ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED IN DE MODE | FASHION
Article Published on: 11TH NOV 2024 | www.demodemagazine.com
Leather continues to evolve with each passing season, with trends reflecting both timeless appeal and innovation in sustainable and ethical practices. This year’s standout leather trends showcase the fusion of classic styles with forward-thinking designs and a strong commitment to sustainability. Here’s an in-depth look at the top three leather trends of the year: oversized silhouettes, colorful leather, and vegan and sustainable leather alternatives.
1. Oversized Leather Silhouettes
Oversized leather silhouettes dominated runways and street style this year, becoming a central theme in contemporary fashion. Large leather jackets, trench coats, and wide-legged leather trousers brought a bold yet casual look to fashion, aligning with the trend towards relaxed, comfort-focused pieces.
What Makes It Popular: The appeal of oversized leather lies in its versatility and the juxtaposition of toughness and ease. Inspired by the ‘80s and ‘90s grunge aesthetics, designers have embraced baggy fits and exaggerated shoulders. The oversized leather trend appeals to a wide audience, effortlessly fitting into both high-end and casual wardrobes. It's a nod to the vintage leather looks that once defined rebellious subcultures, now revived with a modern, polished edge.
Key Pieces: This trend is best illustrated through oversized leather trench coats, leather bombers, and even large leather blazers. These pieces serve as bold statement outerwear, providing warmth, durability, and unmistakable style. On the runway, designers like Balenciaga, Saint Laurent, and Acne Studios showcased oversized leather jackets and trenches, each bringing their unique approach—whether through structured cuts or more flowing shapes that create a dramatic silhouette.
How to Style: Oversized leather jackets work beautifully with fitted jeans or tailored trousers, giving a balanced look that emphasizes the jacket's volume. Styling them with simple t-shirts, turtlenecks, or fitted dresses keeps the focus on the leather piece without overwhelming the ensemble. For accessories, minimal jewelry and sleek boots or loafers complement oversized leather without detracting from its bold presence.
Sustainability Aspect: Oversized leather items, by nature, are crafted to last, making them an investment in sustainable fashion. High-quality leather, when cared for properly, can last decades, reducing the need for frequent replacements and lessening the environmental impact over time. As the demand for sustainable options grows, many brands have also started to create oversized silhouettes using vegan and eco-friendly materials, offering consumers an alternative that still captures the trend's aesthetic.
2. Bold, Colorful Leather
While black and brown leathers remain classics, 2024 has embraced vibrant, bold colors in leatherwear, infusing wardrobes with color while adding a modern twist to leather’s traditionally neutral palette. This trend features bold hues like electric blue, rich burgundy, bright red, emerald green, and even pastel shades, bringing a playful and eye-catching appeal to leather fashion.
What Makes It Popular: Bold, colorful leather reflects the broader fashion trend towards personalization and self-expression. It breaks the stereotype of leather as solely rugged or dark and allows wearers to experiment with their style by incorporating color. Additionally, it aligns with the current “dopamine dressing” trend, where individuals dress to boost their mood, choosing colors that make a statement and bring joy.
Key Pieces: This trend is visible across leather jackets, skirts, dresses, pants, and even accessories. Designers like Versace, Prada, and Bottega Veneta have embraced vibrant leather shades, transforming classic silhouettes with unexpected pops of color. Notably, leather accessories, such as belts, bags, and shoes, have also embraced the colorful trend, offering a subtler way for consumers to incorporate it into their wardrobes without committing to a full leather garment.
How to Style: Colorful leather pieces are versatile and can be styled either as focal points or accents in an outfit. For example, a bright red leather jacket pairs well with neutral pieces like black or white to let the color stand out. Conversely, pastel-colored leather pants or skirts can be paired with other muted tones for a soft, cohesive look. For those less adventurous, colored leather accessories—such as a green leather bag or blue leather boots—can add a playful touch to outfits without dominating the look.
Sustainability Aspect: As with oversized silhouettes, investing in colorful leather pieces requires a commitment to long-term use. Consumers are encouraged to look for durable, ethically-produced leather to ensure that their statement pieces stand the test of time. Vegan leather alternatives have also expanded their color range, allowing consumers to access bold leather looks in eco-friendly materials, a crucial development in balancing aesthetics with environmental responsibility.
3. Vegan and Sustainable Leather Alternatives
One of the most transformative trends in leather fashion this year has been the rise of vegan and sustainable leather alternatives. Traditional leather has a significant environmental footprint, driving many designers and consumers to seek alternatives that maintain leather's appeal without the environmental impact.
What Makes It Popular: The growing awareness of fashion’s environmental impact has led to a surge in demand for sustainable and cruelty-free materials. Vegan leathers derived from plant-based sources—such as mushroom leather, cactus leather, and pineapple leather—have become popular options. These materials offer similar durability and aesthetic appeal to animal leather but are made with sustainable processes, often using agricultural byproducts and reducing waste.
Key Innovations: Among the pioneering materials are Mylo, a mushroom-based leather developed by Bolt Threads, and Desserto, a cactus-based leather created in Mexico. These materials have gained recognition not only for their eco-friendly production methods but also for their durability and resemblance to traditional leather. Major brands, including Stella McCartney, Adidas, and Lululemon, have begun using these materials in their collections, helping to legitimize vegan leather and encourage further innovation.
How to Style: Vegan leather pieces are available in both classic and trend-focused styles, making them easy to incorporate into any wardrobe. Whether it's a vegan leather jacket, handbag, or pair of shoes, these items can be styled just as traditional leather would. As vegan leather has gained popularity, its color and texture options have expanded, giving consumers the freedom to find pieces that suit their style, from classic black to vibrant hues.
Sustainability Aspect: The environmental benefits of vegan leather are multifaceted. For one, it avoids the intensive resources required for raising livestock and the chemical processing used in tanning. Brands are increasingly transparent about their production methods, ensuring that consumers can make informed choices. Plant-based leathers can be biodegradable, and many are crafted using renewable resources, making them a responsible choice for eco-conscious shoppers.
Conclusion
The year’s top leather trends capture the diversity of modern fashion and consumers' evolving values. Oversized leather silhouettes appeal to those drawn to bold, statement-making pieces that provide both style and comfort. Bold, colorful leather offers a refreshing take on a classic material, bringing joy and self-expression into leather fashion. Finally, vegan and sustainable leather alternatives represent a monumental shift towards eco-friendly fashion, providing consumers with ethically and environmentally sound options without sacrificing style or quality.
Each of these trends reflects a different facet of fashion's journey toward a more inclusive, expressive, and sustainable future. As the industry continues to innovate and adapt to consumers' growing expectations for style with purpose, leather fashion is leading the way in providing options that are as thoughtful as they are stylish. Whether you’re drawn to oversized silhouettes, crave a pop of color, or are committed to sustainable choices, this year’s leather trends offer something for everyone, redefining what it means to wear leather in today’s world.