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Insight of the Day: From manga to military: London Fashion Week's street style trends for AW25

Writer's picture: InsightTrendsWorldInsightTrendsWorld

Why it is the topic trending:

  • London Fashion Week's Influence: London Fashion Week is known for its bold and innovative street style, making it a key trendsetting event in the fashion world.   

  • Striking and Vibrant Styles: Despite a condensed schedule, attendees showcased particularly striking and vibrant outfits, making the street style even more noteworthy.

  •   Diverse and Playful Trends: The trends highlighted, from manga-inspired looks to reimagined military styles, are diverse and playful, capturing attention and sparking discussion.   

  • Anticipation for AW25 Fashion:  Fashion enthusiasts are always eager to see emerging trends for the upcoming Autumn/Winter season, making this topic timely and relevant.

Overview:

London Fashion Week AW25 street style was characterized by bold experimentation and vibrant self-expression. Key trends included "Manga Mania," a playful blend of anime-inspired elements with balletcore and punk; "Pink Ladies," showcasing various shades of pink in outerwear and dresses; "Checks and Balances," featuring versatile checkered patterns; "Ties that Bind," reimagining ties as gender-fluid statement accessories; "Fur," with a resurgence of long, sweeping fur coats; and "Camouflage," reinterpreting military prints in fresh and innovative ways. These trends collectively demonstrate a desire for striking, individualistic style with a blend of nostalgia, playfulness, and reimagined classics.   

Detailed Findings:

  • Manga Mania:

    •   Playful and daring aesthetic inspired by anime like Sailor Moon.   

    • Fusion of balletcore, school uniform, and punk elements.

    •   Maritime details: anchor motifs, sailor hats, striped layers.   

    •   Romantic elements: bows, ruffles, pink tulle skirts.   

    •   Rebellious edge: corset lacing, over-the-knee boots, dramatic outerwear.   

    • Contrast of soft textures and sharp details.

  • Pink Ladies:

    • Vibrant shades of pink defying predictions of fading trend.

    •   Plush, furry coats in various pink tones.   

    • Ethereal tulle dresses in pink hues.

    • Brightening winter skies with color.

  • Checks and Balances:

    • Checkered skirts as essential wardrobe staple.

    • Versatility of the classic motif.

    •   Floor-length skirts with sporty puffer jackets and trainers.   

    •   Mini skirts with opulent furs and towering heels.   

  • Ties that Bind:

    •   Reimagined ties transcending corporate dress codes.   

    • Bold and versatile accessory, reflecting gender-fluid fashion.

    • Creative interplay of textures and layering.

    • Unconventional styling: draped loosely, inventive knots, repurposed as belts.

    • Contrasting ties with bomber jackets, flared jeans, relaxed blazers.

  • Fur:

    • Resurgence of fur, both real and faux.

    •   Long, floor-sweeping coats as center stage outerwear.   

    • Statement outerwear requiring minimal additional styling.

  • Camouflage:

    •   Reinterpreted military camouflage prints in fresh ways.   

    • Used on vests, cargo trousers, long-sleeved tops.

    •   Array of shades: muted earth tones to bold greens.   

    • Visual depth through unexpected combinations.

    •   Minimalist approach: camo vest with black top and jeans.   

    •   Bolder silhouettes: camo tee with shearling coat and oversized trousers.   

Key Takeaway:

London Fashion Week AW25 street style showcases a vibrant and experimental approach to fashion, blending playful nostalgia, bold colors, reimagined classics, and gender-fluid styles, emphasizing individual expression and striking sartorial statements.   


Main Trend:

  • Trend Name: "Eclectic Expressionism"

Description of the Trend ("Eclectic Expressionism"):

"Eclectic Expressionism" encapsulates the main trend of London Fashion Week AW25 street style, characterized by a bold and unrestrained mix of diverse influences, from nostalgic childhood themes to avant-garde and utilitarian elements. This trend emphasizes individual expression through highly personalized and often contrasting style choices, rejecting minimalist or uniform aesthetics in favor of vibrant, eclectic, and statement-making looks. It's about expressing personality and creativity through fashion by freely mixing and matching seemingly disparate styles and motifs.

Consumer Motivation:

  • Desire for Individuality and Self-Expression: Consumers are motivated by a strong desire to express their unique personalities and stand out through their fashion choices, moving beyond generic or minimalist trends.

  •   Playfulness and Escapism:  Trends like "Manga Mania" and "Pink Ladies" offer a sense of playfulness and escapism, allowing consumers to inject fun and fantasy into their everyday style.   

