Monday, December 17, 2012

S/S 2014 Color, Print & Pattern


This season is highlighted by an optimistic attitude. There are lots of strong color palettes
that have multiple influences for how they will be utilized for different markets. Most every theme can be interpreted with two sides to each story. We see safe reassuring colors from prior seasons that are only slightly changed to update them. These base colors are then combined with other fashion colors of the season to create the newness we are all looking for. Color Palettes from this season’s themes will crossover from high fashion to sportswear.


WATER WORLD

            In this trend we see man’s fascination with the oceans and the underwater universe. Alternatively, aerial views of the earth’s oceans from above are the other side of this trend . It is inspired by underwater-scapes including tropical fish, coral reefs and other underwater plant life both for color and print direction. Vast oceans and rivers inspire this palette of water blues and greens that are calm yet powerful.  In addition we see color in ocean white caps, shades of coral, water greens and acid yellows inspired by plankton. Prints and patterns include ocean shells, corals, plants, fish, and underwater life. Viewing the earth from above we see prints in marbled strata, small cross hatch patterns, mineral surfaces, cracked textures and raised surface effects.

TROPICAL


            As the future World Cup 2014 and Olympics 2016 are both due to be held in Brazil, the fashion world turns its attention to Central and South America as the influence for both color and print/pattern direction. Colors reflect the colorful culture of Carnival and Mardi Gras with a happy playful attitude. Prints/patterns will show tropical flora and fauna plus lush jungle animal life and landscapes endemic to that part of the world. The other side of this trend has ice-cream colors. Prints and patterns are inspired by snacks eaten at the circus or at Summer County Fairs and Carnivals or perhaps prints with clowns, jugglers and circus performers.


TECHNO - URBAN


            Inspiration is derived by the new worlds of science, math, architecture and technology full of optimism and discovery on the one hand and a more faded melancholy mysterious mood on the other hand. We see luminous, virtual light acid inspired pastels that are simulated, artificial, cold and man-made. The other side of the story is nature inspired soft, bleached out whites and neutrals. Prints and patterns are architectural shapes, grids in large and small scale, geometrics, natural honeycombs and digital laser patterns.

Monday, December 10, 2012

Spring/Summer 2014 Color & Trend

                                                             AMERICAN TOURIST  
                             The overall theme for Spring/Summer 2014 continues to be
                             travel. Vacation friendly sportswear is highlighted  this season.
                             Classic beachwear looks emerge such as board shorts, printed
                             cabana shirts and sarong skirts. Utilitarian and Safari trends
                             continue. Africa, Latin America and tropical islands are also a
                             source of inspiration for prints and patterns. Fabrics are light in
                             weight focusing on cotton, cotton/nylon and linen blends.
                             Silhouettes are slightly roomy and comfortable. Colors are
                             bright yet slightly sun-drenched or faded by the sun. Key
                             prints and patterns focus on tropical floral prints, jungle foli-
                             age and novelty vacation conversation prints.
                                                         
                                                                       
                                                                  DOCKSIDE
                            This trend focuses on the person who loves to be near the
                            water for their vacation. The theme is tilted toward coastal
                            towns, sailing, fishing and water sports. Dockside can be
                            slightly preppy or nautical inspired. Work wear details, utility
                            pockets and Naval influences emerge. Waterproof and
                            weatherproof and wrinkle-resistant fabrics move to the fore-
                            front. The windbreaker category and rainwear is up-trending
                            in outerwear. A color palette consisting of shades of blue is
                            key, mixing with linen white and khaki. Whitened bright colors
                            have a slight wash to the hue and add pop to the basic color
                            palette. Key patterns are Madras plaids and bold stripes.


                                                          SPORTY DIVERSION
                             An athletic pulse reverberates for this season, displaying
                             sporty silhouettes for the consumer who focuses on an
                             active lifestyle, even while on vacation. This is a sports
                             illustrated trend focusing on working out, baseball, running,
                             swimming and golf. There is a head-to-toe monochromatic
                             look which creates a clean, sophisticated attitude but there
                             is also a colorful, sporty look highlighted by bold color.
                             Silhouettes feature athletic details, and a voluminous and
                             fuller appearance emerges. Sporty stripes and color block
                             patterns are key elements.

 By Color Portfolio
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Monday, December 3, 2012

What’s new for Denim?

The fashion design process starts by looking at the latest trends for yarn, fabrics, raw materials, technical details and accessories based upon what is being shown at the international fairs.
Close-Up Fashion Textile





There is a new magazine by the publishers of Close-up titles called Fashion Textile that  is a quick reference for designers and buyers, presenting a huge collection of all the fabrics and materials from the European fairs: Denim by Première Vision, Pitti Filati, Milano Unica, Mod'Amont, Le Cuir à Paris and Indigo.








Most of us wear Denim and it is therefore of interest to know what is trending. This is a great place to find out what is new and different this season for Denim clothing as featured at the Denim by Premiere Vision Fair. For Autumn/Winter 2013-14, we see “an opulent, charming  and glamorous season” with lots of Glitter, sparkle, metallic, jewel-like accessories and lots of decoration. In addition, are seeing dark coated shiny finishes on dark indigo, grey and black denim.

























              






























While we see a glam side to denim, we also see country inspired styles that work with plaid shirts and suspenders. Practical, warm and cozy denim mixed with cashmere, cotton, wool and real or faux fur are trending. There are more streamlined silhouettes that show clean lines and/ or may have a distressed finish. There are either super stiff heavyweight denims or extra supple weight fabrics with nothing in between.

Plus we see fabric treatments whereby color melts into color for a diluted effect.
Fashion Textile is an exclusive working tool offering the most up to date information featuring the new collections of all the important international textile companies for Men, Women and Children focused on yarns, fabrics, embellishments and more.