Fabric trends change as quickly as hem lines. Here, aussie trend forecasting agency Scout predicts the textiles set to define spring/summer 2011/12.
White on white
This trend focuses on head-to-toe tonal white statements where texture, detailing, sheers and transparency are the heroes. Key features are broderie anglaise, cutwork, vintage lace, voile and linen.
Bright neon sporty tailoring
A bold colourful look aimed at Gen Y ‘look at me’ types. Synthetic and sporty fabrications or compact cottons with structure are restyled into graphic modern shapes. Other elements central to the trend include poplins and mercerised sateens, technical lightweights, digital prints and bold engineered stripes.
Laundered linen
Rustic and slightly dishevelled worn-in and aged looks are looking right again for guys who want to play it down and not try too hard to look (and feel) cool. Fabrics include linens, canvas and even corduroy in organic and natural colourations.
Organic vegetable dyes
A look that’s for the consumer who is 100 per cent committed to helping the environment with a sustainable lifestyle. Earthy and organic colours straight from the garden and potting shed feature on subbed and lightweight jerseys, drills, canvases, poplins and voiles. Simple and basic.
Second skins
This trend is all about a dressed-down luxe mood. Summer-weight leathers and kid suedes in simple, tailored-look pants and shorts meet sportier-looking jackets and shirts in mottled and punched leathers. The colour palette focuses on warm neutrals, browns, tans and chestnuts.
Aged and abraded
An alternative story for denim brands, ageing and abrading moves into natural and earthy- looking drills, canvases and beaten-up-looking jersey. With frayed and raw edges and patched and torn effects, authenticity is the key.
Picnic checks and plaids
Preppy and classic looks are making a big return in menswear. Fresh ginghams, retro-looking plaids and checks in classic red, white and blue combinations are central to the trend, while the same patterns in soft pastels offer a more faded, vintage look. Garden green combinations give a natural feel to check shirts and shorts, while unstructured jackets are ideal for days spent outdoors.
Billowing layers
Lightweight sheers and billowing layers show a softer side to the season in sporty oversized shapes or simple, softly tailored looks. Silks, satins and sheers in either a neutral tonal palette or bold intense neon colours are key.
Geometric patterns
Retro in feel but modern in its interpretation, this trend features graphic spots in 3D designs, spots and pin-dots, laser and cutwork patterns and graphic colourful stripes on crisp cottons, soft silks and chiffons.
Intricate knits
Open stitch knit effects and intricate patterns are an important direction for S/S 2011/12, from delicate and fine gauge yarns in lacy and feminine patterns to heavier, chunky knits in loose, oversized shapes. The trend includes laddered and open stitch effects with a rustic feel, as well as cotton and linen blended yarns.
Japanese brush strokes
An oriental vibe moves the tribal/ethnic trend into an exciting new direction. This trend incorporates graphic brush strokes and abstract designs, Japanese wallpaper and packaging prints, and softer painterly florals and brush strokes. Important fabrics are crinkle, lightweight textured viscose, lustrous cottons, silk, satins and chiffons.
Metallic tailoring
Lustre and sheen add a new dimension to tailored, smart looks. Popping up in linens, viscose, cotton and metallic threads, this fabric trend features shot effects, jacquards and slubbed weaves.
