Fresh Off The Press! AATCC Review

We're off to a great start in 2013! Not only did we just officially launch in China but we were also interviewed for an article in the January-February 2013 AATCC Review on Fashion Color Trend Forecasting.

photo via AATCC

If you remember the AATCC featured us back in September as the blog of the month so we are super excited to be included in one of this year's publications! 

photo via MBF Trend Consulting

The image above is a sneak peek into something we designed for the writeup! To read the full article please click here and please give it a second to load! Enjoy!

NY Tradeshow Roundup Spring/Summer 2014

Trade show season is officially upon us and with five shows going on here in New York as well as the Bread & Butter in Berlin last week...can we say things got a bit hectic? This was the first season PVNY and BBB fell during the same week causing many to choose between the two major shows.

photo via Universal Textile Mills

Texworld was our first stop of the week. Since we attended on the first day (with no other shows overlapping), it wasn't super busy so it was a great way to ease into the spring mindset. Pink tones were predominant from blush to hot pink and even purple shades. Americana influences shined through in both light blues and fire reds as well as in star and stripe prints. Laser cuts were something we saw a lot of but weren't really predominant at any of the other shows we attended. We loved the selection at Universal Textile Mills, an Indian based mill that featured a fresh array of Indian inspired prints and tropical florals. Overall, it was a bit shocking to see so many sequin fabrics and flapper elements lingering from a few seasons ago...so keep your eyes peeled to see how this translates down to the market for next spring!

photo via Deveaux

We're lucky enough to see the first of the PV shows here in NY and while not all the collections were complete, there were definitely some major key trends to note. We were happy to see the first day of the show was bustling with more industry professionals and fabric suppliers than ever. Featured at the Trend Forum was everything from textured jacquards to ombres and blurred effects, indigo blues, spring crepes, sheens, waxed fabrics and of course a plentitude of transparency. On the print front, we were surprised to see such an abundance of African and tribal influences but we loved the updated plaids on sheer fabrications like at Deveaux. Despite it being a little crazed, it seemed to be good for PV to push back a week when all the other shows were happening around town.

photo via Newlife™

One of the main highlights of our week and their second time showing at PV was Newlife™. If you remember, Newlife™ is a collection of high quality polyester yarns made from recycled plastic bottles via a completely non-chemical process. This time around not only has their eco-innovation library grown to include both new collections and applications, but they also introduced Newlife™ light, a cutting-edge ultra fine fibre as well as made their debut into the corporate wear market. In 2012, such big names as Armani, Valentino and Peter Langner have all used Newlife™ in their designs so without a doubt we'll be watching to see what this brand develops next!

While at PV, we of course had to stroll through Indigo NY to get our print on! While downstairs it was all about African inspired prints, we were super happy to see beading influences from India take surface. Again, we saw plenty of digital printing as well as Asian inspired watercolors and geometrics mostly in bright colors. We spent a lot of our time at Catherine B Designs who exhibited immaculate beaded designs as well as pretty much any type of print you could imagine, from tribal to geometrics to florals, animal, etc.

photo via Artistic Denim Mills

Last, but certainly not least, we stopped by The Kingpins Show to check out the latest denim and casual wear innovations hitting the market for next spring. As usual, it was a very relaxed environment to network, discuss industry related topics and trend spot. Here we saw tons of faded flower and rose prints, plastic-like coatings, recycled pieced together styles and metallic painted denim like at Artistic Denim Mills. ADM is definitely a leader in the industry and is now using promodal, a new tencel and modal fiber combo developed by Lenzing which counteracts stiffness. Not to mention, lightweight boyfriend denim was the highlight in women's wear and the distressed and paint infused "Artist Look" at Kaltex made a major splash onto the scene. This show was definitely another high point to our trade show circuit and exhibited the most cutting-edge innovations in the market so if you haven't been yet, do make an effort to attend next season!

photo via Kaltex

Overall, as we've predicted, while bright colors are still predominant, we are definitely beginning to see a strong shift towards neutrals like black, white and nude tones. This remains true for everything except the denim market which is expected to have a 50-50 split between color and blue hues for spring 2014. Digital prints are thriving but tribal, animal prints, stripes and roses continue to linger from seasons passed. We begin to see a shift towards the mixing of different patterns and a combination of sheers with plaids, which reflects updated 90's grunge influences from the runway. All in all, our hopes are high for next spring and as always we will continue to keep you updated on what's to come!

