Out of Touch- Fashion Forecasting
The Ask
Collaborate in a team to develop a Spring/Summer 2027 trend forecast based on a macro trend. The project required translating cultural and emotional shifts into a cohesive visual and material direction, presented through a structured slide deck including mood, concept, color, materials, patterns, and silhouettes.
Team
This was a collaborative project completed in a team of three within an accelerated 4-week course taken in Florence, Italy, with only 1.5 weeks dedicated to execution.
Due to the tight timeline, we worked in a highly efficient and collaborative manner, dividing responsibilities across research, concept development, and visual execution.
I contributed to concept development, trend research, and visual direction, helping ensure that our final forecast was both emotionally compelling and aligned with future market shifts.
Mirella Savee, Casey Humphrey, Ella Ostlund, Ella Lupo
Process
Trend Research & Zeitgeist
We explored the macro trend “Naked Emotions,” rooted in a post-romantic zeitgeist shaped by the social and emotional aftermath of COVID-19.
Our research focused on how digital saturation and isolation have reshaped relationships, creating a cultural shift toward authenticity, vulnerability, and emotional openness.
Process
Concept Development
We built our concept around the idea that modern relationships are no longer defined by traditional romantic ideals, but by deeper emotional connections and individual expression.
Drawing inspiration from the Romantic Era, we reinterpreted its emphasis on intense emotion through a contemporary lens, where vulnerability becomes strength rather than weakness.
Process
Color Direction
We developed a palette of soft pinks, warm reds, and neutral beiges, reflecting themes of skin, intimacy, and emotional warmth. These tones reinforce the connection between body, touch, and human connection.
Process
Materials & Textiles
Material choices focused on tactility and transparency, including:
Sheer fabrics like tulle
Lightweight silks such as tabby silk
These materials evoke a sense of exposure and softness, symbolizing emotional openness and the desire for closeness.
Patterns, Details & Silhouettes
We explored:
Fluid, body-skimming silhouettes
Layering that suggests both protection and exposure
Subtle detailing that enhances sensory experience
The overall direction strikes a balance between vulnerability and resilience, reflecting how individuals navigate emotional expression in a post-pandemic world.
Skills
Collaboration
Color theory & Palette Creation
Research
Trend Forecasting
Visual Communication
Concept Development
Key Takeaways
This project strengthened my ability to translate cultural and emotional insights into future-facing design concepts.
Working within a tight deadline pushed me to think efficiently, collaborate effectively, and prioritize strong visual storytelling.
A key takeaway was understanding how macro-level societal shifts directly influence fashion trends, particularly in how consumers seek authenticity, connection, and self-expression through clothing.