Editors

The Colors Expected to Be On-Trend in a Couple Years

EditorsAug 11, 2025

The Colors Expected to Be On-Trend in a Couple Years

Associate Editor Lauren McLemore recently attended a fabrics trade show where a trend forecaster shared her predictions for summer 2027.

Nora Kühner fashion design consulting trend forecast colors 2027
At a recent trade show for the performance fabric industry, trend forecaster Nora Kühner unveiled eight “color stories” with themes including forward thinking, human connection, and responsible creating.
While many professional athletes collaborate with watch and jewelry brands in marketing campaigns or for a red-carpet look, they’re also seen sporting stylish pieces while on the track, course, floor, or field. 

When it comes to curating on-court aesthetics, functionality is considered, of course. But so is style, and that means matching your shoes to your purse (or in this case, your jewels to your racket).

Since a number of professional athletes double as brand ambassadors, showcasing their sponsors' latest fashions on an international stage, I peeked into the world of performance fabrics to learn more about the trends soon to dominate the activewear space.

In mid-July, I attended the Functional Fabric Fair, a trade show dedicated to the performance fabric industry—think hiking gear, activewear, swimwear, technical outerwear—in New York. It’s produced by RX, the same company that organizes the JCK, Luxury, and JIS shows.

At the event, Munich-based freelance designer and trend forecaster Nora Kühner gave a talk on the colors expected to trend in performance-wear fabric in summer 2027.

Kühner was a designer in the sports apparel industry.

Around 2005-2008, she felt the world was changing but the performance-wear industry wasn’t adapting, so around 2010, she shifted her focus to trend forecasting. 

Together with an international team of designers from the sports, outdoor, and fashion industries, Kühner explores and analyzes ongoing and emerging trends and their socio-cultural contexts, with the goal of identifying color trends two years in advance.

She and her team crafted eight “color stories” for their summer ’27 forecast, each with three core colors and three accent colors.

Kühner said when creating their forecast, the team began with the idea of dichotomy and the fractures and frictions that are palpable in politics, society, and people’s everyday lives. 

The theme is woven throughout all eight color stories, seen as cool and warm tones that challenge each other, paired with intense accents to revive mood and contrast neutral backgrounds.

All In
Nora Kühner summer 2027 colors All in
The “All In” color story is about shades that work together. (Photo courtesy of Nora Kühner fashion design consulting, photo at left by Don Pablo, shutterstock.com)


The first color story, “All In,” features a palette Kühner described as catchy, intense and bright. 

Featuring colors she said work well for layering, the story is a nod to not standing alone. 

“Color is not a stiff thing. It’s moving and shading, getting in dialogue with other colors, morphing into other colors,” she said.

“We have to develop new aesthetics reflecting our time and not cling to what has always been there.”

For the color stories, the core colors are the most important, she stressed. The secondary hues are there to contour, deepen the mood, and underline the splendor of the core colors.

Create & Connect
Nora Kühner summer 2027 colors Create and connect
The desert-like palette of “Create and Connect” is both intense and soft.


“Create and Connect” is based on the pleasure found in shaping new ideas and finding a new twist.

It features desert-like, outdoorsy colors that have intensity but also reflect soft and shadow-like tones, Kühner said.

While she noted the team does not normally use black or white for these curations, they saw the need to implement it in this story, as it provides grounding. 

On Bubbles & Wide Open Spaces

Nora Kühner summer 2027 colors bubbles and wide open spaces
This color story features sky blue, lavender, and smoky blue, contrasted with bright blue, light silvery gray, and a teal.


“We focus only on what is in our bubble, what is next to us, and that’s a little bit difficult in times like these, where we have to get together,” Kühner said of the mood that inspired color story No. 3, “On Bubbles & Wide Open Spaces.”

“We want to encourage people to think outside of the box, get out of the bubble, and get fascinated by the wide perspectives on the horizon that we see.”

The palette features colors that are faded and chalky. It’s about getting away from our “fixation on the past,” she added.

“This is a story that plays with being close to something but also looking out at what is to come,” said Kühner.

Broken Glamour
Nora Kühner summer 2027 colors broken glamour
The 1950s served as inspiration for “Broken Glamour.”


“Broken Glamour” takes cues from the 1950s in its hues, but combined, the palette speaks to the idea that we must reflect on the past without sinking into it, Kühner said. 

Its key colors feature an intense pink, a chalky blue and a soft apricot, tones that Kühner described as being “a bit damaged” and “fading out.” 

She said it is about bringing together different facets of life and history and telling new stories, creating colorful, cozy atmospheres where there is “evident disruption,” but we retain the ability to move forward and move past it. 

“Yesterday is inspiring our tomorrow, not just the present, so [we must] go forward and enjoy what we are doing,” said Kühner. 

 Related stories will be right here … 

Summer Haze
Nora Kühner summer 2027 colors summer haze
“Summer Haze” reflects the magic of warm, natural light through earthy and sunny tones.