MBF Goes To China!

We talk about the importance of social media and emerging markets all the time, so today, we would like to announce our official launch in China! 

Through Weibo, a Chinese microblog, we can now post our Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and mbf TrendTalk blog all on one platform to the growing number of internet users in China. We also have a Youku account, which is the Chinese version of youtube!

Also, make sure to  us on Facebook to keep up with the latest happenings both in the office and in the market!

New Demands

December 21st marked a global shift in consciousness and the beginning of a new era. This combined with the start of a fresh year calls for us to re-evaluate our lives, relationships with others and how we treat the world around us. We talk about this “shift” all the time and it’s here, as we establish a new set of demands. Our core values and beliefs are changing from young to old, east to west, as we begin to embrace lives full of meaning, passion and new experiences.

photo via NY Times

For some, this change starts at dinner as we bring manners back to the table. Chenery Park, a restaurant in San Francisco, hosts Tuesday "family nights" where children are expected to behave and practice basic etiquette. This restaurant is one of many etiquette based businesses who are trying to preserve and pass down the art of politeness to future generations who are too busy living in today's techno-crazed age. Even China is seeing a surge of interest in learning western etiquette in an effort to politely engage universally across many cultures.

photo via ft.com

Speaking of China, as double digit wage increases continue, many companies are shifting production out of the country to cheaper places like Vietnam, Bangladesh, Indonesia and especially Cambodia, where productivity rates are rapidly improving. Look at Taiwan, who has built an entire high-tech fabric niche on behalf of companies exiting mainland China because of its terrible quality control measures. However, things seem to be finally getting better in China for employees as some plants begin to thoroughly re-evaluate workers' rights by regulating hours and upgrading their comfort standards by offering them chairs with more support.

photo via ft.com

Meanwhile, retailers push the limits ever so slightly as they test out high speed deliveries like Walmart, with its same day delivery service during the holidays. This initiative has developed as a response to companies who are entirely based online, like Amazon and Ebay's ability to speed up delivery times because of their more flexible business models. While the actual logistics of how many consumers prefer this method and how much costly it actually is remains under consideration, one thing is for sure, brick and mortar stores will not be able to compete with this pursuit for immediacy by e-commerce retailers.

photo via Chicago Tribune

We've discussed the importance of the "Made In America" initiative before on our blog and now it's really about to catch on as the largest retailer in the US, Walmart, seeks a more local approach to the way they do business. The retailer's plans include both buying an additional $50 billion in U.S. made goods over the next decade as well as hiring over 100,000 veterans over the next five years. Whether this is a response to their supposed low wages or merely a shift in business models, it is a monumental move that will hopefully unfold further for other retailers in the near future.

video via ecouterre.com

After major pressure from Greenpeace campaigns, Inditex, the parent company of Zara has pledged to eliminate all toxic and hormone disrupting chemicals from their supply chain by 2020. Other major commitments by Adidas, C&A, H&M, LI-Ning, Nike, Puma and Marks & Spencer are marking the beginning of healthier, cleaner and more transparent supply chains industry-wide. These instances reflect the changing demands of both the consumer and market to re-evaluate how we do things and figure out a more sustainable solution for this planet and its inhabitants.

