1. Sustainable Fashion:
Sustainability continues to be a driving force in 2024, with an increased focus on eco-friendly materials, ethical production practices, and circular fashion concepts. Designers are embracing a more conscious approach to create stylish and environmentally responsible clothing.

2. Tech-Infused Fashion:
The integration of technology into clothing is a standout trend. Smart fabrics, LED embellishments, and interactive elements are making their mark, blending fashion with functionality. From illuminated garments to tech-enhanced accessories, futuristic designs are gaining popularity.

3. Gender-Fluid Styles:
Fashion is becoming more inclusive, with a rise in gender-fluid and unisex clothing. Designers are challenging traditional norms, creating pieces that transcend gender boundaries. Expect to see a variety of silhouettes and styles accessible to all.

4. Nostalgic Revival:
2024 is witnessing a resurgence of fashion elements from past decades. Vintage-inspired looks, such as ’90s minimalism, ’80s power suits, and ’70s bohemian vibes, are making a comeback with a modern twist. Mixing nostalgia with contemporary design is a prevailing theme.

5. Bold Colors and Patterns:
Vibrant and daring color palettes are taking center stage. From bold neons to rich jewel tones, expect to see eye-catching hues making a statement. Additionally, playful patterns, such as oversized florals and geometric prints, are adding excitement to various clothing pieces.

6. Comfort-Driven Fashion:
Comfort remains a priority in 2024, and this reflects in the fashion choices. Relaxed silhouettes, athleisure-inspired styles, and cozy fabrics dominate runways. Comfortable yet chic loungewear is becoming a staple in every wardrobe.

7. Statement Outerwear:
Outerwear is becoming a focal point for fashion expression. Statement coats and jackets with unique textures, oversized shapes, and distinctive detailing are key pieces for elevating any outfit. Outerwear is no longer just a functional necessity but a style statement.

8. Mix of Textures:
Texture play is evident in fashion trends, with designers experimenting with a mix of fabrics. Velvet, leather, faux fur, and sheer materials are being combined to create visually interesting and dynamic outfits. Textural contrasts are celebrated for their tactile appeal.

A roster of global designers showcased Spring/Summer 2024 looks during LA Fashion Week, a N4XT Experience, Oct. 18–22 at NYA Studios in Hollywood. Hosted under the theme of “Empowering Designers, Empowering Dreams,” the production’s programming touched on fashion, beauty, technology and sustainability.

Imitation of Christ opened the event’s four-day run at off-site location The Hole Gallery. Models presented Imitation of Christ designs through choreography developed by brand founder Tara Subkoff and dancer Lauren Cannon. The presentation was followed by an opening cocktail reception at NYA Studios marking the launch of the LAFW Society philanthropic initiative.

Sergio Hudson’s Oct. 19 presentation bypassed the typical runway show in favor of models moving between three stations within the crowd. The designer showed his 14-piece Spring 2024 ready-to-wear capsule collection complemented by jewelry provided through a collaboration with OYA Labs.

Neon Cowboys presented its technology-charged fashion with a lively, colorful show. During the brand’s LAFW presentation, it showcased its illuminated designs in a rave-inspired atmosphere in which guests were encouraged to participate while experiencing Neon Cowboys’ pieces.

No Sesso showed its Futuro Fish collection on Oct. 22 with a circular platform. The collection was based on the vision of designers Pia Davis and Autumn Randoph with future-focused science-fiction elements.

Additional designers with California connections included Kwame Adusei and Tombogo, which collaborated with SAP to offer guests an immersive and interactive shopping experience.

LA Fashion Week also featured educational segments, including a screening of “Fashion Reimagined,” presented by FullCycle and Otis College of Art and Design. The film was preceded by a panel discussion that included “Fashion Reimagined” filmmaker Becky Hutner, Mother of Pearl founder Amy Powney, actor and entrepreneur Nikki Reed, FullCycle founder Ibrahim AlHusseini, and Jill Zeleznik, chair of the fashion design program at Otis.

“Empowering the next generation through hands-on collaborative experiences is the key to passing on the torch to sustainability,” said Zeleznik. “When we ask mentors or designers to come in, we ask them to give our students a sustainable project that [teaches] the principles of the mentors.”

For the past decade in particular, U.S. apparel and footwear companies have been intensely focused on sourcing diversification. As U.S.-China and related geopolitical tensions increase, the momentum is even stronger.

Now (and yesterday) is the time for companies to make investments beyond their traditional trading partners.

In fact, recent industry surveys indicate that countries in the Western Hemisphere are of interest for more investment. Africa and the U.S. provide investment opportunities too.

Trade offers so many benefits at home and around the world, from economic and security improvements to quality of life and access to critical resources. That’s why Congress needs to recognize that the same top-tier concerns in the areas of immigration and national security can be addressed significantly by trade around the world.

That’s where you come in: a) U.S. residents (in California or wherever you may be reading from) and b) industry voices. YOUR members of Congress need to hear YOUR voices on smart trade. You are their constituents. You employ workers in their district or state. Pick your passion, and speak up with us:

Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) and the Miscellaneous Tariff Bill (MTB)

• The 34-month expiration of the GSP and MTB programs has left companies uncertain of their current and future investments.

• GSP promotes economic and sustainable development in developing countries by eliminating duties on thousands of products imported from 119 designated beneficiary countries, including travel goods.

• The MTB allows American companies the ability to eliminate or reduce duties on nearly 2,500 inputs and finished goods not available or manufactured in the United States.

• Further, the expiration of these programs that traditionally have bipartisan support only add doubt to the renewal of other soon-to-expire trade programs, like Haiti and the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).

Haiti HOPE/HELP

• Haiti is going through one of its worst crises ever. We have an incredible opportunity right now to take advantage of the sourcing diversification that is going on in the industry to encourage some of that trade and investment to Haiti.

• However, if Haiti HOPE/HELP are not renewed well prior to the September 2025 expiration, companies will begin to shift their sourcing as soon as next year.

African Growth and Opportunities Act

• The African continent should be a huge magnet for our industry, but many companies are bypassing it because they don’t know if Congress will reauthorize AGOA before it expires in September 2025. Washington inaction speaks volumes, and it is currently telling these companies—go elsewhere.

• Sourcing decisions are already being made for goods that will be shipped after AGOA’s current expiration in September 2025. As we approach the expiration date, trade will drop off further as sourcing is shifted away from African countries to more-predictable trade partners.

• We want to see AGOA renewal for ten years or more, and it needs to be by year-end for investments to flourish as sourcing decision-makers make their decisions in the hours and days ahead.

AAFA is laser focused on making sure these measures get addressed in an end-of-year trade package in December and is starting to see momentum from this work, especially with White House energy behind AGOA.

Failure by Congress to act quickly will adversely affect more than just the U.S. textile and apparel industry. If Congress lets AGOA renewal be delayed, it sends a powerful message that the U.S. is not willing to prioritize a strong U.S.-Africa relationship. At a time when the U.S. is still working to reinforce partnerships globally–and we need those partnerships now more than ever–we simply cannot afford to overlook an entire continent.

If you want to make a trip to Washington, D.C. (in person, virtually or even just on paper) to push progress on these policies, we can help.