This document provides a forecast and analysis of trends in men's fashion from 2000-2015. It discusses key trends and influences during this period, including the rise of fast fashion, the recession's impact, increasing diversity and individuality, and growth of social media. Popular designers and styles are also analyzed for each period. The target market is described as men seeking effortless, interchangeable styles that are conscious of presentation but not overly so. Current trends emphasize minimalism, sophistication, and a modern lifestyle. [/SUMMARY]

1. FORECAST

2. BACK
GROU
ND* 2000 - 2010

4. //marketThe target market for this forecasting trend report is men in their mid
twenties all the way into their forties. The broad range of ages has to
do with the simple, minimal aesthetic of men’s fashion. You will see
business owners in New York sporting these looks, professors in high
society, or even young artists painting the streets of Los Angeles.
There is accessibility to this style. It’s the medium between high
society and street style and it is geared toward men conscious about
their presentation to the world, but not overly so. This market is
effortless. This range is attracted to nice, key pieces that are
interchangeable; they are drawn to structured silhouettes and minimal
lines. Fashion might not be their trade but the art of dressing is.

6. fast fashion
diversity
recession
Manufacturers are able to create clothing faster and cheaper
and has changed the entire structure of fashion. Instead of
waiting months, the translation from the runway to the stores is
almost instant. Most people assume this only affects women’s
fashion but it also has had a great impact on men’s fashion.
The accessibility to more “on trend” styles for cheaper has
allowed for men to be able to dress nicer for cheaper.
The recession of the early 2000s had a huge impact on the
fashion industry. This actually worked hand-in-hand with the
growth of fast fashion. People were still interested in being on
trend but didn’t have a lot of money to spend. Less money is
being spent on investment pieces and more money is being
spent on cheap fast fashion stores. Because these clothes are
more cheaply made, the cycle goes faster as clothing is being
thrown out and replaced quickly.
The election of President Obama in 2008 changed a lot in
America including the spirit of the times. The country had
always been diverse, but the acceptance and tolerance of
people from different backgrounds/orientations reached a
pinnacle. People were okay with identifying themselves through
their ethnicity and what not and that translated into the fashion
scene. Culture has already played a huge role in fashion but
people became more interested in what was not considered
generally “American.” This tolerance led to individuality to
flourish in the fashion industry.

7. Vivienne Westwood.
Dolce & Gabanna. Marc
Jacobs. Tom Ford. Ralph
Lauren.
designers
PAST

8. Not only is Alexander McQueen known for his outrageous
silhouettes and artistic runway shows, he is known for him embracing
all types of people in his fashion. He utilized disabled models and at
this point it was still a bit taboo but he was praised for his embracing
diversity. Had he done this in a time when individuality was not
celebrated, there would be less but the ability of the masses to
accept this and consider McQueen to be an artist shows the lifestyles
of the times have changed greatly.
Vivienne Westwood is credited for pioneering the punk look with her
outfits done for the Sex Pistols. But another aspect that of her work
that speaks to the lifestyle today is the use of British “preppy” fabrics
to create something that is different, broken down yet still expensive
looking, She has made tartans and flannels provocative and
aesthetically accessible to the masses. She created a counterculture
in a time when independence and being different is important to
Americans which speaks to her popularity.
Marc Jacobs is a household name because of his work revamping
the French house, Louis Vuitton. His own line really illustrations a
change in the times. The recession has resulted in thriftiness and the
trend cycle has been turned upside down. Retro fashion is being
brought back to the streets and these sorts of trends are having a
trickle up effect on fashion. Marc Jacobs, in his collection, is no
stranger to embracing the trickle up trends caused by both
diversity/thriftiness by using a heavy street wear influence in his
designs.
Dolce & Gabbana are known for their amazing and powerful Italian
garments and for creating such a celebrity client base. At the basis
though, Dolce & Gabbana’s style is glamorous for both men and
women. They use jewels and other embellishments that take basic
silhouettes to new heights. This playing with different additions on to
simple pieces is something that we find during times of recession.
People are less inclined to buy new garments, and more apt to
revamp what they already have. Their pieces serve as inspiration for
such thrifty changes to clothing.
Ralph Lauren was at the forefront of the New England Prep and
equestrian style. He made this look hit the mainstream for both men
and women. Lauren’s garments had an understated elegance about
them and had a heavy reliance of tailoring and fit. In his beginning
stages, he turned the fashion back to high quality fabrics and classic
styles and silhouettes. Ralph Lauren released his line, “Black Label” to
intermingle the urban and classically preppy styles. This integration
was able to reach a diverse demographic of consumers which
adapted to the times of diversity.

