A summer feel continues to prevail in Paris, thanks to the warm temperatures of this early autumn, and to the Spring/Summer 2024 collections presented by the fashion brands exhibiting at the Who’s Next trade show in the French capital last week-end. FashionNetwork.com has picked its own selection of trends presented by some of the 950 brands featured in Hall 1 of the Porte de Versailles exhibition centre.

Green heralds spring

The full palette of green hues, from the lightest to the darkest, featured prominently among the looks showcased by the exhibitors. Underscoring next summer’s predominantly bucolic mood, the colour green characterised long skirts, gored or decorated with frills, ideal for romps in the meadows. Sometimes combined with subtle floral patterns and delicate embroidery.

Safari mood

Beige, black, taupe and ivory are the signature colours of the ever-popular safari trend. An invitation to travelling that also includes animal-print motifs inspired by the savannah, and fabrics made with natural materials. Next season, this trend will be given an urban twist, and will feature on classic shirts and straight-legged cropped trousers.

Fish from the sea

The sea world has inspired many brands, which have picked a plethora of marine motifs to decorate their looks. Fishes in countless hues will crop up next summer, often in large size, in contrasting colours and all-over patterns. Whether embroidered or printed, fish motifs will feature in cheerful outfits for both city and beach looks.

Crochet still going strong

Crocheted fabrics have been a constant presence in womenswear wardrobes in recent seasons, and are still going strong. Used in shorts, camisoles and jackets, open-work fabrics came in a variety of shapes and, in an unconventional twist, were featured in bright colours and with floral embroidery.

Orange is the new black

Accessories-wise, next summer will be characterised by vibrant, acidic colours. One thing was clear among the stands at Who’s Next: bright orange could be the summer’s hit hue. Featured in footwear, like the PVC sandals by Cacatoès, an accessories brand founded in 2015 par Jordane Assouline, and the chic high-heeled shoes by French footwear brand Mi/Mai. And in other accessories, like the round-shaped handbag by Craie Studio, with both a handle and a climbing-style rope in orange and neon green, transforming it into a shoulder bag. Orange was also a popular colour for jewellery, as in the bangles and bracelets by Bangle-Up.

Cosy quilted fabrics

Quilted cotton fabrics are the epitome of comfort, and have been extremely popular with many brands over the last few seasons. They are used especially for jackets (sleeved or sleeveless, with or without a belt), often with bohemian-style patterns and decorated in a variety of prints, as shown by the kimono-style pink jacket by Bonton. Louise Misha instead presented a fresh take on the classic denim jacket, in a cosier version embroidered with delicate flowers.

Tie-dye shades 

Bright hues will be a thing next summer, and so will bold colour gradations! Many fashion brands remain keen on evergreen tie-dye effects (closely linked with hippy ideas and aesthetics), featuring them on psychedelic-looking dresses and gilets, as shown by Don’t @ me. In knitwear, tie-dye effects can subtly blend flat shades together, enlivening stodgy colour-block fabrics. Colour gradations from sparkling neon pink to pastel pink were for example featured on Absolut Cashmere’s knitwear, and on the wool sweaters by Belgian brand Les Tricots d’O.