photo via ft.com

No generation is more dedicated to a healthier lifestyle than Generation Y and the automotive industry is feeling the hit from it. Especially in more urbanized communities like Williamsburg, Brooklyn, there is a decline in car usage because for many young people, the car no longer serves as a status symbol. Instead, over the past few years, biking has made a major comeback to not only represent our lifestyle choices but a more cost conscious alternative to rising gas and insurance prices. Just as more innovative technology has reinvented the fashion world, car companies are going to have to develop new features that appeal to Millennials in order to win over this market.

video via ecouterre.com

In the past, all theses changing needs may have triggered major stress but not anymore. Bandu, a wristwatch that monitors stress levels before you even realize you are getting worked up, offers calming alternatives like listening to music, calling a friend or simply taking a few breaths to help you deal. This is one of many gadgets out there that focuses on our well being and making our lives a little bit simpler. Other forward thinking concepts on the rise include online banking start-ups like Simple, which offer free checking and a data heavy way to observe your spending habits and Polaroid who has experimented with retail locations so consumers can turn their mobile photos (which typically remain in digital format), into real-life keepsakes. 

Our demands are changing and our attitudes shifting. We are at a point where we are re-evaluating how we do everything to make it better, faster and more convenient. However, it's a learning process and a balance between more traditional aspects and advancing technology still exists and it probably will forever. We need to evolve but still remember who we are and where we come from. So take a leap forward, make a difference by doing something nice for someone today and remember to stand by what you believe in. 

What to Watch in 2013

Last year all eyes were on Lana Del Rey's ad campaigns, Psy's hit "Gangnam Style," and Raf Simons debut at Dior. The Rolling Stones were the comeback of 2012 and now Fleetwood Mac will resurface onto the music scene this April with their 34-city tour. On the television front, Lena Dunham's hit show of 2012 "Girls" will return this weekend for a second season of Millennial woes. Etsy CEO, Chad Dickerson definitely gave the e-commerce world a sense of craftiness by bringing an online community to the real world. And last but not least, the Pinterest boom is finely beginning to calm, but just in time for the next wave of newness. If 2012 was the year of change, 2013 will nonetheless be a major year for development and evolution. Not to worry though! There is a ton to look forward to as a fresh array of talent lead us into the coming year!

photo via nymag.com

Without a doubt all eyes are on Alexander Wang as he takes the reign at Balenciaga this year. How will he incorporate his downtown, edgy cool into the classic Parisian brand? Well, for one, Carine Roitfeld may be joining him as a stylist for the fashion house. And equally as important, what will become of his own label? As he continues to focus his brand's growth in China (with 14 stores planned), some predict he may also start to expand his secondary line by launching T by Alexander Wang specific stores.

photo via Business Insider

Now that CEO Ron Johnson has a full year under his belt, will JCPenney finally make a successful turnaround in 2013? According to an interview where WWD named Johnson Newsmaker of the Year, the "fun" hasn't even started yet. Thus far, he's fully focused to update the department chain for 2013 include bringing in major brands like Joe Fresh, Martha Stewart, Marchesa, Jonathan Adler and Carter's, launching both "The Street" hangout area and "The Square" for seasonal events and snacks, supplying employees with iPads, and continue allocating 40% of floor space for the new JCPenney shops.

video via YouTube

We posted about Rita Ora on Facebook back in 2012 and this year she's finally making moves here in the U.S. She kicked off the New Year in the heart of Times Square at MTV's Club NYE 2013 as she performed her song "How We Do (Party)." And now, with a second album and U.S. debut, tour, and numerous collaborations in the works, Rita is really ready to party!

photo via Refinery 29

Korean American photographer Jason Kim has a very harmonious point of view when it comes to combining color, texture and form into one stunning image. He is known for his precise use of lighting and minimalist visual aesthetic which makes his photographs so powerful. He made Refinery 29's list of 8 On-The-Rise Photographers at the end of last year and his client list includes V, Vman, Elle, Nylon, Yigal Azrouel, Richard Chai, and Peter Pilotto to names a few. Keep an eye out because we'll definitely be seeing more of his work on the fashion scene in the very near future!

