Magic Las Vegas: Trend Experts Say Barbie Won’t Be ‘Top of Mind’ Forever

Barbiecore may be in full swing, but new trends are poised to take over the market come next spring, according to experts at the Magic and Project trade shows in Las Vegas.

Wendy Bendoni, assistant professor of fashion marketing and coordinator at the School of Business at Woodbury University, spoke with Informa Markets Fashion president Kelly Helfman about the emergence of new sartorial influences this week, noting that Barbie won’t be “top of mind” forever.

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While pops of pink proliferated across the showroom floor, the market research expert said other pop-culture influences will soon pique shoppers’ interest. “Priscilla,” a Sofia Coppola feature film slated for release in October, will explore the life of Priscilla Presley and her life with former husband Elvis Presley. Metallic pants, jackets and skirts, for example, seemed to pull influence from the King of Rock and Roll’s dramatic stage presence.

“All of what happens in pop culture affects the trends coming down the line,” Helfman added. The writers’ strike in Hollywood means that fewer television series and films will be hitting the big and small screens, and Bendoni said consumers are rewatching their recent favorites in the absence of new content.

Bridgerton, a fictional series set in the Regency era in England, along with the release of its spinoff series earlier this spring, has led to a continuation of Cottagecore and a more romantic, ruffled iteration of the trend. Meanwhile, “Napoleon,” based on the life of French military commander and political leader Napoleon Bonaparte, will be released in November. The movie, starring Joaquin Phoenix, will depict his relationship with Empress Joséphine, played by Vanessa Kirby. The movie’s early 19^th century costumes will feature empire waisted dresses and balloon sleeves—both trends on display in Magic and Project.

Dresses and separates in sheer knits and crochet were prevalent across both halls, representing a “huge” movement for spring, Helfman said. The trend in apparel will be complemented by similar motifs in footwear and accessories, like platform sandals with macrame details or raffia totes.

Another buzzy trend—“quiet luxury”—will continue on in 2024, embodying an understated sophistication devoid of prominent branding. In mass market apparel, it will manifest in “slouchy, comfortable trousers and blazers,” and other soft-yet-structured looks, all in a palette of whites, creams and tans, Helfman said. Bendoni pointed to the highly anticipated return of designer Phoebe Philo, former creative director of Celine and Chloe, as a key influence. Known for helping the fashion houses develop a chic, clean-lined aesthetic, Philo plans to launch her eponymous brand in September after stepping away from the industry in 2017.

The high-fashion influence will continue across the footwear space, most notably with the return of flats, Helfman said. Bottega Veneta’s stretch ballerina flat, which features a fishing net-like mesh upper, has served as the prime inspiration. Brands at Project showcased flats in mesh and lace, which “go along with the sheer fabrics and different knits that are happening in apparel,” Helfman said, along with patent leather and metallic silhouettes with both round and square toes, mostly in neutral color ways. Maryjane styles with ties and ankle straps added visual interest to the styles.

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