Retail analytics company Edited released the results of an extensive online analysis of the most popular women’s wear items within the e-commerce sector. The research reviewed 1.4 million women’s online arrivals in the premium and luxury segments during November 2016 to January 2017. The study also compared new arrivals for the fall of 2016 to the previous year.
The top products were broken into key trends for the upcoming seasons that were informed by cultural shifts. Katie Smith, senior retail analyst at Edited detailed the five main directions: super-size me, women’s march on runway, needlework explosion, purses with purpose and tough fabrics.
Of the top trends, main takeaways include the influx for new proportions noted in the super-size me look. Here, wide-leg pants dominate within the luxury and premium retail sectors — arrivals have increased by 32 percent in the last three months. Enlarged outerwear was also one of the top looks of fall 2016 — bestsellers including Burberry, Vetements by Canada Goose, and Yeezy, the report noted.
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Runways have become increasingly charged with political statements since the U.S. presidential election results. “We’re seeing a real energy and creativity with the women’s movement this year. It goes from the humor, passion and innovation in campaigns and slogans seen at marches or across social media,” said the report. The study noted parallels between the current political climate and the protest era of the Sixties and Seventies. Items with slogans has already risen 48 percent when compared year-on-year to the same period.
The prominence of embellishments and embroidery are building – Smith suggested considering bold iterations, specifically when applied to outerwear and accessories. “Embellished and embroidered styles are up 53 percent,” the report noted.
The trend of miniature purses is shrinking. Marni, Victoria Beckham and Céline all debuted oversized bags in spring collections. Size isn’t the only matter when it comes to accessories, the report suggested. “In 2017, brands who will experiment with innovative technologies will earn consumers’ undivided attention. Rebecca Minkoff, who is planning to have all handbags equipped with smart technology as of this summer is onto a good thing,” said the study.
Whimsical fabrics are taking a backseat to tough fabrics for coming seasons. PVC and high-shine apparel is especially high among new arrivals. “These tough fabrics have seen a 35 percent climb in new arrivals from September to November 2016 compared to last year suggesting they are more suited for the fall season,” said the report. According to the research, current key pieces include a red vinyl trench by Carven, 3.1 Phillip Lim’s vinyl-and-lace skirt, and Anthony Vaccarello’s lace-up, vinyl mini.