9. Shayne Oliver of HBA.
Alexander Wang. Rob
Garcia of En Noir. Kenzo
Takada. Olivier Rousteing
of Balmain.
designers
UP & COMING

10. Shayne Oliver is the up and coming designer that designs for label,
Hood By Air. The basis of this style is street wear. This is a classic
case of the “trickle up” theory at work because of the use of silhouettes
you will find on the streets of New York revamped and redone
artistically. Because of the huge sportswear influence, his collections
have been really popular. Recently, one of his collections was really
avant-garde which is reminiscent of a more accessible, RTW
Alexander McQueen.
The Balmain fashion house legacy still exists but it is being revamped
by a young designer that is bringing a fresh look to the label. Creative
director, Olivier Rousteing is causing quite a stir in fashion because of
his use of pattern and texture. Because he is black in a French fashion
house, it shows that there is an increased diversity and modernity in
fashion. He has been designing for Balmain now for 3 years and is
looking to further change the vision of fashion. He has gathered a huge
celebrity clientele which has aided in his excelling in mens and womens
fashion.
Though Kenzo Takada isn’t new in the fashion industry, he has
fluctuated in his popularity. Recently, his use of patterns and the
revamping of his line has given him a whole new push in the fashion
industry. His styles are young and different. He plays with different
patterns which is a trend right now. The ability to seamlessly create and
outfit that matches without matching The patterns have become
household designs that have inspired a lot of dupes. Kenzo’s eye print
and lion head have been duplicated in fast fashion many times over.
Rob Garcia was a designer for label, Black Scale but didn’t gain any
major traction in fashion until his latest venture, En Nor. The label was
launched in 2012 and uses baroque themes that are found both in
street wear and even high fashion. It is has many style addicts and
celebrity following. His designs are so unique because it is in the gray
area between high-fashion and street wear. The clothing is expensive
and well made to attract those in higher society but it gives them an
effortless street wear feel.
Alexander Wang has been increasingly popular in the last couple of
years because his ability to reach the younger crowds. His styles are
aesthetically minimal with interesting tailoring and architecture that set
them apart. His recent collection with H&M speaks to the sportswear
side of his design aesthetic. He played with neoprene and mesh which
are different materials than the average cotton/polyester woven or
knitwear. His ability to be new and fresh without losing the classic look
speaks volumes about his popularity in America and the world alike.

11. *CUR-
RENT

13. gender roles
social media
“be your own boss”
Fashion has always been based on the separation between men and women. In history,
there was a clear line between what men could wear and what women could wear but as
the pantsuits and “women in the workforce” idea became popular in 20s and 30s, the line
had been blurred. However this blur was only one sided; men were not allotted the same
freedom women were as far as dressing across these lines but times have changed. The
United States is in the process of rejecting the gender binary. There are more women than
ever in the workforce and ‘stay-at-home’ fathers as well as people that don’t even identify
themselves in any of these particular roles. The rejection of the gender binary has opened
menswear up to more draping, feminine pieces and even the use of traditional female
silhouettes like skirts and dresses. Not only design is effected by this change, it also effects
the retail level because more men are allowing themselves to express their personalities
through the way they are dressed; and menswear is booming because of it.
As the lifestyle dynamic changes, it translates into the work dynamic. The
internet has allowed for a plethora of new types of professions to be created.
This “be your own boss” mentality has several affects on the fashion industry;
one being that it has allowed for an expanded market. You don’t have to go to
the local department store or to the mall to acquire on-trend clothing. You don’t
have to go to standing boutique to find unique pieces. Another effect it has on
the industry is that of the professionals; young creative’s are able to create
these businesses and ideas simpler because of the internet thus the young
independent mentality is born. Teens and young adults are making and
spending their own money instead of their parent’s which changes the market
around. As well as the style for young adults has moved from casual to more of
a business casual. People in the work force are young and trendy. Suits have
become obsolete in the day-to-day office atmosphere.
Social media has reached the pinnacle in this day and age. There are so many
avenues of connection for people across the internet on many different
platforms such as the phone, tablet, and computer. The interconnectivity has
created a new type of marketing within the fashion industry where companies
become ‘people’ to follow on social media platforms. This has allowed fashion
lovers to document their clothing and share it with the world via platforms like
YouTube, instagram etc. More now than ever trends are moving quickly
through the cycles because the accessibility. Style is coming from all different
directions and is no longer a uniform “trickle up” or “trickle down.” Runway
shows are live streamed and designers are showcasing garments through the
internet. There is an increased interconnectivity,

14. Some popular silhouettes that are found in current
menswear are the body-skimming tailored suits. Fitted
trousers that hit right at the ankle and are tapered are a
current trend. Another silhouette found is the oversized top
or outerwear. In collaboration with a skinny pant, this can
make a visually pleasing juxtaposition of silhouettes.

