The COVID-19 pandemic, turbulent politics and unstable society trigger our fear. And the digital technology spreads fear quickly. People are eager to escape from reality and extends their individuality through surreal, dark, edgy street looks. Maison Margiela A/W 20/21 displays a surrealistic artistic collection via digital video. Therefore, in A/W 21/22 the mystical dark tone will prevail in womenswear fabrics, appeals to young consumers via charming street fashion culture and drives the rise of horror aesthetics.

In this unstable world, fear becomes a new normal. Everyday we are surrounded by anxious and disturbing information about pandemic, death, economic shutdown, environmental crisis, which unwittingly promotes the spread of fear around the world. Menswear fashion brands take cues from horror movies, horror games and even the Gothic culture, so gloomy, Gothic and horror fabrics stand out and become key words for A/W 21/22 menswear of fashion brands.

In 18th-century France, a style amazed the world with its gorgeous colors and complicated designs. That is Chinoiserie, expressing Europeans' imagination for the oriental culture. It is the Europeanized Chinese style, full of mystery, romance and adventure.

Social changes transform consumers' habits, and necessity economy brings simple durable products to the spotlight. Influenced by the COVID-19, "less is more" life concept has been a must. Modular all-year design will appeal to comfort-driven consumers. Home will be the haven for existentialists to soothe themselves. Modern lines and geometric patterns balance the need for safety via their simple and pure beauty. Tones covering designs and arts tell the peaceful long confession.

Economic turbulence, political turmoil and unsteady society make people fear and panic, and they have a growing demand for daily necessities. In the post-coronavirus era, home has been an important part in our life. We have an intimate relationship with our families, and the healing and soothing home protects us mentally and physically. This displays the A/W 21/22 fashion trend of a simple home life. At present when stay-at-home economy and otaku culture prevail, women tend to buy less but better, so the minimalist trend will be a mainstream of womenswear. Sustainable, protective and healing fabrics become a main trend for A/W 21/22 womenswear.

Climate change, economic turbulence and ecological damage drive the rise of survivor theme. Healing nature and a tranquil life inspire designs and relieve anxiety. Outdoor functional clothing will penetrate into the leisure market. Centuried handicrafts and adventure spirit make contrasts, create a natural vibe and allow people to be close to nature.

Social turmoil and social distancing lead to changes of working and living habits. In the post-coronavirus era, protective and healing designs as well as simple soothing home life have become the definite trend for A/W 21/22. Data shows 55% of the global population mention the home aesthetics and Wabisabi from January to April 2020. At present, home has become the haven for existentialists to heal themselves. Just like Claire Dickinson says, the home space plays a vital role in relieving stress and anxiety. Home, brings spiritual comfort and provides infinite possibilities for A/W 21/22 business menswear fabrics.

The sudden outbreak of COVID-19 influences the globe. The fashion industry is under an unprecedented challenge. As people focus more on their home life, home style grows and multifunctional items fit for both home and daily life become a must. After the pandemic, everything will get back on the track, so pure healing colors as well as simple comfy silhouette will be a mainstream.

Political turmoil, economic instability, and this sudden pandemic magnify people's panic about the future. In this digital age, panic spreads globally. A group of fearless youngsters advocates expressionism, and extends their individuality through surreal, dark, edgy street looks. Faced with this bad social environment, young people are suffering from unprecedented emotional impact and psychological gap, and try to find emotional vent. Dark fashion presents people's anxiety and fear in the most direct way, thus horror aesthetics rises in the fashion industry.

Teenagers' advocacy of Chinese traditional culture is the embodiment of cultural confidence and responsibility. As early as the 16th century, Europe had an unlimited fantasy of this mysterious oriental country, China. By the 18th century, sinomania had reached a high point. At that time, the upper nobility regarded products from China as rare curios to show off their status. Art also frequently incorporated strong oriental features into the prevailing Baroque style. In modern times, the term, Chinoiserie, appears in design. This word refers to Europeanized Chinese style. Complicated Baroque style is blended with oriental aesthetics to open a new surreal chapter of retro luxury.

Political turmoil, economic instability, and this sudden pandemic magnify people's panic about the future. In this digital age, panic spreads globally. A group of fearless youngsters advocates expressionism, and extends their individuality through surreal, dark, edgy street looks. Faced with this bad social environment, young people are suffering from unprecedented emotional impact and psychological gap, and try to find emotional vent. Dark fashion presents people's anxiety and fear in the most direct way, thus horror aesthetics rises in the fashion industry.

With the increase of turbulence and unrest in real life, the concept of "wandering in the wild" shows its strong appeal along with the rise of escapism and outdoor trend. Busy urbanites long for a poetic journey, encounter the wide wonderland, and stretch their free and unruly soul. Vagrancy is a dialogue between the spirit of self and the outside world, and allows us to feel the free new self in the essence. We listen to the call of the wild, combine casual cosy tone with light folk elements, and interprets the brand-new outdoor attitude of outdoor fashion. In A/W 21/22, we respect the laws of life and nature, experience the vastness and wildness of nature, and step on the wandering to the end of the horizon.

People always hope that the good time can be fixed, and the painful time is fleeting. Just as the philosopher Henry Bergson defines time as indivisible, accumulating and flowing, time never goes back, but the marks of time can be folded. There are many prosperous times in history, and the classic things will be reproduced in the new era with the time lapse. We often seek new meanings of classical wisdom in a turbulent world, hoping to meet its era. Biological age is just a number on the timeline, while mental age is the ultimate appeal of women in the new age. Downplaying numbers and focusing on a youthful mind may be the most meaningful way how we live in the vast time.

Social unrest drives the change of consumers' habits and hobbies, while necessity consumption contributes to the continuous popularity of simple and durable products. Currently, the laissez-faire of liberalism is replaced by the refined restraint, which leads to the change of design direction under this theme. Influenced by this pandemic, "less is more" has been a must, and modular durable design will attract restrained consumers. The home will become a self-healing haven for existentialists, and bring a positive, optimistic, time-rich lifestyle. 60% of the world's population will stay at home from January and April 2020. Under stay-at-home economy, consumption and aesthetics will grow a lot, and artists balance the secure emotion with the beauty of simplicity and purity. The concept of trans-seasonal consumption of simple necessities has become a basic appeal, which is conducive to creating a lasting and considerate brand.

A/W 21/22 Theme Forecast