fw2017-ss2021 Fashion reflects the cultural, economic and social pulse of society. The years between Autumn/Winter 2017 and Spring/Summer 2021 have been particularly transformative for the fashion world. The fashion industry has undergone significant change, influenced by technological advancements, sustainability initiatives and the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. fw2017-ss2021
This period was marked by experimental design, growing environmental awareness and a redefinition of luxury fashion. Let’s take a closer look at the major trends, designer highlights and movements that shaped the fashion industry over these past four years. fw2017-ss2021
- Fashion as Political and Cultural Commentary (Autumn/Winter 2017)
The Autumn/Winter 2017 collections saw designers increasingly using their platforms to make political and cultural statements. This reflected the global climate at the time, where tensions were running high around various social issues. fw2017-ss2021
A key example: Dior’s feminist approach Dior’s Maria Grazia Chiuri had her models walk down the runway in T-shirts emblazoned with the slogan “We Should All Be Feminists.” This initiative not only strengthened Chiuri’s commitment to gender equality, but also paved the way for the fashion industry to become more vocal on social issues. From that point on, feminism, inclusion, and diversity became fw2017-ss2021 fundamental themes in fashion, with more and more designers pushing these narratives in their collections.
Diversity on the Catwalk Autumn/Winter 2017 was also a season that stood out for diversity in models. More brands, especially in New York and London fw2017-ss2021 , began to make efforts to feature models of different ethnicities, body types, and genders. The fashion world, which has historically been criticized for its lack of diversity, began to address the issue more seriously, laying the groundwork for a commitment to greater inclusion in upcoming seasons.
- The Rise of Maximalism and Streetwear (SS2018)
Spring/Summer 2018 saw a notable shift towards maximalism and the growing influence of streetwear. After years in which minimalism and normcore dominated the scene, maximalism returned with a vengeance. Designers embraced vibrant colors, exaggerated silhouettes, and intricate embellishments, providing a stark contrast to the understated looks of past seasons. fw2017-ss2021
Streetwear Influence Streetwear continued to dominate the fashion conversation, with luxury brands like Louis Vuitton and Balenciaga embracing a street-inspired aesthetic. In 2017, the monumental Louis Vuitton x Supreme collaboration marked the formal fusion of haute couture and streetwear. Streetwear designers like Off-White’s Virgil Abloh have become renowned for brands that blend luxury with an urban aesthetic. His appointment as artistic director of Louis Vuitton’s menswear division in 2018 further demonstrated the cultural shift toward casual, street-inspired fashion.
- Sustainability Takes Center Stage (Autumn/Winter 2018)
With environmental concerns gaining global attention, the fw2017-ss2021 arrival of Autumn/Winter 2018 saw sustainability become a major focus in the fashion world, with more designers and brands prioritizing eco-friendly materials, ethical production practices, and reduced waste.
Key Example: Stella McCartney Stella McCartney, a pioneer of sustainable luxury fashion, continued to lead the way in Autumn/Winter 2018, pushing for the use of vegan leather and sustainable fabrics. McCartney’s strong commitment to the environment helped to bring the conversation around sustainability into the mainstream. She advocated for transparency in the fashion supply chain, encouraging consumers and fellow designers to be more conscious about their choices.
Circular Fashion Movement
The circular fashion movement, which focuses on fw2017-ss2021 extending the life cycle of clothing through repair, resale, and recycling, also began to grow during this time. Brands such as Patagonia and Eileen Fisher introduced programs where customers could return used products in exchange for credits, which would then be repaired or recycled.
The emphasis on sustainability during the Fall/Winter 2018 season marked a significant turning point in how the fashion industry approached environmental responsibility. This change laid the groundwork for even more sustainable efforts in the following season fw2017-ss2021 .
- The Impact of Digital Fashion and Technology (Spring/Summer 2019)
Digital fashion and technology took center stage in the industry during Spring/Summer 2019. Fashion Week began
Digital Fashion Shows and Virtual Catwalks The traditional fashion calendar was further disrupted as designers explored alternative formats to showcase their collections. Some companies, like Tommy Hilfiger and Burberry, adopted a “see-now-buy” model where customers could purchase pieces directly after the show. Others, like Balenciaga, experimented with virtual reality and 3D elements in their runway experiences.fw2017-ss2021
This period also saw the rise of influencer marketing
. Fashion brands, recognizing their powerful influence, shifted their focus from traditional celebrities to social media influencers. Influencers like Chiara Ferragni and Aimee Song became key figures in shaping consumer preferences as well as purchasing decisions.
- Changes due to the pandemic (OI2020-SS2021)
Arguably, the most dramatic change in the world of fashion came with the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. The pandemic transformed nearly every industry, but fashion, especially with its reliance on physical shows and retail, faced unique challenges.
Loungewear and comfort take over As lockdowns were implemented around the world, consumers turned to comfort. Loungewear, sportswear, and casualwear replaced formalwear and luxury shopping. Brands like Lululemon and fw2017-ss2021 Nike saw a surge in demand as people prioritized comfort and well-being. Designers also responded by incorporating softer fabrics, relaxed cuts, and utilitarian silhouettes into their Fall/Winter 2020 and Spring/Summer 2021 collections.
The rise of digital fashion
weeks Traditional shows became impractical due to travel restrictions and social distancing requirements. In response, brands embraced digital fashion weeks. For example, Fall/Winter 2020 Paris Fashion Week featured pre-recorded runway shows, virtual presentations, and lookbooks. While it lacked the glamour of in-person shows, digital presentations allowed brands to reach a wider audience, democratizing fashion week in an unprecedented way.
Sustainability takes a stronger position The pandemic also prompted the fashion industry to think more about sustainability. With the issue of overproduction highlighted during the pandemic, consumers and brands have become more focused on making conscious purchasing decisions. The return of capsule wardrobes, slow fashion, and vintage and second-hand fashion has further accelerated the shift towards sustainability during this period.
Fashion response to social movements Amid the pandemic, the fashion industry has become more closely involved with social justice movements. The Black Lives Matter protests in 2020 had a ripple effect across the industry, raising calls for more representation of Black designers, models, and creatives. Major fashion houses responded by promising to diversify their hiring practices and showcase more inclusive collections.
- Gender fluidity and disrupting fashion norms Another key trend from Fall/Winter 2017 to Spring/Summer 2021 was the growing gender fluidity in fashion. More designers moved away from the rigid structures of traditional menswear and womenswear to embrace unisex designs and challenge outdated gender norms.
Key Designers:
Gucci and Harris Reed Alessandro Michele’s collections for Gucci, especially from 2017 onwards, were notable for their androgynous style, freely mixing masculine and feminine elements. Emerging designers like Harris Reed, known for his gender-fluid designs, gained prominence during this period, contributing to a broader cultural shift towards inclusivity and breaking down dichotomies in fashion.
Summary
: Fall/Winter 2017 to Spring/Summer 2021: A Time of Change fw2017-ss2021
The fashion landscape from Fall/Winter 2017 to Spring/Summer 2021 was defined by innovation, social awareness and adaptation. From the rise of streetwear and maximarism to a focus on sustainability and the digital revolution, the industry has undergone profound change. Perhaps more than any other factor, the COVID-19 pandemic has forced the fashion world to adapt quickly, pushing it towards a more inclusive, eco-friendly and digital future.
