Feature | Leaving 2017 out to dry.

Let’s be real - this year wasn’t what any of us expected. And there’s a lot more looming large in 2018. So I created ‘The Alien Aesthete’ to venture into the unknown & give it a gentle nudge.

Here’s a breakdown of what I’d like to see in the coming year.

01 Less division - With the political dialogue coming out of the United States and United Kingdom not exactly ringing with welcome and inclusivity, it’s easy to let everyday discourse become as fractured. Elsewhere, sparks of division threaten to erupt - the most recent is Catalonia’s push for independence, the region’s rumblings throwing Spain into uncertainty. If there was one word that could aptly describe 2017, it would be sovereignty and will continue to underpin 2018.

02 Less trend-jumping - Athleisure was a fun ride, not in least for its sheer ease and versatility. But hardly the outfit of choice for an interview. Same goes for the newly proclaimed style of distressed jeans. Instead of subscribing to one style for a season and then jumping on to the next, perhaps a more paired back and curated approach is the way to go. Mixing and matching different styles to create your own look. Fashion’s always been personal expression you can live in -it would be great to see more of that.

03 More travelling - 2017 was a taste of the world - new destinations and new facets to old. 2018 will have more commitment to that endeavor. And with next year's Eurovision Song Contest being held in Lisbon, arguably the most buzz-worthy capital right now, the opportunities to travel are endless. Though what would be nice to see is a return to the traditional travel agent, albeit in a more modern guise. Online outfits like Skyscanner and AirBnB are quick and convenient, but I’ve never been one for booking through a faceless website. I’d like to see an elegant, modern revival of the concierge, making sure every step of the journey is taken care of. It might just be the ticket.

04 More modernism - minimalism & functionalism are making a low-key comeback. 2018 will hopefully see a full-on revival and the signs look promising. From sleek pet furniture designed by IKEA and Zaha Hadid, all the way to modernist architecture sweeping Japan, the modernist is all set to make a triumphant comeback.

Image Credits - The Daily Express, Vogue, TK Tennakoon, IKEA