photo via WWD

With lawsuit from ex-husband Chris Burch settled and his shares sold to new investors, it just may be Tory's year as she officially becomes a fashion billionaire! Retailing at about $200, her signature ballet flats have defined her brand as a status symbol for working women alike, and now rumors have been surfacing that Tory Burch's company (with an approximate net worth of $3.4 billion) may be up for IPO.

photo via The Financial Times

After Lady Gaga took everyone by storm with her theatrical performances and outrageous fashion ensembles, along came manager Try Carter, the creator of Backplane, a new social media platform and home to Gaga's hardcore community of fans, littlemonsters.com. This new form of social media geared towards building relationships between artists and fans may just well be "the future of micronetworks." Unlike the control that many common sites like Facebook and Twitter have to regulate data, change settings or deactivate accounts, this platform creates a direct relationship between the musician and her following.

video via Givenchy

If there is one fashion icon who will never go out of style it's Kate Moss! At 38, she's been everywhere and she just scored three major Spring campaigns for this year including Versace, Stuart Weitzman and now as the new face of Givenchy! Not to mention, this living legend even released an autobiographical book towards the end of last year showcasing her extraordinary career. Could she be the world's greatest supermodel? We think so!

photo via AskMen

So who is the most desirable woman of 2013? According to AskMen, it is none other than 22-year old Jennifer Lawrence. Her performance as Katniss Everdeen in The Hunger Games film earned her Rolling Stone's title of "the most talented young actress in America." She is also up for a Best Actress nomination at the Golden Globes for her role in Silver Linings Playbook and it very likely may be her first win. With a new X-Men movie in the works and the anticipated release of The Hunger Games sequel later this year, Lawrence won't be fading away anytime soon!

Hall Five Trend Forum

This week, we are excited to announce that MBF Trend Consulting has been featured on Hall Five's Website to predict Consumer Trends for 2013!

photo via Hall Five

Hall Five is a website offering the first social networking experience for people interested in lifestyle trends in fashion, home furnishing, industrial design, retail, technology and marketing. Enjoy!!!

Happy Holidays!

2012…WOW what a year!!!

As the year sped by, the overriding theme was CHANGE.

CHANGE came in all shapes and forms and the big drivers delivering this change were technology and unpredictability.

CHANGE meant both challenge and opportunities.

There was little to no time to step back, review, digest – the force of renewal could not be stopped.

CHANGE challenged us to continuously look forward – without looking back.

CHANGE was all about what’s next?! And we all wanted to know about the opportunities of moving forward with the new, the unknown. They knocked at everyone’s door.

photo via MBF Trend Consulting

The ever growing community both online and offline impacted us all.

Digital media continues to change our lifestyle – 24/7 became the new norm for shopping – when, how and where we want it – on demand.

The art of story telling was finessed further and stood out against a landscape of sameness.

The consumer is more knowledgeable than ever before and is capable of turning any industry upside down.

The power of data and the ability to analyse that data will tell us how we too can respond in a more effective, impactful and direct manner to what our consumer will want in 2013.

Sustainability will continue to be more and more integrated in our every day lives. The unpredictability of the impact we have on our environment makes it ever more important to all of us.

Local retains its importance – inviting us to be more conscientious about what, how and why we purchase. It beckons to us…to be more creative, to be idea generators, to think out of the box, to break the norm, to be different, small but unique.

Trust-based business models are here to stay and are the new tool for successful marketing strategies.

photo via MBF Trend Consulting

So…our motto for 2013 is…keep it simple, learn to let go, ride the wave, and most of all, enjoy it!!! Do what you love, be who you are, and approach life and your profession with unbridled passion. If you do, you will turn heads!!! And we will be your greatest fans! 

From all of us at MBF Trend Consulting, we wish you a wonderful holiday season surrounded by family and friends – and may 2013 be a year of amazing, head-turning passion and success!

