Slut in the City: “Dressing Without Apology”
The Ask:
In a collaborative group setting, my team and I were tasked with developing a short-term fashion forecast for the Fall/Winter 2026 womenswear season, grounded in a thoughtful analysis of emerging cultural and societal influences shaping the current zeitgeist. The project required us to translate our research into a cohesive and visually engaging 12–15-minute presentation that clearly articulated a forward-looking trend direction. Ultimately, the goal was to produce a polished and insightful forecast that balanced creativity with industry relevance, showcasing both our design sensibilities and our ability to interpret and apply market-driven insights.
Kodie Wilkins
Julia Alas
Meet the Team!
Dounia Mousa
Matilda Koroma
The Process
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The Process 〰️
The process began with the development of Slut in the City, a concept-driven exploration of modern femininity, sexuality, and personal autonomy. Drawing inspiration from the cultural legacy of Sex and the City, the project reinterprets its themes through a contemporary lens—one that reframes traditionally stigmatized language as a source of empowerment rather than limitation. Central to this approach is the idea of reclaiming identity through self-expression, in which women dress for themselves, communicate their desires openly, and assert ownership of their narratives. Through deliberate styling, visual storytelling, and attitude, the concept challenges societal notions of shame while positioning confidence, individuality, and authenticity as defining elements of a liberated, modern woman.
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Celebrates women embracing sexuality and self-expression through fashion—dressing for autonomy, confidence, and personal joy rather than the male gaze, set against the liberating energy of New York City.
Reflects the current political climate by channeling themes of defiance and freedom, using bold styling, sequined fabrics, and vintage influences from the early 2000s and 1950s to express individuality and bodily autonomy.
Captures a cultural shift driven by young people seeking identity and authenticity in NYC, reinforced by the resurgence of Sex and the City and a renewed emphasis on dressing as a form of self-definition rather than external validation.
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A bold, future-facing color palette featuring saturated reds, high-gloss blacks, and skin-tone neutrals, reflecting themes of body autonomy and gender-fluid empowerment.
Each color is intentionally selected for its emotional and symbolic impact, aligning with macro trends centered on radical sensuality and the evolving definition of femininity.
Challenges traditional ideas of modesty by presenting an unapologetic approach to seduction, positioning fashion as a tool for self-expression, identity, and empowerment.
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Developed six slides—three dedicated to street style and three to runway—each reflecting the Slut in the City narrative of unapologetic self-expression and empowered femininity.
Curated five recent, properly cited images per look, ensuring each visual reinforced themes of autonomy, sensuality, and identity-driven dressing.
Assigned distinctive names to each look, maintaining strong alignment with the overall forecast while blending authentic street style with high-fashion runway imagery to showcase both real-world influence and aspirational interpretation.
Trend Forecasting & Cultural Analysis:
Interpreting societal shifts, including evolving attitudes toward femininity, sexuality, and identity, to inform a cohesive fashion narrative
Research & Image Sourcing:
Identifying and selecting recent, relevant visuals with proper citations to support credibility and trend accuracy.
Skills Used
Visual Storytelling:
Translating abstract themes like empowerment and autonomy into compelling, cohesive imagery and mood boards.
Fashion Styling & Direction:
Curating looks that balance street style authenticity with high-fashion influence while aligning with the project’s theme.
Color Theory Application:
Developing a symbolic and trend-driven color palette that reinforces emotion, identity, and visual impact.
Concept Development & Branding:
Crafting a distinctive project identity (Slut in the City) with consistent messaging, tone, and aesthetic direction.
