Spring/Summer 2015 Trends

 << BIODOME

 

As technology progresses, sometimes stepping back and assessing the wonders of biology and nature brings on great inspiration. Molecular forms dictate the aesthetic for print and pattern,while the colors, although found in nature, are saturated and rich. Ocean life, rock formations, cellular images and botanicals converge to create a diverse melange of styles.

 HI-TECH SPORT >>

 

We live in a world connected by technology, and as we advance into an even more tech-centric future, style will reflect the times. For Spring ‘15, this means hyper-saturated colors one may see in metro centers, dimensional silhouettes, digital iconography and an influx of geometric and laser-cut patterns. As an homage to the technology of yesteryear, vintage Sci-Fi inspiration will also be incorporated into this bold, eccentric trend.

<< RETRO KITSCH

 

For this trend, the retro influence is unmistakable, but quite updated. Predominately influenced colors and prints reminiscent of the 1950’s, there are also elements of hand-painting, expressive graphics and Pop Art references. Products feature slogans and tongue-in-cheek illustrations, with colors that are a bit more amped up than your usual 50’s and 60’s palettes. Bold, fun and full of good humor!

Color Portfolio Autumn/Winter 2014-15 Color Forecast

URBAN STYLE, PREPPY SPIRIT

This season, preppy styling goes in an urban direction. We see a palette that is reminiscent of a traditional Ralph Lauren or Tommy Hilfiger color story with a dressier urban flavor. Argyles have transformed into graphic geometrics, while heavy tartans get a breezier, more updated feeling on lightweight fabrics. The colors for Autumn/Winter 2014-15 are similarly shifting to this metro feel, with a more primary and traditional stadium palette. Bold shades of mustard, hunter green and orange are balanced by sumptuous midnight blues reminiscent of the sky brightened at night by sleepless city lights.

NATURE INSPIRED

Autumn/Winter 2014-15 offers a definite  distinction between the colors for Winter versus Fall where we see a rich tradition of autumnal hues. Colors of red and brown casted oranges, purples and neutrals abound offering a warm Autumn color story. In addition, the array of blues featured in this story range from red casted to green/blues plus blue casted and yellow casted greens, mimicking the wild foliage of the woods. Renaissance inspired still-lifes of fruit and foliage typify the colors of this story, with a chiaroscuro effect showing the deep darks of the Winter palette. Mixing and matching plays a key role in apparel styling, with funky appliques, chunky knits and plaid-on-plaid key prints and patterns. "Nature Inspired" gives one the sensation of a country retreat.

VINTAGE VIBE

Incorporating various styles and sources into a modern collection is the basis for "Vintage Vibe". Elements from a variety of historical fashions are injected into garments and paired with a muted and jewel toned palette. Colors are dusty with gray undertones and a softened effect that give garments the impression of vintage treasures. We continue to see Baroque inspired ornamental patterns, like damask, wallpaper and needlepoint florals, paired with hand manipulated decorative techniques that echo the traditions of yore. Injecting mandarin orange and deep mint into the mix gives this story an updated twist.

Concept boards provided by Color Portfolio Inc. To schedule a presentation of entire color range, please contact us.

Viewpoint # 32: Art

The definition of “what is art” is explored in various ways.

Traditional creative work is art but in today’s world how art comes into being is changing with the advent of new technologies, new attitudes and differing perceptions as to what makes something art. Of course the influence of social media, branding and art patronage is also altering Art .

The term “artification”  is being brought to all areas of life, sports, fashion, cooking, education, business, science, math and art itself. So for example, art can be viewed in a physical gallery or the gallery may be the internet featuring the artwork online. Adding a creative side to areas that traditionally are not “artified” can mean seeing and doing things in ways never done or thought of before resulting in new inventions and progress for society never before possible.  “Artification refers to the transformation of situations and processes not traditionally regarded as art into something considered art-like or which takes influence from artistic ways of thinking and practicing.”

The digital age has enabled artists to use the computer to create art in ways that was not previously available. In addition, it has also made art and the creation of art more accessible to the population at large. “ Easily available technologies are changing art for the better and bringing it into the real world. Internet and post internet art is open to all, from the self-taught to the highly technologically literate.” Greatness is and always has been rare in every art form. There are many artists but few Masters, lots of people make music but not many are great composers, lots of people write but few are brilliant Authors, etc. Today we see “Original Copies.”

“True originals are as rare in art as they are in design, culture and commerce. Might tweaking what already exists to make what passes as new be the standard of practice of the 21st century?”

Social media and the internet are impacting the immediacy of what we see and how we see it. Sites such as Youtube and Flickr mean much more real time views of pictures and events as well as the wide coverage or “viral” quality of the visuals we are all exposed to. Many businesses are taking advantage of getting their brands noticed through the wide spread and quick coverage that the internet platform can generate however, “ The healthiest balance between art and business is one where brands make a genuine commitment to creativity while artists retain their credibility.” So art is now something that is apparent outside of just the gallery setting and artists are taking advantage of new outlets to express themselves and be relevant to their audience and even bring humor into the conversation.

In today’s technologically advanced world, the way we perceive what we see, brands we use, what we view as Art and how we live our daily lives is forever changed. We are on message and sensory overload and due to the new reality of our environment, we are all looking for products and services that are more “real” and ways to switch off the bombardment of information. Our view of the world around us is permanently altered. 

The ongoing quest for authenticity could transform behavior and spending patterns, as socially conscious consumers switch their support to those brands that can demonstrate genuine honest.

Viewpoint is a biannual publication that explores cultural topics in each issue and what the impact will be of current trends upon future lifestyles. In this issue you can read more about the changing world of Art and how this will impact the world we all live in.