“I’ve just returned from my summer vacation, and this is just a perfect reflection of what I lived through,” Kühner said of “Summer Haze.”

The warm palette reflects “a feeling of vagueness, nostalgia for nothing, and the sense of being wrapped up in an undefined state,” the forecast states. 

It illustrates the state of mind associated with escaping from the hardship of the daily grind and feeling relaxed, said Kühner.

Renewed Vigor

Nora Kühner summer 2027 colors Renewed Vigor
The TV series “Severance” inspired the mood of “Renewed Vigor.”


Color story No. 6, “Renewed Vigor,” took inspiration from the tones seen in the award-winning Apple TV series “Severance” and features a sporty red, an intense turquoise, and a dark green, with accents that include a soft rose, for “a new appeal,” said Kühner.

The “Renewed Vigor” palette was also designed around the idea that complexity is fertile ground for new ideas.

“We see the beauty, but we also want to break it and make it more interesting,” said Kühner.

There is also a responsibility that comes with the breaking involved in the creative process.

“We know we have to change, we have to get better, in order to not damage our planet more than we have already,” Kühner said.

The Promise of the New
Nora Kühner summer 2027 colors promise of the new
“The Promise of the New” is about reclaiming the power of human imagination. (Photo at right by tom_kung, Shutterstock.com)


The fashion industry is imbued with the promise of always bringing novelty to the world. It is a constant promise that is never fulfilled, said Kühner.

“The Promise of the New” is a story of bright colors and a new spirit, with tones that are lively, playful and, intentionally, a bit artificial.

“We didn’t want this to just be a story about tech, we wanted to connect it to human life and human ideas and the use of technology to shape our environment and our products for human beings,” said Kühner.

“The Promise of the New” is about reclaiming the power of human imagination and a reminder that we are capable of coming up with new ideas and solutions; we don’t have to rely on technology for everything. 

“I don’t want to have a personal butler I feed with prompts,” Kühner said. “I prefer to feed you all with my own ideas, which is much more fun, because I can see some reactions on your faces and see whether I’ve reached you and if there is a connection.”

Luminescence
Nora Kühner summer 2027 colors luminescence
A summery spirit radiates from “Luminescence”


The final color story, “Luminescence,” has a playful, light, shimmering mood and is color at its best, said Kühner.  

“Despite all that is not so good, we can make it better,” she said of the palette’s optimistic mood. 

 
Although a real crystal ball would be preferable, trend forecasters look to current and historical data to make predictions.

With the overlap of trades in the fashion industry, it’s not surprising forecasters with a niche focus, like accessories or beauty, often predict similar themes for the years ahead.

Some of the themes contained in Kühner’s color stories, such as forward thinking and human connection, are included in jewelry trend forecaster Paola De Luca’s Trendbook2026+.

When introducing the book at the September 2025 VicenzaOro show, De Luca talked about the need for jewelry retailers and designers to connect with their customers and help them feel joy.  

Kühner also noted in her presentation that the performance fabrics industry is moving away from the concept of a “color of the season,” as sustainability remains an important part of the trends conversation. 

“We discuss how to design for longevity, and that people get connected to garments for longer,” she said.  

“We want, today, for colors to live longer, and to be appealing to people in the long run.”  
Lauren McLemoreis the associate editor, gemstones at National Jeweler, covering sourcing, pricing and other developments.

The Latest

Sothebys The Desert Rose orangy pink diamond collectors week
AuctionsAug 29, 2025
Sotheby’s UAE Sale to Feature 32-Carat Fancy Vivid Orangy Pink Diamond

The highlight of a single-owner jewelry and watch collection, it’s estimated to fetch up to $7 million at auction this December.

Calvin Klein watch and jewelry campaign
FinancialsAug 29, 2025
Movado’s Q2 Sales Rebound Despite Tariff Impact

CEO Efraim Grinberg noted a resurgence in the fashion watch market.

Mark Davis Bullseye Necklace
CollectionsAug 29, 2025
Piece of the Week: Mark Davis’ ‘Bullseye’ Necklace

The “Bullseye” necklace, with vintage bakelite and peridot, August’s birthstone, is the perfect transitional piece as summer turns to fall.

japac-btyb.png
Brought to you by
Rallying Call for the Jewelry Industry on Tariffs and Other Key Issues

Jewelers of America is leading the charge to protect the industry amidst rising economic threats.

Image #1_Resized.png
Supplier BulletinAug 28, 2025
Clientbook Is Helping Jewelers Turn Clienteling Challenges into Wins with Hands-On Training and Coaching

Sponsored by Clientbook

Weekly QuizAug 29, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
GIA’s new report for lab-grown diamonds
GradingAug 28, 2025
GIA’s New ‘Quality Assessment’ for Lab-Grown Diamonds Is Coming

It will classify lab-grown stones into one of two categories, “premium” or “standard,” in lieu of giving specific color and clarity grades.

