Fashion and interior design are intrinsically linked, each influencing the other in a continuous, cyclical relationship. But which one truly sets the trend? We explore the dynamics between these two creative industries and get to the heart of the matter: do we see the trend on the catwalk before it hits interiors, or is it the other way around?
The Chicken or the Egg
It’s tempting to think that fashion, with its fast-paced cycles and high visibility, always leads the way. Runway shows are widely covered in the media, and quickly set the tone for what’s in Vogue. But the truth might be more complex. While fashion often gets the spotlight, interior design trends develop more gradually and can sometimes influence what we see on the runway.
Consider the recent trend of ‘70s-inspired designs. While flared trousers and bold prints made a splash in fashion collections from Prada and Chloé, this revival was already underway in interiors. Mid-century modern furniture, retro colour palettes, and warm, nostalgic tones were re-emerging in our homes long before they appeared on the catwalk. Brands like West Elm and interior designers like Jonathan Adler have been channelling that ‘70s vibe with velvet sofas, geometric rugs, and brass accents for years. So, in this instance, we feel interiors were the trendsetters, influencing what later appeared in fashion.
The Power Behind Trend Predictions
While trends may seem to magically appear, they’re often the result of detailed research and forecasting by organisations like WGSN (Worth Global Style Network). WGSN is a global authority in trend forecasting, and its insights are invaluable to both the fashion and interior design industries. WGSN analyse a wide range of factors—including social, economic, cultural, and technological influences—to predict trends years in advance, shaping the direction of both fashion collections and interior design concepts.
One of WGSN’s notable predictions was the rise of Digital Lavender as a key colour for 2023. This soft shade of purple was forecasted to represent calmness and digital wellbeing, tapping into a growing desire for tranquility in a tech-saturated world. Digital Lavender made its debut almost simultaneously in both fashion and interiors.
Fashion designers like Jacquemus and Acne Studios embraced the hue in their collections, incorporating it into oversized blazers and accessories that conveyed a sense of peaceful modernity. At the same time, Digital Lavender appeared in interior elements such as bed linen, throws, and candles, encouraging ‘recuperative rituals’ into our living spaces.
Another key player in the trend-predicting arena is Pantone, with its annual Colour of the Year. Pantone’s colour experts scour the globe, analysing influences from fashion, art, entertainment, and socio-economic conditions to determine the hue that will define the coming year.
For 2023, Pantone selected Viva Magenta, an unapologetically vibrant shade that celebrated joy, rebellion, and self-expression. We saw the colour first take off in fashion collections, with designers like Valentino and Christopher John Rogers using the bright hue to make powerful runway statements. Shortly after, Viva Magenta found its way into interiors, adding a daring pop of colour to furniture and home accessories. Here, we saw fashion take the lead, inspiring us all to make bolder, braver design choices in our homes.
Patterns, Textures, and Materials: A Two-Way Street
When it comes to patterns, textures, and materials, it again seems as if influence can flow both ways. Take velvet, for example. This luxurious fabric made a dramatic return on the runway with designers like Gucci and Balmain showcasing it in rich jewel toned gowns and dinner suits, but its opulent presence didn’t stop there; velvet later became a staple in interior design, becoming a popular choice for upholstery, curtains, and even wallpaper.
Similarly, terrazzo—an intricate, speckled stone—first gained traction in interior design before making its way into fashion. Initially used in minimalist homes and boutique hotels, this playful pattern then began appearing on clothing and everyday accessories. Bringing to light how interior materials and patterns can leap from tabletops and floors to fabrics and fashion collections and vice versa.
The Cycle of Influence
At the heart of the fashion vs. interiors debate lies the question – who dreams up the ideas first? While there isn’t a clear-cut answer, some patterns do emerge.
Fashion tends to be faster-moving, with designers pulling inspiration from a broader spectrum, including art, street style, and yes, interiors. Runway shows happen twice a year, pushing the envelope with new colours, patterns, and silhouettes. The immediacy and visibility of fashion make it seem like the natural leader. Fashion’s experimental nature also allows designers to quickly test ideas—think about how tie-dye moved from niche home decor to major fashion collections almost overnight.
On the other hand, interior design operates on a longer timeline, with trends evolving gradually through consumer demand and lifestyle changes. Interiors often adopt statement trends seen first in fashion but reinterpret them for a more lasting impact—like how the maximalism of fashion was slowly absorbed into eclectic interior styles. However, some of the most enduring and influential trends often start in our homes and are then echoed in fashion. The growing biophilic movement, for instance, with its emphasis on nature-inspired elements, first took hold in architecture and interiors before influencing clothing collections that reflect a yearning for organic forms and sustainability.
So, Do We Know Who Really Leads the Way?
Perhaps it’s not about pinpointing who leads but rather embracing the ebb and flow of creativity that defines both worlds. For those of us in interior design, the opportunity lies in staying attuned to fashion’s experimental and bold nature while setting the tone for how these ideas are lived and experienced. After all, whether it starts in our wardrobes or our living rooms, styles and trends are ultimately about what feels right to us—reflecting not just what’s in, but what feels like home.
Want to keep up to date with interior design industry news and trends? Subscribe to the Blocc Interiors newsletter below!