Twins?! Yeah...Why Not!

The most cheerful time of the year is upon us! So shift gears this season to reminisce about what the holidays are actually about, our loved ones. As you wrap up your holiday shopping, end of the year projects, and (hopefully) take a few days off from work to celebrate, remember that family can include all different types of relationships and connections, whether we share genetic bonds or not.

photo via MBF trend consulting

Meet Taryn and Shailyn Tavella, 21-year-old identical twins who live in New York City. Taryn goes to Parsons School of Design and Shailyn, the eight-minute-older sister goes to NYU. The two complement each other to create a harmony of opposites. For instance, when they got lost in Rome on their family vacation they harnessed their contrasting skills and worked together to find their way through the foreign city. Taryn was prepared with a map and directional skills and her sister helped with her language ability. These contrasts are also seen when they pick out clothes, Shailyn goes for the comfortable fit while Taryn selects the latest trend. The result is an ensemble that works in its practicality and style. Putting together their assorted talents creates an advantage in any situation.

photo via MBF trend consulting

MBF: Did your mom dress you alike when you were younger?

Taryn: Yes, same outfit but different colours.

Shailyn: I would always be in red or pink while Taryn wore blue or purple.

Taryn: When we got older we were able to pick out our own outfits but Shailyn who wasn’t, and still isn’t into fashion, just wore whatever I picked out.

Shailyn: It was much easier for me!

Taryn: Until 5th grade, when I demanded that we wear different outfits. Then I started to experiment on Shailyn. I would always dress up Shailyn like she was some doll to play with and I still do today.

Shailyn: Taryn is always putting on my make-up and helping me style a plain outfit. I love it.

MBF: How would you describe each other’s style?

Taryn: Well, for Shailyn ideally her style would be like Anna Karina (Godard’s muse). When I dress her I always think of her as a 1960s schoolgirl meets preppy plain Jane.

Shailyn: I’m not as articulate at describing fashion. But I would say that Taryn’s style has always changed with the trends. But she is by no means trendy; she always has some classic aesthetics. When she moved to New York she has changed styles a lot! I think she likes to mix 1960s with the 1990s, which reflects her taste in music too.

photo via MBF trend consulting

MBF: Have you ever had any freaky/unexplainable twin experiences?

Shailyn: The classic go to story for this question is when we were little at the doctors and I got my finger pricked to get blood drawn.

Taryn: I got it drawn from my arm; it was our first time being old enough to do so.

Shailyn: After seeing her have it done I choose the comfortable method. Taryn has always been the brave one.

Taryn: When we walked out of the office my finger hurt.

Shailyn: And my arm hurt. It was odd; it was like we exchanged pain pressure points.

Taryn: Other than that we always have the same symbols or motifs in our dreams, usually with different endings. One reoccurring dream in particular there was tidal wave in both of our dreams.

Shailyn: Oh and once we had the same English class and we found that we interpreted the symbols and themes in stories the same way.

MBF:What annoys you about each other the most?

Taryn: Ah, ever since we started living with each other again the list grows each day.

Shailyn: I think what annoys me most about Taryn is how long it takes for her to get ready in the morning and her insomniac tendencies that keep her me up at night.

Taryn: I find Shailyn’s tone and sometimes condescending words particularly frustrating.

photo via MBF trend consulting

MBF: Have you ever-switched places? Think Olsen twins.

Shailyn: Nope, it's something we have feared to try because, unlike me, Taryn has a beauty mark on her face.

Taryn: It's a total give away.

MBF: Have you ever been separated for an extended period of time?

Taryn: There was the time we went to different away camps, and Shailyn went to college in London…

Shailyn: We really have only spent 4 months at most apart.

MBF: How are you different? How are you similar?

Shailyn: We are different in many ways; it may be easier to say how we are similar.

