Jill Zendera introduces Trendology, the new innovative forecasting platform designed specifically for the children’s fashion industry.

 

Laura Turner: What is Trendology?

Jill Zendera: Trendology is a trend forecasting platform built exclusively for the kidswear industry, so every trend, colour and silhouette is tailored for kids’ collections. Our reports are created by designers, for designers, and we support brands, retailers and suppliers with sharp, design-led insight across colour, print, fabric, silhouette and market direction, always tailored for baby, toddler and older kids. Our offering centres around two key services: seasonal trend books, and trend analysis and direction. Everything we do is grounded in creativity but built with real-world usability in mind. Whether you’re designing for sleepwear, seasonal launches or long-term growth, Trendology gives you the tools to stay relevant, trend-forward and strategically aligned.

LT: What inspired Trendology’s creation?

JZ: It was born out of both experience and frustration. I started my career working on factory floors in China, learning the ins and outs of kidswear product development from the ground up. Over the next 20 years, I went on to lead design and development for retailers and suppliers across the UK and the Middle East, working across everything from babywear to teen fashion. After moving to Dubai 13 years ago, I became deeply embedded in the GCC retail landscape, understanding not just global trends but how they translate in different cultural and commercial contexts. I launched Trendology in 2024 to fill a clear gap: a trend forecasting platform just for kidswear, where kidswear trends weren’t an afterthought, but the main event.

LT: What do your trend books include?

JZ: Our seasonal trend books, including Macro and Mini editions, feature key seasonal themes, colour direction, print inspiration, fabric suggestions, silhouette and styling direction, and commercial insights tailored to kidswear. Our custom trend analysis and direction reports go deeper. These are tailored to each client’s specific audience and product range and can include custom themes and narratives, regional and competitor benchmarking, strategic product direction, seasonal print and colour guidance, shape and fit recommendations, and market entry insights, especially for brands entering the GCC.

LT: How do Macro and Mini Trend Books differ?

JZ: Our Macro Trend Books provide a seasonal overview, perfect for early-stage planning and concept development. Each report is around 100 pages and covers standout themes, seasonal colour direction, fabric and print inspiration, styling and commercial insight and tailored versions for baby, toddler or older kids. They’re ideal for design teams looking for full seasonal direction across multiple categories. Our Mini Trend Books are more focused, typically 40 to 50 pages, and zoom in on specific product areas like sleepwear, swimwear or layette. They’re perfect for teams wanting deeper insight into a particular category.

LT: What part does technology play in your work?

JZ: Technology is at the heart of how we forecast and visualise the future at Trendology. One of the most transformative tools we use is AI image generation, particularly through Midjourney, to bring trends to life in a way that’s fast, creative and visually impactful. We use AI to create directional kidswear imagery that supports our reports, whether it’s mood-driven visuals, print concepts or styling inspiration. But we don’t stop at using the tech ourselves, we also teach it. Through our training sessions and resources we show design teams how to harness AI in their process, whether for trend boards, concept development or internal presentations.

LT: What does your partnership with The Nest entail?

JZ: The Nest is a brilliant consultancy platform that supports kidswear brands through mentoring, resources and retail opportunities. Our partnership focuses on a shared mission: to empower emerging brands in the kidswear space with the creative direction and commercial insight they need to grow. We provide The Nest’s community with access to curated trend insight, early-stage forecasting and exclusive discounts. We also collaborate on content that helps brands use trend forecasting as a strategic tool, sharing trade show insights and market timing guidance.

LT: What’s hot in kidswear for SS26?

JZ: We’re seeing a growing demand for elevated everyday wear pieces that blend comfort with standout detail. Think textured jersey sets, wide-leg trousers, utility rompers and sun-faded coordinates that look relaxed but feel thoughtfully designed. It’s a move away from basic loungewear toward everyday pieces with personality, especially across toddler and kids’ categories. Print wise, there’s a strong shift toward imperfect, expressive mark making-doodle florals, sketchy graphics and mixed-media collages that feel handcrafted. These are especially key for babywear and transitional ranges. There’s also a return to cheerful, crafted detail, with delicate embroideries, retro trims and Parisian-inspired woven sets. Colour is playful and layered; washed pastels, chalky neutrals and rich, energising primaries. You can get a weekly glimpse of what’s next via our Trend Bites blog, which offers quick, visual insights designed to keep you inspired between full seasonal drops.

For further information on Trendology, please click here.