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Published February 2025 / Header Image Credit: Hale Bob
The Aristic Muse
Boho’s latest iteration gives the nostalgic trend a modern revamp in the women's contemporary market.
Though our world may be dominated by technology, there’s a growing longing for the opposite from our clothing. “Customers have a desire for something unique in the face of globalization and the standardization of fashion,” says Brazilian clothing brand Dress To. “They want unique and original pieces and [have an] appreciation for handcrafted pieces, which are in contrast to our digital world.” And it’s not a passing trend. According to MMGNET’s Fall/Winter 2025/2026 Women’s Contemporary Buyer's Guide, buyers are embracing the emergence of the ‘Artistic Muse,’ a style that “highlights cultural roots by preserving heritage and embracing the bohemian trend of the moment.”
Here, a ‘70s vibe is found via long fringed dresses that can go from day to night; a focus on folk craftsmanship lends to an influential knitwear assortment; and accessories, like oversized hobo bags and cuff jewelry, illustrate artisan tradition. “Fashion trends come back in cycles, and the boho essence of [that decade] hasn't changed much — it still values a free spirit and handmade details,” Dress To adds. “But today's iteration reflects our times” — be it through knit sets that elevate loungewear or interesting coats, like hybrid capes — “and brings the search for more natural and sustainable fabrics that have less impact on the environment.”
Here, we asked some Contemporary at MAGIC Las Vegas brands for insight into how buyers should engage with this trend for FW25/26.
THOUGHTFUL DESIGN
Knowing where a product came from, how it was designed, and who actually brought it to life, has become just as important as how it looks. Thoughtfully designed pieces — things crafted with intention, whether enmasse or by hand — put an emphasis on intentional shopping and styling. Jewelry brand Julio Designs knows the impact of connecting customer to creator — everything they sell is crafted by hand in Texas and signed by the maker. Looking for this stamp of origin — both in terms of person and place — helps the shopper “be assured that the craftspeople are being paid and treated fairly” and lends a one-of-a-kind feel to each piece. “Customers...want something that has the energy and soul of the person who made them,” they add.
NEW NOSTALGIA
Per MMGNET’s Women’s Contemporary Buyer's Guide, the ‘Artistic Muse’ look is as much about honoring craft as it is paying homage to its boho roots. Free-spirited shapes, artisan touches, and earth tones are all present, but in of-the-moment styles like wide-leg culottes or colorful and patterned knitwear that injects vibrancy into fall assortments. “The current trend is more about the ‘intention’ of the maker and the ‘intention’ of the statement made by wearing the item,” says Julio Designs. “It is less about ‘fitting in’ and more about ‘standing out.’"
ALL IN THE DETAILS
Materiality and intricate construction are primary focuses of the trend. That manifests itself in details like trims and embroidery, and fabric processes like crochet and weaving. Specific style components to look out for, according to Dress To, are details on the straps, cuffs, and belts of dresses, or decorations on sweaters and sweatshirts. For jewelry, Julio Studio suggests leaning into natural stones. “That way, each is unique; no two will ever be identical, and nor should they be."
Shop more women's contemporary brands at the upcoming MAGIC Nashville event this April 16 –17, 2025
For more trend direction, watch MMGNET's FW25/26 Women's Trends Digital Session on demand
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