In a world underpinned by uncertainty and fear, delve into the past to inspire the future as nostalgic looks create a sense of comfort through familiarity.

For Autumn/Winter 2021/22, look to juxtapose past eras in a an offbeat mash-up that feels fresh and new. As consumers continue to covet one-of-a-kind looks, the upcycled aesthetic and use of deadstock materials captivates. Look to thrift from grandma’s house to drive newness. Infuse gymwear silhouettes with a pared-back retro eighties vibe for all-day active appeal. Whilst urban performance takes on a worn, lived-in look for the new season.

Alex Ingildsen, CCO at LTP Group and trend forecaster CHANTELL FENTON discuss what vintage looks will resonate in the sport and outdoor industry for Autumn/Winter 21/22 as outlined in the LTP Group’s seasonal forecast.

Historic Fusion inspires new looks

Build on the popularity of art-in-fashion and leverage consumer appetite for sentimentality by drawing inspiration from contrary historical periods to create a new aesthetic. As decades collide, fuse different eras like the 1890s with the 1980s. Marry Victorian references including antique textiles or voluminous sleeves with retro eighties silhouettes and colours. Offbeat pairings are key.

Beyond the streetwear market, expect this juxtaposition to emerge across the performance category. Incorporate ornate painterly prints inspired by art on tights or as lining on function-first jackets for a more conservative take.

Take inspiration from Time-worn

The creation of impermanent materials that decay and dematerialise will drive activewear innovation for A/W 21/22. Rusted and well-worn textiles will appeal to consumers that cherish the old lived-in look.

Apply weathered and distress finishes to gym-to-street styles. Fabrics that appear moth eaten surge in relevance. Distorted dye effects and faded colour form the bases of the story. Use the fact the finishes will render each garment slightly different as a key selling-point. Eliminate toxic dyes by using natural alternatives such as rust, coffee bark or tea for a richly pigmented look that celebrates the earth.

Grandma’s House is a Treasure Trove

As consumers continue to embrace and expect circularity, evolve the trend for deconstructed/reconstructed products using fabrics and materials thrifted from grandma’s house.

Vintage curtains, bedspreads and apparel provide a valuable resource for remake and repair. Explore repurposed and upcycled designs with unique and mismatched pieces.

Draw inspiration from the centuries-old Japanese art of fixing broken crockery called Kintsugi meaning “golden joinery”. Apply this cut-and-paste approach to graphics and fabrics by layering and splicing multiple prints for limited-edition, cult worthy styles designed to be treasured.

Softly Retro Continues

In an unpredictable and uncertain world consumers will continue to seek escapism in purchases. Nostalgic looks remain important, for the new season take a pared back approach.

This aesthetic will continue to permeate performance and all-day active ranges. Use washed soft colour on gym-to-street trackies as well as bodycon fitness styles which nod to the 1980s. Create bold graphics with vertical stripes, vintage lettering and nostalgic checks. Soft-touch jersey is key for close-to-skin comfort.

How to get the complete Autumn/Winter 2021/22 sport/outdoor forecast

Existing customers and partners can contact CCO Alex Ingildsen (ali@l-t-p.com) for their exclusive copy of the Autumn/Winter 2021/22 sport/outdoor forecast. Produced seasonally by trend expert Chantell Fenton.

About LTP

LTP is a Danish owned garment manufacturer for +60 premium brands within active sportswear, outdoor, athleisure and sustainable fashion. LTP was established in 1991, and is probably the biggest Sport & Outdoor garment manufacturer in Europe with bluesign setups in Lithuania, Belarus, Ukraine and Vietnam

LTP consists of two divisions; LTP Garment and LTP Contract Furniture producing in nine fully-owned factories.

About Chantell Fenton

New design manager at LTP, Chantell is an experienced performance sportswear designer and trend forecaster, with a passion for wellness, technology and function-first design. Chantell has an in-depth knowledge of how to spot and translate the must-have trends and macro shifts for the sports and outdoor industry. For more details visit www.chantellfenton.com

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