Ceremony collections were announced to be a highlight for 2022, as a post-pandemic world has  catching-up to do on weddings, anniversaries or missed-out celebrations. The big trend of this  spring and summer had brands show a craze for party-ready dresses, tops, sets and suits. For SS22, the ceremony offer represents 11% within collections. Occasion wear interpretations  differ according to the markets, ranging from easy and multi-purpose pieces to show-stopping  styles that adapt to the celebration glitz. 

Dresses are certainly the highlight of ceremony capsules, with increases of +20% or +4pts%  (percentage points) if compared to January 2022. Long dresses have shown a growth of +18%  while short styles remain stable with +2%. These results demonstrate the desire for a more  dramatic and chic party look. 

For dressy tops the category growth shows +16% (+1.5pts%), mainly drawing on shiny,  transparent or embroidered textiles to enhance puffy sleeves, asymmetries and ruffles. Livetrend’s data also shows an increase in the overall shoe category, where sandals, heels or  platforms climb +13% (+3pts%). 

Considering bottoms, a relevant rise in sets, mainly printed, translates the taste for all-over looks,  as proposed during the latest fashion shows. Loosely fitting, printed trousers are often paired with  flowing shirts or bustier tops for a fancy resort celebration look. Skirts are proposed with  matching top as a chic hymn to summer phantasies of pool parties and celebrations. For tailoring, a female yet casual tailoring is taking over. Fluid suits in viscose or faded silk recall  the chic allure of boudoir and lingerie moods, while remaining classy and comfortable. Another  favored combo, is the short mix of blazer and skirts or shorts. Paired with a bralette, this summer  sets aim for the most fashionable look. 

Across premium and medium markets, synthetic fibers unfortunately still remain at 41% of the  entire fabric range. However, we can see an increase in natural fibers compared to last year, as  the use of cotton, often in embroidered versions is accelerating. A strongly growing new option is  proposed by linen, which resonates a sense of purity and home-bound. Often mixed with viscose,  this natural fiber comes to add an interesting rustic texture, playing with the perception of touch,  while remaining fluid and soft. 

Synthetic fibers are blended with natural or artificial ones, mainly for satins and taffetas to  propose a visually similar option to expensive silks for those markets. Overall, viscose is the  prevalent artificial fiber of the range. 

The ever-more eclectic ceremony capsules are increasingly trying to consider sustainable fibers, a  necessity in the face of environmental challenges and essential to answer new consumer values.  Compared to the last FW21 holiday season, a shift from glitters to color and subtle sheen can be  traced. Fewer lurex fibers are mixed with naturally sourced fibers and fewer sequins play on more  dressy silhouettes now, exploring dramatic lengths, volumes and surprising cut-outs, rather than  visually elaborate materials.

Despite the need for more timeless and long-lasting classics, ceremony collections do not refrain  from the biggest seasonal trends: regency core and Y2K. Aiming for a romantic couture appeal,  capsules explore the return of the corset, ruffled details and puffed sleeves, especially effective on  the full-length silhouettes. At the same time, the 2000s inspiration accounts for ubiquitous cut outs, halter necklines and cascading ruffles. Contemporary fashion clients opt for sets of tops and  skirts, rather than the traditional occasion dress. In this case, tops are often short and fitted, while  the waist of bottoms stays high, in order to achieve a trompe-l’oeuil full silhouette. The waist zone  is often favored to experiment with cut-outs, inspired by iconic Christopher Esber collections. The most beloved neckline of these collections include halter necks, which are chosen more than  before (+33% YOY), allowing pieces to design sensual bare backs. 

Seductive cut-outs are a mainstay for RTW by now, yet for ceremony they still feel more bold and  exciting, showing a solid growth of +107%YOY, which seems surprising for more formal-oriented  collections, especially with baring waists on a commercial scale.  At the same time, the bustier trend is perfect to enhance feminine silhouettes during celebrations,  gaining +24% on last year.

Speaking of femininity, we cannot fail to notice the return of ruffles. Whether they are inspired by  the red carpets, evoking the great classics of couture, or more fluid, inspired by the 2000s, the  girly mood is appealing to modern consumers. Embellishing the entire silhouette, from sleeves to  necks or slits with cascades of frills, the ruffle is a dominant detail for SS22 ceremonies. Lastly, draping is exploring its classic appeal, gaining +59% over last year and spreading across  mini or longer lengths equally. Draped details create volumes and interesting chiaroscuro effects  to play with lights and forms. Making women feel like goddesses, those draped silhouettes opt for  fluid fabrics like satin to enhance the eternal beauty of womanhood.

Taking a glimpse at the most trendy and eye-catching highlights, sheer pieces have been among  the most viewed styles of the past three months. As suggested by the last runways, where sheers  evolved as an integral element, 2022 could be the year of the naked wedding dress. As an  increasing number of celebrity brides is opting for sheer dresses, including Camille Charriere (in  Harry Reed) and Chloé Sevigny (in Glenn Martens), searches for sheer white dresses have  increased by +80% since the beginning of the year. 

Livetrend’s technology evaluates this trend as an edgy alternative for cutting edge clients, but  predicts a solid influence on future ceremony and bridal styles, which can add transparency as an  added layer or sheer panels in commercial interpretations.

Occasions are the playground for accessories, from fashionistas to commercial cohorts that seek  an opportunity to feel special and stylish. Often small yet preciously adorned with details of  rhinestones, glitter, pearls and jeweled brooches, shoes and bags feel more precious than ever  this season. Along with clutches and mini bags, fancy potli handbags, which are often  embellished, came to the forefront this year. Talking bling, shoes with rhinestones gain +7% from  last year and beaded bags are up by +66%. 

Feathers are another en-vogue embellishment and are finally here for the occasion to show it off.  In the assortments from luxury to mass-markets, Livetrend detects a proliferation of feathered  sandals and slippers, as well as ostrich bags and clutches. Data confirms that feathered shoes  show an increase of +88% on last year.