On the fashion radar in 2019

With a wide range of quirky styles and astonishing work on the ramp, 2018 saw some very refreshing designs. Giving stronger goals to 2019, here are six trends that will sparkle in the coming year:

Athleisure, cool & casual

A perfect amalgamation of style and comfort, athleisure is going to be the next big thing in 2019. This upcoming fashion trend is not only apt for workouts, but is also well-suited for casual appearances and the much-hyped ‘airport look’.

90s fashion, ageless & ever-popular

Sequins, feathers, ponchos, Victorian sleeves and pagoda shoulders are likely to rule the ramp in 2019. Also, with pants, palazzos and trousers picking the pace, seems like the 90s vintage looks are going to be back soon.

Fusion fashion, best of both worlds

Taking the fashion world by storm, fusion wear like dhoti pants, pant saris, shirt sari, kurta matched with distorted denim jeans or a jacket-lehenga combination have undoubtedly been some of the most talked about and preferred choices of millennials this year. Taking this trend a notch up, I strongly believe 2019 will have some incredible fusion work to showcase, with designers and labels looking to redefine fusion fashion like never before, taking inspiration from the trends worldwide, yet keeping us connected to our rich roots.

Gender-neutral clothing, blurred lines

Breaking all stereotypes, the recent revolution of queer fashion is destined to reach greater heights from here on. With brands foraying into gender-neutral clothing and supporting the cause, the trend of swapping styles and wardrobes is going to be the talk of the town in 2019 and beyond.

Sustainable clothing, for the bigger cause

With the aim of bringing sustainability in the fashion and textile industries, 2018 has seen some incredible work with designers creating clothes from waste materials and natural sources like eucalyptus plant, raw materials and remains of fruits and vegetables, coffee beans, and more. The graph of eco-friendly labels is going to rise drastically in 2019, putting on display some amazing experiments and designs, keeping the latest trends and organic fashion on the same scale and taking this movement a step further.

Colours, prints & accessories for the complete look

Besides the dusty pastels and pop colours, earthy hues are expected to get picked up in 2019. Also, with metallic accessories and clothes slowly coming back in fashion, looks like silver is all set to reserve its place on the table in 2019. In terms of design, animal prints, vivid geometrical and architectural designs, polka dots, checks, stripes and slogan prints will make a comeback. On the traditional side, floral designs, Bagru prints, ikat and kalamkari work are going to stay. Hair accessories, sleek sunglasses, mini bags, lariat and chain necklaces, arm cuffs, mobile and dissimilar earrings are all set to go mainstream in 2019.

(The author is founder, The Open Trunk)