Knitting and Fashion trends for Spring Summer 2021

What do you think when you hear the words runway show or fashion week?  For  me it conjures images of outrageous, things no one would ever wear, right?  That’s the point though.  Designers are making a statement with those over-the-top looks.  They’re an indication of trends - bold looks that get tamed for the ready to wear market you see first in high end stores and then in the mass market

Remember a trend is not the same as trendy.  A trend is a movement, often slow, towards something, in this case a particular shape or style. Think of how the shape of sleeves, the height of waistbands, and the length of trousers has changed over the years, gradually, from one look to the next.  Trendy, on the other hand, is more  here-today-gone-tomorrow.  

I am not a trendy type.  As someone with the goal of creating a hand-knit wardrobe, I approach both purchases and projects with an eye for what will be in style not just now but for some time.  I do care about what’s current and modern looking, though, and I know you do too. That’s why I so appreciate Rowan and especially Mode at Rowan.  The designers for Mode -- Quail Studio, and other young designers--have an eye for what’s current.  Positioned as fashion reflective, their designs are for garments what you would see in a fashionable store today, this season. 

As a company, Rowan also appreciates the fact that knitwear takes time to create.  We may not finish our garment this season, and it would be awful to have it be out of style before we ever get to wear it.  So there is a delicate balance to be considered.

Understanding the complexities of fashion and trends is Trisha Malcolm’s superpower -- one she’s brought to bear on the knitwear industry  first at the helm of Vogue Knitting, and now as Executive Brand Manager for Rowan Yarns and its parent company Mez Craft.  I’m thrilled to have Trisha on the podcast tonight to talk about the trends, what we can expect to see in the stores, and what we might to have on our needles. 

Catch the replay of my interview with Trisha Malcolm and her spring summer trend forecast on YouTube It's a lot of fun!  

Warmly,

~Ellen

p.s.  do you especially enjoy fashion info and content?  Are you looking to create a stylish handknit wardrobe?  Tell me in the comments. If not, tell me what kind of content you like best.  ~E