By Sam Foot

AGILE ADOLESCENCE

1

INTRODUCTIONAcross British cities a

low, meaningful storm is brewing. It started in the playground, spread

to nurseries, toddler groups and after school classes, until it became a roar

against a tidal wave of media images. It began with simple disgust but as it’s grown it’s become a backlash of horror which has turned to boycott and protest. The war is against the

sexualised images of children in newspapers, magazines, television

programmes and films and its great-est champions are parents of young

children. What they want for their boys and girls is a simple uncluttered

look that celebrates the rough and tumble of childhood without sugges-tions of the undercurrents of adoles-cence and that means white fabrics with slashes of bold, vibrant colour

2

CONSUMERWe will find many parents interested in this trend, and few will find reason to discourage the somewhat return of tradition ideology, and innocents of youngsters. We will see parents who enjoy spending on their children, and have the cash to splash on expensive garments, and will not mind the short life span of children’s apparel. Shopping will be enjoyed, and seen as a necessity to these shop-pers.

We can expect to see them often updating their own wardrobe and spending money on aesthetics to

portray their wealth and personality. This consumer has their child’s best interests at heart and finds parenting

a pleasure and would see raising a child as their life’s work. They will

admire and praise their child’s char-acter and encourage them to strive for success, but always enjoy what

life has to offer.

PAN

TON

E 18

- 43

30

PAN

TON

E 14

- 48

16

PAN

TON

E 14

- 63

40

PAN

TON

E 13

- 08

59

PAN

TON

E 16

- 14

42

PAN

TON

E 17

- 15

63

PAN

TON

E 15

- 22

15

PAN

TON

E 17

- 30

20

TREND COLOURS

3

COLOUR STORYWith purity at the centre of this

trend, we look to a simple white as our base colour and find much solitude from the stillness and

peaceful aura usually associated with this colour. Our more vibrant choices

amongst the pallet are a juxtaposition to the simpleness, and

puckish peaches, vivacious vermilion’s and mirthful mints add

a burst of playful childlike fun to the simplicity of white. Primary and

secondary colours will take centre stage, and we wont be surprised to

see attention grabbing elements adding finishing touches to garments and being used in

accessories. Colour will lead this trend to the playful element it needs

to keep it feeling young and fresh.

Mirt

hful

Min

t

Ang

elic

Am

ber

Puck

ish P

each

Viv

acio

us V

amilli

on

Play

ful P

ink

Misc

hiev

ous M

auve

Ad

orab

le A

qua

Cla

mor

ous C

erul

ean

4

FABRICSFabrics will be hard wearing, and resilient enough to withstand the rough and tumble nature of most

youngsters. Nano-tex’s advances in stain and spill resistant fabrics will

play a big part as consumers will be looking to keep children presentable,

but still free to explore and act free natured. Other advances in all

condition, and thermal respondent fabrics will come into play as children

will be prepared for all conditions and parents are left at ease know-

ing there child is protected from the elements without playtime being compromised by uncomfortable

temperate changes. The aim of the game is to make sure these clothes

are able to hold up to the knocks and scrapes of the day-to-day adventures

of the modern child, but still have the comfort and style the consumer looks

for when dressing there offspring.

5

SILHOUETTESSilhouettes will be feee flowing and account for the rabid and energetic movement of child’s play. Inspiration will be taken from industrial wear, and we will see elements taken from space suits, public service uniform and utility wear, with quilted jackets, formal shirts and hard wearing trousers all being worked into both casual and smart wear. We will see a conservative under thread running through this trend, and some items will even go as far as having a unisex style. Children will feel at ease in these garments and they will find themselves working with the styles to adapt to their surroundings. Removable sleeves and trouser lengths will be a practical solution to seasonal wardrobe changes, and will mean pieces will carry through to following years. Elasticated cuffs on wrists, ankles and waistlines will also be a feature that enables items to change with the rabid growth of childhood.

6

7

KEY DETAILSPockets, buckles, zips, buttons, and fastenings will all be used in abundance, and detachable elements such

as badges and felt patches give creativity and individuality back to the child, and can reflect their ever changing personality. Multicoloured stitching

will illuminate the vast white areas and highlight the intri-

cate design techniques and quality of the garments. Pockets will provide a handy storing place for treas-ure and trinkets alike, and with the ability to detach and reattach as they desire, children will revel in the

chance to experiment with the design of their apparel.

Child are celebrated for their love to dress up and act out their fantasies in full force, and accessories are of paramount impor-tance when dressing incognito. Add ons will be bold and eye catching, and everything from bags to bracelets will comple-ment the bright designs of the garments. Colour blocking will be seen amongst the younger generations and solid colour accessories will achieve the desired look, and will encourage visual stimulation amongst younger generations.

ACCESSORIES

8

CONCLUSIONThis trend will be a welcome alternative to the overtly sexual attitude many youngsters are coming to accept as a normal childhood. Parents can comfortably, and stylishly buy for their children knowing that they will be physically comfortable and mentally stimulated by the interactivity of the garments. Each piece will offer a chance to show of their unique character and vibrant personalities. This is a true turn around to the current market and gives the power pack to the parent.