SS25 is shaped by AI Opening her spring/summer 25 trend seminar for fashion platform Mmgnet Group, Melissa Moylan, vice president of womenswear at trend forecasting company Fashion Snoops, stated, “We are living in this time of disposable trend culture, and it’s a really uncertain time economically and environmentally.” Although these are challenging conditions to design for, there are many opportunities to shape future trends given the current state of affairs and the historical tendency of fashion to reflect cultural zeitgeists.
The upcoming summer season, which is divided into four design aesthetics, emphasizes healing through dance and a return to physical wellbeing, encourages authenticity and conscious consumption, considers traditional values and social statements, and investigates the incorporation of artificial intelligence (AI) and environmental awareness into design processes. Every trend that the trend forecaster presents offers a novel viewpoint on modern fashion while attending to the wants, desires, and concerns of the consumer. The four trend directions—Honest, Movement, Devotion, and Conversion—have been summed up for you by FashionUnited.
Sincere SS25 is shaped by AI
In an increasingly fake digital universe, customers may express themselves with confidence and authenticity thanks to the first design aesthetic that trend expert “Honest” offers. This aesthetic encourages a culture of authenticity, mindful consumerism, and thoughtful design. The trend direction, influenced by society, raises issues with the irony and artificiality of modern digital culture.
Fighting against the unattainable success and beauty standards that are pervasive in the digital world is another key component of the trend, and it is especially important for Generation Z. It supports self-expression and calls for speaking out against the propagation of toxic aspirational norms. Consumers are especially receptive to brands that accept responsibility for errors, exhibit their own frailty, and admit issues. Furthermore, a weariness with the disposable society has led to a yearning for thoughtful luxury and timeless essentials. This trend is reflected in a return to more subdued branding and a shift towards more graceful and simple design, especially in womenswear.
In the end, Moylan says, “it’s about shifting away from trend-driven consumption and towards sustainable choices.” The basics we’re considering here are quite simple and uncomplicated. We are talking about the need to re-energize by basking in nature and connecting or disengaging. We also see this being filtered via a contemporary pastoral lens, with a new, sensual, and functional coastal style, as well as a subtrend toward Western.
This theme is supported by a color scheme that features coastal tones like open sea, faded indigo, and light drizzle. Also emphasized are warm clay tones like terracotta and coffee, as well as a range of brown hues from blazing auburn to dark earth. Summery hues like artichoke, burnt ochre, and cherry glaze go nicely with these, as do lived-in colored neutrals like lemon zest.
In terms of style, “Honest” for spring/summer 2025 is adaptable yet primarily straightforward. The maxi shirt dress, which Moylan identified as a crucial piece, is akin to a “new, commercial” item of clothing, unlike its shorter counterparts from prior seasons. Dresses with drop-waist features, which offer a new silhouette for the modern market, and lightweight natural fabrics like linen waistcoats and casual Bermuda shorts are other crucial components. The trend expert claims that the young contemporary sector is really interested in two-tone jeans and long denim skirts. Oversized beach shirts with short sleeves and decorated cardigans are examples of artisan detailing. Summertime staples for accessories include braided leather sandals, raffia tote bags in a minimalist style, and espadril take the stage, accented by designs like traditional stripes and simple dotted patterns.
Motion
In response to the collective disappointments of recent years, the “Movement” tendency emphasizes the resurrection of movement-based disciplines, particularly different dance genres. Dancing is regarded as a way to enhance mental, physical, and emotional health as well as to restore harmony between the body, mind, and spirit.
Dance movement therapy (DMT) is becoming more and more important as a means of healing via dance. Furthermore, search terms like “rave party aesthetic” and “house music outfits” are becoming more popular, especially among younger people.
“We’re seeing these distinct dance expressions that build on aesthetics that we all know and love, like ‘balletcore,’ but also draw creative or commercial inspiration from the club scenes like hyper-pop that were mentioned earlier to spiritual practices,” says moylan
The emphasis on humanity in response to technical optimization and the growing use of AI is another cultural signal; according to the trend forecaster, 84% of people are concerned about dehumanization. Conversely, “movement” demands the development of strong interpersonal ties, the humanization of retail transactional experiences, and soft talents like creativity and emotional intelligence.
