Lingerie and swimwear focused trade show Interfilière was held physically in Paris last month, before switching to a digital ‘Connect’ format.
It presented the key trends to watch out for the upcoming Spring/Summer 2023 season, pertaining to lingerie, sportswear and swimwear markets via its exclusive shows – Riviera, Exposed and Interfilière Paris.
The market is booming with diverse ideas and possibilities. From key themes to colours and prints to trims and fabrics, to textures and sustainability focus, we present to you five key trends that will dictate the coming season.
A need for wellness and optimism poses as the overarching theme, which is communicated via comfort based clothing options as well as mood boosting colours. A smarter consumer is born, eager to be taken seriously by brands in the communication about their sustainable efforts.
Athleisure has hardly been affected by COVID-19, in contrast to most fashion textiles. Most women have more than 10 pairs of leggings, and research shows that they choose specific fit and fibre content for different lifestyle usage.
A cultural shift around new feminism and body positivity movements sees brands embrace inclusivity and gender-neutral designs.
A shift towards mood boosting, bright colours offers an almost tangible sense of depth, texture and saturation. Embroideries and laces are updated with vibrant colour palettes which in turn directly cater to a growing desire within consumers to surround themselves with colours, objects and experiences that bring comfort — and spark joy within them.
Read on to discover more!
Comfort reigns supreme
The overarching trend of the pandemic-comfort first clothing is far from bidding adieu just yet.
At the dawn of the ‘New Normal’, a clearer picture is emerging. As restrictions ease and the world crawls out from lockdowns, people return to offices but comfort still has a major role to play in post-pandemic dressing.
With this, a new assortment scenario and the enormous chance it offers for Interfilière to promote itself as the fair for WELLBEING, unites all of the textile ingredients for inclusive and sustainable comfort pleasure.
Practical pieces that are easy to wear, yet at the same time come across as elegant were a mainstay at the show. Key highlights include stretchy knits, velvet fabrics, polar fleece for loungewear and feel-good materials that are soft and flexible. Athleisure has hardly been affected by COVID-19, in contrast to most fashion textiles. Leisure knits are being developed not just to look good or be trendy, but to perform, be purpose-driven and have lasting universal quality.
New work-from-home habits and fitness routines that include yoga and meditation, at home workouts fuel this growing trend that mixes femininity with well-being.
The look is dynamic and frees movements with the help of cosy first layers.
Texture play
Spring-Summer 2023 places emphasis on tactile experiences bringing the focus on fabrics.
Whether it be metallic materials that add shine – think lurex and laminated jacquards – or cut-outs and 3D effects, textures emerge as an integral part of the trends to note for the season.
Embellished knits inject a vibe of sparkles, patterns are printed outside the seams, laces come in two-tone palettes and are embroidered, whilst crochet effects bring forth another dimension to products.
Maglificio Ripa stood out in terms of texture play, by presenting a new iridescent fibre that reflects light and the nuances within yarns for a striking effect.
Whether they’re waffled, pleated, crinkled or cut with laser, fabrics come in new iterations that catch the eye.
Color crush and bold prints
With prolonged bouts of isolation, the consumer psyche is naturally gravitating towards bright and happy colour palettes that bring forth a feeling of joy and hope.
Following the upward trend of bright colours as spotted at the recently concluded Spring/ Summer 2022 international runway showcases,, the upcoming season injects vibrant shades into the lingerie and swimwear categories as well.
Interfilière offers an array of embroideries and laces that are updated with vibrant colour palettes and playful patterns – ranging from geometric shapes, oversized florals to bold colour pairings that lift up spirits.
Experts predict many striped and yarn-dyed fabrics to make an entrance, as well as hand sketched details and street art prints.
This season’s colours are inspired by simple and sensorial pleasures, as consumers gravitate towards mood-boosting products and experiences. Whether it is with loungewear sets, pyjamas or lingerie pieces, a desire for positivity, enthusiasm and playfulness remain constant.
Nostalgia
The spotlight is on vintage fabrics and retro prints for the upcoming season of Spring/Summer 2023. Lightweight and softer versions of traditional fabrics such as eyelet embroideries, crochet lace, guipures and laces come to the fore, whilst classic vintage styles are revisited to appeal to a consumer in need of tried-and-true classics that still hold a modern interest.
In terms of the prints and patterns department, gingham checks and polka dots lead the way, accompanied by small florals and pastel colour combinations. Dark tones and deep reds also contribute to this vintage enthusiasm, as well as ultra-delicate lace that makes for seductive drama.
The eco-conscious consumer
The pandemic has given birth to a smarter consumer, one who considers less to be more and is eager to be taken seriously by brands in the communication about their sustainable efforts.
This translates into brands putting out an increasing number of options surrounding eco-friendly and sustainable alternatives in lingerie, swimwear and loungewear for Spring/ Summer 2023. Though it comes with challenges – recreating an adaptable and versatile wardrobe that’s ethical – a focus on comfort and quality will help the trend follow through.
Eco-certified fabrics and recycled materials take the lead, as traceability becomes ubiquitous and water-saving methods necessary. In terms of design methodology, the trend translates into essential, lightweight knits, cotton lace and multifunctional pieces that will be able to stand the test of time.
The goal is to prevent waste, therefore building a foundational lingerie and loungewear wardrobe that’s fool-proof and resists seasonal trends is key.
This was highlighted by Interfilière’s ‘Indonesian Project’, which presented a circular collection of prototypes created by Indonesian partners who mixed style and fashion-forward fabrics, but presented them through a conscious lens.