Heuritech’s Men’s SS21 Fashion Week Thematic Report
This Men’s SS21 Fashion Week showcased a major shift in how the fashion world operates. Designers embraced new, digital presentations to reveal their collections. Despite the lack of traditional runway shows, common themes emerged such as nostalgia, craftsmanship, and dystopian aesthetics. This report dives into those recurring themes and explores how designers creatively adapted to the virtual realm of fashion.
The Men’s SS21 Fashion Week marked a significant moment for the fashion industry as it moved fully into the digital space. From Bohemian influences to dystopian futures, designers embraced the opportunity to communicate their creative visions in innovative ways. This report highlights key themes that defined the event, from a renewed appreciation for nature to experimental designs grounded in fantasy.
Key Takeaways from the Men’s SS21 Fashion Week Report:
1. The Return of Bohemian Spirit
Designers like Gucci and Isabel Marant embraced the free-spirited essence of the 60s and 70s with their Bohemian-inspired collections. The use of paisley prints, ikat patterns, and flowing silhouettes reflected a time of counter-culture, which resonates with the political and social movements of today. This theme is more than just a nostalgic throwback—it taps into a modern desire for freedom and individualism in uncertain times.
Example: Brands like Magliano and Etro highlighted patchwork and fringe in their collections, bringing the Bohemian mood into the contemporary menswear landscape.
2. Hippy Streetwear: Rebirth Through Optimism
MSGM and Etudes played with the contrast between streetwear and hippy aesthetics, blending elements like psychedelic prints and natural-dyed textiles with more modern street styles. The vibrant colors and joyful prints reflect a sense of optimism, suggesting a rebirth after the challenging times of the pandemic.
Insight: The hippy streetwear theme, with its playful colors and textures, serves as an antidote to the recent mood of uncertainty and isolation, offering consumers an opportunity to escape into more carefree, expressive fashion choices.
3. Artisanal Craftsmanship Takes Center Stage
Many brands emphasized artisanal craftsmanship, incorporating embroidery, knitwear, and woven textiles into their collections. Designers like CMMN SWDN and Jacquemus focused on earthy tones and handmade details, emphasizing the value of slow fashion and authenticity.
Data Insight: This renewed appreciation for artisanal techniques ties into the growing consumer demand for quality over quantity, as reflected in Heuritech's trend analysis. Sustainable, handcrafted garments are becoming more mainstream, particularly as brands shift toward more responsible production methods.
4. Americana: A Nostalgic Return to the Great Outdoors
The neo-Western and Americana theme captured the spirit of adventure and a return to nature. Designers such as Etudes and Phipps showcased cowboy hats, suede, and Navajo-inspired prints, signaling a return to rugged, outdoor-inspired styles.
Example: This theme taps into the consumer desire for comfort and practicality, with designers using earthy tones and sun-bleached fabrics to evoke images of open landscapes and exploration.
5. Dystopian Visions and Fantasy Escapism
In stark contrast to the optimism of hippy streetwear, some designers took a darker approach, reflecting the dystopian atmosphere of recent global events. EGONLab, SANKUANZ, and HAN KJØBENHAVN presented collections inspired by cyberpunk and post-apocalyptic worlds, using monochromatic color palettes and exaggerated proportions to create unsettling, futuristic aesthetics.
This dystopian theme, paired with fantasy elements, reflects the desire to escape harsh realities. By imagining parallel universes and mystical societies, these collections provided a form of creative escapism, allowing both designers and consumers to explore new forms of identity.
The Men’s SS21 Fashion Week was a landmark event for the fashion industry, demonstrating how digital platforms can be used creatively to present collections. The thematic diversity—from Bohemian and Americana influences to dystopian futures—mirrors the complex emotional landscape of today’s world. For brands looking to align with current trends, Heuritech’s insights reveal key areas of growth in artisanal craftsmanship, sustainable materials, and experimental streetwear.
Other useful resources on Heuritech:
SS21 Fashion Week report
SS21 Fashion trends capri pants
SS21 womenswear trends in China and Japan
Heuritech: blending AI with fashion expertise for trends analytics
