What's NEXT?

As the year winds down and a new one approaches, were setting our sights on what lies ahead in the ever-evolving world of fashion.

- FRANCESCA LIM

We all know that fashion is much more than what’s on the surface — it’s a mirror reflecting cultural shifts, technological breakthroughs and the way we see the world. As we enter 2025, it’s clear that it’s not just about what’s trending right now but also how the entire industry is transforming. From sustainability to innovation to inclusivity, we take a closer look at how the industry is revolutionising what we’ll be wearing tomorrow.

SUSTAINABILITY

By now, it’s clear that sustainability is no longer just a buzzword as the push for it has shifted from trend to necessity. As fashion’s environmental footprint comes under increasing scrutiny, more brands are stepping up to set the tone for a greener future.

Last year, Gucci and its parent company Kering launched the Circular Hub in Italy which is dedicated to creating fully circular designs and transforming the Italian fashion industry’s manufacturing model. The initiative focuses on upcycling leather scraps into new accessories and testing biodegradable alternatives for packaging. In the pipeline? To extend the activities to other labels under the same group. Aside from that, the fashion house also kick-started Gucci Vault, which spotlights its vintage projects.

Regardless of how you feel about fast fashion, the brands are also trying to reinvent themselves. In June, it was announced that H&M, Gap, Mango and Bestseller have come together to take part in a global project to decarbonise the sector and cut down on emissions. Called the Future Supplier Initiative, the program “offers brands financing models and technical support to help their suppliers transition to low carbon technologies and implement renewable energy solutions at the factory level”, according to Supply Chain Dive.