  • Embracing Nostalgia with a Modern Twist:  The incorporation of nostalgic elements provides comfort and familiarity while still feeling fresh and relevant through modern styling and unexpected combinations.

  • Breaking Boundaries and Challenging Norms:  Trends like "Ties that Bind" and "Camouflage Reimagined" reflect a desire to challenge traditional fashion norms and embrace gender-fluidity and unconventional styling.

  • Seeking Attention and Making a Statement:  The bold and vibrant nature of these trends suggests a motivation to make a strong sartorial statement and capture attention through visually striking outfits.

What is driving the trend:

  • London's Fashion Identity: London Fashion Week's historical reputation for bold experimentation and challenging conventions naturally fosters street style that pushes boundaries.   

  • Social Media and Visual Culture: Social media platforms amplify and reward visually striking and unique styles, encouraging fashion enthusiasts to create attention-grabbing looks for street style photography and online sharing.   

  • Post-Pandemic Desire for Expression:  Following periods of restriction and more subdued styles, there's a potential pent-up desire for bold self-expression and embracing more extroverted fashion choices.

  • Trend Fatigue and Cycle Evolution:  As minimalist and more subdued trends have been prevalent, there's a natural cyclical shift towards more maximalist, expressive, and attention-grabbing styles.

  •   Inspiration from Diverse Subcultures and Aesthetics:  The trends draw inspiration from diverse subcultures like anime, balletcore, punk, and military fashion, reflecting a broader cultural melting pot and a willingness to mix and match influences.   

Motivation beyond the trend:

Beyond immediate drivers, the underlying motivation is a celebration of individuality and creative freedom in fashion. "Eclectic Expressionism" reflects a broader societal value shift towards embracing diversity, personal narratives, and the idea that fashion is a powerful tool for self-discovery and communication, rather than just adherence to rigid style rules.

Description of consumers article is referring to:

  • Age: Likely primarily younger adults and fashion-forward individuals across age ranges who are active participants in fashion culture and street style scenes.

  • Gender:  Appeals to a broad spectrum of genders, reflecting the gender-fluid and inclusive nature of many of the trends (ties, camouflage, eclectic mixing).

  • Income:  Likely includes fashion enthusiasts with a range of incomes who prioritize spending on clothing and accessories to express their style and participate in fashion trends.

  • Lifestyle:  Fashion-conscious individuals, followers of fashion weeks and street style, active on social media for fashion inspiration, likely living in urban environments where street style culture is prominent, and who view fashion as a form of personal expression and creative outlet.

Conclusions:

London Fashion Week AW25 street style embodies "Eclectic Expressionism," a trend driven by a desire for bold individuality, playful experimentation, and a rejection of sartorial conformity. The trends showcase a vibrant mix of nostalgic and innovative elements, reflecting a broader cultural embrace of diverse aesthetics and personal style narratives.

Implications for brands:

  • Embrace Eclecticism in Design: Brands should consider incorporating eclectic elements into their designs, offering pieces that can be mixed and matched in unconventional ways to cater to individualistic styling.

  • Encourage Personalization and Customization:  Brands should provide opportunities for personalization and customization, allowing consumers to adapt their pieces and express their unique style within broader trend frameworks.

  • Showcase Versatility in Styling: Marketing campaigns should showcase the versatility of clothing and accessories, demonstrating how pieces can be styled in diverse and unexpected ways to achieve eclectic looks.

  • Celebrate Individuality and Boldness: Brand messaging should celebrate individuality, boldness, and creative self-expression, encouraging consumers to embrace their unique style and experiment with fashion.

  • Incorporate Nostalgic and Playful Elements: Brands can tap into the nostalgic and playful aspects of these trends by incorporating retro-inspired motifs, colors, and silhouettes into their collections, while still maintaining a modern edge.

Implication for society:

  • Celebration of Diversity in Style: The trend promotes a broader societal acceptance and celebration of diverse personal styles and fashion choices, moving away from homogenous beauty standards.

  • Fashion as a Form of Creative Expression:  It reinforces fashion as a powerful tool for creative self-expression, allowing individuals to communicate their personalities and values through their clothing.

  • Challenge to Traditional Fashion Norms:  The trend challenges traditional fashion norms and dress codes, encouraging greater fluidity and breaking down rigid style boundaries.

  • Increased Visual Richness in Public Spaces:  The embrace of eclectic and vibrant street style contributes to a more visually rich and diverse public landscape, making urban environments more dynamic and interesting.

Implications for consumers:

  • Empowerment for Individual Style: Consumers are empowered to embrace their unique style and experiment freely, without feeling constrained by rigid trend rules.

