The micro-trend is the materialization of the macro-trend, segmented into its most perceptible and commercial form. It is what we simply call trending when we refer to some type of product that is popular among consumers. A fashion trend is a micro-trend , the unfolding of a macro-trend in a product or a concept applicable to fashion.
Do you want an example?
It is not now that people are seeing the impacts that the hand of man has caused in the world, and they want to do something about it, create a change. From this impulse arises the macro-trend of sustainability, which will be materialized in micro-trends such as: https://www.instagram.com/hairsquare11
- Sustainable production clothing
- Organic fabrics and natural weaves
- Handmade
- Terracotta colors and various shades of green
- Clothes and accessories that give the feeling of timelessness
- Vintage clothing and accessories
Another example is the trend of puffed sleeves that are influenced by the macro-trend of rebel romanticism, from mid-2019. With the new cottage-core trends , which arise from the demand for a more natural, simple and calm life, and the return of eighties vintage models, the puffed sleeve seems to have positioned itself in the taste of consumers.
Although home office looks emerged with the coronavirus pandemic, seeking greater comfort through home-wear, extravagant and voluminous sleeves, another trend of glamour and festive hope for the post-pandemic, have been gaining their place in the screens in meetings and happy hours via video-conference. Puffed sleeves are a fashion trend that is here to stay.
In other words, it is not out of nowhere that something becomes a trend or fashion. All the time we are guided by clouds of influence and collective feelings about some fact that directly interferes with our choices. It is part of the daily life of fashion to read the thoughts of its consumers and know what they want, when and why they want it. And in the absence of a crystal ball, it is precisely the forecasting of macro and micro trends that makes it possible to create and launch products at the exact moment in which they will be sought by consumers.
Beyond this, trend forecasting allows brands to remain aligned with the positioning of their consumers, growing, evolving and occupying important places in society alongside them, for example, in social causes such as feminism, rights of lgbtqia+ people and sustainability, which was mentioned before.
The consumption of fashion or any product is closely linked to the emotions and desires of individuals. Therefore, it is very important that all fashion professionals, mainly in creative areas, constantly update themselves about macro and micro trends as a way to anticipate what will drive the consumption of certain products, and which products will be desired in the future.