Editors’ Top Reads: News from Club L London, TM Lewin, Pinterest and more…

What 2026 Will Look Like on the Runway: From Pinterest’s “Not‑Yet‑Trending” Forecast to Real‑World Retail Moves

Gen Z‑Driven Boldness: Shiny, Maximalist & Adventure‑Core

Pinterest’s latest “not‑yet‑trending” report predicts a wardrobe that is louder, glossier and more daring than ever. Searches for “80s luxury” have exploded +225 percent, signaling a comeback for decadently oversized silhouettes, metallic finishes and statement brooches that “speak louder than words.”

At the same time, the platform flags a surge in “adventure‑core” keywords, where rugged utility pieces—think khaki cargo trousers, weather‑proof jackets and multi‑pocket backpacks—merge with runway glam. This hybrid of nostalgia and practicality aligns with Gen Z’s desire for clothing that looks good on a night‑out and survives a weekend hike.

From Digital Boards to Brick‑and‑Mortar: How Brands Are Turning Trends Into Revenue

Club L London turned trend‑led design into a 351 % profit‑before‑tax jump, while expanding into Germany, Poland, the Netherlands, Saudi Arabia and the United States. The secret? Fully localized e‑commerce sites with native‑language copy, region‑specific styling guides and local customer‑service teams. The brand’s new US third‑party logistics hub cut shipping times by 28 %, boosting repeat‑purchase rates.

Read more about Club L’s growth strategy in our deep‑dive: “Club L’s Record‑Breaking Year”.

Reviving the High‑Street Classic: TM Lewin’s Pivot to Casual & Tailored Hybrids

After two administrations during the Covid era, TM Lewin resurfaced with flagship stores on Bow Lane and Canary Wharf. The label now allocates 30 % of its catalogue to casualwear—chinos, polo shirts, smart jeans—and another 30 % to tailored pieces, driven by a post‑pandemic office‑return trend.

Key data points:

• In‑store shirt sales exceed 7,000 units per month at the new Bow Lane location.
• Tailoring now accounts for roughly one‑third of overall revenue.
• Italian‑fabric suits priced around £500 have seen a 45 % higher conversion rate than lower‑priced alternatives.

For a full interview with MD Dan Ferris, see “TM Lewin’s High‑Street Comeback”.

Topshop’s Global Resurgence: AI‑Powered Catwalks and Australian Roll‑Out

Topshop, now backed by ASOS and Heartland A/S, announced a partnership with Myer to relaunch in all 56 Australian department stores starting February. The move follows successful placements in Liberty and John Lewis, and signals a broader strategy to re‑enter key markets with a hybrid online‑offline model.

The brand’s upcoming AI‑driven “shoppable catwalk” will allow viewers to click‑to‑buy directly from runway footage—a technology already piloted by fashion‑tech innovators Business of Fashion.

Explore Topshop’s expansion roadmap here: “Topshop Returns Down Under”.

Future‑Facing Trends: What Retailers Should Watch

Across the stories above, three common threads emerge:

• Localized digital experiences—language and culture‑specific sites boost conversion.
• Hybrid product lines—mixing high‑glam with utility meets the versatile lifestyle of Gen Z and Millennials.
• Technology integration—AI, data‑driven inventory, and omnichannel logistics shorten the path from discovery to purchase.

FAQ – Quick Answers to Your Burning Questions

What are the biggest fashion colors predicted for 2026?

Neon metallics, electric blues, and earthy khaki tones dominate, reflecting the blend of maximalist glam and utility.

How does localized e‑commerce improve profit margins?

It reduces cart abandonment by up to 18 % and shortens delivery times, which translates into higher repeat purchases and lower return rates.

Will AI‑driven catwalks replace traditional fashion shows?

Not entirely. They complement live events by offering a scalable, shoppable experience that reaches global audiences instantly.

Is the casual‑tailored hybrid sustainable?

Yes—focused on longer‑lasting fabrics and versatile pieces, it reduces the need for multiple wardrobes, aligning with circular‑fashion principles.