It’s that time again- the trend pundits are releasing their predictions for 2012. So in the spirit of sharing , I am bringing you 12 Days of Trends. The list includes a bit of everything. I’ll talk trends in color, design, textiles, consumer, marketing, social media and sprinkle in a couple of my own spottings to give you the big picture of what will be affecting you and your business next year. I’m kicking it off with a preview of Heimtextil Trends. Heimtextil, the largest textile show starts the round of design shows January 12, 2012. I’ll be there so watch for daily in depth posts and interviews.
Heimtextil Trend Preview 2012/2013
Montage, Heimtextil’s 2012/2013 trend reflects the thoughts, ideas, inspirations and predictions of the members of the Trendtable. Each year, Heimtextil’s trends are developed by a Trendtable of international designers that review the most important overriding trends and provides valuable orientation and predictions for product developers, creative teams, furnishing specialists and designers. The Trendtable defines Montage as a process that symbolizes the individuality and needs of the consumer. Montage is about taking existing elements, mixing them together to make something new and creating something of our own, something that has never existed before.
The four new trend themes are ‘Colour Riot’, ‘Dark Lux’, ‘Craft Industry’ and ‘Split Clarity’. In all four trends, color plays the dominant role.
“Color is the decisive signal for the coming season. Powerful and omnipresent, color refreshes the senses, sets important accents and is a conscious part of all styles”. Claudia Herke
Overview of the Four New Trend Themes.
‘Colour Riot’: colors in revolt
In ‘Colour Riot’, dynamic, shades of color appear in a new context – fresh, bold and vivid. And there are no limits on the interaction with light. High-gloss materials, colored laminations, superimposed motifs, fluid and flexible fabrics underscore the brilliance of monochrome colors. New are ‘optical fibers’, iridescent effects and recycled materials. Quality, wear resistance and longevity are important to these high-grade materials.
When it comes to patterns- look for broad stripes, all-over geometric patterns and graphic motifs The computer world is represented by digital designs, photographic prints and hologram effects. Despite the playful urge to experiment, the unexpected looks appear clear and unequivocal.
Buzz words:
glossy, coated, technical knits, smooth wool, clean felt, graphic patterns, diagonal stripes, pixel optics, overlay geometrics, color blocking, 3D effects, reassembled
‘Dark Lux’: the beauty of the night
The shadows of the night create a dark, mystical and elegant color series dominated by deep black, which is particularly expressive on lustrous materials. Rounding off the color world are dark, colored accents – pepped up by metallic champagne and gold. Rubberised, liquid looks and glossy surfaces interact with furs and long-haired, smooth hides. Clarity and severity give the sumptuous textiles their modern appearance. Iridescent, shimmering and transparent qualities with animated surface modulation generate an air of mystery. Deep gloss, metallic shimmers, sequins and elaborate materials are to be found in almost all product segments.
Buzzwords:
Luster, shadow prints, distorted patterns, embroidery, matelassé, crystals, glossy, leather, new opulence, varnished, 3d laminates, material contrast, elegant + modern architectural inspirations, straight line appliques, irregular reliefs, graphic stitching, graceful strength, metallic shimmer, brocade, vintage
‘Craft Industry’: a blend of tradition, handicrafts and the modern
The combination of tradition and handicrafts on the one hand and industrial and mechanical methods on the other dominate the look of ‘Craft Industry’. A sunny-warm and lively color series is oriented towards natural landscapes with sky, mountains, lakes and forests, which contrast with industrial, metallic coal, copper and old-gold tones.
‘Craft Industry’ shows lively surfaces with irregular textures and lots of structured elements. Important are qualities with an authentic image and materials with vintage character, as well as restrained destroyed and used looks.
Fine patterns are created using creative techniques. The dominant elements include composite or offset checks, extraordinary patchwork designs, broken patterns, stripes and checks with partial pile effects, hand-sewn looks, intarsia and elaborately processed patches.
Buzzwords:
Uncover, industrial past, lively, authentic, vintage, used, structured, reused, tumbled, washed, crashed, waxed, quilted, simple, inserted patches, interrupted pattern, handstitched, folk look, nomadic lifestyle, handmade character, flamed effects, embossed, Shetlands, pile effects, unusual skins, native, genuine, natural,
‘Split Clarity’: the bare essentials
Less is more – ‘Split Clarity’ concentrates on simple, functional and essential elements. In other words, the focus is on sustainability, quality, high technology and new materials. The result is clear-cut, modern aesthetics. Clarity is reflected by a series of colors inspired by nature. The minimalistic and restrained compositions are generally interrupted by a single expressive shade. Material versatility is crucial. Metallic and reflecting surfaces, semi-plain patterns and transparent materials are used, as are animated but restrained surfaces. Linear, high-contrast and severe graphic designs set unequivocal accents. Depth is created by the interaction of light and shadow in different materials and surfaces.
Buzzwords:
Minimal, graphic, functional, intelligent, smart textiles, vibrant surfaces, metallic aspects, severe, constructed, sculptural materials, volume, technological evolution, ultra-light, shiny, immaterial, smooth, faded and pleated, opaque prints, laser-cuts, varied nature of materials, sustainability, quality, hi-tech, new materials, modern, calm, pure