Fashion trends have always been a reflection of a society’s cultural, social and economic dynamics. Nepal is known for its rich culture, heritage and diverse ethnicities. And fashion trends here have evolved over the years, in sort of a mixture, blending traditional elements with modern influences.
Various factors, including globalisation, cultural shifts, and growing exposure to international fashion have influenced the transformation of fashion trends in Nepal. Fashion trends can be unpredictable and vary greatly, depending on numerous factors, including cultural, global influences and individual preferences.
Here are some potential fashion changes that could be seen in Nepal coming years :
Fusion of traditional and modern styles
In Nepal, the fashion sense of people has always been influenced by its rich cultural heritage. There has also been a rise in appreciation of art and creativity despite being heavily influenced by Western fashion trends. The fusion is evident in the popular trend of pairing kurta tops with jeans, incorporating traditional patterns in updated clothing styles.
In the upcoming year, we can anticipate an increasing trend of designs and fashion trends that combine traditional and modern styles. It will be interesting to see what Nepalis will come up with.
Sustainable and ethical fashion
The global movement towards sustainable and ethical fashion is likely to gain momentum in Nepal as well. One can already see the influence in the Nepali fashion industry. Many sustainable fashion brands are making their way into the industry and people are also gravitating towards it. Whereas designers and consumers are prioritising eco-friendly material, ethical production practices and fair trade initiatives.
In the context of today, there are some of those clothing brands that have embraced the concept of sustainable fashion. Kasa fashion wears, Vama, and Bora Studio are the top brands in Nepal, which use organic and eco-friendly fabrics.
The shifts in consumer taste toward fashion and fashion trends could lead to the rise of organic and recycled fabrics. People may adopt more environment-friendly manufacturing processes in future.
Gender-neutral fashion
The concept of gender-neutral fashion has been gaining popularity worldwide. Gone are the days when clothing used to be strictly ‘feminine’ or ‘masculine’. This new trend is being practised to avoid the common gender stereotypes of men’s and women’s clothing. It allows individuals to express themselves authentically, irrespective of societal expectations tied to gendered fashion.
In Nepal, given the country’s cultural and social diversity, youth are embracing the gender-neutral fashion trends more openly. They are exploring their style, pushing boundaries and expressing themselves in ways that resonate with their true selves.
Popular celebrities are wearing and promoting neutral clothing and styling it too, and Nepali youth are getting influenced through social media as well. Huba and Unanimous are two of the many brands which promote gender-neutral fashion in Nepal and their brand is gaining popularity slowly.
Vibrant colours and pattern
The rich cultural heritage of Nepal gets tagged with many vibrant colours and intricate patterns. Traditional Nepali clothing such as sari, kurta and Dhaka topi, often feature bright hues and beautiful designs.
In contemporary fashion, there is a fusion of traditional elements and modern design. They experience the thrill of wearing a dress that blends the elegance of traditional textiles with the freshness of modern cuts, a perfect blend of old and new. Printed fabrics have a special place in Nepali fashion, offering different designs, patterns and colours. Floral motifs, geometric designs and traditionally inspired prints grace dresses, skirts, and t-shirts with a touch of vibrant colour are slowly getting into the trend.
In upcoming years, we may see much more continuation of this trend, with designers incorporating bold colours and traditional motifs into their creations and making fashion trends more fun for people.
Reviving retro fashion
Fashion is a constant cycle of reinvention and one trend that consistently resurfaces is retro fashion. Retro fashion refers to the revival and incorporation of style, trend and aesthetics from past eras, typically from the 20th century. It involves the intentional adoption of vintage clothing, accessories, hairstyle and makeup to make people nostalgic or is a nostalgia-inspired look. Retro fashion trends allow wearers to revisit iconic styles and blend them with modern sensibilities.
The revival of retro fashion has made its way to the country. Belly jeans, mid-waist jeans reminiscent of the ‘90s era, have become a popular choice for fashion enthusiasts in Nepal, blending nostalgia with contemporary style. Belly jeans with crop tops, tucked-in blouses or oversized sweaters are various kinds of looks, that we can see today.
