Category
Lifestyle
Assisted Choices
Trend cluster
Category
Algae
Chic
Fashion designers are introducing algae as a sustainable textile in their collections.
5.9
Trend score
Trend
What is the Algae Chic trend?
Algae Chic: Fabrics derived from algae have a low environmental impact and the material's potential is just beginning to be explored by the fashion and footwear industry—as designers are on the lookout for sustainable, recyclable and biodegradable resources.
Insight
The consumer insight behind the Algae Chic trend
As the environmental implications of the fashion industry become better known, some consumers are actively boycotting fast fashion and looking for alternatives. Eco-minded shoppers want to be sustainable beyond reuse as many realize the downfalls of recycling—improper disposal, for example. As a result, sustainable fabrics that leave no evidence behind post-use are favored.
Trend themes
Themes within the Algae Chic trend
Three behaviours holding the trend together01
Algae-based fabrics
Fashion and footwear designers are exploring the potential of algae-based fabrics for sustainable, recyclable and biodegradable resources.
02
Plant-based materials
Brands are using plant-based materials such as algae, pineapple leaves, citrus peel and renewable field corn to create more eco-friendly clothing and footwear products.
03
Biodegradable design
Designers are prioritizing biodegradable materials and circular design, creating products that can break down naturally and leave minimal waste behind post-use.
Industry implications
What the Algae Chic trend means for industry
Where the trend changes the playbookFor
Fashion
The fashion industry is exploring the use of sustainable plant-based materials as alternatives to fast fashion and traditional textiles.
For
Footwear
Footwear brands are incorporating algae and other plant-based materials to create more sustainable and eco-friendly products.
For
Circular Economy
Designers and brands are focusing on a circular approach to product design, creating products that are biodegradable and leave no evidence behind post-use.
Workshop question
What biodegradable material can be implemented in your product or service?
Trend signals
Trend signals for Algae Chic
Trend score 5.9 out of 10, from popularity 86%, activity 84%, freshness 9%.
Popularity86%
Activity84%
Freshness9%
Audience
50%Men
50%Women
- Gen Alpha
- Gen Z
- Millennial
- Gen X
- Boomer
Market
North America
Europe
Asia-Pacific
South America
Evidence
Examples of the Algae Chic trend
4 featured examples from Apr 12 to Oct 24, 2019CategoryEco
Plant-Based Performance Shoes
VIVOBAREFOOT's Primus Lite II Bio is Made with Renewable Materials
Footwear companies looking to appeal to eco-conscious consumers can innovate by using renewable and sustainable materials in their products.
CategoryEco
Plant-Based Spring Fashion
The H&M Conscious Collection Features Innovative, Sustainable Materials
The fashion industry can benefit from adopting sustainable practices, eco-friendly materials and a circular economy approach.
CategoryEco
Algae-Enriched Foam Footwear
Native Shoes' Sneakers are Made with a Single Piece of Foam
The footwear industry can explore the use of algae-enriched foam to create sustainable and high-performance products.
CategoryEco
Biodegradable Plant-Based Shirts
Vollebak's Plant and Algae T-Shirt Becomes Worm Food in 12 Weeks
The fashion industry can capitalize on the trend of biodegradable clothing by developing innovative and sustainable designs.