Taryn: We are both passionate, have the same high-pitched voice, similar mannerisms, and ability to read and empathize with people.

Shailyn: We are both left-handed, need our fingers to count, can’t spell, and have the same laugh; but different sense of humor!

photo via MBF trend consulting

MBF: If there was one attribute you could trade what would it be?

Taryn: I would definitely want Shailyn’s amazing self-confidence.

Shailyn: I’d kill for Taryn’s more angular facial features.

MBF: What famous twins would you like to be if you could be anyone?

Taryn: This is tricky; when we were little we were very jealous of the Olsen twins...

Shailyn: ...but we really love Tegan and Sarah.

Taryn: They rock, and are very talented.

Shailyn: It would be fun to be them.

Turning Heads

With companies like Target, H&M, Macy's, and all the designer upon designer partnerships from the last year, collaborations have become so passé. This approach of bringing high-end names to the mid-market through capsule collections and limited edition product assortments is losing its appeal among shoppers. It's time retailers bring us forward into the next phase of innovation by pushing the concept shop even further. So, with that said, what cutting-edge business formats are turning heads? With 2013 almost upon us, let's give our attention to the companies who are leaving the status quo behind and really experimenting in the marketplace.

photo via The Business of Fashion

First up is Table of Contents based in the artsy Old Town Chinatown district of Portland and filled with a curated selection of up and coming designers and rare finds. Inspired by the process of editing books and magazines, this shop is compared to a "three-dimensional publication" with each season having its own key theme. While the owners, Joseph Magliaro and Shu Hung, firmly believe the in-store experience is crucial, they also heavily rely on their online presence as a major means of generating profits and expanding their global reach. Keep a look out for this duo because they may be bringing this super modern concept shop to a city near you soon!

photo via mbf Trend Consulting

We all know and love Etsy and now (until Saturday) the world's largest e-commerce marketplace of handmade and vintage products brings its online community to life right in the heart of SoHo. With carefully selected goodies, special events, and real-time demonstrations, this holiday pop-up features a list of curators like Martha Stewart, Tavi Gevinson, and Bobbie Thomas, among many others. The crafty e-commerce site turned holiday shop even features a booth selling giftcards for online purchases and gifts. Etsy is just one of a string of online retailers to open up pop-up spots across the city over the past few months. As the tables continue to turn between online/offline, we may be seeing more websites take on this approach to build personability, branding, and real life experiences for their customers through traditional brick and mortar stores.

photo via ASOS

ASOS continues to be the leader as the hottest (and most successful) global online retailer for Gen Y-ers and now they are taking it to the next level by expanding into the luxury resale market. How you ask? Well, they recently invested in Covetique, a site selling previously owned luxury designer clothing and accessories. While ASOS does sell vintage merchandise and resale via its marketplace, nothing as high-end as Prada and Alexander McQueen. Also, rumors are surfacing that the trendy shopping site is finally looking for real estate in SoHo. Don't get your hopes up too high just yet...real estate as in office space! However, we suspect this may be the first of many steps towards future U.S. retail opportunities for the e-commerce powerhouse.

video via Puma

By incorporating technology in their store design, Puma gives a digital spin to traditional sports gear. Last year, the company launched their "Puma Joy Pad," a wall of 32-interconnected iPads producing a full on interactive media experience featuring touchscreens to play games. In-store you'll also find a "peep show" in the fitting rooms where customers can open the door and find random multi-media images of everything from a hamster to a disco ball.

photo via Rubina Magazine

Rubina.com is an e-commerce site that sells beautiful hand-crafted accessories made by women artisans from around the world. The concept was inspired by a trip to Pakistan back in 2005 when founder, Kari Litzmann met a woman named Rubina who dreamt of starting her own business but did not have the financial means to do so. The company's primary mission is to help the "Rubinas" of the world move forward in their communities through a collaborative business model that gives them a more viable means of selling.

video via Uslu Airlines

Uslu Airlines has been one of our favorite brands for a while now. This makeup company is constantly re-thinking their marketing approaches as well as their product selection. From asking men which lipstick shade they like on women to creating a nail polish line that matches a Berlin made sunglass collection, they keep thinking outside the box.