Botswana President Duma Boko
SourcingAug 28, 2025
Botswana Declares Public Health Emergency Amid Diamond Sales Slump

President Duma Boko addressed the country’s medical supply chain crisis in a recent televised address.

rio-article photo-diamond.jpg
Brought to you by
Taking the Moment Head On: How Rio Grande Champions the Present & Future of Fine Jewelry

As a leading global jewelry supplier, Rio Grande is rapidly expanding and developing new solutions to meet the needs of jewelers worldwide.

Afton Robertson-Kanne Borsheims
MajorsAug 28, 2025
Borsheims Names New Jewelry Buyer

Former Free People buyer Afton Robertson-Kanne recently joined the retailer.

Sissy’s Log Cabin Back to School and Bling
IndependentsAug 28, 2025
Sissy’s Log Cabin Donates School Supplies to Memphis Students

The jeweler teamed up with two local organizations for its inaugural “Back to School and Bling” event.

11,685-carat Imboo emerald
SourcingAug 27, 2025
11,685-Carat Emerald Recovered From Zambia’s Kagem Mine

Dubbed the “Imboo,” or “buffalo,” emerald, the rough gemstone is part of Gemfields’ latest emerald auction, which is taking place now.

Shopping cart
SurveysAug 27, 2025
Consumer Confidence Slips in August Amid Job, Income Worries

Plans for dining out, booking vacations, and buying big-ticket items were down.

Mine + Found Play Collection Prize Bubble Locket, Whistle Pendent, Fortune Dice
CollectionsAug 27, 2025
Mined + Found’s New Collection Gets Playful

The “Play” collection centers on nostalgic toys that have kinetic elements to carry playfulness and wonder into adulthood.

CCWW lifesaver necklace
CollectionsAug 26, 2025
Does Your Jewelry Stack Need a Snack?

Designer Christina Puchi, the creative force behind CCWW Designs, has created charms and pendants based on iconic candies and crackers.

Nick Jonas x Fossil Campaign
WatchesAug 26, 2025
Nick Jonas Gets Nostalgic in New Fossil Campaign

The Jonas Brothers star showed off new timepieces against the backdrop of his favorite spots in his home state of New Jersey.

Wally Hinkamp and Donna Hinkamp Warren
IndependentsAug 26, 2025
Hinkamp Jewelers Celebrates 70 Years

The family-owned jeweler in Fayetteville, North Carolina, is in the hands of the second generation.

Emmanuel Raheb
ColumnistsAug 26, 2025
Back to School, Back to Style: Why August is Prime Time for Self-Gifting

In his latest column, Emmanuel Raheb shares tips for encouraging customers to treat themselves to new jewelry.

London Jewelers Rolex East Hampton Boutique Exterior
WatchesAug 25, 2025
London Jewelers Brings Rolex to Historic Hamptons Home

The new stand-alone Rolex boutique is housed in the former Odd Fellows Hall, a landmark built in 1897.

Madison Keys
CollectionsAug 25, 2025
Tennis Star Madison Keys Has the Perfect Necklace for the US Open

The Brilliant Earth ambassador co-designed a diamond medallion featuring meaningful symbols.

Marie Lichtenberg emerald and diamond locket on the 18-karat gold “Rosa” chain
TrendsAug 25, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: That’s a Wrap

Wrap jewelry is more than just a trend; it’s the perfect motif for the coming season of layering, scarves, and pumpkin spice.

WatchTime New York
WatchesAug 25, 2025
WatchTime NY Show Returns for 10th Anniversary Edition

The three-day watch collector show, coming this October, will feature 44 exhibiting brands, as well as a new dinner experience.

Sriram “Ram” Natarajan
GradingAug 22, 2025
Former Head of GIA India Promoted to Oversee Global Operations

Sriram “Ram” Natarajan is now GIA’s senior vice president of laboratory operations and is based out of the lab’s headquarters in Carlsbad.

Retrouvaí Diamond Vein Bond Collar
CollectionsAug 22, 2025
Piece of the Week: Retrouvaí’s ‘Diamond Vein Bond’ Collar

The one-of-a-kind collar represents the beauty of imperfection and the strength to rebuild.

Kendra Scott
MajorsAug 22, 2025
Kendra Scott Returns as CEO of Her Jewelry Empire

Three C-suite executives, including former CEO Tom Nolan, have resigned as part of what the company describes as a “transition.”

Claire’s storefront
MajorsAug 21, 2025
Claire’s Finds Buyer, Could Save up to 950 Stores

The retailer, which recently filed Chapter 11, inked a deal to sell its North American business and intellectual property.

Target CEO Brian Cornell and COO Michael Fiddelke
MajorsAug 21, 2025
Target Names New CEO as Sales Continue to Lag

Target CEO Brian Cornell will step down in February and be replaced by the company’s chief operating officer, Michael Fiddelke.

Jewelers of America in Washington DC
Policies & IssuesAug 21, 2025
JA, IDMA Talk Tariffs With Execs in DC

The group met with the president's senior trade advisor earlier this week to express the industry’s concerns about the effects of tariffs.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy