ROMANTICISM
One of the most important ways to escape reality today and in fashion, is to dream away in nostalgic and poetic 'romanticism'. This romanticism spreads into many different directions and atmospheres, from Edwardian, Victorian and Empire looks to vestals and fairy tale nymphs, and even grandmothers lingerie and crochet styles. It goes together with femininity, girly doll and princess looks, skirts, dresses and blouses. The lace industry will probably have more orders for lady's wear than for bodyfashion and lingerie (For the lingerie and bodyfashion branch, prints become more and more important, often combined with lace).
Re-discovered and re-styled are certain romantic and folkloristic country looks, with Bohemian, East European and traditional old American quite austere 'Shakers' influences.
MULTI 'CULT'
After a short period of absence and resistance against ethnic multicultural influences due to the fear of fundamentalism and extremism, fashion is ready again for exotic style merging. We can't live without the beauty of it. Echoes of folkloristic, ethnic, multiculti Gypsy and country styles; sometimes fanciful and theatrical; mixing and merging the styles of many countries with lots of handcraft and opulence into surprising new, very feminine and romantic looks.
Africa is the new keyword for youngsters; Marrakesh, Oriental, Middle East and Asia merge easily into new decorative styles with lots of jacquards and printslkloristic, ethnic, multiculti Gypsy and country styles; sometimes fanciful and theatrical; mixing and merging the styles of many countries with lots of handcraft and opulence into surprising new, very feminine and romantic looks.