Fabrics and prints focus of trend forecasters
If the ever-changing world of textiles is your business, this season's Interstoff Asia Essential - at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre starting on Thursday - is not to be missed.
The Interstoff Directions Trend Committee will present its apparel fabric trend forecast for next season's wardrobes and one of the world's top trend forecasters, Sachiko Inoue of Tokyo - who is also a committee member - will be in charge of the trend forecast for autumn/winter 2012/13 from forecasting to on-site design.
The committee predicts an exciting season, with a return to more natural, low-key textile tones.
'The theme will be 'Truthful Wisdom',' says Wendy Wen, director for trade fairs at Messe Frankfurt, the event organiser. 'Using exhibitors' latest fabric collections, the trend forum will display specific colour ranges, directions on fabrics and prints.'
The committee was created in 1998 and provides a research and marketing tool for designers and garment professionals, helping them to steer their designs and manufacturing process in line with the coming fashion season.
It comprises top trend forecasters selected by Messe Frankfurt Hong Kong because of their knowledge in all fields of fashion. Apart from Inoue, other Directions committee members are Doneger Creative Services from New York, Elementi Moda from Milan, and NellyRodi Agency based in Paris.
Each season, committee members combine their expertise and local influences to come up with the themes that tell the story of tomorrow's apparel fabric trends.
This Interstoff Asia Essential sees fabrics further divided into displays including: 'From Fashion to Eco' that features eco-friendly textiles labelled according to their level of sustainability and 'From Function to Fashion' that presents functional and fashion fabrics.
Both trend displays cover four themes that reference specific colour ranges, directions on fabrics and prints including:
Metamorphic Magic
A graceful, neutral-soft palette in combination with a dark, complex tone and cool-smoky shades. An emphasis on weights, variations in knits, inlay, moire or nacre looks, satin, double crepe, brocade, jacquard, matte and shiny contrasted effects, embroidery.
Nature's Truth
A neo-natural range, imparting nature's splendour. Wools become dominant, followed by natural fibres with premium feel (linen/cotton/ramie/raw silk/skin).
Artisanal Aspirations
A subdued, eroded palette conjuring transition of time with a focus on quality fabrics.
Convivial! Maximal!
A multicultured mix on a palette, imbued with cheerful, eccentric force.
