Romantic Yearning Trend Forecast
The Ask
In my trend-forecasting class at SRISA, we were assigned to develop a forecast around the theme of “yearning.” My team—U of Madison students Mia Chen, Aidan Higgins, and I—chose to focus our forecast on the theme of romantic yearning. We created a full trend package that included an inspiration and mood board, the overall vibe and buyer persona, a textile and color palette, and key cultural influences, with the end-goal of creating a sample product assortment.
Mood Board
Our mood board blends femininity, mystery, and sentimental romanticism with bold, edgy contrasts that evoke the modern feeling of romantic yearning.
Inspiration Board
Our romantic-yearning forecast draws inspiration from sheer and lace layering, fluid silhouettes contrasted with tailored structure, and avant-garde takes on functionality, revealing the many dimensions of today’s modern woman and the layered story of her identity and wardrobe.
Following the creation of our mood and inspiration boards, we developed a buyer persona to reflect the consumers who would be drawn to, engage, and be innovators for this trend.
The Process
For our textiles, we selected silks, mesh, lace, tulle, and cotton fabrics. The feminine and romantic qualities of these materials, especially when contrasted with the edgier, mores sexy nature of mesh, highlights the multifaceted emotions expressed in this trend. Together, these fabrics capture the essence of romanticism, playfulness, juxtaposition, and confidence, embodying the layered emotional narrative of romantic yearning.
For brands looking to bring this trend to life, it is vital to incorporate sustainable and organic fibers, as well as recycled materials, in the creation of the romantic yearning aesthetic. Doing so not only supports ethical and environmentally conscious practices, but also reflects the intentionality and emotional depth at the heart of this theme.
Our color pallette we created is reflective of the emotions synonymous with romantic yearning. Red captures the passion and intensity of desire, while green symbolizes renewal and the hopeful longing for connection. White introduces a sense of purity and vulnerability, highlighting the pure, open-minded side of yearning. Baby blue adds a dreamy, nostalgic softness, and light pink conveys warmth, affection, and youthful romance. Together, these hues create a palette that balances intensity with softness, embodying the layered emotional experience at the heart of romantic yearning.
Technological, design, and brand influences:
The Outcome
After developing our inspiration and mood boards, color palette, textiles, and key influences, we highlighted four products that we believe should be incorporated into a feminine yet edgy, romantic-yearning–themed collection.