  • More Playful and Expressive Fashion Choices:  Consumers are encouraged to have more fun with fashion, embracing playful and expressive elements and injecting personality into their wardrobes.

  • Opportunity to Mix and Match and Repurpose:  The trend encourages resourceful consumption by promoting the mixing and matching of existing wardrobe pieces and repurposing items in unconventional ways.

  • Reduced Pressure to Conform to Minimalism:  Consumers may feel less pressure to conform to minimalist or understated styles and feel more liberated to explore bolder and more expressive aesthetics.

Implication for Future:

  • Continued Rise of Individualistic Styling:  The emphasis on eclectic expression suggests a future where individualistic styling and personalized fashion choices will become even more prominent than following strict trend dictates.

  • Blurring of Fashion Categories and Boundaries:  Fashion categories and style boundaries will likely continue to blur, with increasing mixing of traditionally separate aesthetics (e.g., formal and informal, masculine and feminine, retro and futuristic).

  • "Style Mashup" as a Dominant Aesthetic:  "Style mashups" and unexpected combinations will likely become a dominant aesthetic approach in fashion, celebrating creativity and breaking down conventional style rules.

  • Focus on Personal Narrative in Fashion:  Fashion will increasingly be seen as a vehicle for personal storytelling and narrative, with individuals using their clothing to communicate their identities, values, and experiences.

Consumer Trend:

  • Trend Name: "Personalized Eclecticism"

  • Detailed Description: Consumers are driving the "Personalized Eclecticism" trend, actively curating highly individualistic styles by mixing and matching diverse fashion elements, influences, and aesthetics. This trend emphasizes personal taste and creative self-expression over strict adherence to any single style or trend, resulting in unique and eclectic personal wardrobes.

Consumer Sub Trend:

  • Trend Name: "Curated Clashing"

  • Detailed Description: Within "Personalized Eclecticism," "Curated Clashing" emerges as a sub-trend where consumers intentionally and artfully clash different styles, textures, patterns, and influences to create visually striking and unexpected outfits. This involves a deliberate and creative juxtaposition of seemingly disparate elements to achieve a unique and expressive look.

Big Social Trend:

  • Trend Name: "Hyper-Individualized Style"

  • Detailed Description: Society is moving towards "Hyper-Individualized Style," a broad social trend where personal style becomes increasingly diverse, unique, and individualized. Mass trends become less prescriptive, and individuals are empowered to define their own style narratives, rejecting uniform aesthetics in favor of celebrating personal expression and distinctiveness.

Worldwide Social Trend:

  • Trend Name: "Global Style Pluralism"

  • Detailed Description: "Global Style Pluralism" reflects a worldwide trend where diverse cultural influences, aesthetics, and fashion traditions are increasingly blending and coexisting within global fashion. This creates a pluralistic and richly varied global style landscape, where different cultures inspire and inform individual and collective fashion expression across borders.

Social Drive:

  • Trend Name: "Seeking Authentic Self-Expression through Fashion"

  • Detailed Description: This social drive encapsulates the growing human desire to use fashion as a powerful tool for authentic self-expression. Individuals are seeking to communicate their unique identities, values, and creative visions through their clothing choices, moving beyond mere trend following to craft personal style narratives that resonate with their inner selves.

Learnings for brands to use in 2025:

  • Design for Mix-and-Match Styling: Create collections with versatile pieces that can be easily mixed and matched across different styles and trends, encouraging consumer creativity and personalization.

  • Provide Styling Inspiration, Not Dictation: Offer styling inspiration and ideas rather than prescriptive trend guidelines, empowering consumers to adapt and personalize looks to their own taste.

  • Celebrate Customer Creativity:  Showcase and celebrate customer-generated content featuring diverse and eclectic styling of brand pieces, highlighting the individualistic interpretations of their designs.

  • Embrace Inclusivity in Style Representation:  Feature diverse models and body types in marketing campaigns, showcasing a wide range of personal styles and demonstrating that brand pieces can be adapted for anyone's unique expression.

  • Focus on Versatility and Multi-Functionality: Design garments and accessories that are versatile and multi-functional, allowing consumers to repurpose and restyle items in various ways, supporting the "Curated Clashing" sub-trend.

Strategy Recommendations for brands to follow in 2025:

  • Develop "Style-Versatile" Capsule Collections: Create capsule collections designed for mix-and-match styling, offering pieces in diverse styles, textures, and patterns that can be combined in unexpected ways to encourage "Curated Clashing." How: Design capsule collections with core items in neutral tones alongside bolder statement pieces in contrasting styles. Offer online "style guides" and virtual styling tools that demonstrate how to mix and match pieces within the collection for eclectic looks. Promote the idea of building a "personal style wardrobe" with versatile, mixable pieces.

