What is a microtrend?
Bypassing seasons, microtrends refer to small-scale, subtle movements in the fashion and beauty industries which allow both people and brands to attune to the rapidly changing preferences of consumers. Often born from street style, muses, It-people and influencers, microtrends are an easy, low-investment way to dabble in a new look or way of styling yourself to feel current and relevant.
Encouraging you to explore unique concepts and styles that might not have been mainstream yet, micrtrends are at their very essence a bit fun, a bit experimental, and get you out if your comfort zone in an non-invasive manner. The key to nailing a microtrend? To be an early adopter.
Microtrend #1: Prairie Style
Be prepared for free and floaty styles to be on your radar this spring/summer. The collars were oversized at Campbell Luke, gathered at Oosterom, and had a frilled fringe vibe at Rory Dockerty. But the trend descended down past the neckline with white superfine cotton dresses at Juliette Hogan and broderie anglaise at Lipo.
Microtrend #2: Heavy Metals
If the cover of the winter issue of Fashion Quarterly was a sign of anything, it was that big bold gold jewellery is having a moment. We saw the recognisable Jasmin Sparrow earrings on the models for Oosterom in the Viva Next Gen show, but gold earrings have been adorning the ears of content creators and media alike too.
Shop the Heavy Metals Microtrend:
Microtrend #3: Big Braid Energy
If there is one hair trend we’ve seen on and off the runway, it’s braids. On Tuesday the models at Campbell Luke wore pigtail braids looped up, while The Graduate Show had a similar style sans looping. Meanwhile Lontessa mixed it up slightly by trialling pigtail twists and J.Bush offered a distressed low-slung option.
Microtrend #4: No Make-up Make-up
At first glance, the makeup at NZFW may seem a little subdued, but on closer inspection most brands have just been embracing the ‘no make-up make-up’ trend that never seems to end. With the exception of Jacqueine Anne who used bright bold eye shadow colours, and the glitter on the lids and faces of the models from Kathryn Wilson, the make-up has generally been very natural with glowing skin and pinched pink cheeks.
Our picks for No Make-up Make-up
