Opulence and excess become increasingly attractive as buyers look for an escape from their fears for the current financial climate. They begin to gain a new appreciation for heirlooms and in turn focus more on investment pieces that accumulate value with time. As the market becomes saturated with fast fashion jaded consumers look for quality and uniqueness in their products and quirks are celebrated and encouraged.

These unsettling times combined with Influences from the circus and freakshows of the 1900s create a strange and alluring world full of sinister sirens and dark decadence. Splendours from the past are salvaged and large patterned jacquards and oriental prints evoke luxurious times.  Bug like jewels glisten poisonously from beneath tangled fabric and sumptuous textiles in brazen and unapologetic colours add drama and a relief from cutting back.

Kingfisher blues, intensely rich berry tones and vivid purples inspired by the saturated hues of peacock feathers mix with warm russet reds and heavy earth tones.
Smoky, kohl black tinged with poisonous jewel brights inspired by beetles and bluebottles evoke the iridescent shimmer of an oilslick.
Fabrics are encrusted with sequins and beading and take on an oily or tarred surface quality.

Iridescent sheers are juxtaposed with, shiny blousy satins, luxurious brocades and stiff shot taffeta to give the feel of dressing up box fashion.Contrasting matte and shine adds extra intensity to the rich colour palette.Sumptuous evening wear fabrics, from lustrous chiffons and moiré silk to oriental prints are adorned with a generous use of trimmings, fringes and braids as well as flock overprinting and feathers.

Exaggerated and cinched in wasp waistlines create almost cartoon like, elongated, silhouettes that flow into decadent, draped skirts full of complex twists and misshapen volume. Sequins and beading provide decorative highlights caught up in the luxurious, tangled fabrics.
Contrasting varying multiple layers shows fabrics to their best effect, seductive veiling envelops the body in tiers of fluid, lightweight cloth while stiffer, heavy fabrics add bulk and warmth.

Influence is taken from the dark and smoky hues of the batman films coupled with the unsettling nature of freakshows and the queer theatricality of the circus. Paris fashion week08 and in particular the showsof Jean Paul Gaultier and Manish Arora helped to develop a link between fashion and dramatic performance. While the book 'living jewels' influenced the saturated colour palette and creepy crawly mood.

Times of economic hardship and political uncertainty prompt us to question our faced-paced way of living and instead take the time to refocus on core values of home, family, and fulfilment.
Consumers begin to look for emotive products with history and authenticity that appeal to their sense of individuality. Inspiration is drawn from past generations and our grandparents pastimes to achieve a simpler and more quiet way of living.

A jumbled story with humorous overtones embraces 40s and 60s nostalgia and the quintessential essence of British summer holidays with the iconic prints and patterns of its bygone eras, for aunique modern-day vintage look with playful retro undertones.
Clash pattern and colours and embrace hobbycraft influences with fanciful florals and delicate cross stitch. Play with scale and pattern, mixing new and old influences on woolsand cloqués.
Colour assists the mood with contemporary bright pinks and teals contrasting vintage tones of deep brown and dove grey.

Play with modern synthetics and known naturals for base cloths. Surprise and please with kitsch digitally printed floral patterns printed onto sumptuous silk jersey and chiffons. Tapestry and needlepoint are utilised in natural patterns to give a sturdy grandma feel to bags and other accessories.
Crochet and knitting are big influences, with repeat geometric patterns and stitching contrasting in a thrown together style with the chintzy florals.

We increasingly celebrate the real, and the ordinary. Old-fashioned values,neighbourliness and chivalry are rediscovered, while traditional pursuits suchas needlepoint, gardening and making jams are revisited. The pace of life is slower with people beginning to appreciate their time more and reconsider their everyday lives.
As consumers become fed up with their fast pace of life they wish to nourish their body and soul with organic food and products with a sense of old-fashion heartiness and goodness. Bygone eras are celebrated and our grandparents are looked to as role models. Kitsch and tongue in cheek references are taken from retro summer holidays, tea rooms and bikerides.