  • Launch "Style Remix" Digital Platforms: Create interactive digital platforms or social media campaigns that encourage consumers to share their own "style remixes" using brand pieces, fostering a community of creative self-expression and showcasing diverse styling interpretations. How:  Host online style challenges or contests encouraging users to create eclectic outfits using brand items. Develop a dedicated social media hashtag for user-generated "style remix" content. Feature user-submitted style photos and videos on brand channels and websites.

  • Collaborate with "Eclectic Style" Influencers: Partner with influencers known for their eclectic and individualistic style, showcasing how they incorporate brand pieces into their unique personal wardrobes and inspire followers to embrace their own creative expression. How:  Identify and collaborate with influencers who are known for their bold and unconventional style choices. Create sponsored content where influencers demonstrate how to mix and match brand pieces with other items to create eclectic looks. Feature influencer styling tips and "style remix" ideas on brand platforms.

Final sentence (key concept) describing main trend from article:

"Eclectic Expressionism" is the defining street style trend of London Fashion Week AW25, highlighting a vibrant and individualistic approach to fashion where personal style is crafted through a bold and creative mix of diverse influences and unconventional combinations, empowering consumers to embrace "Personalized Eclecticism" and "Curated Clashing" as key modes of self-expression.

What brands & companies should do in 2025 to benefit from trend and how to do it:

Brands should fully embrace the "Eclectic Expressionism" trend to thrive in the 2025 fashion market by:

  • Design for Style Versatility & Mix-and-Match:  Prioritize design innovation that focuses on creating style-versatile and mix-and-matchable collections, empowering consumers to build personalized and eclectic wardrobes using brand pieces. How: Invest in design research to understand consumer desire for versatile and adaptable clothing. Develop modular clothing systems and pieces designed for layering and interchangeability. Offer a wide range of styles, textures, and patterns within collections to facilitate eclectic mixing.

  • Interactive & Community-Driven Digital Experiences: Adopt interactive and community-driven digital engagement strategies that empower consumers to explore their personal style, share creative remixes, and connect with a brand that celebrates individuality and diverse expression. How:  Create virtual styling tools and apps that allow consumers to experiment with mixing and matching brand pieces. Develop online communities and forums where users can share style inspiration and connect with like-minded individuals. Host virtual and in-person styling events and workshops that encourage creative experimentation and self-expression.

  • Authentic & Individual-Centric Brand Storytelling: Craft authentic and individual-centric brand storytelling that celebrates diverse personal styles, showcases real customers and influencers embracing eclectic fashion, and communicates brand values of creativity, inclusivity, and empowerment. How:  Feature diverse voices and perspectives in brand campaigns, showcasing a wide range of body types, ethnicities, and personal styles. Develop brand content that tells stories of individual style journeys and creative self-discovery through fashion. Partner with artists, creators, and communities that embody eclectic expression and celebrate individuality.

Final Note:

  • Core Trend:

    • Name: Eclectic Expressionism

    • Detailed Description: The dominant street style trend of London Fashion Week AW25, characterized by bold, individualistic, and unrestrained mixing of diverse fashion influences and aesthetics for self-expression.

  • Core Strategy:

    • Name: Style-Versatile Design & Individual-Centric Branding

    • Detailed Description: Brands must adopt a strategy centered on style-versatile product design and individual-centric branding to resonate with the "Eclectic Expressionism" consumer, empowering personal style and creative mixing.

  • Core Industry Trend:

    • Name: Fashion Individualization & Style Mashups

    • Detailed Description: The fashion industry is witnessing a trend towards "fashion individualization," where style mashups and personalized aesthetics are becoming increasingly dominant, moving beyond mass trends and celebrating diverse personal style narratives.

  • Core Consumer Motivation:

    • Name: Seeking Bold Individuality & Creative Freedom in Style

    • Detailed Description: Consumers are primarily motivated by the desire to express bold individuality and creative freedom through their fashion choices, seeking eclectic and versatile styles that allow for unique self-expression and a rejection of sartorial conformity.

Core Trend Summary: The "Eclectic Expressionism" trend is reshaping the fashion landscape in 2025, requiring brands to strategically prioritize style-versatile designs, individual-centric digital experiences, and authentic brand storytelling to resonate with consumers who are embracing personalized and creatively mixed styles as the ultimate form of fashion self-expression. Brands should achieve this through style-versatile product innovation, interactive digital engagement, and authentic brand storytelling.

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