Cotton Incorporated: 2007/08 Autumn / Winter Trend Forecast
Source: CNTEX Date: 2007-06-29
Raw and Refined
New concepts: Considering the future of design/aesthetics: the idea of combing conflicting aesthetics: the structured/streamlined with the unkempt
Think of clean streamlined looks in architecture combined with rough elements. For example sleek steel/chrome in the same setting as splintered, crackled wood
Take influence form the ‘Arte Povera’* movement
Appreciating the ‘Luxury of the natural’—the luxury of materials left raw and unfinished in a world of things over processed, over stimulated
This is an important palette for two very diverse markets: for high-end refined looks and for ambitious activewear
Applications:
on the one hand—a clean look in sateens and sleek finishes for bottomweight fabrics, double mercerized bottomweights, innovative knits with bright trim (in ‘Lacquer’ and ‘Voltage’) on the other--distorted prints/patterns insinuate complex texture, nubby surfaces and unprocessed surfaces
*Note on Arte Povera: ‘ The artists associated with Arte Povera worked in many different ways. They employed materials both ancient and modern, man-made and 'raw', revealing the elemental forces locked within them as well as the fields of energy that surround us.’
Epic
Inspired by the lasting influence of ancient Greek architecture
Clean colors of ancient architecture (‘Pegasus’, ‘Oracle’, and ‘Ambrosia’) open up the middle of this palette, giving it an airy feeling; open air concepts
Decorated by bold tones ( ‘Aegean’ and ‘Medallion’) and anchored by black
This palette is key for the new aesthetic of ‘Redefined minimalism,’ especially for the use of light weight, simple fabrics made more interesting through pleating, gathering and draping effects
Applications: light weight plain weaves, sheers and organdys; also polished fabrics and chunky and plush knitwear, intimate apparel .
