7 Top Fabric Directions

For Spring 11 Fabrics It Is All About Touch And Optical Appeal

After last year’s dismal outlook, not just in business but also in fabric proposal, Spring 11 certainly kicks in a new sense of optimism and liveliness for the season.  Here are the top directions that we saw at Premiere Vision.

Rippled surface and luminescent sheens glimmer against the vegetal and washed comfort of classic structures.

No one fiber dominates, instead mills have offered a melee of fibers, yarns and fabrics structures from both the natural and synthetic side in creating collections that are definitely set to get consumers in the right mood to part with their hard earned cash.

Prints transform delicate substrates as silk and synthetics offer added gleam to this season’s hottest graphics.

Textural touch comes through in washed down finishes through to voluminous surfaces that attract that eye and demand to be touched.

Metallics maintain a hold as bright silver and gold continue to contrast in traditional and modern aspects, a direction that is set to continue for seasons to come. New is the abundance of lacquered and glossy aspects for a futuristic delivery, optically liquid in fluid knits and woven structures.

Spring Trends

Voluminous Aspect

Surfaces ripple and roll as blister effects offer an irregularity against the uniform delivery of raised ribs.

Power Prints

Graphics go big on the print front as new takes on camouflage dominate.

Micro Motion

In contrast to the bold and macro prints on offer a micro mood emerged in prints and fabrics as microstructures offer a unique aspect to the season.

Metallic Glamour

Metallics have been evident for the last few seasons and show no sign of disappearing.

Ethereal Angle

A diaphanous feel to fabrics features as soft and gauzy aspects emerge.

Gleam Machine

Not to be confused with the continuing interest in metallics, this direction delivers a futuristic look to fabrics as a luminescent and high gloss look rises from the surfaces.

Soft Statement

We’ve been through the mill with the global recession and fabrics are recognizing the past tough times by emerging in very soft qualities, as traditional basics are softened through washing and finishing techniques.

See the full report - with fiber, swatches, photos and flat drawings, in the March 16-31, 2010 issue of Inside Fashion.  Click here to order.