Ever wondered how we'll be shopping one year from now? What about in ten? Or which trends your retail business should focus on to stay relevant? Look no further than Generation Z – digital natives who are reshaping the future of shopping as we know it today.Gen Z fashion is not for the faint of heart,  it is all about being bold and confident with your choices. But if you’re wondering what Gen Z is wearing and how to keep up then read on.

Holiska Koirala


An entrepreneur looking after her family-owned sustainable organic tea company, Chiya by Siddha Devi and the construction business, Holiska Koirala describes her fashion as eclectic, glam and fun. 
“I can pinpoint the exact moment I fell in love with fashion; Alexander McQueen’s Plato’s Atlantis Collection, also debuted by Lady Gaga in Bad Romance music video. McQueen’s collections were always different, shocking and unconventional. His shows thoroughly conveyed a strong message; fashion is more than just vanity —it is art, it is architecture, it is craft, it is history, it is political, it is theatre and so much more,” shares Holiska. She added, “I don’t really have one particular style, I’ll wear it if I like it; so, lots of mixing and matching of aesthetics. I’m currently obsessed with styling myself in traditionals”

How does a Gen Z feel about luxury? 
GenZ consumer trend shows we are more precocious towards luxury, probably because of the rise of social media fashion influencers and easier accessibility. GenZ has a higher expectation as consumers, in terms of quality, service and ROI; luxury is not just a brand name and brands have consistently proven that. 

To what do you attribute that shift in mindset from exclusivity to uniqueness? 
Exclusivity is often interchangeable with luxury. But luxury does not guarantee uniqueness. I think that’s why the current generation focuses more on uniqueness rather than trends and “exclusive” brand names. @upnextdesigner is my favorite instagram to discover rising unique brands from around the world.


What is fashion to you? 
In the words of Blair Waldorf, my fashion icon while growing up, “fashion is art, culture and history, everything I love combined.” Deciding my outfit is my favorite part of the day.

How loyal are you to the brands you buy your items from? 
Brand loyalty comes from a place of consistent quality and comfort. If I get that, I find myself going back to the same store/brand/designer.

Do you bring the sustainability factor into the picture while shopping for your wardrobe? 
I try to be. I used to be a textbook shopaholic as a teen; buying and discarding trendy clothes, but now my wardrobe is carefully articulated. I avoid fast fashion and I love thrifting; I’ve found amazing pieces in thrift stores. I take a long time to decide what I want to buy, and when I do I make sure I can style it at least three different ways. “You don’t need a lot of clothes, just the right ones.” I live by this quote.


Five latest fashion trends you are a fan of? 
Sheer fabrics, loafers, Upcycling, Asymmetrical pieces and Floor length anything (shirt, trench) 
Favorite designer and fashion influencer? 
Alexander McQueen started my love for fashion. The design, craftsmanship, showmanship *chefs kiss*
Brendahashtag. Shes a very vocal conscious shopper, and has immaculate fashion knowledge and signature style. 

Most experimental outfit you’ve worn? 
I think most of my outfits are fairly experimental, but I wore this “half n half” pants recently from Polite Society (discovered from @upnextdesigner!) which was way out of my comfort zone; the upper half features a washed denim, frayed unevenly at the bottom and the bottom half is a soft ribbed fabric. 


What makes you choose a particular brand? 
The values of a brand is what attracts me, the consistent quality and service is what makes me a repeat customer. 

How do you choose your outfits depending on the events you go to? 
“Always better to be overdressed than underdressed.” I have a mental moodboard while choosing my outfits. Not all outfits in your head works out in real life, so I always have a safety backup moodboard ready. And having the perfect balance of accessories is what makes or breaks your outfit.

Rashi Subedi


25-year-old Rashi Subedi, a graduate of Social Sciences, a social media manager and a student, is a fashion enthusiast who enjoys traveling and dancing, a person who adores all forms of art in general. “For me, fashion is a way of carrying yourself that shows your personal sense of style and comfort. As a child I would sneak into my mom’s room to wear her saree, apply lipstick, slip into her heels and just pretend to be her. I was so fascinated by watching her get ready to go to weddings and her kitty parties.

 I’m a very loyal costumer when it comes a few specific brands especially for gadgets. But for fashion, it is very bizarre to like everything from a particular brand. I like to buy from different brands and stores as every other place has different pieces to offer. My fashion choices are also influenced by my mood at the moment and it is usually feminine and classic,” says Rashi. Bollywoodish, Monochromatic and Timeless is how she describes her personal style.

How does a Gen Z feel about luxury? 
It feels good to own luxury, but I tend to question the value and cost of the item and if it is worth it in the long run. Generally, I’m more skeptical of traditional notions of luxury and don’t really place the same emphasis on material possessions as previous generations. However, there are a few things I prefer about luxury because of how often I use them. Specially, the statement items such as perfumes, tops, bags, belts, sunnies and jewelry too. It elevates every look and happens to look chic every time.

