Fashion FOrecasting Project
The Ask
My team and I were tasked with forecasting a trend for FW 2026, based on historical references, the current zeitgeist, and influential people/events.
Meet the Team
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Carmella garner
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Greyson Foster
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Reagan palik
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Quinn King
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Rhianna Holdren
Skills Used
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Adobe Photoshop
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Adobe Illustrator
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Research databases
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Adobe Express
THE PROCESS
Ideation
Research
Iteration
presentation
Ideation
The first step in developing our trend forecast was ideation, which began with extensive research—truly, a deep dive. I explored countless articles on historical fashion movements, the current state of the industry, and the social and cultural shifts shaping style at that very moment. One of the biggest challenges was justifying our predictions with solid evidence; a single article was never enough.
As a team, we narrowed our focus to a few emerging ideas that felt both nostalgic and forward-thinking. After thoughtful discussion, scrapping concepts that lacked support, and ultimately trusting our instincts, we landed on a direction that felt both timely and inspired.
Our final forecast centered on the revival of jazz culture, the rise of a more refined nightlife, and a collective longing for escapism. We called it The Golden Lounge—a modern reimagining of sophistication, rhythm, and release.
Research
Once our theme was finalized, the real work began—digging deep to justify our forecast with thoughtful, credible research. We revisited the 1920s, immersing ourselves in the culture, fashion, and emotional tone of the era. What would change in today’s context? What elements of that time still resonate now? Synthesizing this information was a challenge, especially with a team researching from different perspectives. But this stage was where I truly found my stride.
My strongest contribution to the project was leading the research on the target market, Rogers’ Diffusion of Innovation theory, and identifying the zeitgeist. I focused on understanding the emotional and societal undercurrents influencing consumers today—what they’re drawn to, what they’re running from, and why nostalgia is hitting so hard right now. Drawing connections between past and present, I was able to support our forecast with compelling insight about why this resurgence was not just possible, but likely.
I also helped navigate conflicting sources and data by grounding our approach in solid cultural parallels. We drew comparisons between the post-Great Depression era and the aftermath of COVID-19, both marked by political unrest, collective uncertainty, and a hunger for escapism and joy. That emotional climate became the cornerstone of our concept.
Using platforms like Women’s Wear Daily, Britannica, IBISWorld, and Statista, I gathered and synthesized data that helped define our forecast’s direction. In the end, we confidently predicted that by Fall/Winter 2026, speakeasies and jazz lounges would reach mass appeal—ushering in a revival of sophistication and experiential nightlife.
Iteration
To bring our forecast to life, we transformed our research into a rich visual narrative through curated mood boards, cohesive color palettes, and layered storytelling techniques. Every design choice was made with intention, carefully crafted to communicate the essence of our concept—The Golden Lounge—in a way that felt immersive, emotional, and easy to interpret.
We used Adobe Creative Suite to polish every visual element, ensuring our presentation was not only aesthetically engaging but also strategically sound. From textures and prints to fabric choices and runway inspiration, our work was deeply rooted in research. Each visual decision was backed by cultural insight, historical references, and a clear understanding of the modern consumer psyche.
One of the most rewarding parts of this phase was the collaborative process. I thrive in team environments, and this project was no exception. I worked closely with my teammates during the design stage to ensure that our forecast transitioned seamlessly from concept to visual execution. I actively helped bridge the gap between our research findings and design elements, making sure the storytelling remained strong throughout.
We often challenged each other’s ideas, provided feedback, and worked through creative blocks together. I found myself naturally stepping into a supportive, communicative role—whether that meant coordinating design direction, clarifying intent behind certain visuals, or making sure everyone's voice was heard. I’ve always valued collaboration, and this experience reinforced just how much stronger the work becomes when ideas are shared and refined as a team.
One of the biggest challenges was striking the right balance between creating visuals that were captivating without overwhelming the core message. Because our foundation was so research-driven, we were able to bring the concept to life with clarity and purpose. By the end, every visual choice felt intentional and aligned. The Golden Lounge wasn’t just a concept anymore—it had a fully realized identity.
Presentation
Without a doubt, my favorite part of the entire project was presenting our forecast. We wanted to fully embody the essence of The Golden Lounge, so as a team, we dressed the part—black outfits, pearls, faux fur, and vintage-inspired touches that reflected the luxurious, escapist mood of our concept. It was important to us that our audience stepped into our world from the moment we entered the room.
We rehearsed thoroughly—not just to know our lines, but to perfect our timing, transitions, and overall delivery. We wanted the presentation to feel like a conversation, not a lecture. Each of us knew when to step in, when to pass it on, and how to maintain the energy throughout. Our goal was to clearly communicate our forecast without overwhelming the audience with information. By practicing as a team, we made sure the presentation flowed naturally and kept our audience engaged from start to finish.
We had the amazing opportunity of presenting in front of executive members from Fashion Snoops, a leading trend forecasting agency based in New York. It was an incredible experience, learning to push ourselves creatively and professionally. Presenting to industry experts challenged us to bring our A-game, sharpen our public speaking skills, and articulate our vision with confidence.
In the end, I felt we delivered something not only well-researched and visually compelling—but also memorable. Our group was extremely proud of what we created and how we presented it. It was a true team effort, and seeing our months of hard work come together in such a powerful way made the entire experience unforgettable.
the outcome
Overall, I am extremely proud of this project. Although we faced challenges and had to learn where to compromise, we experienced difficulty in research and design, but we brought it all together. We were all happy with the work we had done and most importantly, we genuinely had fun doing it.