15. colors&
patterns
An on trend color combination for this current season of
menswear, like it’s women's wear counterparts, is the
monochrome look. This monochrome look is easy to wear and
has always been staples in men's fashion. Another dominate
staple pattern in the current fashion trend is stripes. However,
there has been a new take on stripes by increasing and
decreasing their weight like pictured above. The combination of
vertical and horizontal stripes makes it new and edgy without
looking overdone which is important in menswear.

16. fabric
n e o p r e n e a n d k n i t s
textures&
Dominating textures and fabrics in the menswear industry at this
time are knits and neoprene. The increased use of neoprene is
based on that is booming sports trend for both men and women.
This is a thicker material so it is good for the fall/winter season so it
makes sense for this time of the year. The texture of neoprene is
what makes it so different because it is a smooth/ spongy feel and
has a different look and drape on the body. Another type of fabric
that is a classic for this time of the year are knits. Sweaters with
trousers (as pictured), sweaters with suits, and just causal sweaters
with denim is a current trend and will forever be a classic in some
way, shape or form.

17. detailstrims
Some trims and details that are found in menswear
currently are shearling and mesh. These trends also
extend women’s wear as well. You will find shearling trims
on Leather jackets mostly or utility parka’s. This serves both
a design and an utility function. The shearling adds extra
warmth for the cooler f/w season as well as being a texture
and sometimes a color contrast for outerwear. Another
detail added to garments this current season is mesh
paneling. This works well with the sporty trend and adds a
different texture and look to the garments. You find the
mesh paneling mostly in t-shirts for men.

18. {minimal}
look
The monochrome or black and white aesthetic
has been huge recently in the fashion scene.
A trend that walks hand and hand with that is
the minimal look. The market segment that is
covered is currently, and has been a fan of
this aesthetic.. There is less pattern and less
color in menswear with an emphasis on fit.
Tailoring is important to achieve this perfect
look. There is architecture in the silhouettes
and nice fabrics and draping is put on the
forefront. The Minimal man is the modern and
sophisticated man. They walk hand and hand.

19. {sophisticated}
mood
In a society that puts a lot of emphasis on non-conforming, it is easy to
get lost in trying to find your sense of style. Trends are moving so
quickly that by the time you can afford the really “on-trend” piece, the
fashion industry has completely flipped. That is why this market
category does not buy into fads. The trend that never goes out of
style is sophistication. This man is a working man, and the ability to go
from giving a marketing presentation in the office to drinks out with
coworkers is key. The mood is sophistication, but casually so. This
doesn’t call for a suit in tie, but does necessitate fitted sweaters and
nicely tailored, crisp button downs. This man wants to be presentable
without losing his sense of self.

20. lifestyle
:
{modern}
The lifestyle of this market is definitely modern. This man works in a
field that appreciates technology’s effect on design. There is an
architectural, almost futuristic silhouette to the garments. They are
sleek, and professional. This man needs utility to carry around his
array of electronics, comfort to walk around the big city from office to
office all day, and design that showcases his eye for simplicity. The
modern man is unafraid of looking different but likes classic pieces
with really meticulous detailing. Tailoring is for the modern man, he
doesn’t mind spending more on garments to achieve the aesthetic he
centers his entire lifestyle around. A modern house, a modern job, a
modern city, and a modern presentation to the world to match.

21. A/W 2014

22. TRENDS
Some major trends for this fall/winter season are classic and
sophisticated styles. For instance, the turtleneck is on trend
for this season and this is a silhouette that has been used
for years now but it is being revamped and worn differently
to make it look younger. Along with this look, narrow slacks
are in style instead of baggy, loosely fitting trousers. There is
more emphasis on body-hugging clothing and baggier
outwear. For instance, the quilted jacket and parkas, as
well as the motorcycle jackets are oversized to help with
layering in the colder months. There is simplicity to all of
these trends, they are easy to style because men do not
generally like spending a lot of time putting pieces together.
Another color trend is the black and white monochrome
trend which has been big recently. This is also something
that is sophisticated and easy to put together. It puts more of
an emphasis on the fit and architecture of the garment. As
far as accessories go, the fedora has made a strong
comeback in men’s fashion except it is being worn more
casually.

23. S/S 2015

24. TRENDS
The upcoming trends from the spring season
are classic and ones that can be implemented
all year long. A huge color trend we are seeing
in menswear is navy and this will be continued
into spring with the nautical trend. Another
trend that works with the beachy vibe are
strappy sandals. For the longest sandals have
been a fashion faux pas but they are going to
be a huge trend in both men’s and women’s
wear with the acceptance of normcore. The
sporty trend will continue in the up and coming
season with baseball style, raglan sleeve
silhouettes and baseball caps. Trench coats
and oversized shirts will be a huge trend.