The design aesthetic’s use of color and shape highlights its desire for a lifestyle focused on movement. Sensual fundamentals that are lightweight and simple to layer are at the forefront, supporting accessible design and adaptive mobility. Draping creates new silhouettes and adds a bright, almost effervescent aura when combined with colors like breezy blue, pirouette pink, and contrasting gray or purple. Terracotta, banana yellow, and cornflower blue are soothing colors that go well with the palette and evoke a feeling of free-flowing, flowing movement.
Key pieces for SS25 include flowing tropical skirts, knitwear with knot detailing, and sarong dresses. Large, roomy cargo pants are a practical and stylish addition to any outfit, and transparent items like slip skirts and ruched cutout tops are quite popular with young, modern consumers when worn layered. The Movement look is finished with pastel-colored puddle jeans and flared A-line dresses that highlight a flowing form.
Dedicated
The “Devotion” trend highlights how, in an uncertain world, consumers are becoming more value-oriented and supporting firms that align with their broader ideals. This movement looks at customs and age-old practices that bind us to the land and its components. Rebellious disobedience is one cultural signal that is used in response to risks to social progress.
According to Moylan, “some indicators are that LGBTQ+ artists, like Ethel Cain, are reclaiming Southern aesthetics and religious iconography.” Additionally, there have been more international campaigns for women’s rights, such as ‘Women Like Freedom,’ advocating for freedom of speech. This might be handled in the fashion industry by subverting conventions to make a statement and reclaiming traditions for inclusivity.
On the runway, designers like Willy Chavarria, who defied conventional brand perceptions and spoke on his religious upbringing with a collection inspired by clericalism, are examples of this as well. According to the expert, this trend direction also highlights a trend-agnostic mentality, particularly among Gen Z, who want trends that cut across age, gender, and seasons.
“Devotion” is shown in handcrafted processes and folklore components that highlight ancestry and connection to the soil, as well as in subversive designs that redefine modesty and symbolism. The SS25 womenswear collection incorporates folklore heavily. The color scheme is stable and includes rich, classic hues like indigo and earthy brown together with neutral tones like washed black and gentle gray. Vibrant colors like burnt ochre and wild poppy add pop to the palette.
The “resort pant,” a loose, wide-leg fabric pant with colorful prints, printed maxi dresses, and sarong-style skirts that blend elegant forms with knotted detailing are essential pieces for “Devotion.” The casual weekender jeans, the crochet knit set, and the stylish statement coats with intricate detailing are other key pieces. Patchwork and traditional motifs, as well as brilliant and vivacious colors and “quiet, storytelling designs,” are what define prints and patterns.
Transformation
The final of the four design styles for SS25, “Conversion,” focuses mostly on integrating AI into the design process, with the quick advancement of these technologies causing some desensitization.
Although artificial intelligence (AI) tends to reinforce preexisting prejudices, which is already a source of concern and unrest, it can be used to replace “blind spots” in design. However, the trend expert also claims that AI can encourage a greater understanding of environmental issues. People can view the world from the perspective of other organisms thanks to artificial intelligence and virtual reality. This can be used to raise awareness of nature and reinforce environmental ideas through storytelling. This phenomenon is described by Moylan as “eco-curious.”
But fresh visual creations can also be made thanks to generative AI techniques. High-resolution textiles and amorphous silhouettes define Devotion’s product aesthetic. The color scheme combines contrasting hues like lava red and cosmic blue with a variety of tones including sulfur and Jupiter purple. Key pieces of womenswear include utility-inspired cargo pants, shell bomber jackets, and maxi cardigans in the Y2K style.
There are glittery jeans, holographic minidresses, sporty tank tops with cutouts, and “acid-washed” denim shorts for the younger, modern target demographic. The trend is finished off with whimsical accessories like nature-inspired jewelry, jelly bead bags, and flat jelly sandals with 3D-printed flowers. Last but not least, the pattern and graphic section features digitalized patterns, wavy motifs, and earthy alchemy—all of which are crucial for the denim market and the younger, modern target demographic.
