It has been said before in this blog that we fully recognize how hard it is to be in the fashion industry. It requires a lot of work to balance creativity with business acumen. Our sentiments still hold true today, especially as expectations add pressure for design teams and houses to come use with collections that can hold interest while attract investment...emotional and financial.

We understand how it is ultimately a business, and the climate is more challenging than ever, especially now that the UK has made decisions that impact the industry following the vote leave the EU charmingly tagged as Brexit. These recent events compound ongoing concerns that have been recognized but downplayed. But anyone who has followed this blog knows that the complex global economic picture is not as rosy in the eyes of the general public, largely thanks to the years of alarm we have conditioned ourselves into. 

We're flattered that the much-respected and informative industry online magazine Business of Fashion recognizes this climate and its impact on the industry as they discussed this in a recent posting; it's a message we know has been fuel for collections for some time, even if we also acknowledge the more positive threads within the collective psyche. But it's also clear that we are more fragile than we choose to let on, and we don't always hide it well, especially in the age of information. And now that we have yet another concern, we bring it to the fore to discuss how to weather the impending storm.

Many 2017 Resort collections reflect a rather safe approach that cannot be faulted. The public as a whole is still nervous about taking too many risks, and seeks familiarity while knowing we are in a changing world. Most collections are wholly retro-influenced with modern touches but the cuts, shapes and even volumes are still familiar, evoking good times where the world was less complicated. Some collections are even safer, stirring into clean simple classics much the way many lines did in the 90s to ensure profitability when tightened purse strings meant the end for some houses. But we also live in a connect world where globalization and technology have allowed designers access to markets in ways never-before possible, increasing chances of survival if not fostering growth. 

But even industry media outlets know what is all to true: this safety is becoming almost formulaic and while sales are still there, it seems like the sure bets are taking some of the passion that fashion normally brings to our lives. The blending of elements of the past with materials of the present are producing some beautiful clothes, many that are wearable and that shouldn't be bad...and it isn't. But it shows a cultural stagnation and that is bad if we are to evolve. 

Fortunately, not all designers have held back. Some designers continue to push the boundaries in small ways, toeing the border of familiarity while edging "the new", smartly pulling us along safely while positively reinforcing us to go forward while still embracing enough familiarity to guarantee sales. A few others, though, are trying some new steps, taking chances and banking on the desire we all have for something different and uncharted. So far, collections from Acne Studios, A.W.A.K.E., Dion Lee, Issey Miyake, Ji Oh, Louis Vuitton, Maticevski, Mother of Pearl and Ports 1961 are showing signs of experimentation in cut, form and material play as they attempt to take us into new places and it will be interesting to see how these collections influence upcoming ones next season.

Of course, the 2017 Resort collections aren't done yet, so anything else could come up to upend the game. But...really...what's wrong with that?