Nobody could accuse the fashion industry of an unexciting year in 2011. If anything the drama that played out on the runway, and off, should keep us talking well into 2012. Along with headlines chronicling Galliano’s fall from grace at Dior, the record breaking crowds for Alexander McQueen at the Met, Versace’s sold out collaboration with H&M and Lady Gaga pushing the boundaries of costume, the year will be noted for the industry’s dedicated embrace of the Internet, and the cementing of new voices in the world of design.

“Fashion is becoming more self expressive, less trend driven, and in particular more artisanal,” says Sharon Graubard senior VP, trend analysis at Stylesight, a global fashion forecasting company. “Plus there is a shift to collecting clothes, investing in them.”

Centurion spoke with Graubard about the highlights of the fashion year of 2011 and what to expect for in 2012. 

Were there any radical shifts by consumers in their thinking because of the recession?
What we saw was accessories became more important. If a woman is going to invest in a piece, she will buy a handbag that she will carry every day. Women are moving past trends, buying things that will really update their wardrobe.

What is on the horizon for 2012 in terms of design?
Prints have been coming into fashion for a while but now people are really embracing them, mixing them and allowing them to clash. We will also see more artisanal design. The key value in dressing now is the small manufacturer, curated boutiques, eco-consciousness. And the active look will go forward and we’ll mix it with more luxurious pieces. There will be a sense of everyday luxury.

Designers as influencers in 2012?
Christopher Kane, Jil Sander, Haider Ackermann, also Lanvin, still holds our imagination. At Burberry, Christopher Bailey is doing fantastic work. There are some younger designers coming out of Italy, among them Gabriele Colangelo and Daniela Gregis, that are bringing a newness to design.

What are the key must- see exhibitions in 2012?
The Jean- Paul Goude retrospective (at Musée des Arts décoratifs in Paris until March 18). He was responsible for Grace Jones’ looks, I think some of that eighties feeling for dressing up and having fun is coming back. Also the Prada/ Schiaparelli show at the Met will be very influential going forward.

Find out more about Fashion trend forecasting on the Stylesight homepage