All of these companies are a great examples of how retail is evolving and where it should go as we move into the coming year. The market is moving so quickly and as we move forward into a new age, traditional brick and mortar operations just simply won't be enough. Those that remain open minded and fearless to bring new concepts to the table will without a doubt find success by not only offering fantastic products, but by creating a sense of community for their customers.

Reinventing Reality

With the end of the year nearing, we are still trying to figure things out moving forward. Despite, there has been an onset of revolutionary change (both good and bad) making its mark in history from weather to the economy, politics, retail, and of course fashion. The past two seasons we've seen major 1950's influences grace the runway leaving Spring 2013 to be quite progressive with its bold, black and white optical aesthetic. And as a result, this renewed Mod look is making a statement all over the press and internet. We need a change and we don't yet know what that change is. Therefore, we look to the exact opposite of the spectrum for answers.

The longer, fuller, more restrictive looks of the 1950's were followed by a drastic change in aesthetic of the 1960's as radical Mod and Space Age influences became all the rage. From conservative to dramatic color contrasts and avant garde influences, this is the exact shift we are seeing in our present day as we move forward in the modern age of technology.

photo via Oyster Mag

Super saturated colors have been the thing for so long now that we are beginning to progress towards a more minimal, neutral color palette. We've noticed this not only on the catwalk with designers like Marc Jacobs, Balenciaga, Michael Kors, Louis Vuitton, and Moschino, but through advertisements and prints reminiscent of black and white photographs like Proenza Schouler's fall campaign for example.

photo via ft.com

The art world is on board to as the Tate Modern in London showcases fashion photographer William Klein's black and white shots and the Guggenheim displays Picasso's Black and White exhibit, both running now through the end of January. “Black-and-white removes a layer of reality and allows you to see the world in a different way. There is a classicism in the imagery, so when you see it down the years, it makes more of a mark," explains photographer Steven Klein.

video via Mashable

As we already know, history always repeats itself so at this point, it's all about reinventing the past, specifically the 1960s. Tom Sachs brought the space age back with his imaginary Mars Exhibit last spring. Nars Cosmetics is doing it with its Andy Warhol Collection, which even has a Facebook Profile Makeover app so fans can "Warholize" their photos. Marc Jacobs brought the spirit of a 21st century Edie Sedgwick to life on the spring runway with 18-year old model Ruby Jean Wilson. Not to mention his new campaign is mod to the max with the help of the young model, optical illusion prints, and sight-bending mirrors.

photo via NY Times

No industry knows reinvention better than the fashion industry with designers not only launching fresh collections at least twice a year, but major fashion houses updating artistic and creative directors as well. With that said, Marc Jacobs is for sure the master of renewing himself as he goes from layered and embellished one season to simple and clean the next. Just last spring, it was announced Raf Simmons was leaving Jil Sander for Dior. This spring, Jil Sander returned to her namesake and kicked it off with a "Reset to Zero" themed collection. What was once Yves Saint Laurent is now Saint Laurent as part of Hedi Slimane's makeover as creative director. And the latest shake up, Balenciaga and Nicolas Ghesquière are parting ways with much gossip fluttering around about who will fill his shoes next.

video via Daily Motion

So what does this mean? Well, for one, this indicates that a combination of both simplicity and drama represents not only future aesthetics, but future ideals. Just look at H&M's new luxury line, & Other Stories. With a trendy retailer like H&M going meaningful and minimal, maybe we are finally reaching the peak of fast fashion and making a point to slow down, or maybe it's merely an illusion. Either way, a struggle to balance today's savvy digital age with the slower ways of doing things that once were, is producing something in itself by making sense of reality with an entirely new perception.