Welcome to our FW16 Trend Report
As a company obsessed with Italian luxury fashion, it’s only fitting that we create the official Italian buyer’s FW16 trend report.
In a country where luxury fashion is life, Italian fashion buyers posses the sharpest eye in our industry. As you know, Italist partners with the most frequently shopped and desired boutiques in all of Italy – some may argue they’re the most coveted in the world.
In fact, the most impressive Italian brands in the last few years have gained international success thanks to some of these boutiques. Many have even been created from the boutiques themselves. Multi-category streetwear brand, Marcelo Burlon and streetwear label, Off-White – designed by Kanye West’s creative director Virgil Abloh – both emerged with the support from Milanese leading retailer, Antonioli.
If you’ve ever wondered what went into trend forecasting, it most definitely goes beyond the buyer’s eye. It’s a mix between science and creativity. There’s certainly more of a process than just that of aesthetics. What are the stores opening, how are people dressing on the street, what are the new apps everyone is obsessed with? What’s happening in pop culture and so on. It’s a refinement of what’s been seen coupled with gut instinct.
We interviewed 200 of the most relevant buyers in the world to get their insights on this season’s latest trends and the evolution of trends we’re seeing again. Below you’ll find a curated and comprehensive FW16 Trend Report from Italy’s top luxury buyers. You’ll want to make room in your closet.
Introducing the official Italian Buyer’s FW16 Trend Report
FW16 Trend Report: Womenswear
Women who favor a memorable entrance will enjoy this season’s whimsical 70’s and vintage inspired influences. Below are the key FW16 trends for women.
70’s Are Here to Stay
The ‘70s trend remains as strong as ever, only now adapted as ’70s glam rock chic. Pair long pleated skirts that flow in the wind, with reimagined crochet blouses. In the evening throw on a long trench in autumn tones with block heels or statement platforms.
Brands nailing this trend are Valentino, Gucci, Self-Portrait and Alice + Olivia & Fendi
Double Down on Denim
Don’t fear double denim this season. Freshen up your denim with beautiful embroidery in florals and asian inspired motifs. Destroyed denim continues to keep itself alive, whereas fringed and super distressed hem lines are making their seasonal debut.
Brands nailing this trend are Fendi, DSQUARED2, Valentino Stella McCartney
Knee Boots & Fur
Pair barely there mini skirts with boots that tower over your knees and throw on a long vintage parka or or an oversized knit for more coverage. If you’re feeling extra foxy, throw on a fur vest or fur lined Saharan jacket. Boots in all heights are this season’s staple. If yours aren’t velvet, brocade or laced, you’ll want a fall update.
Brands nailing this trend are Aquazzura, Dolce & Gabbana, Valentino Self-Portrait and Mr & Mrs Italy.
FW16 Trend Report Breakdown for Women
- 70’s style long skirts
- Fur vests
- Vintage inspired garments
- Over sized knits and sweaters
- Destroyed and rebuilt denim
- Long parkas
- Mohair sweaters
- Velvet, brocade and laced boots
- Platforms
FW16 Trend Report: Menswear
For men, this season it’s all about western inspired patterns, oversized silhouettes and jackets galore. Read on for the top trends you need to master now for this fall/winter season.
Layer Up With a Statement
Get ready for the seasonal change with a fresh crop of outerwear. And it looks like the bomber jacket is here to stay, only this season reimagined in luxurious velvets, leathers and wools. Bringing with the bomber is a new take on fur lined parkas and military jackets with beautifully intricate embroidery and interesting badges. The hoody also makes a come back, returning in earthy palettes and looking higher-end than ever.
Brands nailing this trend are Mr & Mrs Italy, Gucci, Marcelo Burlon & Givenchy
Go West!
Cowboy inspired fall styles are making us want to saddle up and head west. From Dolce & Gabbana’s and Gucci’s rodeo inspired tailored shirts to Valentino’s thoughtful western embroidery and metal appliqués.
Brands nailing this trend are Valentino, Marcelo Burlon, Givenchy
Check Mate
Reminiscent of private school uniforms and Scottish kilts, tartan emerges yet again as a popular pattern choice, featured most prominently in the form of bold suiting and form fitted jackets. For a more youthful look, experiment with fitted trousers in tartan checks and even looser fitted button downs.
Brands nailing this trend are Gucci
FW16 Trend Report Breakdown for Men
- Western patterns
- Oriental style embroidery
- Tartan check
- Bomber jackets
- Military Coats
- Oversized hoodies
- Parkas
- Luxury sneakers
Each season italist.com delivers a comprehensive trend report direct from the best Italian fashion buyers in the industry. With italist.com, enjoy 30% off traditional retail prices all year round.
About the Author
Alex English is the Head of Content Marketing at italist.com, building on a lifelong passion for fashion and luxury. After publishing a lifestyle blog for nearly ten years and obtaining an MBA in Milan at SDA Bocconi, one of Europe’s top business schools, he joined the italist team in 2019. His work since then has focused on upper-funnel messaging, brand storytelling, establishing italist as a thought leader in the space, and enriching the customer experience on the platform. Find him on LinkedIn.