To what do you attribute that shift in mindset from exclusivity to uniqueness? 
 Well, there are several factors. For instance; social media and the internet have given greater access to information. It has been a common platform for all. Plus, exposure to different cultures and perspectives has likely influenced our preferences for unique and personalized products and services. One other thing is valuing self-expression and personal touch to everything and this may be reflected in our preferences in everything.


Do you bring the sustainability factor into the picture while shopping for your wardrobe? 
Sustainability is not my first concern. However, I go for pieces that resonate timeless fashion rather than fast fashion. I don’t follow trends. Also, I choose outfits that can be worn in more than two ways.

Five latest fashion trends you are a fan of? 

  • Pastel  Supremacy
  • Resort  wear inspired Desi fits
  • Valentino  Pink/Hot Pink
  • Gloves  with Saree
  • Colorful  Sindoor. (Prabal Gurung made Sindoor go global at New York Fashion Week)

Your favorite designer and fashion influencer? 
Designers: Nadine Dhody, Falguni Shane, Ridhi Mehra

Fashion influencers:
Diet Sabya (The OG), Neha Singh, Kritika Khurana, Kiran Malik

What makes you choose a particular brand? 
I look for what I want. If it is monochromatic, if it fits me well and the pattern it has. Since I’m 5 feet, I opt for smaller patterns and prints, or tiny motif works and embroideries; if it flatters my body type, and its color. Fabric is another thing I’m very particular about. I avoid Sarees that could get puffy even with 99 safety pins.


How do you choose your outfits depending on the events you go to? 
Colors are decided based on timing of the event. If it is in the morning, I go for pastels. If it is during the day, I go for anything but blings. As for nights, I bring the bling on, either through makeup or on my outfit choices. But I think of a look as a whole first, then decide what outfit I would need. And my reference is usually late 90s and early 2000s Bollywood.

Online shopping; yes or no? 
A Big No. I prefer trying on outfits and seeing it in person.

A style item you would never wear? 
I would never wear anything big. Be it big patterns or super wide accessories.

Abishek Shrestha


 

 23 year-old Abishek Shrestha, an aspiring entrepreneur working on creating Nepal’s biggest e-commerce platform, likes to keep his fashion cool and sassy. Dropping out of his course in Bachelor of Computer Science in the final year, he followed his heart and is currently pursuing a diploma in music. Fascinated by styling, playing guitar, cinematography, photography, gaming, traveling, he also runs a fashion & fitness brand @fitgeek.np
 “I’d say my fashion choices mostly comes from the retro era that I grew up watching and Japanese street style as I’m very fond of Japanese culture and anime. I tend to not over-think about outfits that I’m going to wear to events, I just try to wear whatever I feel like or if I have some inspos ready that I really want to try,” adds the Gen Z-er.

How does a Gen Z feel about luxury?
In my opinion, most humans in general want luxury and Gen Z-ers are no different although young adults find it hard to lean towards luxury as they are just starting out in life. For me, the shift for exclusivity to uniqueness can be attributed to desire for individuality and self expression while social media also plays a huge role in it, as everyone wants to be seen and heard in a way.

What is fashion to you? 
Fashion for me is more than just clothes and accessories, it’s a form of self expression and a way to define creativity.


How loyal are you to the brands you buy your items from? 
Personally I don’t have brand preferences, as I buy whatever feels authentic to my style. I choose brands depending upon their authenticity, quality and sustainability.
Do you bring the sustainability factor into the picture while shopping for your wardrobe? 
For sustainability, I try to stay away from fast fashion trends and shop the pieces that I know I’m going to be using for a long time. I’ve also been really getting into the thrifting culture and planning to thrift my wardrobe as well

Five latest fashion trends you are a fan of? 

  • Comeback  of the retro era
  • Fallout of  skinny jeans
  • Parachute  pants
  • Crossbody  bags
  • Cropped  jackets

Your favorite designer and fashion influencer? 
 I don’t really have a favorite fashion designer or influencer, as crazy as it may sound; I try to take my fashion inspos from anime characters and movie characters.


Most experimental outfit you’ve ever worn? 
My most experimental outfit was when I wore my leather trench coat as a long skirt.

Your thoughts on where the fashion industry is heading to lately?
There are some things that don’t sit well with me about the fashion industry. How the industry has been really pushing out fast fashion where trends come and go as fast as in a week is really disturbing.


A style item you would never wear?
I’m very open-minded when it comes to clothes and accessories. If it fits the vibe, I am open to wearing anything and everything.

Online shopping; yes or no?
A definite YES.