# Non-Conforming Streetwear The New BAL Spring/Summer 2018 Refuses to be Categorized By Amy Duong | Published 2018-02-05 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bal-springsummer-2018 References: [hypebeast](https://hypebeast.com/2018/2/bal-2018-spring-summer-lookbook) & [baloriginal](http://baloriginal.com/shop) Japanese fashion label BAL refuses to be defined by categories with its newest BAL Spring/Summer 2018 collection. The transitional pieces in the collection experiment with multitudes of styles and push creative boundaries with the expansive range it offers. The BAL Spring/Summer 2018 collection draws inspiration from the popular patterns in fashion -- such as trek-wear and [loose cuts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/brucolic). The non-conforming collection features classic long-sleeve shirts and loose-fitting shirts decorated with a range of patterns -- including palm leaf and leopard prints. Some standout pieces from the collection include a loose-fitting tropical wool suit, [water-resistant anoraks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/marmot-1) and [quilted pattern jackets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/balenciaga-skiwear-2025). A Japanese artist Itsumi Max played a role in creating the line's 'M-51' jacket and rayon shirt, as his designs are incorporated on the garments. The BAL Spring/Summer 2018 collection will be released on BAL's online website in the upcoming months. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.7/10 - Popularity: 15% | Activity: 59% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion) > [Hip Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/hipfashion) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Non-conforming Streetwear:** The BAL Spring/Summer 2018 collection challenges traditional fashion categorizations and pushes creative boundaries, providing an opportunity for disruptive innovation in the streetwear industry. - **Experimentation with Styles:** The BAL collection's incorporation of various patterns, such as palm leaf and leopard prints, showcases the trend of experimenting with different styles, inspiring disruptive innovation in the fashion industry. - **Collaboration with Artists:** The involvement of Japanese artist Itsumi Max in creating designs for the BAL collection, particularly the 'M-51' jacket and rayon shirt, highlights the trend of collaborating with artists and presents an opportunity for disruptive innovation in the fashion industry. ### Where This Applies - **Fashion:** The BAL Spring/Summer 2018 collection's non-conforming approach to streetwear presents disruptive innovation opportunities within the fashion industry. - **Streetwear:** The BAL Spring/Summer 2018 collection's refusal to be categorized and its experimental approach to styles opens up disruptive innovation opportunities within the streetwear industry. - **Art:** The collaboration between BAL and Japanese artist Itsumi Max in the creation of the Spring/Summer 2018 collection demonstrates disruptive innovation opportunities within the art industry. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Laid-Back Modernwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/digawel-springsummer-2026.md) - [Eclectic Preppy Summer Apparel](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/beams-plus-2.md) - [Spring-Centric Outerwear Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/namacheko-1.md) - [Spring Technical Apparel](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/acoldwall-5.md) - [Spring-Centric Technical Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hyke-1.md) - [Versatile Summer-Ready Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/marmot-1.md) - [Summer-Centric Lifestyle Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/uniqlo-u-4.md) - [Luxurious Spring-Ready Streetwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ambush-5.md) - [Heritage Streetwear Lines](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/golden-era.md)