W hile the 2016 Resort collections continue, certain collections transcend the predominant 70s explosion that has again returned to the catwalks. In those that do venture forward, there are explorations of various details worth noting.

The very early 90s showed a loose connectivity as our world lied on the precipice of economic uncertainty. Held together by dillusion and sustained credit, the continued appearance of prosperity was losing some of its veneer, albeit quietly. For most of the public, things seemed to be moving along well. Spending was still happening and the industry was meeting demand for fresh, new and creative. 

The Japanese was still on the tip of that wave, enjoying the prosperity even while other nations were starting to get the bills. Their designers met the demand for innovation, with design masters such as Issey Miyake on the forefront. In an early 90s line, there was a technique where garments were segmented, held by merely a metal connectors in places, acting as a delicate connection holding the garments together. Fitting in the larger scheme of things, this is how our world was then: held together by a thread, so to speak.

Cue to this season, and the fragile connectivity has returned, one of many late 80s/early 90s innovations mined from the past and brought back for a new audience to appreciate. Mugler and Dion Lee utilized this in their collections while Opening Ceremony had a larger scale version executed in the cut of their coats. Nomia's jacket back was held by a mere pin while ACNE had sections tied together..one pull and it's off. 

And just as then, our current scenario is again a bit more precarious than the general public might be aware. While the world market is being explored and exploited for maximum profit thanks to our connected international economy, the rise in growth is fragile and its sustainability isn't as certain as it looks. The uneven prosperity, not addressed, can eventually contribute to a scenario where the chain gets broken and profits along with growth take a nosedive. Already, sectors like mining, the bellwether of our state of growth, are on an increased wane. if materials aren't being mined, then manufacturing slows next, and so on. The trickle down effect of interrupted productivity translates to lay-offs, closed contracts, and other less optimistic news that eventually impacts various consumption sectors and guess which one gets hit?

Expected slowdown may come just as we were starting to get optimistic about the future. Hopefully we can have a better grip on any interruption compare to the 90s. Either way, fashion will reflect that.