25. TRENDS
There are a couple of trends that
were big as of recent that are slowly
going out of style. One of these
trends is camouflage which many
men have held onto for the last
couple of seasons. The military look
has been over done so both
camouflage and cargo pants fall
under this style. Along with that is
the bucket hat which has been trying
to make a come back since it’s
popularity peaked in the 90s.

27. DOUBLE
DENIMFrom faux pas to fashion? You
betcha. Double denim will be
resuscitated from it’s Justin
Timberlake and Britney Spears grave
with a new, arguably more digestible,
life. Fashion comes and goes in
styles, some trends die out but others
have a staying power. Denim has
become a staple in any wardrobe
since it’s “birth” as a durable, utilitarian
pant for the worker. It has been
stylized and duplicated so much that it
is barely recognizable as the stiff
carpenter pants you’ll catch on an oil
rig. The ability to take this material
and create a comfortable shirt, or
jacket speaks volumes of the
necessity of this fabric. Society is
going casual and denim can be fancy
or casual. It’s comfortable for the
average, working man whether he is
in an office or doing construction. It’s
ability to be simple, and reach all
types of groups is why it will continue
to be a powerhouse fabric. So stack
the denim like it’s going out of style –
which it won’t.

28. BRANDED
What’s in a name? Would a
neoprene sweatshirt without ‘Wang’
stamped across it smell as sweet?
No. The early 2000s brought us
branding in the form of gaudy fabric
stitched across the chest with the
name “Hollister” or “Aeropostale”
and we don’t want to go back to that
so branding has been redone for the
better. Calvin Klein, Alexander
Wang, companies like Nike and
Adidas have jumped on the
bandwagon of the bolder logo after it
has been deemed tacky for so long.
This isn’t the end, however, the
logos will get bigger and more
frequent as the economy gets
slightly better and people are able to
show off their name-brand clothing.
Is individualism and non-conformity
dead? It’s been rebranded and
packaged with “just do it” written
across the top and people are
jumping on this. Going out of your
way to not conform is the new
conformity. Branding is the new
black. This works well for
manufacturers and retails, as it
increases brand loyalty.

29. ALL-OVER
GRAPHIC
Technology is important in
today’s society and as the years
go on and our ability to do, and
create things differently, this
emphasis on being
technologically advanced will
only grow exponentially. The
textile industry has gone through
a complete revamping in the last
couple of years as we seek out
fabrics beyond the natural and
synthetic blends we hold near
and dear. The result is the all-
over graphic. Our ability to print
patterns on shirts has changed
greatly and as we are able to do
new things, the trends will
follow. The all-over print graphic
is a glimpse into the not-to-far
off future of the “graphic tee.”
Creating illusions and art on
clothing will be simpler and
people will catch onto this
because it is cool and futuristic.

30. BOMBERThere is a constant battle in men’s
fashion over which is the better
silhouette: the bomber or the
motorcycle? As of recent, the
motorcycle style jacket has been
winning this match and it is seen
everywhere in outerwear both on
and off the runway. However, the
coming years will be the years of
the bomber as it goes well with the
sporty trend and it can both be
dressed up and down. This
versatility is important in the fast-
paced society that is America. It is
appealing to men in their late 20s
and early 40s because of it’s
casual structure. The motorcycle is
a classic fit reminiscent of rock
stars from long ago and society is
moving toward a more modern
look. They are forgetting the styles
of the past and revamping . The
push toward modernity will be
heavily shown in fashion that, in
itself, is a pretty slow moving
industry. The accessibility from fast
fashion and social media will aid in
this movement.

31. America has gone casual. This has had a greater effect on menswear as of
recent than women’s clothing especially in the workplace. Back in the day, it
was common for men to wear a suit. tie, and dress shoes everyday to work
but times have changed as business casual becomes broader and broader.
People are aiming more for comfort than anything else in the workplace and
as the sporty trend flourishes, sneakers become a day-to-day shoe option
rather than just an “errand-running after the gym “piece. How does this
translate in the work place? Well, it does not mean that men will be able to
wear their brightest red and orange Jordan’s to their job at the office but a
dress shoes aren’t necessary either. That space is where the hybrid sneakers
come in. They are mostly designer sneakers that translate as both
comfortable and casual as well as being dressy enough to not look like a bum
in the office. The hybrid sneaker will flourish as the medium between
streetwear and sophisticated and will make everyday casual Friday.
HYBRID
SNEAKERS