A growing sustainable mindset is influencing fabric ranges and brand choices. Vegetal fibers compile for slightly less than synthetic ones within the global range. Their growth is impactful, compared to the past two years. Within synthetic fabrics, recycled ones have experienced a steady growth as well. Artificial fibers are proportioned around 15% of assortments.  Customers are more aware of the subject, leading brands to accordingly re-organizing supply chains, fabric sourcing and product assortments.

Knit and stretchy fabrics are a dominant component of FW21 fabrics, manifesting that comfort is key. Simultaneously, a fresh focus on femininity results in more fluid, sheer and shiny fabrics. Textures that appeal to the senses, such as ribbed or surface treatments are the second most important material. Velvet and satin are visible in several fall collections, despite their comparatively small quantities.

For the analysis of ready-to-wear prices, categories are split in two markets : premium and high street. The analysis in done comparing same brands, same period, year on year. The analysis in done by comparing the same brands over the same period, year on year.

For the premium market, the global average price of ready-to-wear decreased by 9,5% compared to last year. Average price was 262 € and it is 237€ this season. The most impacted category are tops with -15%, followed by dresses with -10%, trousers -8,9%, skirts -7,5% and knitwear -4,9%.

Considering accessories, global average prices decreased by 13%. On that decline, bags  are showing a significant price drop of -22% and shoes reduced by -2,4%. While small leather goods are gaining 3%, jewelry also decreased by 27%.

A substantial change in pricing strategy is underway, while actions and initiatives vary across different brands. Before setting your own strategy for FW22, we are at your disposal via the Livetrend Chat to give you further information and details.

High Street markets show global average prices for ready-to wear at 37€, while the average for premium brands sits at 223€. This difference does not only trace back to the different clientele but the product range proportions that strongly differs between the two markets. High Street brands propose more t-shirts within their assortment (18%) than dresses (16,5%). At the same time, the leading categories for premium brands are knitwear 18% and dresses 18%.

For accessories, shoes show the highest average prices. According to the Kantar barometer, from June to August, footwear sales rose by 4% to €2.47 billion globally, exceeding those of 2019 by 2%, which offers a fairer basis for comparison than 2000.

After the increase in petrol, gas and electricity prices, according to IFM Paris, no less than 49% of fashion brands are planning to increase their prices by 0.5% in 2022, with a further 9% preparing to increase them by 5 to 10%, according to data released on 18 November during Fashion Reboot.