The anti-trend: to be or not to be

trend (n.) (trěnd)-

1. The general direction in which something tends to move.
2. A general tendency or inclination.

Thus, according to this definition,

anti-trend (n.)-

1. An unlikely direction in which something moves towards.
2. An aversion to something that is usually chosen.

Trends are in fact born by responding and relating to a particular context at a certain point in time, otherwise, they would be anachronistic creations (either by referring to a past context or an innovative one). It might look new and fresh but it's still coherent with what a large group of people consider plausible at a given moment. Trends are only trends when the general public accepts them in some way and adopts them, which results in making them current.

In fashion, this may appear as a new element that is incorporated to a previously known garment or accessory or even by only mixing pieces in a new way that either wasn't accepted or wasn't practical in the past.

Trends prepare us for future trends that currently have no meaning. Therefore, we can say anti-trends are in essence, potential trends...they just need a part of its context to change in order to be understood. This change might come from society or from further development of the original idea - for example, by re-interpreting it. The extent of the change that is needed to achieve this is what differentiates a bad idea (since it cannot and will not relate to society in any way) from the next big thing.

If anti-trends are potential trends, do real anti-trends exist?

A piece from the Fall 2008 Ready-to-Wear Collection
of Vivienne Westwood, designer largely responsible for the aesthetics
associated with punk and new wave [1].
Photo by Marcio Madeira courtesy of Style.com.