Spring/Summer 2024 International Fashion Week Trends

With the four major fashion weeks in New York, London, Milan and Paris coming to an end, the Spring/Summer 2024 collection has injected new vitality into the global fashion industry with a distinctive design language. This fashion week not only reveals the fashion direction of the next season, but also shows the dual needs of consumers for functionality, sustainability and personalization in the post-pandemic era. The following are five core trends for foreign trade enterprises and international buyers to help accurately grasp market trends.

1. Sustainable fashion goes from concept to mainstream
The concept of environmental protection has deeply penetrated the industrial chain. Brands such as Stella McCartney and Marine Serre make extensive use of recycled polyester, organic cotton and plant dyes, while Prada is the first to introduce fully degradable recycled nylon outerwear. It is worth noting that "zero inventory design" (reduce waste through pre-sale) has become a selling point for emerging brands, and it is recommended that foreign trade enterprises give priority to suppliers with GRS or OEKO-TEX certification.

2. Integration of functionality and aesthetics
Athleisure continues to evolve, and smart fabrics with both sun protection and temperature control are favored. For example, Balenciaga's lightweight windproof jacket and Burberry's detachable multi-wear design show that "Outdoor Luxe" is becoming a new favourite among high net worth customers. Foreign trade buyers can focus on the innovative technologies of Chinese and Vietnamese manufacturers in the field of composite fabrics.

3. Retro Futurism is sweeping the world
Y2K millenials collide with '90s minimalism, with low-rise pants, metallic fabrics and cut-outs (see Versace and Miu Miu collections). The demand for vintage denim in the Southeast Asian market increased by 35% year-on-year, and it is recommended that foreign trade enterprises optimize the vintage washing process and stock related accessories (such as rivets and old zippers).

4. The commercialization potential of regional cultural elements is prominent
Traditional crafts such as African batik and Indian hand embroidery are brought to life by modern tailoring (as in Dior's Africa collaboration collection). Cross-border e-commerce data show that clothing with cultural symbols has a premium capacity of 20%-40% in the European and American markets, and foreign trade companies can jointly develop differentiated product lines with local designers.

5. Digital experiences are transforming procurement
More than 60% of brands attract international buyers through virtual shows + real-time ordering systems. With the advantage of "small order fast reverse" (7-10 days proofing cycle), China's supply chain has become the core partner of fast fashion giants such as ZARA and H&M. It is suggested that foreign trade enterprises strengthen 3D sample technology to shorten the transaction decision time.

The trends for spring/Summer 2024 show that the fashion industry is accelerating its transition to "responsible innovation." Foreign trade enterprises need to respond quickly to changes in demand and seize the opportunity through flexible supply chains and digital tools.