Hmmm trend?! To go with one? Or to be one? To create one? The year just started with a cold weather welcoming us and here we are wrapping ourselves in layers transitioning from traditional shawls to chic English long coats. Well, for me, the runway is a platform that celebrates and develops everyone's individuality and inclusivity. Beyond mere style statements, certain runway trends are making a tangible difference, influencing perceptions, breaking stereotypes, and promoting inclusivity.

Let's explore some of these transformative trends reshaping the fashion landscape.

Embracing Body Diversity, Skin Tones and Textures.

Pakistan, like many other countries, is a diverse nation with people of various skin tones, body shapes, and sizes. Last year, we saw a lot of plus size models, various models showcasing their birthmarks, freckles and women with different tones and shades of skin particularly the dark. Generation, in particular brings in concepts like late marriages featuring old brides with gray hair making way for ideas that were thought to be a taboo few years back.

The Fabric of Cultures (Sustainability)

Sustainable fashion in Pakistan is gradually gaining momentum as people become more conscious of environmental and ethical issues related to the clothing industry. While Pakistan has long been known for its textile and garment manufacturing, the focus is now shifting towards more sustainable and eco-friendly practices. Fabrics with natural dye and block printing are everywhere.

 Recently, Alia Bhatt draped herself in an Ajrak saree and walked as a show stopper promoting the craftsmanship. Local artisans and communities also benefit by preserving the traditional skills. Brands like Gulahmed, khaadi, Sapphire have a special collection reserved for the trend that preserves our fabric of cultures.

Gender Fluidity  

The breaking down of traditional gender norms in fashion has challenged perspectives on identity and self-expression. Trends like unisex clothing, gender-neutral styles, and the rise of androgynous(unisex) fashion have expanded the idea of what is acceptable in terms of personal style and presentation. Wearing solids was seen as a thing for men exclusively, thanking this trend enough I could now put on my favorite solids anytime withouting listening to the things like “ why have you dressed like a man”.

Inclusive Sizing

Inclusive sizing advocates for clothing lines that cater to individuals of all body types, recognizing that beauty and style are not confined to a specific set of measurements. From petite to plus-size, inclusive sizing embraces the full spectrum of body diversity, empowering individuals to express themselves authentically through fashion.

Many brands have now embraced the concept and are expanding their size ranges to accommodate a diverse range of body types. A Few years back, I liked something at Alkaram and could not fit in their large options, to which I wrote them an email addressing the same issue as I write today hoping to see the change this year.

Conclusion

Through the lens of fashion, we have witnessed a paradigm shift towards greater acceptance and diversity.Fashion trends have proven to be potent agents of change, capable of reshaping perspectives and challenging societal norms. From the embrace of gender fluidity to the celebration of diverse body types, the fashion industry has evolved into a dynamic platform for self-expression, inclusion, and empowerment.