develop his personal style. (HU News Service/Makenna Underwood)
“Jeans and a blazer with a t-shirt under it, maybe some loafers or a sneaker. That’s kind of classic and timeless to me,” he said.
Elizabeth Diamant, a fashion designer who showcased her designs at the Emerging Designers Showcase for DCFW, echoes Brown’s sentiments.
Diamant’s latest collection is inspired by the concept of liminal space, a transitional, in-between state that mirrors the dynamism and fluidity of modern fashion trends.
Diamant describes the collection as “more ready-to-wear,” aiming to resonate with a wide range of audiences.
As luxury fashion seems out of touch for the average American, Diamant also anticipates a growing desire for the quiet luxury aesthetic, which has gained popularity in recent years for its minimalist look and marketing, yet high-quality materials.
“I think we’re leaning more in the spring with a more relaxed but elevated look,” Diamant said. “People are going to want that luxury, but they’re going to translate it into a more timeless look, so they’re going for more timeless pieces.”
A woman stands on a street in patterned clothing. Ean Williams also thinks color-blocking could resurface among the latest fashion trends. (Photo courtesy of Melody Jacob)
Ean Williams, the founder and executive director for DCFW, thinks the preppy style will gain traction this spring.
“The preppy trend is in with the wool blazer and the over-style blazers. I think pleated skirts and the cardigan look [are] going to give us exactly what you guys are talking about,” said Ean Williams, the founder and executive director for DCFW.
Williams also said there’s a growing trend of environmental consciousness among designers.
“A lot more designers are conscious about their Earth, their environment, and they’re using economical ways of producing their garments,” Williams said.
