BDA London will present its trend forecasts for AW 2026/2027 at the Autumn Fair.
Across three days at next month’s exhibition, Emily McCarthy, BDA London senior creative will deliver TrendHub presentations, providing retailers with insights to inspire buying decisions and product development. Each 30-40-minute session will translate global influences into practical strategies for the UK retail market.
On 7 September, Emily McCarthy will talk about Future Trends: Homeware & Festive at 2.30pm: from layered patterns and statement tabletops to sensorial styling and mixed traditions, expect a move towards unfiltered, personal ‘storied’ homes and colour-drenched festive experiences.
‘We’ll be distilling mass insight into tangible actionable solutions. For AW26/27 the home is all about unfiltered, unfussy, real living – storied homes that feel personal and eclectic with a real shift away from perfection and polish inspired by social media. In terms of festive trends, we’re talking about sensorial styling, layered textures, colour drenching, and mixing of traditions and rituals,’ she says.
On 8 September at 2.30pm, her topic will be kids: nostalgia and analogue living take centre stage as families embrace off grid living, modern collectibles, and the joy of play in response to a digital-saturated world.
‘As parents grapple with their children being chronically online, we see analogue living and nostalgia really accelerate for the season. We see this come through in out trend off grid living where we see the rise of practical pursuits, a return to what we’re calling the lost arts and the importance of the all-weather wardrobe. We’re also seeing a resurgence in what we’re calling future vintage design: modern collectibles and a real return to play and the joy of living in the moment.’
Her final presentation on 9 September at 2.30pm will see McCarthy discuss womenswear and accessories: a revival of 80’s-inspired classics with a contemporary twist, focusing on joyful design, elevated heritage pieces, and accessories with lasting appeal.
‘Diving into the idea of remixed classics, the revival of signature design and pieces designed to last beyond the season. We’ll be exploring the 1980’s, looking at the power of play, and how to bring joy into people’s wardrobes, particularly through footwear and accessories designed as price conscious add-ons in a value conscious market,’ she says.
‘I’m really looking forward to joining Autumn Fair and sharing our AW26/27 trends with such a vibrant and diverse community of retailers. The show is a key moment in the buying calendar, and our aim is to arm visitors with clear, actionable insights they can take straight into their forward planning. By decoding big-picture influences into practical product direction, we can help retailers make confident buying decisions, stay ahead of emerging trends, and connect more meaningfully with their customers in the seasons ahead.’
