Predictions for 2017: fashion, beauty and interiors

Telegraph fashion, beauty and interiors writers share their predictions for 2017, from rainbow colours on the catwalk to nude make-up and homes inspired by heritage design and hygge.

Fashion trends for 2017: rainbow colours are the new black and the 1980s makes a comeback

This year was one of confusion for the fashion industry and that looks set to continue in 2017. Should designers embrace the burgeoning buy-now, sell-now model and – if they do – does that signal the end of the traditional six-months-ahead reveal?

Burberry was one of the first to commit to the new format in September, selling all of its autumn looks the moment they hit the catwalk. In the next 12 months we’ll find out if that was a commercial success and, more importantly, whether other big-name houses will follow suit.

Crowning glory: Gucci gets into gear with its spring summer 2017 collection in Milan CREDIT: GETTY/VITTORIO ZUNINO CELOTTO

One thing we can be sure of is that the fashion industry will remain in flux – and only the canny can survive. With the luxury sector now in slowdown, we will certainly be seeing an increase in teeny-tiny leather accessories that provide an entry point for young and newer customers, so in 2017 we’ll discover just how small a handbag can get and still cost £350. We will also see a return to blatant branding on bags, shoes, underwear and even socks: the logo is in for a big comeback.

Also in the coming year, expect to hear a lot more of the rather irritating term “affordable luxury”. Brands such as the formerly sniffed-at American accessories label Coach are set to become major players.

The two most influential designer brands of 2016 were Gucci, under the helm of Alessandro Michele, and the Paris-based Vetements, headed by Demna Gvasalia, also creative director of Balenciaga. Gvasalia will continue to remain a major force in fashion with his extreme takes on both streetwear and tailoring setting the avant-garde look for 2017. The question is: can Gucci keep up?

Can shoulder pads really make a comeback? Only time will tell

One thing that Michele, in particular, has successfully challenged in recent seasons is fashion’s snobbery about colour. For spring summer 2017 other designers have succumbed to his cheerfulness. Expect joyous rainbow brights with an emphasis on red and pink, from Valentino, Dior, Roksanda, Miu Miu and, of course, Gucci.

With Miu Miu also diving headlong into sassy retro swimwear, sportswear will not lose its foothold next year and fashion designers will be striving to provide clothes to work out in – think Nike, Adidas and co, but with added status. Forward-thinking labels will be exploring the potential for innovation in sportswear’s technical fabrics.

Will we see the predicted return of 1980s-style cocktail wear? Anthony Vaccarello, the new designer at Saint Laurent, certainly hopes so – he’s made sexy, shocking black micro-minis his focus for spring. Isabel Marant and the British label Mother of Pearl are also championing this decade’s style.

This might only prove an exciting prospect for those of us who haven’t endured the Dynasty years once already. Can shoulder pads really make a comeback? Only time will tell.

Beauty trends for 2017: natural curls, nude make-up and superfood skin creams

By Victoria Hall, Telegraph acting beauty director

Hundreds of beauty products and treatments launch every year and 2017 will be no different. But don’t worry about trying to keep up with all the new trends: we’ve done the hard work so you don’t have to.

Curl craze

The next 12 months are all about the curl. According to research company Mintel, sales of styling products now make up 35 per cent of the US black haircare market, while relaxers are on track to fall from the second-largest segment to the smallest by 2020.

Celebrities are helping to encourage younger women to embrace their curls, including Hollywood actress Lupita Nyong’o. “I’m actually growing my hair out now, so I’m learning how to take care of it,” she says. “African hair is about trial and error.” 

Nude hues

Make-up diversity – or the lack of it – will continue to be a hot topic. Nude lipsticks and nail polishes are the top-selling shades in mainstream stores such as Topshop but there is still a lack of variety for all skin tones.

In the flesh: beauty brands will seek to create nude hues for all skin tones in 2017 CREDIT: LISE GAGNE

Foundation is a particular stumbling block for many beauty brands, which have so far failed to cater for all ethnicities with their latest formulas. But the tide is changing, albeit slowly, as skincare companies including Chanel and Lancôme look set to widen their shade ranges in 2017 to ensure they have products on offer for everyone. 

Superfood skincare

Two-thirds of women believe that what they eat directly impacts on how their skin looks, so expect to see edible ingredients increasingly listed on your creams and serums. From superfoods such as chia, broccoli and kale to fermented supplements and even turmeric, the latest products could just as easily be found in your kitchen as the bathroom.

The bigger brands may not jump on the natural and organic bandwagon just yet, but you will see an influx of US beauty labels offering superfood serums that are devoid of toxins – or even entirely natural. Look out for Drunk Elephant and Farmacy, which are both coming to the UK in January. 

