We cannot imagine our existencewithout fabrics. It has a unique place in our life. This supple material madeof fine fibres are used for the manufacture of clothing, artistic tapestries,household furnishings etc. Fabric is an iconography that communicates meaningsabout the individual, or society. It is a barometer of cultural changes, andundergoes many changes in look and quality along with the changing fads. Fabricmanufacturers make changes in their production process and the in the featuresof fabric to make it look out of the box. By this they attempt to sustainthemselves in the dynamic fabric industry.


Fall2008 & Winter 2009 Trends:

 

Fabrics give a magical effect tofashion. They gain their inspiration from nature, fur, feathers, woods and orientateinto graffiti. Clothing fabrics for fall 2008-09 will be a refined interpretation of street style and sportswear, with new structural designs and multi-dimensionalsurfaces that would satisfy the requirements of an architectural fashion. Trendswill include a fusion of natural and artificial fibres. Classical fabrics willbe reinterpreted with a functional aspect. Traditional fabrics dyed with ametallic tint, jacquard fabrics resembling jersey knits and feminine clothingwith a denim inspiration will be in fad. Emotional color contrasts andeccentric motifs in the fabric fill the fabric palette and leave the consumerin astonishment.

 

FabricPatterns:



Classic fabrics with an ethnicinterference will be in vogue. Fabrics with creativeness and uniquenessenriched with a luxurious look will be in style. Quilted fabrics and patternswill catch the eyes of the consumers and inspire them to shop for the same.Tweeds, pinstripes, jacquards and checks are the masculine patterns that willbe used frequently. Print euphoria will continue to be a key item. Prints inpaisley, skin prints, floral designs, and embroidery have a sort ofembellishment in the fabrics. Discreet floral prints in the fabrics arereminiscent of American trends. Graphic patterns have a softer look. Geometricpatterns, metallic wefts, polka dots, sports mesh, animal prints, and polyamide designs will also be used.

 

 

Feminine romanticism can be seenexpressed through delicate and fancy winter designs in an assortment of pastelsranging from pearl to rose. Embellishments and decorations on the fabric willremain to be a strong fashion impulse. Refined patterns of these will ensure alavish femininity. Regimental stripes, checks and tartans will achieve a newlook. Glen checks and tweeds give a gentler look to the fabric patterns.

 

 

Color Themes:



The palette of fall fabrics is infused with a metallic sheen to provide a modern gloss. Subtle and emotional shades will be seen; inspiring an elegance of silky pastels and dark hues on the fabrics. Hot colors of red, from jewel tones to earth tones lead the pack. Other neutral hues like tan, yellow and green followed by a contrast of black and whites are also in the mix. Black is a color of timeless modernity. Shades of black join the palette of ethereal light, dominated by grey hues. Metallic grey replaces white. Military green, blue, beige, and muted brown shades will be seen supplemented by vibrant colors and used in fabric patterns that involve an ethnic theme. Vivid shades of violet, plum and general purple hues will be seen in the fabrics. Shimmering varnish and metallic shades provide spectacular effects.

 

Fabric Textures:

 

Jersey fabrics will be in the spot light along with a new interpretation of stretchable fabrics. Smooth structures, double fabrics, velvet, stretch materials, fabrics with three dimensional effects, and fancy weaves will be demanded by the apparel manufacturers. Garment makers will go for double and fluid jersey fabrics, matelasse fabrics, and reversible fabrics. Three dimensional matelasses and elaborate origami plisses will be in the spot light. Wool satin, velvet and plisse fabrics that give a blistering effect by a chemical treatment can be seen; worn by the runway models. Denim fabrics will be refined to have a feminine look. Velvety effects, and Chinese fleece will be observed in the trench coat fabrics.

 

 

Clothing made from recycled materials like soda cans and pop bottles are beginning to weave its way into the society. A nice fleece jacket might be made from a dozen old soda bottles. Synthetic fleece is made from polyester, and polyester is spun plastic. Increasing awareness of global warming and concern for environmental safety has led to the expansion of recycled clothing market. Stretch fabrics with micro-structures in the weave will be used for menswear fabrics. Wool, crepe, and cotton with seersucker effect and transparent weaves will be the fashion fabrics for skirts. Cotton fabrics will remain highly sophisticated. Authentic cotton fabrics will favor a coarse appearance, with patina colors creating a casual look.

Spinners and fabric makers are now concentrating on manufacturing high quality yarns, combined with cutting of their costs so that their fabrics will be superior to the clothing from low cost countries. Quality and sophistication of the fabrics will refine the fashion statement. Seductive liveliness and virility in the winter fabrics will allure the customers for a sensual cocktail.

 

References:

 

1)      http://www.fabrictrends.com/

2)      http://www.cosmoworlds.com

3)      http://www.fashion-era.com/

4)      http://bkstone1.blogspot.com/