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Pantone's New Color Swatch Library

Pantone Fashion + Home Cotton Swatch Library

            We love that Pantone is once again making color matching easier and more efficient than ever! The textile systems for Fashion + Home (TPX) has and comprehensive Cotton Swatch Library now in six volumes.

            Creating customized palettes for trend research has been made much easier with the Cotton Swatch Library. The new 6 books organized by color family make finding that specific red, or hunting for the perfect aqua, so much quicker than what the previous textile books allowed. We think the new organization is much more of a time saver, and the way the swatches are stored – in a compartment that prevents the swatches from curling or wrinkling – gives a better overall presentation. With the large swatches, lightweight design and chic looking stand, this edition really is pleasant to work with and more user friendly.

           

Textile View’s 25th Anniversary Issue (#101)

The Last 25 Years of Fibers and Fabric

 

                In the past 25 years since Textile View’s inception, there has been a tremendous evolution and change in the manufacture, production and design in the fabric and fiber industries.  In Textile View’s first five years of publication, their rise in popularity was due to designers and buyers wanting access to fabric information and trends, thus, making Textile View the favorite magazine of fashion professionals.

              

                 The fashion forecasting  and technological advancement in fabrics and fibers directly impacted the textile industry. The last 25 years of textile production has seen the trend to further develop the usage of sustainable resources as a big influence on design, manufacture and production changing which companies began to dominate the trade based on their ability to be leaders of innovation while embracing the sustainability trend.

              The current fashion industry is always looking to the issue of sustainability and this most especially has influenced the direction of many fiber and fabric companies revolutionizing the market.  Today, some of the most popular fiber and textile companies are focused around this issue.  New ways of processing materials and the recent ability to produce fibers with favorable properties have been discovered through the lens of sustainability.

               We know that the science of textiles and the production of synthetic materials offering innovative properties will continue.  However, while producing such synthetic textiles and fabrics, companies simply choose to simply ignore the fact that they are using up non- renewable resources.  Of course if there were more known renewable resources in existence readily available that could produce quality fabrics, companies would seize upon the opportunity to utilize them.  There is no doubt that synthetic materials have had an enormous impact on fashion, notably in the sports and active wear industries and have set the trend in these markets.

                The future of fashion and its need for more sustainable materials is held in the hands of new technologies. We know that there continues to be a need for the sustainability of textiles in the market to evolve and that there is always room for improvement. It will be exciting to see where things go next and what fabrics and fibers will be available in the years to come.

               For more information on the last 25 year’s history of fibers and fabric, and to read more about the publication history of TextileView Magazine, pick up your copy of issue #101 today.

Current Textile View: View #101

View Issue 101: 25 Years of Textile View Magazine

Textile View Casualwear summer 2014

               As time progresses and the world changes, fashion follows.  Just how carrying out of world events leads to changes in attitude and spirit, it also leads to changing what we wear.  For summer 2014, there are four major trends in casualwear that we see approaching both mens and womenswear.  All four trends are inspired by exploration and observation through travelling.  

Fabrics for "Futurists"

           The first trend forecasted by Textile View #101 for summer 2014 is called “Futurists”.  This trend is inspired by the advanced technology that is growing at an exponential rate all around the world.  Under this trend we observe science, specifically the study of cell life and photographic prints turned into holograms.  The colors observed in this trend are dissected and altered with light to create space- inspired images and new digital geometric patterns.  Clothing becomes technical by inserting LCD screens, radio frequency IDs, and cameras into the metallic and film coated garments.  This is all made possible by the imprinting of photovoltaic cells that creates energy to power the textile’s technology. 

Mood inspirations for "Nomadic"

            A second trend forecasted for summer 2014 is called “Nomadic”.  This trend originates from travelling to the deserts of North Africa and the Middle East and noticing all of the different colors that can be noticed throughout a day.  Colors are taken from the numerous cliffs, canyons, mountains, ravines, ancient cities, and piles of sand that are built into the landscape.  Silhouettes are inspired by the tribes that inhabit these deserts, the Bedouin and the Tuareg.  Wraps and draped fabrics used by these tribes for comfort and protection from the wide range of temperatures and climates are modernized by creating flowing, consistent layers with little pattern and no embellishments.  But the garments are colorful from head to toe, utilizing block colors, tonal combinations, or ombre print effects.

Hindu God, Shiva, inspiration for "Spirited"

            “Spirited” is the third trend taken from Asian explorations, taking the observed spiritual enlightenment and the celebration of life of Buddhist and Hindu cultures and translating it into modern day looks.  Bright colors of this trend are taken from the religious sights of Buddhists and Hindus marked by vibrant statues and flowers thrown upon alters as offerings to the gods.  This trend translated into modern fashion gives a strong streetwear vibe.  “Mix colors, embroideries, patterns and prints in unexpected combination that are as unique and surprising as the rituals and temple decoration that inspire them.”

Color and Mood Inspiration for "Vacating"

            The final trend forecasted by Textile View #101 for summer 2014 is titled “Vacating”.  This trend is inspired by cross- country travel from America’s east coast to west coast, passing through sun bleached landscapes of natural pastel and neutral colors.  As the summer gets hotter, colors lose their brilliance and hue.  These pastels can be worn all together in one outfit, or paired with neutrals in a reinvented color blocking manner.  Patterns used are postcard prints, checks, and vintage florals, taking inspiration from the dated hippie, retro culture of the 60’s and 70’s.  We modernize this look through utilizing today’s silhouettes and the modern youth’s new go- getter attitude. 

TextileView Magazine #101 delivers a cohesive Womens as well as menswear trend forecast for Summer 2014.

By Textile View #101

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