So What IS The Future Of Fashion? Cute Circuit, The Future Laboratory & Dr. Carolyn Mair Join Our #Grazia10 Debate

It may be fashion month, but here at Grazia HQ we are also busy celebrating the fact that we are 10 years old. To honour the occasion we are hosting a celebratory exhibition at the Getty Images Gallery in central London (it's open to the public so do pop in), and with it, beginning a series of TenTalks (check out all the info on the forthcoming talks here) with the industry's biggest movers and shakers.

Last night we were joined by a number of brilliant speakers who, alongside Grazia's Fashion News and Features Editor Hannah Almassi shared their thoughts on what the future of fashion is set to look like. From Joanna Tulej who works for global trend hunting agency The Future Laboratory, where she spends her days seeking out the latest happenings in the lifestyle industries globally, as well as predicting the future through expertly curated visuals and films, to Dr. Carolyn Mair who has developed LCF’s MA Psychology in the Fashion Industries and MSc Psychology in the Fashion Industries programmes – the first of their kind in the world - and Francesca Rosella, co-founder of fashion brand and pioneer of wearable technology CuteCircuit - worn by the likes of Katy Perry, stocked at Selfridges and showing at New York Fashion Week - we're sure you'll agree, they seriously know their stuff.

In a world that's so fast moving it's difficult enough to forecast what the trends will be next month, let alone 10 years from now. Indeed, in the decade since Grazia first appeared on magazine stands we've reported a multitude of different trends, some which have come back around, some which (luckily) didn't last very long and everything in between, so to venture into what the next 10 years of fashion will look like was supremely interesting and eye opening to say the least. But the question of what fashion will look like in the future doesn't just involve what the clothes we'll be wearing will look like (although wouldn't it be fantastic if we could make sure we never 'spring cleaned' anything that will be coming back around) but in fact encapsulates a number of different elements. From the most advanced technological developments, like a headset that could change your mood, to the basic every day stuff like more sustainable fashion and more, we discussed all.

Watch a video of the talk below...

Allow us to introduce our five best bits...

1. Fashion will be more personalised

The shift towards more customised, personalised fashion is already on the rise. In a time of mass production, brands the likes of Nike to adidas and more are capitalising on a consumer's desire to be unique, and the customisation of ready-to-wear items is only set to increase all the more. "We're moving away from the idea that fashion is something imposed on us by designers and into a time where everyone will be able to customise their garments and accessories and really make a personal fashion statement," said Francesca. Indeed, a facet we can all attest to is that when purchasing standardised sizes, they don't always fit very well. "Mass manufacturing just lumps together sizes," said Francesca. "For some people it will be large on the bust, or small on the hips or any other number of problems. It's not one size fits all and it can make people insecure. When people wear clothes customised for them they feel strong and confident and empowered," she added.

2. Fashion will be more sustainable

"We're going to start seeing new innovations that are less harmful to the environment but do more," said Joanna. "Nike's fly knit trainer is an example. They're woven so no textile is wasted, but the weave also helps increase a runner's performance." Indeed, there are already new textiles the likes of Freitag which are 100% biodegradable. "Biodegradable fabrics are definitely the way forward," concurred Caroline. And brands like LA based Reformation are already on top of the recycling game, taking waste textiles and making new (amazing) garments out of them; as such answering a small segment of the problem by reusing the waste. There are also an increasing number of websites dedicated to re-selling 'pre-loved' clothes. "There's been a rise in the sharing economy," said Joanna. "From Zip car to Air BnB and more, it's happening in so many industries."

**3. There will be better conditions for manufacturers **

It's a badly kept secret that often the manufacturers of the garments in some of our favourite high street stores are paid essentially peanuts, and often work in dire, unsafe conditions. It's a facet that is set to change, according to Francesca. "At the moment people are used to going to highstreet stores. When I go I know to divide the price by three and then half it, then I'll know how much the item really cost to make," she said. "In the future there will be a change in how fashion is manufactured and consumed, items may be more expensive but they'll be created in better conditions." And Joanna agreed: "People are much more concerned with where products have come from nowadays," she said. "Millineals are three times more likely to buy eco friendly clothing than they are to buy luxury clothing."

4. Technology and fashion will merge

Admittedly, we're all pretty addicted to technology already. From iPhones that are permanently clutched in our fists to the subsequent FOMO (fear of missing out) that being privvy to such constant information leads to, we're very much living in a technological age. We've already seen the arrival of Google Glass and Apple are reportedly just months away from launching the Apple watch; Burberry CEO Angela Ahrendts leaving Burberry to take up a key role in Apple only serving to cement what is quickly becoming clear: technology and fashion are merging. Indeed, these days Instagram and other social media sites create trends even more than they can help predict them.

It's about time, according to Francesca - whose own company CuteCircuit is currently bridging the gap. Bringing out a gold clutch to the wonder of the audience, Francesca demonstrated that the bag doesn't only look good, but can in fact display any message - from your Twitter feed to a personalised message or symbols - in LED lights. "At the moment many companies are trying to launch these technologies, but they're not fashion companies, and it shows!" she said. "The Apple watch for example, it's horrendous! They took out 12 pages in Vogue to advertise it but it just looks like Kermit the frog."

Indeed, in a time where people are moving away from FOMO and into JOMO (joy of missing out) due to tech overload, new technologies are working to, ironically, filter out technology, and make it all a bit easier to absorb. "Tech companies are currently trying to answer the problem of there being too much technology," said Joanna. "The Apple watch will filter out things you don't want and just flash up important messages - like if you want to be alerted to a message from your boss." There's even technology being developed that can control your mood. "There's a piece I came across called Think Headware which can change your state of mind," said Joanna. "You can control your mood through the headset as it affects the neurosignals in your brain."

5. The Future Of The High Street

So if, according to Joanna, mobile commerce will be worth 422 Billion pounds by 2017, what of the future of the high street? Will we stop shopping in stores, or even online? Unlikely. "Store commerce isn't going to die, there's something to seeing, touching, trying on items before buying them," said Francesca. And with online shopping becoming ever more of an experience, it's unlikely that will give away, either. That said, mobile commerce is steadily on the rise. After all, we've got our phones with us 24/7. A number of recently released apps have even served to facilitate the process, allowing users to snap an image of what someone in the street is wearing and providing them with the closest alternatives on the high street. Amazing.

Come see our Future Fashion closet at our Grazia10 exhibition. From the jacket that responds to your environment to 3D printed shoes and more we've put together some fabulous examples of where fashion is headed. Please drop in to the free exhibition or book a place at a TenTalk. The exhibition runs from 23rd February - 14th March and is open to the public Monday ­ Friday (10am-5.30pm), Saturday (12-5.30pm). Please note the gallery is closed when the #Grazia10talks are on.

**See the list of Tentalks and ticket links below.

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Meet The Newsmakers

Predict Your Career Future

Technology - Friend Or Foe?

Please note that tickets are limited. More tickets may be available to purchase at a later date. Please check Grazia’s Twitter and Facebook updates for more info.

**Can't make these? Don't fret! **If you do miss out on tickets to any of the events, you can enjoy #Grazia10 highlights every day right here at Graziadaily.co.uk.