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Fabric Themes for Next Season

Consumers' active participation in fabric trends will continue the merger between past and present.

Look for autumn and winter 2001 to 2002 to be a fresh and modern season for the textiles and trimmings industries. The producers of Material World, an international trade show for fabric and trim sourcing, say the season will exude a warm and generous atmosphere where nothing is being left to chance. We will experience the disappearance of cultural boundaries as fabrics reflect a global appeal. Offerings for the upcoming season underscore that consumers know what they like and are readily expressing their individuality in all aspects of their lives. The smart consumer will motivate manufacturers to make the season exciting, and manufacturers, in turn, will provide more fabric choices that will reflect consumer personalities. It is the consumers' active participation in trends that will continue to influence the competition between Modernism and Traditionalism. The fascination with merging the past and the present will continue well into this millennium. Material World has developed two environments to help summarize the looks of the new season. These environments are Fabric Trends and Color. They are based on the more than 50 exhibitors participating in these areas, and are expected to trigger new ideas, exciting new products and information. Here we will look at one of those trend environments. FABRIC TRENDS Five themes have been developed to highlight the association of fabrics which not only are found in the ready-to-wear sector for men's, women's and children's apparel, but also in the accessory, leather goods, lingerie and other markets. These themes are: Bohemia, Energetic, Privileged, Sylvan and Tranquility, and they will be seen throughout the season. •Bohemia—Fabrics reflecting the Bohemia theme are unconventional and avant garde in spirit as well as experimental in texture and color. Fabrics are vibrant but softened with a melting pot of creativity and self-expression. Influences for this theme cross decades and continents. Providing individuality, fabrics will verge from the wild to the untamed.   Consumers know what they like and are readily expressing their individuality in all aspects of their lives.   •Energetic—Enjoy the rhythm of life with fabrics sporting an energetic theme. The energy of color infuses fabrics that are revolutionized by a new technical approach to fiber blends, finishes and details. Reinvented with a sporty twist, products of this theme are sure to be fun and daring with shots of brightness. •Privileged—Enjoying everything that is the good life encompasses the Privileged theme. Without question, consumers are enjoying the privileges of a good life. There is an increasing demand for custom and tailored clothing. Designers are evoking glamour-rich elegance. Fabrics are luxurious and enhanced with gold and are embellished to perfection. A wealth of fur and leather are in the air. •Sylvan—Think outdoor camping, a holiday in the mountains, long walks on a forest trail, hunting and hiking. These feelings are the new winter camouflage. This earthy return to basics is reflected in sturdy appearances that are updated with new colors, patterns and textures. The traditional look is lightened with a more modern classic look. •Tranquility—Taking time to enjoy the beauty of life is the root of this theme. Calm, cool and contemporary are the common bonds between nature and technology mirrored in the looks and trends of this theme. An idyllic vision of nature postulates the beauty that is intrinsic to all things natural. As the season ushers in poetic fabrics, natural has never looked so luminous, and there has never been a better time to dream. Material World is produced by Urban Expositions, (678) 285-3976; fax: (678) 285-7469. The next exposition is scheduled for September 10 to 12 at the Miami Beach Convention Center, Miami Beach, FL.