The pandemic has led us to finally find the togetherness we have been looking for. A beautiful, interwoven web of community and nature, enhanced through technology – ‘CONNECTED’ is the seasonal theme for apparel fabrics trends for Spring / Summer 2023. Visit the Trend Forum at Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics – Spring Edition 2022, running from 14 – 16 April, to find out more about the four key trends that will represent this theme: BIO-CLARITY, NATURAL-HARMONY, VIRTUAL-ENERGY, and EARTH-CELEBRATION.
In a seemingly hyper-connected world, there has grown a widespread craving for intimacy and closeness. We seek authenticity in every aspect of life and look within, around, and beyond ourselves, leading to the emphasis of performance and synthetic fabrics, and comfort and eco-friendly fabrics. The fair’s Trend Forum will feature on-trend fabric samples submitted by exhibitors to provide inspiration for visitors on colours, patterns, materials and more.
The Intertextile Directions Trend Committee came up with the seasonal theme ‘CONNECTED’ to tell the story of tomorrow’s apparel fabric trends. It is formed by top trend forecasters from fashion capitals around the world: TOBE TDG By The Doneger Group (New York, USA), Elementi Moda (Milan, Italy), NellyRodi™ Agency (Paris, France) and Sachiko Inoue (Tokyo, Japan).
BIO-CLARITY
We roam the land and explore the mind in search of peace and purity. Nature’s nurturing touch shows us a path, where we discover serenity in her quiet sanctity, with man and earth in perfect harmony.
Austere and luminous pastels blend with romantic floral tones, forming a serene range of shades that inspire sensitivity and simplicity. Delicate fabrics shine in sheer chiffons and organzas, while simplistic and synthetic fabrics take a technical route with Tencel and Cupro rayons, triacetates, vero viscose and performance polyesters.
NATURAL-HARMONY
Revel in nature’s fragrant floral fields, vibrant vegetable gardens and rustic rural landscapes. We blend old and new, natural and man-made to create an eco-urban way of life.
Fruity and floral pops add vibrance as botanical, natural neutrals stabilise this balanced palette. Eco-friendly fabrics are key in organic cotton, linen and hemp. Natural pigment dyes, eco washes and biodegradable denims make a statement.
VIRTUAL-ENERGY
Virtual becomes reality as our digital and physical lives morph to create a high-tech existence beyond our wildest imaginations. Self-expression skyrockets in a new world fuelled by dynamic innovation at supersonic speeds. Illusionary worlds, digital dynamism and outer-space wonder collide in a gamut of shimmering crypto-tones and explosive artificial brights. New-age futurism pushes the limit with bio synthetics, smart textiles and wearable technology. Waterproof, cooling, anti-UV and antibacterial coatings are now standard.
EARTH-CELEBRATION
We rejoice in our shared soil, water, air and land; and pay homage to these life-sustaining resources. As the earth heals and nourishes, we come together in celebration of culture and community, discovering the delight of our diversity. A rich array of organic tones extracted from exotic vegetation and tropical flowers form a complex range of zesty bursts and mellow darks. Rustic refinement is at the forefront with a myriad of natural fibres including marled and mélange linens and hemps. Botanical dyes, Shibori and pigment prints feel organic and sustainable. Intertextile Shanghai Apparel Fabrics – Spring Edition 2022 will be held concurrently with the Spring Edition of Intertextile Shanghai Home Textiles, Yarn Expo Spring, CHIC and PH Value from 14 – 16 April at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai). The fair is co-organised by Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd; the Sub-Council of Textile Industry, CCPIT; and the China Textile Information Centre.