Men's fashion trends for 2017: outdoor chic, cartoon motifs, voluminous shapes and laid-back tailoring 

By Stephen Doig, Telegraph men's style editor

When it comes to ‘‘trends’’ men can be reticent about the concept; statistics prove men are investment shoppers, buying more expensive items less often, which makes the idea of updating and reshuffling your wardrobe every so often particularly unappealing.

I’m all for the enduring elegance of standard navy suiting, but sometimes it pays to go for an upgrade every now and then – particularly when men’s fashion is in dynamic new realms. So how to take your attire forward in 2017?

Embrace your inner Bear Grylls

The knock-on effect of hipster style – lumberjack shirts, rugged beards – is that the outdoors is very much in your wardrobe for spring. Prada’s SS17 men’s show came with kitted-out climbers who were part festival-goer and part modern-day adventurer, with tech fabrics and cord details.

If that’s a tad too ‘‘out there’’, adopt Italian stealth luxury brand Brunello Cucinelli’s approach, with padded gilets and nifty joggers.

Colour theory

Men tend to shun colour for fear of looking like a Sesame Street extra, but exploring spring’s rich colour palette is fun. Look to saturated, considered, deep colour instead of summery pop brights, as shown in the soft rust colours at Alexander McQueen, claret tones at Giorgio Armani and fawn colours at Hardy Amies.

Bold statement: men's fashion looks set to be adventurous in 2017 CREDIT: JASON LLOYD-EVANS

Child’s play

Sharp suiting and standard pin stripes are well and good, but there’s a strand of fashion focused on splashy colours, bold prints and cartoon iconography.Gucci is the front runner, with Alessandro Michele’s approach offering eye-popping pattern, Donald Ducks dancing across tuxedos and refined psychedelia.

Dolce & Gabbana embrace the playful mood with musical instrument-themed embellishment. Too outré? Try Bally’s Rodeo-ready shirts and graphic block prints.

Light touch

There’s a new verve towards clothes that float away from the body and play with proportions. Patrick Grant, head of heritage house E Tautz, is perhaps the best example of how voluminous shapes can look pin-sharp and classic, with his soft-fit tops and wide-legged trousers. Similarly, Swedish brand Acne offers airy macs and cagoules.

Tailor-made

The relaxed feel of suiting continues in tailoring with sloping shoulders, breezy trousers and a lack of ties, pocket squares and general formality.

Interiors trends for 2017: heritage style, luxe revival and Scandi-lite

By Talib Choudhry, Telegraph design and interiors editor

Given the seismic social, political and economic shifts happening at the moment it’s perhaps unsurprising that many of the “new” trends in the design world are tinged with nostalgia.

Designers are looking to bygone eras to create products and interiors that appeal to our collective desire to create a comforting cocoon from all the tumult of the world outside.

New heritage

This look is driven by a modern desire for calm living spaces to provide a sanctuary from 21st-century life: pared-back, simple and comfortable.

The British may have developed an appreciation for contemporary furniture, but when it comes to architecture, period properties are still the most sought after. People pay a premium for Georgian, Edwardian and Victorian houses and reconfigure them to suit modern lifestyles, while highlighting their original architectural vernacular and design details.

Feeling crafty: from standalone mirrors to distinctive dressers and luxury leather armchairs, craftsmanship is key for interiors in 2017

Furniture design also references the bygone, paying homage to the silhouettes and craftsmanship of the past. Companies such as Pinch Design, Plain English and Sebastian Cox are leading the charge with contemporary pieces that have the heft of tradition on their side.

These new classics are part of a renewed emphasis on British craftsmanship, revering the handmade and expressing nostalgia for simpler ways of living.

Luxe revival

Consumers have found a new confidence, favouring bold colours, a rich palette of materials and statement lighting. This luxurious look is often inspired by the thousands of inspiring spaces that are shared via social media; referencing art deco and Hollywood Regency glamour with a bit of 1970s style thrown in for good measure.

Hygge was named as one of the words of the year

Velvet made its mark in the home in 2016 and looks set to continue. Seating is upholstered in jewel colours – emerald green, sapphire blue, rose quartz – while precious materials such as marble and warm metallics like gold, copper and bronze add a rich accent.

Drinks cabinets and drinks trolleys are also an essential ingredient for 2017 – entertaining at home is the new going out.

Scandi-lite

We’ve been seduced by Scandinavian style and the notion that somehow our northern cousins know how to live better, happier lives. There has been ahygge explosion, with the concept named as one of the words of the year in 2016.

The British idea of Scandinavian style, though, has been skewed in favour of something more suited to our taste. The fact is the Brits like clutter and richness, preferring to chuck in the chintz.

But while the love of chintzy patterns and florals remains strong, it’s evolved into a more contemporary look: muted colours and rescaled patterns adding a restrained edge.

Wondering what the New Year holds? Read more predictions for 2017 from Telegraph writers sharing what they think will happen in the worlds of science, money,sport, politics, travel and culture.

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Telegraph.co.uk